Heracles Kampioen — Terrace Edition

Words: Marc Maurits

Images: Marc Maurits

On May 21, after 17 years, Eredivisie Football came to an abrupt end in Almelo.

Heracles were relegated after two hopeless defeats in the playoffs against Excelsior Rotterdam.

Exactly one year later, on Friday, May 19th, 2023, a promotion mission has been completed.

Just a year after the shocking relegation, the pride of Almelo have returned to the Dutch top tier as champions of the Eerste Divisie.

The title looked a long shot after PEC Zwolle managed to beat Heracles twice and pass the Almeloërs at the top of the table.

Yet, despite Heracles looking like second place material, PEC Zwolle had a difficult match against Jong PSV to contend with.

Jason van Duiven, born in Almelo and formerly a regular on the terraces at Heracles, just so happens to play at Jong PSV.

The young striker played with fire in his belly and did Heracles a favour by beating PEC Zwolle with his young team from Eindhoven.

Suddenly, Heracles found themselves back on top with only two matches to play.

The club made no mistake in the difficult away match against NAC Breda.

Finally, the home tie against Jong Ajax was won too and Heracles were crowned Champions.

Of course, the league title was everything but the party that came with it was pretty sweet.

Heracles are back where they belong.

You can find Marc on Twitter: @mfw1970.

Grandstand VUC