Maurice Steijn says there was no hidden agenda with substituting on Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest target Sydney van Hooijdonk in the last minute, BN Destem report.
The NAC Breda striker is the club’s leading scorer this season with eight goals.
The son of former Dutch international Pierre van Hooijdonk, Sydney has attracted plenty of attention ahead of January following his impressive form this season.
According to Sky Sports transfer centre (Dec 5, 2020 at 18:06), Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City are all eyeing a deal for the 20-year-old.
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But since those links, Van Hooijdonk has bizarrely been dropped from the side. NAC Breda boss Maurice Steijn has instead opted for Mario Bilate who only has only netted once.
Moreover, in the recent 0-0 draw against Go Ahead Eagles, Steijn waited until the 89th minute to bring on van Hooijdonk despite his side chasing a goal.
When asked if the decision was to humiliate the youngster, Steijn denied.
“I make my choices based on what I see at training sessions and competitions. I don’t have a double agenda. Afterwards you can discuss whether it is smart to bring him in in the 89th minute. It causes a lot of commotion. What I find most annoying are the innuendo. I said to Sydney, “Whatever everyone thinks, that switch was not to humiliate you.” It was nothing to do for me, it was a bit unfortunate. I talked about it with Sydney this week. We shook hands and we will continue.”
The NAC Breda manager’s decision, however, seemingly hasn’t gone down well.
Pierre van Hooijdonk told AD.nl how he doesn’t understand the situation, before adding that a January move away from the club could be a ‘very good option’.
Both Forest and Wednesday are struggling in the Championship this term.
The Reds recorded a much-needed 2-0 win over the Owls in midweek, ending a seven-game winless run where they managed to pick up just a solitary point.
Chris Hughton’s side are just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The Owls, meanwhile, are seven points adrift and bottom of the table. Manager Tony Pulis desperately needs the January transfer window in order to bolster his side.
Wednesday lack an attacking threat. They have few creative options out wide, while upfront they are limited to either Josh Windass or the out-of-form Jordan Rhodes.
Standing at 6ft 2inch, Sydney van Hooijdonk is exactly the sort of the player Pulis needs. Tall, strong, good in the air and with his back to goal while capable of finding the net.
Also see: Manager admits he will do ‘everything’ to secure new deal for £10m Owls and Blades target
Also see: ‘Wednesday career done’: Some Owls fans respond to bitterly awful injury news
