View source for Bob Peeters

{{short description|Belgian football executive, manager and former player (born 1974)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
|name           = Bob Peeters
|image          = Bob peeters-1691349873.JPG
|image_size     =
|caption        = Peeters in 2023
|fullname       = 
|birth_date     = {{birth date and age|1974|1|10|df=y}}
|birth_place    = [[Lier, Belgium|Lier]], Belgium
|height         = 1.96 m
|position       = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
|currentclub    = [[S.K. Beveren|Beveren]] (sporting director)
|clubnumber     = 
|youthyears1    = 1980–1982
|youthclubs1    = Ternesse VV Wommelgem
|youthyears2    = 1982–1992
|youthclubs2    = [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]]
|years1         = 1992–1997
|clubs1         = [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]]
|caps1          = 119
|goals1         = 24
|years2         = 1997–2000
|clubs2         = [[Roda JC Kerkrade|Roda JC]]
|caps2          = 93
|goals2         = 39
|years3         = 2000–2003
|clubs3         = [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse]]
|caps3          = 77
|goals3         = 17
|years4         = 2003–2005
|clubs4         = [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]]
|caps4          = 25
|goals4         = 3
|years5         = 2005–2006
|clubs5         = [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]]
|caps5          = 21
|goals5         = 9
|years6         = 2006–2008
|clubs6         = [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]]
|caps6          = 25
|goals6         = 5
|totalcaps      = 360
|totalgoals     = 97
|nationalyears1 = 1998–2002
|nationalteam1  = [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]]
|nationalcaps1  = 13
|nationalgoals1 = 4
|manageryears1  = 2009–2010
|managerclubs1  = [[K.A.A. Gent|Gent]] (youth)
|manageryears2  = 2010–2012
|managerclubs2  = [[Cercle Brugge K.S.V.|Cercle Brugge]]
|manageryears3  = 2012–2013
|managerclubs3  = [[K.A.A. Gent|Gent]]
|manageryears4  = 2013–2014
|managerclubs4  = [[Waasland-Beveren]]
|manageryears5  = 2014–2015
|managerclubs5  = [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]]
|manageryears6  = 2015
|managerclubs6  = [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]]
|manageryears7  = 2015–2016
|managerclubs7  = [[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]]
|manageryears8  = 2017–2021
|managerclubs8  = [[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]]
|manageryears9  = 2021–2022
|managerclubs9  = [[TOP Oss]]
|manageryears10 = 2022–2024
|managerclubs10 = [[Helmond Sport]]
|manageryears11 = 2024–
|managerclubs11 = [[S.K. Beveren|Beveren]] (sporting director)
}}

''' Bob Peeters''' (born 10 January 1974) is a Belgian [[Association football|football]] executive and former player and manager. He currently serves as [[sporting director]] of [[Challenger Pro League]] club [[S.K. Beveren|Beveren]]. 

==Club career==
===Lierse===
Noted for his large stature, measuring 1.96 m, Peeters grew up in [[Wommelgem]], [[Antwerp Province]] and joined Ternesse VV Wommelgem at a young age. He moved to the [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]] academy at the age of eight, progressing through the youth teams before making his senior debut in 1992 under head coach [[Herman Helleputte]].

In 1994, after the arrival of [[Eric Gerets]] as manager, Peeters experienced his breakthrough. The striker scored eight goals and formed a striking duo with [[Dirk Huysmans]], in a Lierse-team counting profiles such as [[Nico Van Kerckhoven]], [[Philip Haagdoren]], [[Eric Van Meir]] and [[David Brocken]] which won the [[Belgian First Division A]] title in the [[1996–97 Belgian First Division|1996–97 season]].<ref name="lierse97">{{cite news |title=Lierse '97, het mirakel van de Leeuw: "Titel heeft heel veel slecht gedaan" |url=https://sporza.be/nl/2017/10/25/lierse-_97_-het-mirakel-van-de-leeuw-titel-heeft-heel-veel-slech-1-3087634/ |work=sporza.be |date=25 October 2017 |language=nl}}</ref> In January 1997, Peeters was in contract negotiations with the Lierse board, but chose to leave, according to him because he was seen as a "tall, clumsy" striker.<ref>{{cite news |title="In België kreeg ik het predikaat van 'lange lompe' mee" |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/oid82602 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=10 March 2000 |language=nl}}</ref>

===Roda JC===
After winning the league title with Lierse, Peeters signed with Dutch [[Eredivisie]] club [[Roda JC Kerkrade|Roda JC]] under the [[Bosman ruling]]. There, he was united with fellow countrymen [[Joos Valgaeren]], [[Gregory Delwarte]] and [[Peter Van Houdt]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Peeters |url=https://www.rodajckerkrade.nl/nieuwsbericht/26-01-2018/bob-peeters |website=rodajckerkrade.nl |access-date=6 September 2021 |language=nl}}</ref> In his first season, the club from [[Kerkrade]] finished fourteenth, but after the arrival of manager [[Sef Vergoossen]], Roda returned to mid-table. In 2000, Peeters also reached the [[KNVB Cup]] final with the club. In [[De Kuip]] in [[Rotterdam]], Roda beat [[NEC Nijmegen|NEC]] 2–0 to claim their second ever cup win. Peeters opened the score after 18 minutes after heading in a free kick from [[Eric van der Luer]].<ref name="knvb">{{cite news |title=2000: De Cup is voor defensief ijzersterk Roda |url=https://www.totoknvbbeker.nl/100-finales/2000-de-cup-is-voor-defensief-ijzersterk-roda |work=totoknvbbeker.nl |date=9 March 2018 |language=nl}}</ref> During the celebrations after the game, Peeters damaged the trophy which caused a dent still visible to this day.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Deelstra |first1=Rogier |title='Mysterie' van deuk in beker opgelost |url=https://www.ad.nl/nederlands-voetbal/mysterie-van-deuk-in-beker-opgelost~a32aa446/ |work=Algemeen Dagblad |date=8 April 2012 |language=nl}}</ref>

===Vitesse===
In August 2000, Peeters signed with [[SBV Vitesse|Vitesse]] for a fee of [[Belgian franc|BEF]] 252 million – around €6.25 million – which made him the second most expensive Belgian transfer ever, only surpassed by [[Émile Mpenza]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Arnhem snap up Peeters |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/882123.stm |work=news.bbc.co.uk |date=15 August 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=De Tien: duurste binnenlandse transfers in de Eredivisie |url=https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/379905/de-tien-duurste-binnenlandse-transfers-in-de-eredivisie.html |work=voetbalprimeur.nl |date=7 April 2014 |language=nl-NL}}</ref> Earlier, Roda had rejected an offer from [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Interesse voor Peeters neemt toe |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/interesse-voor-peeters-neemt-toe |work=Voetbal International |date=21 January 2000 |language=nl}}</ref>

Under manager [[Ronald Koeman]], Peeters impressed. Seen in Belgium as a technically limited footballer, was known in the Netherlands as an intelligent player with overview and strength. With Vitesse, he finished above mid-table two consecutive seasons. In the [[2002–03 Eredivisie|2002–03 season]], Peeters and his teammates dropped far in the rankings. The club was in financial turmoil and many high-earning were allowed to leave.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters tekent bij Millwall |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/bob-peeters-tekent-bij-millwall |work=Voetbal International |date=19 August 2003 |language=nl}}</ref>

===Millwall===
Peeters signed a three-year contract with English [[Football League First Division]] club [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] on 20 August 2003, where he was set to replace regular target-man [[Mark McCammon]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/3167909.stm
|title=Millwall sign Peeters
|publisher=BBC
|date=20 August 2003 |access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> He struggled with injuries during his spell in England.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spall |first1=Leo |title=Peeters new injury blow hits Millwall |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/peeters-new-injury-blow-hits-millwall-6977025.html |work=standard.co.uk |date=14 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fudge |first1=Simon |title=Peeters facing foot op |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2292647/peeters-facing-foot-op |access-date=6 September 2021 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref>

===Genk===
In 2005, Peeters was poised for a return to Belgium,<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/4162476.stm
|title=Peeters poised for Belgian move
|publisher=BBC
|date=18 August 2005 |access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> and after negotiating with [[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]], he eventually signed with [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]] after being convinced by technical director [[Ariël Jacobs]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters wordt de nieuwe spits van RC Genk |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/ggvh5r3t |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=19 August 2005 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Peeters had to compete with fellow strikers [[Kevin Vandenbergh]], [[Paul Kpaka]] and [[Nenad Stojanović]]. He scored nine goals for Genk, who finished the season in fifth place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Belgische Eerste Klasse Voetbal 2005/2006 Regulier Seizoen - Gedetailleerde uitslagen |url=https://www.sportuitslagen.org/voetbal-belgische-eerste-klasse-2005-2006-uitslagen-eprd2547.html |website=sportuitslagen.org |access-date=6 September 2021}}</ref>

===Return to Lierse===
Peeters was set for a return to childhood club Lierse after one season with Genk. Initially, Genk chairman [[Jos Vaessen]] was willing to let him leave on a free transfer, but this offer was withdrawn afterwards. In the end, 32-year-old Peeters was involved in a trade with [[Oleksandr Pavlovych Yakovenko|Oleksandr Yakovenko]], who was then playing for Lierse.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters en Iakovenko ruilen van club |url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/b330201060703 |work=De Standaard |date=3 July 2006 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

Peeters did make many appearances for Lierse. The club finished second to last in the 2006–07 league table and suffered relegation to the [[Belgian Second Division]] via the play-offs. In October 2008, he announced his retirement from professional football after suffering an achilles tendon injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Achillespees zorgt voor breuk Lierse SK en Peeters |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/achillespees-zorgt-voor-breuk-lierse-sk-en-peeters |work=Voetbal International |date=6 October 2008 |language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters stopt met voetballen |url=https://www.nu.nl/voetbal/1985958/bob-peeters-stopt-met-voetballen.html |work=NU |date=6 October 2008 |language=nl}}</ref>

==International career==
Peeters made his debut for the [[Belgium national football team|Belgium national team]] on 25 February 1998 in a friendly against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]], which was won 2–0 thanks to a brace by [[Nico Van Kerckhoven]]. Peeters came on as a substitute for [[Luc Nilis]] after 84 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Van Kerckhoven scoort twee keer voor België |url=https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/van-kerckhoven-scoort-twee-keer-voor-belgi |work=Voetbal International |date=26 February 1998 |language=nl}}</ref>

He participated in the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification]] but did not make the final squad for [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] main tournament. On 28 February 2001, he scored a [[hat-trick]] against [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]] at the [[King Baudouin Stadium]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Lindt |first1=Aernout |title=Zo liep het in het verleden tegen San Marino: moeilijke uitwedstrijden en de hattrick van Bob Peeters (met nostalgische beelden!) |url=https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2019-09-06/-zo-liep-het-in-het-verleden-tegen-san-marino-moeilijke-uitwedstrijden-en-de-hattrick-van-bob-peeters-met-nostalgische-beelden |work=Voetbalkrant.com |date=6 September 2019 |language=nl}}</ref>

==Managerial career==
He became manager of [[K.A.A. Gent|Gent]] one week after being released by [[Cercle Brugge K.S.V.|Cercle Brugge]] in October 2012 but was fired in January 2013.

Peeters was appointed as manager of English side, [[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]], in May 2014 on a 12-month contract. In January 2015 after only 25 games in charge he was dismissed. His Senior Professional Development Coach Patrick Van Houdt and Performance Analyst [[Guy Kiala]] were also fired. At the time Charlton had won once in the previous 12 games and had slipped to 14th in the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] table.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30772664 | title=Bob Peeters sacked as Charlton coach after 25 league games | publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/551456/Charlton-Athletic-Sack-Bob-Peeters|title=Charlton sack head coach Bob Peeters|date=12 January 2015|website=Express.co.uk|access-date=7 December 2021}}</ref>

In 2015, Bob Peeters got a new chance at [[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]], replacing [[Peter Maes]] who left to [[K.R.C. Genk|Genk]]. After 12 league games, with only 3 victories, he got sacked by the owner of the club, in spite of just winning away at [[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]].

===Westerlo===
On 16 November 2015, Peeters was appointed head coach of [[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]]. He succeeded [[Harm van Veldhoven]] who was fired the day before. Peeters' main goal in the 2015–16 season was avoiding relegation, something that he succeeded in on 13 March 2016 by winning 1–0 against [[S.K. Beveren|Waasland Beveren]]. [[Oud-Heverlee Leuven|OH Leuven]] had lost their home game against [[Club Brugge K.V.|Club Brugge]] on the same day, making them the relegated club of that season. On 13 September 2016, Peeters was dismissed as head coach of Westerlo.

===Return to Westerlo=== 
In December 2017, Peeters returned as head coach of Westerlo, who had meanwhile been relegated to the [[Challenger Pro League|First Division B]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters wordt opnieuw trainer bij Westerlo |url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20171205_03226188 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Gazet van Antwerpen |date=5 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024162352/https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20171205_03226188 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> His first match in charge was a 1–0 win over OH Leuven on 9 December 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters debuteert bij Westerlo met zege |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20171209_03234342 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010115/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20171209_03234342 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Westerlo's last victory dated from 30 September that year, after which the club only gained three points out of 30 under Vedran Pelić, who later stayed on as assistant to Peeters, together with Eric Reenaers. Westerlo finished penultimate in the regular season that season. In the play-offs, however, they remained undefeated, after which Westerlo moved up to sixth place.

In November 2018, Peeters was linked to a return to Waasland-Beveren, but in the end he stayed with Westerlo after the club offered him a contract extension until 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters legt avontuur bij Waasland-Beveren naast zich neer en blijft trainer van Westerlo: "Keuze van mijn hart" |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20181113_03940454 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410011554/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20181113_03940454 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> In the [[2018–19 Belgian First Division B|2018–19 season]], Westerlo finished fifth out of eight clubs in both the first and second period, but in the final ranking the club finished fourth, which meant that it qualified for play-offs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkse investeerder neemt tweedeklasser Westerlo over: overname is in kannen en kruiken |url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20190618_04467147 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=De Standaard |date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410004505/https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20190618_04467147 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

In the [[2019–20 Belgian First Division B|2019–20 season]], Westerlo competed for the first period championship, but in the end they finished three points below OH Leuven.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lommel redt in slotfase nog punt op het veld van Westerlo |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20191102_04697020 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=2 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010007/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20191102_04697020 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> The second period championship was also a tight affair – with three match days to go, Westerlo were in the lead together with OH Leuven, [[K Beerschot VA|Beerschot]] and [[R.E. Virton|Virton]] –,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Delvaux |first1=Maarten |title=Spannender kan niet: vier teams aan de leiding in 1B op drie speeldagen van het einde |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200213_04846861 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010007/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200213_04846861 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> but with two matchdays to go, Westerlo had their fate in their own hands: with six out of six points they had enough for a final spot in the play-offs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frans |first1=Koen |title=Westerlo, Virton en Beerschot delen de leiding in knotsgekke tweede periode 1B: zelfs testwedstrijden voor de promotiematchen kunnen nog |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200217_04852233 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410004505/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200217_04852233 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> However, on the final matchday, Westerlo lost 3–1 to [[Royale Union Saint-Gilloise|Union SG]], so that Beerschot, not Westerlo, had the opportunity to promoted. Westerlo therefore no longer had a chance to promote, despite the fact that they had achieved the most points in the final ranking.<ref>{{cite news |title=Beerschot plaatst zich voor derde promotiefinale op rij, Westerlo vist achter het net |url=https://sporza.be/nl/matches/voetbal/2020-02/finalespeeldag-2e-periode-1b/ |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Sporza |date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410004508/https://sporza.be/nl/matches/voetbal/2020-02/finalespeeldag-2e-periode-1b/ |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl}}</ref>

Westerlo also made a run at promotion in the [[2020–21 Belgian First Division B|2020–21 season]], especially considering that the period championships were abolished that season and therefore only the champion and possible vice-champion of the regular season were promoted. Westerlo competed for second place for a while that season, but eventually were surpassed by [[R.F.C. Seraing (1922)|Seraing]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vedruye |first1=Koen |title=Westerlo smeert Club NXT negende nederlaag aan en ziet na 9 op 9 tweede plaats dichterbij komen in 1B |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201211_97623097 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=11 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410004505/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20201211_97623097 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Westerlo laat tweede plaats liggen door nederlaag op RWDM |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/live/voetbal/311416 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=20 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410011717/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/live/voetbal/311416 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Westerlo en RWDM delen de punten in 't Kuipje |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210409_97291061 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=9 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010007/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210409_97291061 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> After a draw against [[Club NXT]] on the final matchday, Westerlo ended in fourth place, nine points behind Seraing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Verdruye |first1=Koen |title=Westerlo speelt opnieuw gelijk tegen Club NXT en moet genoegen nemen met tegenvallende vierde plaats in 1B |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210424_97364950 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010007/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210424_97364950 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> On 10 May 2021, it was announced that Peeters and Westerlo parted ways by mutual consent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Westerlo neemt afscheid van trainer Bob Peeters, Glen De Boeck in beeld als opvolger |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210510_95862177 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410010032/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210510_95862177 |archive-date=10 April 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref> Peeters later indicated that both parties were keen on moving on, and that he was not interested in returning to another season in the First Division B, where clubs compete against each other four times per season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters geniet van avontuur bij Nederlandse Top Oss: "Stap elke ochtend met glimlach in mijn wagen" |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210917_92043717 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223150716/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20210917_92043717 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===TOP Oss===
On 8 June 2021, [[Eerste Divisie]] club [[TOP Oss]] appointed Peeters as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters gaat aan de slag bij Nederlandse tweedeklasser TOP Oss |url=https://sporza.be/nl/2021/06/08/bob-peeters-gaat-aan-de-slag-bij-nederlandse-tweedeklasser-top-o~1623160235058/ |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Sporza |date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127092907/https://sporza.be/nl/2021/06/08/bob-peeters-gaat-aan-de-slag-bij-nederlandse-tweedeklasser-top-o~1623160235058/ |archive-date=27 November 2022 |language=nl}}</ref> He succeeded [[Klaas Wels]], signing a one-year contract. Peeters started the season with a 1–0 away win over [[Excelsior Rotterdam|Excelsior]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doelen |first1=Jaap van der |title=Margaritha loodst TOP Oss met fantastische pegel voorbij Excelsior |url=https://www.bd.nl/top-oss/margaritha-loodst-top-oss-met-fantastische-pegel-voorbij-excelsior~a0e3bedc/ |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Brabants Dagblad |date=6 August 2021 |language=nl}}</ref> 

On 20 May 2022, the club announced that Peeters had been dismissed from his position as head coach, citing "insufficient synergy" between Peeters and newly appointed technical director Klaas Wels.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Genechten |first1=Vincent |title=Bob Peeters zit opnieuw zonder job na vertrek bij Nederlandse Top Oss |url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20220520_93927402 |access-date=14 January 2023 |work=Het Nieuwsblad |date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223150716/https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20220520_93927402 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |language=nl-BE}}</ref>

===Helmond Sport===
Peeters was appointed new head coach of [[Helmond Sport]] in December 2022, becoming part of a new staff alongside new technical director [[Jurgen Streppel]] and head of scouting [[Dirk Jan Derksen]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Bob Peeters (hoofdtrainer) en Dirk Jan Derksen (Hoofd Scouting) naar Helmond Sport {{!}} Helmond Sport |url=https://www.helmondsport.nl/nieuws/bob-peeters-hoofdtrainer-en-dirk-jan-derksen-hoofd-scouting-naar-helmond-sport |website=Helmond Sport |access-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223154638/https://www.helmondsport.nl/nieuws/bob-peeters-hoofdtrainer-en-dirk-jan-derksen-hoofd-scouting-naar-helmond-sport |archive-date=23 December 2022 |language=nl |date=23 December 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> He was dismissed as head coach on 8 April 2024 after a string of disappointing results.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bob Peeters per direct weg bij Helmond Sport |url=https://www.helmondsport.nl/nieuws/bob-peeters-per-direct-weg-bij-helmond-sport/ |website=Helmond Sport |access-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511051135/https://www.helmondsport.nl/nieuws/bob-peeters-per-direct-weg-bij-helmond-sport/ |archive-date=11 May 2024 |language=nl-NL |date=8 April 2024}}</ref>

==Executive career==
On 12 June 2024, Peeters was appointed the new sporting director of [[Challenger Pro League]] club [[S.K. Beveren|Beveren]].<ref>{{cite web |title=BOB PEETERS AANGESTELD ALS GENERAL MANAGER VAN SK BEVEREN |url=https://www.skbeveren.be/2024/06/welkom-bob/ |website=SK Beveren |access-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624202003/https://www.skbeveren.be/2024/06/welkom-bob/ |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=nl-NL |date=12 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters wordt general manager van SK Beveren: "Eerste taak is aanstellen van trainer" |url=https://sporza.be/nl/2024/06/12/bob-peeters-wordt-general-manager-van-sk-beveren-eerste-taak-i~1718217910895/ |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=sporza |date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612221557/https://sporza.be/nl/2024/06/12/bob-peeters-wordt-general-manager-van-sk-beveren-eerste-taak-i~1718217910895/ |archive-date=12 June 2024 |language=nl}}</ref>

==Media career==
During the [[2000 UEFA European Football Championship]], during which he was injured, he worked as a journalist who interviewed people for [[VRT (broadcaster)|VRT]]. Presenter Mark Uytterhoeven regularly sent him on the road for the program. Peeters' search for a Romanian in particular became a well-known segment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Retro: Bob Peeters en de Roemeen |url=http://www.nr10.be/cups/ekwk/item/retro-bob-peeters-en-de-roemeen-ek-2000 |website=voetbalprimeur |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628011825/http://www.nr10.be/cups/ekwk/item/retro-bob-peeters-en-de-roemeen-ek-2000 |archive-date=28 June 2013 |language=nl}}</ref> In addition, for a while he was an analyst during [[UEFA Champions League]] matches and as [[color commentator]] for [[Proximus TV|Belgacom TV]].

In 2001 Peeters was a guest in the talk show ''Men on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mannen op de rand van een zenuwinzinking (TV Series 2001– ) - IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0272995/characters/nm0670345 |website=IMDB |access-date=7 September 2021}}</ref> In 2009, he became the presenter of the Belgian version of ''[[Wipeout (2008 game show)|Wipeout]]'' alongside [[Walter Grootaers]]. When he became the youth coach of Gent, he stopped presenting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Peeters: "Wipeout is pure topsport" |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/bob-peeters-wipeout-is-pure-topsport~ba271ad9/ |work=De Morgen |date=4 March 2009 |language=nl}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===International===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto; font-size:90%;"
|+ International goals scored by Bob Peeters
! Goal !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1 || 7 October 2000 || [[Skonto Stadium]], [[Riga]] || {{fb|Latvia}} || 0 – 4 || Won || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification|2002 World Cup Qualification]]
|-
| 2 || 28 February 2001 || [[King Baudouin Stadium|Stade Roi Baudouin]], [[Brussels]] || {{fb|San Marino}} || 10 – 1 || Won || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification|2002 World Cup Qualification]]
|-
| 3 || 28 February 2001 || [[King Baudouin Stadium|Stade Roi Baudouin]], [[Brussels]] || {{fb|San Marino}} || 10 – 1 || Won || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification|2002 World Cup Qualification]]
|-
| 4 || 28 February 2001 || [[King Baudouin Stadium|Stade Roi Baudouin]], [[Brussels]] || {{fb|San Marino}} || 10 – 1 || Won || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification|2002 World Cup Qualification]]
|}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 5 April 2024}}

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan=5|Record
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[Cercle Brugge K.S.V.|Cercle Brugge]]
|align=left|1 July 2010
|align=left|27 October 2012
{{WDL|103|39|23|41|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[K.A.A. Gent|Gent]]
|align=left|1 November 2012
|align=left|3 January 2013
{{WDL|11|1|4|6|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[Waasland-Beveren]]
|align=left|5 November 2013
|align=left|23 May 2014
{{WDL|23|6|8|9|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[Charlton Athletic F.C.|Charlton Athletic]]
|align=left|27 May 2014
|align=left|11 January 2015
{{WDL|28|7|13|8|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen|Lokeren]]
|align=left|3 June 2015
|align=left|25 October 2015
{{WDL|13|4|2|7}}
|-
|align=left|[[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]]
|align=left|26 November 2015
|align=left|13 September 2016
{{WDL|22|6|4|12|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[K.V.C. Westerlo|Westerlo]]
|align=left|5 December 2017
|align=left|30 June 2021
{{WDL|114|46|33|35|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[TOP Oss]]
|align=left|1 July 2021
|align=left|30 June 2022
{{WDL|38|11|8|19|decimals=1}}
|-
|align=left|[[Helmond Sport]]
|align=left|23 December 2022
|align=left|8 April 2024
{{WDL|54|16|18|20|decimals=1}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|406|136|113|157|decimals=1}}
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Lierse'''
*[[Belgian First Division A|Belgian First Division]]: [[1996–97 Belgian First Division|1996–97]]<ref name="lierse97" />

'''Roda JC'''
*[[KNVB Cup]]: [[2000 KNVB Cup Final|1999–2000]]<ref name="knvb" />

===Manager===
'''Westerlo'''
*[[Belgian First Division B]]: [[2019–20 Belgian First Division B|2019–20]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{FIFA}}
* {{RBFA player}}
* {{Soccerbase manager}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Bob Peeters managerial positions
|list1=
{{Cercle Brugge K.S.V. managers}}
{{K.A.A. Gent managers}}
{{Waasland-Beveren managers}}
{{Charlton Athletic F.C. managers}}
{{K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen managers}}
{{K.V.C. Westerlo managers}}
{{TOP Oss managers}}
{{Helmond Sport managers}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Peeters, Bob}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Belgian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Roda JC Kerkrade players]]
[[Category:SBV Vitesse players]]
[[Category:Millwall F.C. players]]
[[Category:K.R.C. Genk players]]
[[Category:Lierse S.K. players]]
[[Category:Belgian Pro League players]]
[[Category:Eredivisie players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Belgium men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Lier, Belgium]]
[[Category:Cercle Brugge K.S.V. managers]]
[[Category:K.A.A. Gent managers]]
[[Category:Charlton Athletic F.C. managers]]
[[Category:K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen managers]]
[[Category:K.V.C. Westerlo managers]]
[[Category:TOP Oss managers]]
[[Category:Helmond Sport managers]]
[[Category:English Football League managers]]
[[Category:Belgian Pro League managers]]
[[Category:Challenger Pro League managers]]
[[Category:Eerste Divisie managers]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Belgian expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Belgian football managers]]
[[Category:Association football executives]]