Lommel SK - samengroeien

Assistant Coach Robbie Neilson joins Shenzhen Pen City FC Men 05 jun Robbie Neilson is leaving Lommel SK. The Scottish assistant coach has been appointed as the new head coach of Shenzhen Peng City FC, with immediate effect.

Lommel SK assistant coach Robbie Neilson is leaving the club with immediate effect. The 45-year-old Scot joined head coach Lee Johnson’s coaching staff last summer and played an important role in the team that secured promotion to the Jupiler Pro League. After one season in Lommel, Neilson now moves to China, where he will take charge of Shenzhen Peng City FC as head coach. The club currently sits ninth in the Chinese Super League, the highest level of football in China.

Sporting Director Jeffrey van As explained why Neilson is departing after just one season: "Robbie's contract was due to expire and we had been in discussions with him about an extension. During those talks, he made it clear that he was keen to return to a head coaching role, and he was given that opportunity by Shenzhen. Naturally, we are disappointed to see Robbie leave, but we also understand why he wants to take this opportunity. We would like to thank Robbie for everything he has done over the past year and wish him all the best at Shenzhen.

"I have had a wonderful time in Lommel," said the departing Robbie Neilson. "The club and the city gave me a very warm welcome and made me feel at home from day one, and I am extremely grateful to everyone for that. I would especially like to thank Jeffrey and Lee for giving me the opportunity to come to Lommel. I have always had the ambition to return to a head coaching role, and I now have that opportunity in China. I would like to thank everyone in Lommel for a fantastic year and wish the club every success in the Jupiler Pro League next season."