After a two hour flight delay, Eiji Kawashima landed at Brussels airport at 9pm on Tuesday evening. His arrival was attended by a host of press representatives, both Belgian and Japanese.

Kawashima, a tall and likeable chap, was met by C.E.O. Neel De Ceulaer and Technical Director Herman Helleputte, and immediately gave a few words to the waiting press. Lierse TV was also able to grab him for a short interview.

Kawashima: "I heard that Lierse has a rich history. Now that they're playing back in first division, is more advantageous, and I heard that their ambitions lie still higher. Personally I have a great hunger and ambition, I want to get into the team. I don't know the Belgian competition very well, although I heard very positive things about your country and people from an ex club mate of mine, Marek Spilar, who played at Bruges. The contract? I really don't expect any problems, so we should be able to sign off on Wednesday."