Football 2nd division VV A Eendracht Aalst
“After the message from Le Juste (left in the photo, ed.) We are once again united behind the club”, says diehard Aalst fan and participant in the boycott Hans Moens. — © Van Gansen
What leaked out earlier was confirmed on Thursday evening by Patrick Le Juste, who himself was not present at the promised question round with the fans. The chairman indicated via a video call that he is putting the club up for sale and is therefore responding to the demand of the supporters to leave.
Wim Redant
Friday, May 12, 2023 at 6:12 PM
Patrick Le Juste’s message led to a sigh of relief from the fans who showed up at the Pierre Cornelis Stadium. The Dilbekenaar saved Eendracht Aalst from bankruptcy as helmsman of an investment fund, but after that the benefactor quickly lost popularity. He got completely on a collision course with the supporters this season through some unpopular measures such as increased subscription prices and especially a particularly clumsy communication with statements that came back like a boomerang in his face. The boycott of the home games by the hard core was unique and one of the low points in the history of the club, founded in 1919. In the end, the fans seem to get their way, although question marks are still being placed behind the asking price of Le Juste, who did not want to put an amount on the takeover price.
Le Juste did state that the asking price is a maximum of four million, which means that the president does not want to make a profit on his perilous adventure. “I hope to complete the takeover within three months, but so far I have not received any offers and I am not aware of any concrete interest,” said Le Juste. “The continuity of the club will be guaranteed in the coming months. The buyer gets a debt-free club. The plans regarding the stadium file also remain valid. The city bought garages for better access and the buyer can steer the renovations to the stadium in the right direction.”
Boycott
Le Juste stated that the boycott contributed to the decision to leave Eendracht Aalst. “The boycott of the supporters was the straw that broke the camel’s back. As a result, income fell by fifty percent, while we also had to bite through the sour apple of the corona crisis before and then also received an energy crisis as an added bonus. Moreover, I encountered a growing disinterest from the sponsors”, concludes Le Juste, who antagonized even the most loyal supporters due to his ill-considered attitude.
Blown bridges
Born and raised in Aalst, Hans Moens (34) has been a diehard fan of the entry, but supported the boycott against Le Juste this season. “The bridges between the supporters and the chairman have been completely blown so that his departure is the only possible solution. 99 percent of fans are relieved that Patrick is willing to sell the club. Le Juste is the only one left on the ship, because all board members and employees were fired or resigned themselves. The sponsors also dropped out and numerous supporters supported the boycott. We do hope that the chairman sets a realistic asking price, because the enormous supporter potential is offset by a club with an outdated stadium.”
Moens is already planning to return to the Pierre Cornelis Stadium in the final round. “After the message from Le Juste, we are once again united behind the club. After the final round, we want to see a buyer emerge so that the club can get back on track.” Le Juste has not yet revealed what strategy he plans if no deal can be made with a buyer within the three-month period. Before the trip to Oudenaarde, another promise was transferred with Branko Marmitte due to the dropping out of Fabris (hamstrings) and Rogghé (school obligations).
