Raising the fishing baskets: Telstar eyeing return to top flight for the first time since 1979 | OneFootball

Anyone who has been to watch Telstar play will have noticed the curious use of the fishing baskets. Whenever a goal goes in, fans of the club will hoist up a basket, depending on who has scored. Last night, the fans had to pull up three baskets. Two were pulled up on the side of the home team, one for the away team. This meant that Telstar were going to the play-off final and a chance of a return to the top flight of Dutch football, a league they have not competed in since 1979.

It is a remarkable achievement for a club that finished second bottom of the league back in the 2021/2022 season. Last year was slightly better with a 17th place finish, which itself was a disappointment after they had bounced back to 9th in 2022/2023. They have been well led by former player Anthony Correia, who went from assistant coach last year to head coach for the current campaign. Striker Youssef El Kachati has been imperious up front, with an impressive 23 goals in 43 games. El Kachati was scored and was the main creator for the second goal against Den Bosch that saw Telstar through to the final.

Yet, the story of last nights victory was Ronald Koeman. The senior was in the stands watching the junior in between the sticks. The 30-year-old was man of the match as he made an incredible seven saves to deny Den Bosch and send Telstar through. Koeman, in his fourth season with the club, has kept 15 clean sheets in 38 second tier games this season. His performance, coupled with his Dad’s appearance in the stands, has led a few tongue in cheek comments that perhaps he should be Oranje number one.

Telstar fans can now look forward to a clash with either Dordrecht or Willem II for a place in the Eredivisie. The former are currently 2-1 up after the first leg, with Willem II on an 18 match winless run.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson