Although it might seem like a sudden release, it has not been quite unexpected. Paul Mulders has been a long time fixture in the Dutch Eerste division(2nd tier) and it has been a pleasant surprise that an older player like Paul has been called up to play in the Eredivisie against giants like Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord.
At the ripe old age(in football years) of 30, he was finally given a chance to ply his trade with a premier side team. He played as a sometime starter early in the last season and then less and less. He was also released for a long period in April and March to participate in the AFC Challenge Cup with the Philippine national team.
It was Pauls old coach and then current ADO head coach John van de Brom who recruited Paul to ADO Den Haag, unfortunate for both, de Brom was replaced shortly after and new coach Maurice Steijn most likely was not sold on the older Mulders.
Perhaps just as well, it should be considered a successful footballing career for Paul as he has been a long time fixture in the Dutch 2nd division and finally reaching the pinnacle of the Eredivisie. Not only that, he is a part of a national team which has reached new heights partly because of his contributions. With this, Pauls road is still long and open. Perhaps another Eredivisie team or back to his long time Eerste division? But according to a Dutch football site here he might be heading to an Indonesian club!
Quite a few Philippine national players have been invited to play in football crazy Indonesia with at least one ending badly(but thats another story). What is known is that clubs do pay well and with Pauls skill sets, perhaps Indonesia is a place where he can once again shine, earn very well AND be closer to the motherland too.
Good luck to Paul in his future endeavors!
Didn't expect this to happen so soon but I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later because his age. Nevertheless, he was a source of pride amongst football fan.
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