De Graafschap

Along with Volendam, De Graafschap are the yo-yo club of Dutch football; From the Eerste Divisie to the Eredivisie and back again, it’s the same old story almost every year. Last season the Superboeren (Superfarmers) were far and away the finest Eerste Divisie team, however the top flight is a world apart. The most important news for De Graafschap came from the board, as a new chairman was appointed, Miss Sietze Veen. She is the first woman president in the history of the Eredivisie. "We need more quality in our squad", said Veen, "because strength and pace are not enough to avoid relegation." The club have added to the squad relatively well this summer, with goalkeeper Boy Waterman and centre back Jan-Paul Saeijs bringing much needed experience. Up front, Rydell Poepon and Hugo Bargas (16 goals in the Eerste Divisie last season) could grab the goals De Graafschap need to survive.

Key arrivals: Boy Waterman (AZ); Rydell Poepon (Sparta Rotterdam); Jan-Paul Saeijs (Roda JC)

Key departures: Joep van den Ouweland (Go Ahead Eagles); Martijn Meerdink (retired); John van Beuking (loan return); Berry Powel (loan return)

Prediction: 15th