[Sint-Truiden] Announcement Regarding Manager Wouter Vrancken's Departure

STVV announces that manager Wouter Vrancken will leave the club at the end of the 2025-2026 season upon the expiration of his contract.

[Statement from Manager Vrancken]
"Last April, I returned to Stayen, a place familiar to me. I did so with great ambition, motivation, and the conviction that we could build something wonderful together. Contrary to external expectations, we joined forces to create fantastic history—finishing 3rd in the league and securing qualification for a European tournament. I am personally proud of this extraordinary achievement that no one can take away from us.
Together with the staff, players, and everyone inside and around the club, we have brought STVV to where it belongs. In that regard, I am particularly grateful to Peter Delorge. He was one of the key figures who supported my return. Spinning this story with him, who is a significant person to me, meant a lot.
There were moments along the way when I could have taken other opportunities. However, I believed in these players, this process, and the potential that could still be achieved here. For me, it was important to see this story through to the end with this team. Because there has been a lot of speculation about my future in recent weeks, I wanted to convey the point with transparency today. I feel that finishing this story at its peak is the right moment for me.
But before that, in tomorrow's match, I want to give my all one last time with this team, enjoy the moment, and close out this magnificent season in the best possible way. At the same time, I would like to thank everyone who has provided incredible support over the past few months. I want to treasure these memories just as they are—with pride, solidarity, and gratitude."

[Statement from CEO Takayuki Tateishi]
"As a club, we are extremely satisfied with the results achieved by the manager and his staff. Manager Vrancken was the embodiment of the Haspengouw region and STVV's DNA. That is why the club made maximum efforts to retain him by offering a new contract with significantly improved terms. However, we ultimately respect his decision and sincerely thank him for his contributions. Having led the team to European competition, he will undoubtedly carve his name in history as one of STVV's greatest managers.
It is essential to always look ahead in club management. A successor is expected to be announced soon. Together with the new manager, we will strengthen our squad. We will adequately fill the holes left by players who are leaving at the end of this season and deepen our squad to prepare for the season with European competition.
We will continue to build upon what we have accumulated, carrying forward the foundation built by manager Vrancken and his staff, and the club's DNA. The 2025-26 season is not an end, but a beginning. We aim to remain a club that competes for a ticket to European tournaments in the future."