It has been an open secret in the past few weeks: James Holland is leaving LASK after 180 competitive games in five years. The Australian indicated in a farewell video that he did not go entirely voluntarily. “It certainly wasn’t an easy decision and it wasn’t the plan either. In life and in football, things don’t always go according to plan.” He thanked the support. “I had a wonderful five years at LASK, which are among the best years of my career. I’m very, very grateful for the time, the memories and for the moments.”
In the summer of 2017 he came to LASK. After a short start-up period under Oliver Glasner, he was one of the driving forces behind the successful run. In 2018/19, the athletes were runners-up, four seasons in a row they played in the European Cup. “James has done a lot for LASK in recent years and contributed to the sporting success,” said sports director Radovan Vujanovic. “For that he deserves the thanks of the LASK family.”
Finally only reservist
After a mixed spring, Holland was already on the cross-off list of then-coach Dominik Thalhammer in the summer. Holland stayed, the fans’ wish for a regular place for the central midfielder was fulfilled by successor Andreas Wieland, who wanted to continue the earlier successes – but the turnaround did not succeed. In the last decisive games of the season, Holland only played the reserve role under coach Dietmar Kühbauer. Holland’s contract would have run until 2024.
Source: Nachrichten
