Timmy Simons explains his choice of Westerlo: “If you have the opportunity to make moves, you should try to take them.”

Timmy Simons explains his choice of Westerlo: “I’ve always had good memories of this club. Although the good memories as a player were fewer,” he laughs.

“Going to Kuipke as an opponent was never fun. That’s always stuck in my mind.”

“It’s a fantastic club. I’ve been able to visit the accommodation, it’s a very different Westerlo than it was a few years ago. The owners have invested a huge amount in the infrastructure. The club has really grown.”

“They’ve remained that family club, but with the necessary and healthy ambition. That’s what I really liked.”

Location also played a role: “It’s in the area where I grew up, and it’s not far from my parents’ house.” Simons comes from the neighboring municipality of Ramsel.

“I’m glad I was able to take this step.”

So he will not reap the benefits of his work at Dender, which led him to the Jupiler Pro League with a second place in the Challenger Pro League. Wasn’t it difficult to leave them at this time?

“I would like to thank everyone at Dunder for the good cooperation. What we have all achieved this season… I really mean ‘together’: you cannot do it alone as a team, as a player or as a staff. You need everyone to make it happen.”

“I’d also like to thank the fans, because they’ve really pushed us forward. It’s a cliche, but when you see what they’ve achieved in recent months, it’s been incredibly impressive.”

“I’m not saying it was a miracle, but I don’t think anyone expected these performances. It’s good to look back, but you also know that in football after two or three defeats, sometimes you’re in a bad position as a coach.”

On the other hand, if you have the opportunity to take steps, you should try to take advantage of it.”

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From the second division to the first division, from Dender to the ambitious Westerlo, announced by one of the most promising coaches. The pressure will be different. “That in itself is not a problem. I’m someone who sets high standards for myself. I want to try to keep the pressure off the other players.”

“I have ambition and strive to achieve the highest possible level at that moment. That means performing every day. As a coach, as a player, as a club employee… you have to perform every day.”

“The past doesn’t matter at all anymore. That’s the mentality. I’ll deal with it positively. I like a little pressure, and that’s not a problem.”

What is his ambition with Westerlo next season? “We have to look first at whether we can have a more stable year.”

“It hasn’t been the easiest season with a lot of youngsters and a lot of potential. You have to find a good mix between some experience and 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds who can do their job.”