Hans Hateboer had a different plan than FC Groningen, as he was looking for a foreign adventure with his family. He had been training with Glenn Bijl, a former Groningen player, in the summer. The two would meet almost daily to train on fields in Groningen and Hoogkerk. Hateboer's search for a new club was ongoing, with him stating, 'I have held out for a long time, but the right club did not come by.' Hateboer and Bijl maintained their training sessions, which initially brought them joy but later became mentally challenging. Hateboer eventually returned to FC Groningen, with the club being a part of the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie.