Nuremberg's model professional
Amassing over 90 caps for Belgium and having played in every league game for 1. C Nuremberg since joining in 2010, Timmy Simons typifies that cool and experienced head that every squad needs.
Born in Diest, Belgium on 11 December 1976, Simons' first professional club was SK Lommel, whom he joined in 1998. After two impressive seasons and 64 league appearances, the defensive midfielder transferred to Belgian giants FC Club Bruges in 2000. It was in Bruges that he won his first silverware, claiming the Belgian League title (2003, 2005), the Belgian Cup (2002, 2004), as well as being named League Player of the Season in 2002.
His stock having risen continually, Simons was on the move again in 2005, crossing the Dutch border to join PSV Eindhoven. Again he became a mainstay of the side, helping them to three successive Eredivisie titles between 2006 and 2008 and assuming the club captaincy after veteran Philip Cocu left in 2007.
After five fruitful seasons in Eindhoven, the then 33-year-old took up yet another challenge, opting to play for Nuremberg in the Bundesliga. And how glad fans of the club will be that he made the decision. Consistent, hard-working and a model professional, he has been a fantastic servant to Der Club and a great example to the young players that coach Dieter Hecking has blooded in recent years.
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