De Boeck heads for the bench

Cruciate injury
The 33-year-old has not played since December when he underwent surgery for a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. He was already scouting for Anderlecht where he is under contract until the summer of 2006.

Coaching honour
"On Monday evening Franky asked me to become his assistant, and I felt honoured that he should think of me," said De Boeck. "It all came so quickly, but because of the uncertainty over my injury, I did not have to think too long about it. This means the end of my career as a professional player."

Anderlecht honours
De Boeck started out at FC Boom in 1989 before moving to KV Mechelen in 1992. He joined Anderlecht in 1995 and went on to play 207 games for the Brussels club, eventually becoming captain. He won three Belgian titles and two Belgian Super Cups at the Constant Vanden Stock.