Alan Haydock on fond memories of the RAAL and RWDM: “These two clubs marked my career and my life”

“First of all, we must highlight the great enthusiasm within the two clubs, and not only on a sporting level. There is a beautiful image that is being generated in relation to La Louvière, with its future stadium, good organization, a good president and a certain form of simplicity Without making noise, and with a coach in place for several years, they have done an excellent job. For its part, the RWDM was able to start from scratch after its. relegation, with such a competent coach as ambitious, and there also a great general enthusiasm On a sporting level, the results are there, with a RAAL team which is making its way and continues to create surprise while the RWDM assumes its status. As was the case in the first legI'm expecting a nice, very tight show this Saturday. And having played on it last weekend with Ganshoren, I reassure everyone, the pitch is in good condition.”

Scorer for his first with RWDM against Ghent, Alan Haydock smiles: “Would I have had the same career if I hadn't scored that evening?”

If we talk about your past in both clubs, for each of them, what memories do you keep?

“First of all, there is the UEFA Cup with RWDM and this match against Besiktas. European qualification obtained after a fantastic season in the league. For La Louvière, the apotheosis was obviously this victory in the final of the Belgian Cup in 2003. We had a fantastic run, eliminating great teams. And then there was this final where everyone condemned us to defeat before even arriving at the Saint-Trond stadium. was already lifting the trophy while on our side, out of superstition, we had not prepared anything And then we gave everything during this final, to experience this great moment of euphoria. For me, it was a very great moment. , especially since it was my last match for the RAAL After that, I knew that I was returning to Molenbeek to play with Brussels. Some saw it as a step backwards, but I wanted to. return to Molenbeek to take Brussels to D1, which we managed to achieve.”

Both clubs have a separate place in your heart. But are they on an equal footing?

“These are two clubs which marked my playing career but also my life. In all, it's still 13 years of my life. I will never forget my period at La Louvière. During this period, I got married , I had my son and I remember that Filippo Gaone really spoiled the family at the time. There, I knew a real family from Louviers, very warm. But I would say that my relationship with Molenbeek is more. special. I'm the child of the country, I played for ten years at Machtens, so it's very special. It's the Brussels mentality, it's more at home. It's also where I performed. my first steps among the professionals as a ket from Brussels, at that time, it was just incredible.”

A Machtens stadium that you found this Sunday during the alumni meeting.

“It was fantastic to see all these former players again, to step on this pitch again and to experience these emotions in this special stadium. A bit like we had never left it.”

Finally, a little prediction for this Saturday's shock?

“I can see a split, 2-2.”