Ganda, if youre there....

.... question for you.  a buddy asked over break and i really couldnt give an answer but told him i can contact a gentleman whom might, cause its in your neck of the woods up there.   firstly, Im old school and have a 'soft' spot for this kind of stuff - if done the right way.    

How does a club with a $20+ million value playing in a stadium which barely holds 10thou be  7 points clear from everyone on the perch? (i mean, we're almost halfway through the season) and they were in the lower division last year werent they?      is it one of those Cinderella 'feel-good' stories or a smokescreen cause everyone else playing in europe comps?    any info appreciated. 

Hey Spec, I don't know the game like some others here, but I'll give you my thoughts anyway.

It's a bit of a Belgian tradition that the winner of second division (now called 1B) does well in their first season in the top league.

Union is a bit unique though in what they have accomplished so far. Part of it no doubt is coincidence and dumb luck. 

Some things that are in their favour:

They kept the same coach, Felice Mazzu, who had a great season last year and got the team the promotion. Players, staff, management, fans love him and don't ever question his decisions. There is nothing but confidence and good vibes in that dressing room.

They largely kept the same team as last season, so when the league started up they hit the ground running, everyone knew their place and the automatisms were already in place.

Smart transfers so far, they kept their quality and only got a few reinforcements this season. Yes it's a smaller club, but even the bench has enough quality.

They only have to play league and cup, no European entanglements like most of the other top teams, they're fresh and hungry for every game.

It's a team who's house style is energetic, aggressive deep football, that could bite you in the ass too, but they got lucky with their 2 front men: Undav and Vanzeir are brothers-from-different-mothers and have linked up seamlessly like few other striker duos have in our league. Efficiency and conversion rate are through the roof.

The fanbase is fanatic and loud, home games are a show that you don't see much at other Belgian clubs, home stadium is an old style, intimate place, like in the old days. They are looking for a different location, but in Brussels, no easy undertaking.

The club is actually not that obscure, they were the 10th professional club to be formed and have won the league 11 times and the cup twice, even if that was in the black and white days. 

They play typically in a 3-5-2, plays to their strengths and the other teams can't seem to figure out how to deal with their defense, which is actually not that great, but somehow they've only conceded 14 so far while leading the league with 40 (!) goals in 15 (!) games, next highest scoring teams are Anderlecht and Genk with 28 each.

That's all I got bud, I don't really know why they are doing that well, it's a big story in the native press as well, be cool if they could win the title. 

My many lurking fans are driving up the view count. 

Ganda    first and foremost, appreciate the response. far more than what was expecting so thank you. looks like theyre doing it the 'fair' way. in this day & age, any time we see a  club have success with a small budget its a pleasant reminder things dont always have to be the way they are (regarding the current ways of the game.  $$$$$$$)   again, appreciate the response. you can rest your fingers now 

regarding your last comment, well, you... of all.... should know how the letters 'g a n d a' can stimulate your fan base.  especially when its in the subject line ehh?? .  

@Ganda

 Believe me, lurkers we are out here Ganda