First Division offered more or less familiar season – 4 teams just tried to avoid relegation, 8 were just happy in mid-table, and 6 teams were much stronger, but essentially only two battled for the title. The difference of class between top and bottom was huge as ever – unfortunately, there was no escape from this predicament: small Belgium simply could not produce large pool of classy players, even if foreigners are counted. If a small club, short of cash, had no chance of keeping or recruiting strong Belgians, they were similarly unable to recruit strong foreigners.
The battle for survival ended with FC Winterslag at 18th place and SK Tongeren at 17th – the duo was relegated. Nothing really interesting until we reach the top 6, perhaps with the exception of RWD Molenbeek.
Standing from left: Markus Devries, Dirk Devriese, René Desaeyere, Patrick Gollièrre, Yves De Greef, Cor Brom -coach, Jan Boskamp.
Middle row: Erik Deleu, Harry Soors, Steen Thychosen, Rudi Andries, Nico Jansen, Patrick Thairet, Bernard Verheecke, Jan Ruiter, Jos Smolders.
First row: Franky Vander Elst, Maurice Martens, Alain Cneudt, Michel De Wolf, Sead Susic, Philippe Buyle.
This squad finished 10th. Yes, it was aging, and yes, the club was in decline, but good players were in the squad – Franky vander Elst, Jan Ruiter, Sead Susic, Jan Boskamp, Steen Thychosen was more, much more classier bunch than most clubs had at the moment. This was a squad for the top six, at least by names – yet, it was not even in the upper half of the table.
In contrast, Waterschei SV Thor (Genk) ended 7th – even after selling out at least one match. With players hardly compatible to those RWD Molenbeek had, they ended with 6 points more than the trouble Brussels club. Strong year for Waterschei – they played very well in the Cup Winners Cup as well.
FC Brugge was a bit shaky in the early 1980s , so they were not a factor this season, finishing 5th.
But KAA Ghent was – they ended 4th with 46 points. Royal Antwerp also finished with 46, but with better other records took 3rd place – a big success for them.
The battle for the title was very familiar – Anderlecht vs Standard. Both teams in wonderful form, although there was difference – Anderlecht mostly maintained their strong performance at a level near their best from the mid-70s. This strong Standard vintage reached its peak this very year. Since the race for the title was tough and both clubs also had European tournaments to think of, temptation prickled them to ease the load – and the bribery scandal occurred. But before it was discovered, Anderlecht lost the championship by a point.
Minimal loss, but hardly a tragedy – Anderlecht won European trophy this season. Top, left to right: Martin Lippens (Assistant coach), Ludo Coeck, Hugo Broos, Walter de Greef, Michel de Groote, Dirk De Vriese, Beeckman (assistant), Morten Olsen, Alex Czerniatinski, Luka Peruzovic, Erwin Vandenbergh, Paul van Himst (Manager)
Bottom, left to right: Tony Goossens, Frank Vercauteren, Henrik Andersen, Per Frimann, Didier Electeur, Kenneth Brylle, Juan Lozano, Wim Hofkens, Johnny van der Zwan, Jacques Munaron.
No wonder Anderlecht had no worries – no Belgian club was able to afford even slightly similar squad. Seven Belgian national team players, plus Danes, plus excellent Yugoslav. Plenty of European-class stars and legendary Paul van Himst proved he was as good a manager as he was a player. The title was lost, but no sweat – after all, Standard did not win it either.
At the end of the season, Standard (Liege) prevailed with 50 points from 22 wins, 6 ties, and 6 losses. 78-34 goal-difference. It was really tied race with Anderlecht – both leaders had almost the same records and no wonder 1 point was the whole final difference. Standard was at its peak – and excellent squad, shaped carefully by excellent coach, Raymond Goethals. If Anderlecht had 10 stars, Standard had ‘only’ 9. True, one as only a future star – the reserve goalkeeper Bodart. Belgian national team players, Dutch famous names, a Swede, a Turk. If Haan was getting too old, Gerets was just at its peak, and there were Preud’homme and Bodart, who were not even at their peak yet. Very stron squad, playing wonderful football… everything was great, until the little bribing scheme was uncovered. And that was that… winners without a title, wonderful squad, but tainted. Obscured by all that, a problem was hidden – Standard needed changes: it was clear that Haan was too old by now and the club would be unable to keep Gerets, big European club lusted after him. It was tricky moment of time – changes were needed, but not anything drastic – and most likely the scandal disturbed the careful work around the squad.