The new policymakers at NAC expect to announce the new general and technical director before the end of the year. They must then return the Breda club to the premier league within two years and can count on financial security and a stable policy. ‘Hold on’, is the message from the new chairman Cees Meeuwis to the supporters of the always troubled club.
The helm is once again changing at NAC and that is a message that the supporters have actually been hearing for many years. They believe it now, because it is actually getting worse. NAC is in an embarrassing fifteenth place in the first division and the atmosphere is getting more and more grumpy.
That is understandable, but slowly there is really light at the end of the tunnel. The new shareholders, five wealthy supporters, have relinquished control and the new directors are currently setting the course.
“The new shareholders guarantee a balanced budget for two seasons.”
A thick line has been drawn under the past and preparations are being made in peace for better organization and sporting success. The new directors think they can bring peace to the tent. “What is important”, says the brand new chairman Cees Meeuwis of NAC, “is that the supporters who have bought NAC also guarantee a balanced budget for the next two seasons.”
The new management, which will most likely be appointed before Christmas, can therefore work in complete financial peace on a return to the premier league. In addition, an investment fund is in the making that will help the club where necessary. A guarantee of 5 million euros has also been issued for this.
“This is of course very important,” says chairman Cees Meeuwis. “They should give these supporters a statue. Because they don’t ask for anything in return.”
“I don’t know anything about football, but I can conduct responsible policy.”
And with that, another factor for possible success has been identified. The new owners have completely relinquished control. This way, emotions can’t get in the way of making decisions too much. Because emotion has ruled too often at NAC and brought the club into serious problems. The number of wrong, often ad hoc, decisions based on emotion cannot be counted.
Another advantage is that NAC has secured two heavyweights in the highest positions. For example, Cees Meeuwis is chairman of the STAK, the body that, among other things, manages the shares and has composed the Supervisory Board. Henk van Koeveringe is the chairman of that board.
“I don’t understand football,” says Van Koeveringe. “There are others for that. But I can implement a financially and socially responsible policy and that is exactly what we are going to do.”
Volksclub NAC will never become a quiet, boring card association and there is no guarantee for success. Patience is a virtue, but the supporters are put to the test. Again this season it is doom and gloom on the field. The message from the new drivers to the supporters is therefore: “Hang in there!”