Bob Maaskant's legacy: how one man shaped NAC Breda's night games

Former Dutch football coach Bob Maaskant, aged 88, has died, remembered as the architect of NAC Breda’s famed ‘evening NAC’ tradition that turned night fixtures into daunting away games after the club installed floodlights in 1975. His career spanned roles from caretaker at Excelsior to head coach at NAC, and a brief stint at Go Ahead Eagles.

Born in Rotterdam, Maaskant began his football career in 1964 at Excelsior as a caretaker. Two years later he combined that role with an assistant‑coach position at NAC Breda.

He later held various posts at Holland Sport, SV Slikkerveer and SVV, before returning to both NAC and Go Ahead Eagles in different capacities.

In 1986 Maaskant stopped coaching because of knee problems, ending his spell as NAC’s head coach, and subsequently worked as a zaakwaarnemer.

A short return came in 1996 when, after the dismissal of Ab Fafié, he managed Go Ahead Eagles for four matches.

"This morning my father has died," wrote his son and fellow coach Robert Maaskant. "Bob lived a wonderful life, laughed, saw the whole world and turned his passion for football into his work. For me and the children he was the most caring, loving man we could wish for. Bob lives forever in our hearts."

Maaskant’s influence endures in NAC’s night‑match tradition and in the memories of the fans and family who cherish his contribution to Dutch football.