League Cycle XXIV PreviewFPIFA Season Twenty-Four, and we saw the return of SK to the top of the Divisjon One table last season, in addition to them memorably retaining their Champions' Cup trophy as well. This is quit the squad that SK have now, and they're only going to add to it, so it will be important for the rest of the league to keep track with them. Axel Heiburg returned to the top places in the table last season as well, though we had to watch and grimace as East Franz suffered a humiliating drop out of the Globe Cup spots entirely. We also bade farewell to Alexsandr van Sorensen, who has moved from the pitch to the touchline at Jan Mayen, taking the assistant manager's spot vacated by Lee Sharp as he moved to his own nation's u-21s set-up.
So, what'll we see this season? Another dominant title for SK? Out of twenty-three seasons so far the club from the capital has taken more than a third of all title available since the formation of the league, and as we roll ever onwards to the 25th anniversay of the league next season, everyone will be wanting to bounce towards it off the back of a morale boosting win in the 24th. At the bottom, we can already predict Viipuri will have a hard time of it. Nice to have them with us, nonetheless.
Also, don't forget to see the end of this preview for the publication of the Valhallan Alliance of Higher Education Providers' Sports Society Football League results.
Past ChampionsI: SK Franz Josef City
II: SK Franz Josef City (2)
III: Jan Mayen Islanders
IV: Jan Mayen Islanders (2)
V: East Franz Athletic
VI: SK Franz Josef City (3)
VII: SK Franz Josef City (4)
VIII: SK Franz Josef City (5)
IX: Jan Mayen Islanders (3)
X: East Franz Athletic (2)
XI: FC Cape St Paul
XII: SK Franz Josef City (6)
XIII: East Franz Athletic (3)
XIV: East Franz Athletic (4)
XV: FC Axel Heiburg
XVI: FC Axel Heiburg (2)
XVII: East Franz Athletic (5)
XVIII: FC Axel Heiburg (3)
XIX: SK Franz Josef City (7)
XX: Northbrook Diamonds FK
XXI: FC1. Surtsey Island Gulls
XXII: Jan Mayen Islanders (4)
XXIII: SK Franz Josef City (7)
XXIV: ...?
Manager: Domeka Iriarte
(ASG);
Captain: Vladimir Lucic, DC;
Key Player: Ismet van Huijgevoort
(MYT), AMC
Preview: Domeka Iriarte is the man with the plan. An SK here now, there is nothing the Astograthian can do this season that the Griffon faithful won't consider fantastic. Retaining the Champions' Cup is almost unheard of across the Multiverse, but this SK squad have done just that now, and as reigning champions of Divisjon One as well they are the team to beat. Assisted by SK legend Maarten Berg in the deputy role, Iriarte has set about getting the team play his way, with Eyvindur Sudesval's performances in the midfield continuing to dictate their play, and Gordonopian defensive midfielder Davis Roger also impressing. World Cup winner Karsten Eiger is now on his way out of his playing career, with Iriarte bringing in highly thought of Syndicatian striker Luke Mitchell from Aasiaat Harbour as a result. He will assist the explosive Valladares international Pedrinho, and Iriarte will be hoping that the two will combined to form a deadly partnership, with plenty of support from the midfield. Erratic Mytanar international star Ismet van Huijgevoort and new signing Delafreniere of New Montreal States are the key presences moving forwards, and with a young cohort including Nilsson and Konigstein, the future looks bright for SK.
Last Season: Champions.
Prediction: Champions.
Manager: Anders Durs;
Captain: Guus Olsen, MC;
Key Player: Gustaf Kolehmainen, ST
Preview: Anders Durs has worked wonders at Stadion Solberg over the past decade, and that title was the very least that he deserves. The challenge now is replicating it again. The explosive front three of Gustaf Kolehmainen, Astograthian striker Churin and Hallmar Einarsson of Bleak Rock is enough to strike fear into the heart of any defenders in the league, especially when backed up by the talented midfielders in the squad like Hans Wiig, Guus Olsen, and Klaus Just. Ekain Ziaurriz and Joachim Elden have been astute additions to the defence alongside Sam Hill and Torsten Navarro, and they'll be looking to repeat last year's excellent season at the back, and as long as Kirilaunen has a good season in between the sticks, they'll be challenging for the title once again. They've reached the semi-finals of that particular competition twice now, and they'll want to be back for more. Keep it tight at the back, and Kolehmainen will do the rest; a phenomenally strong squad on paper. A huge one, too, so they can compete on multiple fronts.
Last Season: 2nd.
Prediction: 2nd.
Manager: Miroslav Pvanic;
Captain: Marten Cornelius, MC;
Key Player: Skorji Oslograd
(EUR), ST
Preview: It's entirely fair to say that Pvanic had big shoes to fill when he took on this job, and on recent showing it's easy to see why the pressure is starting to creep in around his crows' feet. Marten Cornelius currently has the captain's armband as the Argonauts look for a fourth captain to follow in the footsteps of Pekarik, Rasmus, and Hauge in lifting the trophy, and his calm style and laid back creativity is key to their possession football. Their Haapa-Mechelin Youth Academy means the club has a huge squad of youngsters to choose from, and their unity having grown up together means the team is one of the most fluently creative and envied in the league regardless of the personnel they have on the pitch at any one time. The strike force was overhauled last season, and Euran hotshot Skorji Oslograd and the East Franz outcast Diedrich Kvitchenko have picked up the baton nicely so far alongside Jagr, but youth is needed in the front line. Interesting times ahead at Axel Heiburg.
Last Season: 3rd.
Prediction: 4th.
Manager: Niko Marek;
Captain: Kohev Küngas-Vaga, DL;
Key Player: Jean-Eric Villeneuve, AMC
Preview: Winning the title was an outstanding achievement for the Diamonds and Niko Marek won't be happy with only finishing fourth last season. Euran captain Sam Riley adds steel to the Northbrook midfield, providing the muscle that allows Acquan Cup of Harmony runner-up Fibonacci and Tern Jean-Eric Villeneuve to flourish in their more creative roles in the midfield. Their workrate in the middle of the park keeps the cogs turning, and it is hard to see the Diamonds ever struggling to pick up points when they're all fit. A finely balanced and well put-together set of players, they'll be a force once again, but the squad isn't that big despite the additions of Oliver Kuggelijn and Etor Yauregialzo, and with a few glaring gaps on the bench they could be paper thin at times this season. Finiguerra leads a talented front line, and the Diamonds have been constructed well around the scaffolding of Kungas-Vaga and Villeneuve. If they stay fit, Marek has a really talented squad on his hands.
Last Season: 4th.
Prediction: 3rd.
Manager: Jakub Lunder;
Captain: Dennis Adkvissen
(MYT), DR;
Key Player: Eikr Lillehammer, DMC
Preview: Aasiaat Harbour are a team that has come a long, long way in recent years. From promotion, to the SBCC, to a season that saw them reach the Globe Cup and win the Latitude Cup, Aasiaat have been going from strength to strength. They appear to be struggling to break through the plateau into becoming one of the clubs with serious ambitions on the title of a Champions' Cup place, but that doesn't mean they're not trying. The Mytanar combination of club legend Dennis Adkvissen and Aleksi Symak will again be key to any further good luck they have this season, particularly when the change in personnel up front. Apox striker Martin Roskorwell will be asked to replace the goals lost when Mitchell signed for Franz Josef City, and the support of Jones and Solheim will be key if he is to achieve that goal. Eikr Lillehammer is a rock in the midfield and now has established Tern status to show for that. Consistent, if no longer eyebrow-raising. But that just means they've come so far that we expect quality from them now.
Last Season: 5th.
Prediction: 8th.
Manager: Vyacheslav Merkens
(MYT);
Captain: Alexander Aagard, MC;
Key Player: Jack Moses
(APX), MC
Preview: RSK fans saw their side reach the heady heights of sixth last season, despite losing Bjerregaard to Rumiatzi, and Merkens has to take the plaudits for that. Merkens used to play for the club, and at forty-fivehe is the youngest manager in the top flight, and, aside from Robin Hjik at Nasjonale Hauker, is the only other Mytanar in Polarian club management. Montpellier is a proven yet underrated goal-scorer and he will be aided in attack once again by Roddy Dickson, whilst the presence of the Odegaard brothers in the squad is a calming one despite their age. There are better and more exciting teams than RSK this season, but they're in a good position on the whole. Alexander Aagard and Jack Moses are tremendously exciting to watch, and new keeper Cromdiir has ably replaced Belgrave. Miroslav Kerzhakov was brought in from Resolute when the Storm got relegated last season, and much is hoped for from the youngster.
Last Season: 6th.
Prediction: 9th.
Manager: Ben Randall
(EUR);
Captain: David Wien; DC
Key Player: Bradley Birch
(TIS), MC
Preview: After stunning the nation to win the league, Jan Mayen slumped as far back as seventh last season. And that was with home town hero Alexsandr van Sorensen, who has now moved to the sidelines following his retirement. Ben Randall has been blooding up the youngsters fast in anticipation of this day, and it is finally here. Time to trust the youngsters, because the senior guard are now nearly all gone. Ageing midfielders Kristijan Preda and Emrahn Vik will once again be there to supplement key man and Syndicatian Bradley Birch in the midfield, wih Trevowah and Lehto on the wings behind the lone striker of Nordby, Akerhausen, or Demaru. But the most important thing, far greater than any individual performances, will be
Last Season: 7th.
Prediction: 7th.
Manager: Olaf Kurfuroy;
Captain: Julius Oyen-Spekke, DC;
Key Player: Felix Saarinen, ST
Preview: The Rendahl was a shadow of its former self last season. When Fjelden left for the Apox job via Wight and the Septen Islands he disrupted the very core of the club, and they just don't look themselves at the moment. With Saarinen and Kilpter now doing things up front on their own, you have to wonder how this shattered club will pick itself up to challenge for Champions' Cup places. That's the trouble with the league at the moment - it's just so strong, and you have to wonder if stopgap manager Olaf Kurfuroy will be able to do anything special here with the shaken personalities in the dressing room. Falling out of the top seven altogether was nothing short of a disaster, and with ageing captain Julius Oyen-Spekke not looking like the player he used to be, they've already lost the player they brought in to steadily replace him over time - Aapo Nordenberg to Ituraitz. Perhaps it's time to build a squad around Mannerheim, and leave the older players to move on when they see fit. Revolution needed, but Kurfuroy should drag them through this coming season and back into the Globe Cup spots.
Last Season: 8th.
Prediction: 5th.
Manager: Thomas Celik;
Captain: Ibrahim Baek, GK;
Key Player: Skorji Oslograd
(EUR), AMC
Preview: Having seen how Northbrook and Axel Heiburg have benefited from an investment in youth, Bjarnarey have made similar investments, and with Olsen, Vaaraniemi and Hjerstadt breaking through into the first team - though Vaaraniemi has now moved on to bigger things in the Vanorian league, and good luck to him. Things are looking positive for the future at The Barge; Albin Oslograd, brother of Euran strike Skorji, has impressed since his arrival, and with both Jensen and Vaaraniemi needing replacing, the full back pair of Emil Koolhaas and Erik Svarvarson will need to step up. World Cup winning midfielder Ia Rodda is now country-less, and the fans have started a petition to sign him for the Bjarnese 'national' team for the upcoming inter-Norscelt competitions, but if Hjerstadt gets injured they'll struggle badly for goals despite the presence in the squad of Mateusz Wolff, younger brother of Terns striker Torsten.
Last Season: 9th.
Prediction: 10th.
Manager: Nicklas Pettersen;
Captain: David Velten, ST;
Key Player: Cassiano Aulenti
(OSD), MC
Preview: Well, Franz Josef Young Boys certainly couldn't be accused of riding their luck last season, with several keys performers in the side propelling them to the brink of a top half finish. All after winning the SBCC and Super Cup. I guess football really is a confidence game. Situated just outside the capital city in the suburb of Sogne, their squad isn't a huge one, but Pettersen has cultured in them a great team spirit. This gives them an edge, and the figure of Acquan midfieder Aulenti will be seen up and down the nation getting in the thick of things for the benefit of the team. An ageing squad, but they've already shown they can tangle with the best of them, so why not predict something interesting from them once again?
Last Season: 10th.
Prediction: 13th.
Manager: Mathias Paatelainen;
Captain: Rancisc Faró
(FFD), DC;
Key Player: Blake Descoteaux
(SAU), ST
Preview: Despite the size and enthusiasm of their support, Red Star continue to avoid investing heavily in their squad, only replacing players they've sold. Nonetheless, Mathias Paatelainen is a talented manager, and he should be able to make the best with what he has. Blake Descoteaux of Saugeais, who, let's face it, could probably do better than Red Star, has been almost single-handedly propelling the club to top half finishes in recent seasons, and he will be the key here once again. And don't the fans just love him for that. More also now rests upon the young players left behind in the squad after yet another burgeoning talent in Svenbjorn Einarsson was sold abroad to Farfadillis. They've got an underrated youth academy here in Severny, and these players, like Kochuakova, Roen, Karbonenko, and Larsen look quality, and I finally see a good season for them ahead. Rancisc Faro has somewhat surprisingly been given the captain's armband now that Smolensk has retired, and it is up to him now to prove Paatelainen's faith correct.
Last Season: 11th.
Prediction: 6th.
Manager: Christian Offenburg;
Captain: Felix Vdovin, DMC;
Key Player: Eyvindur Pasternack, DC
Preview: Well, there we have it; another Polarian side enjoying the post-SBCC winning glow stayed in the top flight easily. I'm not sure why we're even surprised anymore. The relegation of Solovesky Monastery all those seasons ago saw them overhaul their squad, with many of the players making their way to Apox. Offenburg has since brought the next batch of players through near enough from scratch, and that final at Lunar Park was proof that it was all worth while. Many of the players we'll be seeing this season are a product of that regeneration, like Pasternack, and others like club captain and Champions' Cup veteran Felix Vdovin have been brought in from more established clubs as a result of their promotion. The partnership between Vdovin, formerly of SK, and Hans Reema, formerly of Jan Mayen, will be crucial once again this season, even if they may falter slightly in their bid to emulate the steady passage of Aasiaat. Youth players are also starting to shine through at Solovetsky, with the likes of Eskildsen and Moss catching the eye already.
Last Season: 12th.
Prediction: 11th.
Manager: Jalle Kufstrom;
Captain: Nico Tchepikov; DC
Key Player: Reuben Ness, MC
Preview: Well, FC Cape St Paul used to be a title contender, but last season they were celebrating just staying up. Of course, they used to celebrate that as well. Nonetheless, they are a huge club in terms of support, and having the third largest domestic stadium back in the top flight can only be a good thing. Squad wise, it's an odd mixture of loyal players who stuck with the club but weren't good enough to get hunted by teams in the top flight, and young and upcoming players that were preparing to have just that happen to them. Two key signings were made from relegated teams in Reuben Ness and Polar Islandstates u-21s captain Martin Feldbaek, but I look at the rest of the squad and I do wonder if they'll be good enough to stay up once more.
Last Season: 13th.
Prediction: 16th.
Manager: Fendergéson Numbá
(FFD);
Captain: Martin Latka
(MYT), DC;
Key Player: Snerik Oiskha
(MYT), AMC
Preview: Babbagian investment into Torshavn has been a much appreciated thing, and the money has added some real quality in the side, much of it Mytanar. The power of Martin Latka in defence will be relied upon after Aapo Nordenberg followed old manager Olaf Kurfuroy to East Franz. Fendergéson Numbá is the first Farf manager to feature in the Federation, and many eyes will be upon him this year to see what he can do to improve on last season's shaky start. The attacking midfielders of Oiskha, Geirsson, and Hynninen will have plenty to aim at with the talented strike trio of Mêrí, Saari, and Jepsen up ahead of them - and much will rest on these attacks if the team are to progress. Last season wasn't amazing, but Torshavn do very well on modest resources. Could aim for a top half finish if results go their way.
Last Season: 14th.
Prediction: 12th.
Manager: Vagn Thern;
Captain: Adam Kossakovsky, MC;
Key Player: Morten Macinko, ST
Preview: Given the facilities available to him, Vagn Thern has done a wonderful job here in Grenlund once again, and the club should be thankful for the exposure he's gotten them as a result. His talents don't stretch to increasing the budget however, and their players might struggle against the sides that can simply afford better. Nonetheless, expecting Macinko to net a fair few seems to be a fair bet once again, and the wonderfully named Kossakovsky is capable of netting any free kick in a dangerous area with that sweet left boot of his. Nuuk are a side that I don't think anyone expected to see get promoted in the first place, but they had a remarkable season that year as they lost out on Globe Cup football by goal difference only in just their first season. They got relegated the season after that of course, andI think we'll see them go down again this year after only just staying up last season.
Last Season: 15th.
Prediction: 17th.
Manager: Teemu Aharonov;
Captain: Josef Torgerson, DC;
Key Player: Felix Alstad, ST
Preview: SC Kiel, known once as Lions SC, formed from the ashes of their former moniker when that expensively assembled team went economically tits-up in the most spectacular fashion. Missing out on the original cut for the FPIFA league system by quite some way twenty-four seasons ago, Kiel has become something of a rugby town since. But not anymore. Aharonov has done a great job to get Kiel into the top flight, and with the kind of purchases he's been making, they might just stay here. The likes of Housen, Mannisenmaki, and Aaltonen have all been brought in to aid last seasons stars, captain Torgenson, and Divisjon Two top scorer Felix Alstad. Particularly impressive was convincing Finn Hadamczik, far from past it, to join from Northbrook Diamonds.
Last Season: Champions, Divisjon Two.
Prediction: 14th.
Manager: Maximilian Shekodanova;
Captain: Marten Jorgensen, DR;
Key Player: Gunnar Stojaspal, ST
Preview: Koppen Rig Force fall into the bracket that they share with about a half dozen other teams; being those that are always flitting between the top flight and the one below it. Right now, they're in it. Will they always be? Doubt it. This season they could be okay though, that is, if they can keep Sol Sjodin et al fit for the whole season, particularly injury prone centre-back Jens Torvig and club captain Marten Jorgensen. Their win percentage rockets up the pair of them in the side, so they'll want to keep them fit. The strike partnership of Stojaspal and Omdahl should score plenty. It's keeping the rest out that'll be the hard part.
Last Season: 2nd, Divisjon Two.
Prediction: 15th.
Manager: Guus Tuulari;
Captain: Merlin Nordholm, GK;
Key Player: Andy Munro
(TLI), DC
Preview: What is this I don't even. FK Viipuri 56 are the in the top flight, as baffling as that sounds, having exploded ever since the league expansion all those years ago. Far outstripping their fellow Sakhalin sides Toyoharo Revolutionaries or Okhotsk Kholmsk Town, they've made it into the top flight and hope to stay here. Realistically, despite the talents of Guus Tuulari, they stand next to no chance whatever, and even finishing just off the bottom of the table would mark an achievement. They've attempted to strengthen, with Licentian twins Andy and Jamie Munro bringing some top flight experience to the centre-back position, and Boris Gulbrandsen joining the club in the playmaker role from Surtsey Island Gulls. Top scorers from last season Wiese and Norgen will continue their partnership, and vocal goalkeeper Nordholm learly has a future in the top flight - I just don't think it will be with Viipuri.
Last Season: 3rd, Divisjon Two.
Prediction: 18th
Teams: AC Aleutia Volcanoes -
(Favourites) AFK Hans Island Pioneers
Atammik Zenith FK
Eintracht Moss-Rygge
FK Grise Fiord
Hospitaliers
Islay Town Mechanical
Klub Atletisk Spitsbergen
Lokomotiv Barentsberg
Melville Celtic
North Star Grímsey
Novaya Sibir Reds
Rapid SK Eysturoy
Resolute Storm 1913 FC
Scapa Bay Rovers
SK Nasjonale Hauker
Uelmark MK
Yuzhny Equinox FC
Teams: Axel Town AFC
Bathurst Zenith FC
Bohemiens Grise Fiord
Eastgate Victoria FC
Energie Møllna-Grei SC
FK Norsviken Cossacks
Franz Josef Sharks
Mekoryuk Maskettes
Rapid Jan Mayen FK
Severny Wingtips
Sisimut Town AFK
SK 1982 Matua
SK Stryær
Skipsbyggere IFK
St Gallen 47
Toyoharo Revolutionaries
Universitet
Waldenøya Bears -
(Favourites)Teams: Agheim CF
Cape Somerville Town
Crusaders
Dinamo Clavering SC
FC1. Sturm Grímsey
Korsten Lokomotiv
Måriussa Viking FK
Resolute Hills FC
San Moranna FC
SK Sporting Juura
SK Sturm Rässinger 76
Sporting Club Aasiaat 87 -
(Favourites) Steffansson Island FC
Surtsey Rovers SK
Teams: 1. Lokomotiv Karlstadt
Devon Bay Lights FC
Devon Bay Seals FC
Dinamo Olsa FK
FC Fetlar
Fjorhorgen SK
Henfergen Town FC
Hoyvik Town FC
MK Lillehammer
NKK Urri
Okhotsk Kholmsk Town FC -
(Favourites) Rapid Neftegorsk FK
Royal NK Sikjonek
SK Yuzhny Albion
Teams: Bennett and Zhokhov
FC Svenskøya
FC Velcosta Cliffs -
(Favourites) FK Ost-Volonovsk
FK Spartak Eilinn
Larsen Bay Thunder FC
Machtspool Whitesleeves FC
RSK Moorlands
Seratakki Villagers
Severnaya Zemlya 88 Equinox
Svenskøya SV98
Torpedo Sibir RKA
Teams: AIK Oversetten
FC Kampengar Magpies
FC North Melville -
(Favourites) FC1. Rangers
FK Aagen Zenith
FKRA Norregaard
KSC Brighthelmstone
McAvery Centurions
North Banks FC
Sannegarden Fleet FK
SK Skarpnack
Sutherland Foundry SK
Teams: AIK Alejavik
Daugen Borealis FC
Holtrecht Force SK
IHK Geddesberg
IK62 Wagnerevn
Ilksporta IK
Ingvar Peaks FC
Invermuir Highlanders FC -
(Favourites) KA Rikyaare
Maritime Hove FC
Neuerlatz AFK
SK Thor 1898
Teams: AFC Aigburth
FK Weisshaus
Grass-Lisch AFC
GVFFK Pekarik
Kirkenes SK
Logan United FC
Matahiko Viktory SK
NKK Masan-Hiko
Northbrook Zenith FC
Savoonga Moor SK -
(Favourites) SK Stromness Electric
SV Keldira Zenith
And of course, don't forget that clubs in the Regional League can get relegated now.
And so, for the fourth time, the VAHEP Sports Societies' Football League...
ELITE GROUP EAST-----East Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Aasiaat Naval Academy 14 10 1 3 31 15 +16 31
2 Petr Jacobsen University 14 9 1 4 17 8 +9 28
3 University of Nuuk 14 7 3 4 21 18 +3 24
4 Kiel Academy of Law 14 6 3 5 25 22 +3 21
5 City of Jan Mayen University 14 5 3 6 18 19 −1 18
6 Jan Mayen School of Humanities 14 4 3 7 18 20 −2 15
7 Bjarnarey Maritime College 14 4 1 9 9 24 −15 13
8 Central University Ellismare 14 1 5 8 13 26 −13 8
ELITE GROUP WEST-----West Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Axel Heiburg Institute 14 7 7 0 24 13 +11 28
2 Wittenberg University 14 6 5 3 27 16 +11 23
3 Franz Josef State University 14 6 5 3 22 17 +5 23
4 University of Karlstadt 14 6 3 5 20 14 +6 21
5 Volonovsk Institute of Cartography 14 5 5 4 22 22 0 20
6 Torshavn University 14 4 5 5 20 20 0 17
7 University of Barentsberg 14 4 1 9 15 26 −11 13
8 University of West Severny 14 1 3 10 6 28 −22 6
So, with Aasiaat Naval Institute having the chance to defend their title, this time against Axel Heiburg Institute, a neutral venue in Franz Josef City was chosen for the final, where the title was successfully defended.
Final
Aasiaat Naval Academy 3-1 Axel Heiburg Institute
CHAMPIONS: Aasiaat Naval Academy