The second-half of the 1970s had established Club Brugge as a major force in both the domestic and international game, but by the start of the 1980s that incredible cycle of success had ended and a difficult transition was happening. The departure of experienced veterans Vandereycken, Bastijns and Meeuws before the start of the 1981-82 season left a void and in a campaign defined by multiple managerial changes, the club endured a worst top-flight finish in 30 years, ending the campaign just a single point clear of the relegation zone.