Introduction to the 2036 Season
Whilst the first few qualifiers of the 79th rendition of the World Cup take place, the fourteen squads from the Top Division prepare for the third post-revolutionary domestic year. The key change in the domestic pyramid is the return of the Start Division, still sponsored by fuzzy soda water, which will house fourteen sides vying for more. After all, the champion can join the big boys in 2037 but also the number two might rival the number thirteen of the top tier for a chance. Below in the third tier, we find three groups of fourteen clubs who will not only be competing for a title and a subsequent promotion, but also for a seat in the to-be newly formed third tier. This means that eight new sides join the domestic pyramid - adding an extra round to the Knut Dahle Trophy.
After what had been a surprisingly solid year in the UICA competitions, which saw Bengtsmark IF make it all the way till the quarterfinals of the Globe Cup, the Buyanese sides are very eager to once again make a dent in the international competitions. An unseen number of eleven clubs will dip their toe in that exciting pool, most notably Bengtsmark IF who make an attempt to a second consecutive Champions’ Cup group phase. Viztourzys, Tjelberg and Pajukas make an appearance in the Globe Cup whilst promoted Haljo Vannarby returns to the SBCC, along with Hattrick Zeimgava and 22. Czerwiec Grozno - both of them making an unheralded debut. The youngsters from Blau-Weiss get rewarded with a spot in the Youth Cup for their triumph in the Venclova Vase. Cup winner Jottnar Kallsmudden makes an attempt for eternal glory in the Cygnus Cup while their foes in the Cup Final, Welanduz Vadshult, return to the scene after more than a decade with a CEdC berth, where they’ll join Bengtsmark IF. Lastly, there is Ernesse Stahl who will represent the Buyanese FA in the inaugural Vilitan Cove Trophy.
We also want to draw your attention to a new influx of international players. The eyecatcher of the off-season was evidently made by Emil Eklund who broke the Buyanese transfer record with an eight-number figure to join Schottian powerhouse Cornellians. Less in the spotlights but in the same financial tier was the departure of Heron Kendall, that admirable striker, to the same shores. As the FA had put rather stringent financial fair play rules on the clubs, which were predicted to tame and even cripple the transfer market, these two influxes of money assured the whole of the competition of a small transfer boom, raising the figures. Money to be spent domestically, with a few massive transfer sums for young talents, but also internationally as the Top Division welcomes another dozen of international footballers. Most of them still unknowns today, they might become the next Maniche, Amundsen, Delafuente, Hari or Kendall...
Top Division Teams 2036
Bengtsmark IF
Home Stadium: Havssidanstadion (28.000 seats) in Bengtsmark, Mullsphall (455.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Derrik Markushovn (70)
”It’s not just about going out with a boom -
I want to leave this club with a structure for the ages.” – Derrik Markushovn
I want to leave this club with a structure for the ages.” – Derrik Markushovn
Starting XI: Steed Corren (35 - NPH) *** Brun Carrack (24 - BRE), Ludvig Sandstrom (26), Viggo Stromberg (23), Olli Grilianen (32) *** Loke Astrom (31), Donat Chmiel (23) *** Carl Nyberg (21), Valter Isaksson (29), Sigge Malmsten (32 - Capt) *** Lutz Kesselbaum (22)
Bench: Oskar Holm (21 - GK), Mans Norling (21 - GK), Aado Luik (35 - RD), Lucas Lind (29 - CD), Svante Svenson (18 - LD), Feliksas Kiaunis (25 - CD), Theodor Jonsson (22 - DM), Klas Kinlund (26 - CM), Erik Brykt (18 - CM), Tjorven Nordwall (19 - RM), Albin Holm (19 - CA), Per Olfen (29 - RA), Jannick Brems (32 - LA)
Transfers In: Lutz Kesselbaum (4.2 mil - Ernesse Stahl), Brun Carrack (3.5 mil - Lotus Park (BRE)), Feliksas Kiaunis (2.1 mil - Sparta Torspeda), Erik Brykt (youth product), Tjorven Nordwall (youth product)
Transfers Out: Emil Eklund (10 mil - Cornellians (SCT)), Arvid Sjoberg (1.7 mil - Welanduz Vadshult), Lucas Lind (0.3 mil - Slask Pruzniwczo)
Overview: There isn’t a single side in Buyan who brings up so many emotions amidst the fans as the Yellows - especially after grabbing two back-to-back titles. However, the upcoming season seems to have a special value of its own as Derrik Markushovn, at the helm in the Havssidan for nearly three decades, announced that this will be his last stand. Monumental, as the experienced manager stands for everything Bengtsmark breaths: confidence on the border of cocky, ambitious but also realistic and industrious. Even his fiercest enemies must recognise that few men in the business have the skill of Markushovn. Whilst some media already try to boom the story about who will be his successor, IF attempts to focus on this season with a trio of targets: the Cup, the Title and the Champions Cup group stage. Although it might be a bit farfetched to believe they’ll achieve this triple crown, the Yellows once again know why they aim so high - they’re used to success.
Moreover, they managed to bring in a cartload of cash by shipping off Emil Eklund to Schottia - a marvellous transfer for the prolific striker and a show of the strong commercial side of Markushovn. Then again, sending off a player who scored twenty-five goals in thirty-nine appearances next season remains a difficult quest. It has been given to Lutz Kesselbaum, who rocked the nation with Stahl last season only to lose the Golden Boot - to Eklund - on the final matchday. Stepping in the footsteps of Mattisson, Maniche and Eklund will be quite a task at hand for the 22-year old but with his strength and pace, he seems a good match with the system played. However, acquiring the hottest guy on the market did not run out the treasury yet, allowing Markushovn to tackle the defensive Achilles’ heel as well. Aado Luik has been an exemplary club man but had difficulty in the UICA. Brenecian allrounder Brun Carrack should have the anticipation and intelligence to settle in quickly with the defensive line.
It makes Bengtsmark once again a formidable side, with a reliable Corren on goal and a back four revolving around future captain Viggo Stromberg. Chmiel and Astrom rarely get mentioned, but their grit and volume make IF a versatile and feared opponent. Number ten Valter Isaksson won the Player of the Year Trophy in 2035 - and rightly so. But what really ensures that the Yellows stand out amongst their opponents is the sheer quality of the bench - even if losing Sjoberg is a shame. That they can spend 2 million on a fringe defender shows what league they play in and guys like Brems, Olfen and Kinlund allow IF to fight on several fronts, dealing with the pace of games. Add to that a thriving young generation, lead out by Svensson, infamous talent Albin Holm and Erik Brykt and you’ve got a side that deserves the predicate of title favourite. If Kesselbaum and Carrack fit in nicely, it will take a strong opponent to stop them.
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt
Home Stadium: Unter dem Linden (12.500 seats) in Pallstadt, Trovne (85.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Markus Anderton (39 - NPH)
”Some people think we’re a joke
But I know who’ll have the last laugh.” - Jorg Trull
But I know who’ll have the last laugh.” - Jorg Trull
Starting XI: Lex Kirsch (23) *** Esther Austad (22 - NPH), Jorg Trull (31 - Capt), Lowen Rosenthal (20 - NPH), Bastian Felgenhauer (25) *** Reinhard Sachs (22), Stasys Fainsteinas (27), Chimera Moxham (18 - NPH), Toni Hellerman (20) *** Aristide Metzger (19 - NPH), Stefan Hostmann (33)
Bench: Marijus Semberas (26 - GK), Franki Walz (25 - CD), Klas Lieffering (18 - CD), Tania Elliott-Crewe (20 - LD - NPH), Johan Isselhardt (30 - DM), Oswald Platz (32 - CM), Heino Kruger (27 - LM), Herbert Kump (19 - CM),Andrezj Rudyk (20 - AM), Karsten Sweiffer (29 - RA), Bernd Vleugelslag (27 - CA)
Transfers In: Marijus Semberas (0.6 mil - Kuranki Ponnistus), Andrezj Rudyk (1 mil - Ciegnalki Motor), Klas Lieffering (youth product), Herbert Kump (youth product), Tania Elliott-Crewe (loan - AFC Treason (NPH)), Chimera Moxham (loan - AFC Treason (NPH)), Aristide Metzger (loan - AFC Treason (NPH))
Transfers Out: Amber Trahearne (end of loan - AFC Treason (NPH)), Aura Keynes (end of loan - AFC Treason (NPH)), Friedrich Riesling (retires), Bert Hoffer (0.25 mil - Mirzich Jedenascie), Derrik Schwengel (0.6 mil - Aigil Grephel), Heinrich Lamberts (0.15 mil - Phonix Darvell)
Overview: Year one of a Nepharim coloured version of the Craftsmen has come and gone. It was one with a notable mix of successes and deceptions that went all the way till the final whistle - a victory on the ultimate matchday saw Blau-Weiss last another season in the Top Division. The result of a long process of searching and puzzling for Markus Anderton who inherited a very mixed bag of worn-out veterans, inexperienced locals and loanees. Even if it took the fans some time to get accustomed to their Treason mercenaries, the marvellous feet of Amber Trahearne and the love-it-or-leave it power of Aura Keynes eventually won them over - especially as it inspired Stefan Hostmann to enough goals to keep the squad afloat. All incubation periods aside, it remains a fact that last year’s squad relied too much on a few individuals and the main challenge for 2036 will be in building a stronger side overall, lifting the average performance.
However, Anderton will have to do so without Keynes or Trahearne, who return to the Stags - two key players who close the door on Unter Dem Linden. Add to that the fact that there was barely any money made on parting players - the biggest fee for a Schwengel who heavily disappointed last season - and things could look grim for the Craftsmen. Nonetheless, the gaffer opens the season with more material than before, starting with a new generation of Treason youngsters knocking on the door. The two-footed, self-assured Moxham is brought in as the new pivotal player and should make all forget about Trahearne - quite a challenge but her reputation has shot up since coming close to winning a Galacticos Award - she could be the best thing to come around since sliced bread. She will have a back-up in the barely older Andrezj Rudyk, a much-sought after talent after his stellar Venclova Vase performances. Another glaring hole filled is the addition of Metzger. Only the admirable, bulky Vleugelslag was some sort of support for the easily scoring but slow Hostmann last year - having some speed up front will be crucial.
It doesn’t end there, as hardnosed left-back Elliott-Crewe at last gives some options in defence for Anderton - much is expected for Rosenthal there as she cracked under pressure a few times last year. It’s up to her to show if she’s Treason material or not. Add to that the addition of cup legend Semberas as second goalie and a duo of young whippersnappers who get promoted off the back of a successful Venclova Vase and the amount of talent running around in Pallstadt has seriously augmented. Yet, Anderton once again will have to fit in quite some new names - another poor start could lead to another tiresome season, exactly what they want to avoid. It all puts quite some pressure on the young Nepharim who form the backbone of this team: will they crack or resist? If they fulfill the challenge, Hostmann hangs in and Fainsteinas can show why he was brought in last year - that’s a few if’s there - this could be a refreshing side to follow.
Notable retirement: Friedrich Riesling. Once an up-and-coming defensive midfielder, this calm local rose with the club and celebrated a historical title which saw him eventually nominated for the national team. After all these years, his volume waned and Riesling, with his positioning and work ratio was refurbished into a right defender, a position in which he would always stay the same: loyal with his club and thankful for all chances. Malfunctioning knees, giving him only a few appearances last year, force him to a retirement but Riesling took it characteristically “I’m just glad for all those moments with Blau-Weiss”. A club man who’ll remain in the heart of every Craftsmen.
Druzhna Rovers
Home Stadium: Smertin Power Stadium (15.000 seats) in Druzhna, Urka (145.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Leonid Prukchnik (62)
”We’re on our way to the top
And this year, we’ll take a new step” – Pavel Smertin
And this year, we’ll take a new step” – Pavel Smertin
Starting XI: Kosta Kavolskas (27) *** Eduard Shulepov (32), Krisztian Herédi (22 - USI), Vadimas Simkus (29), Seppi Kapp (25) *** Sigge Pallson (28), Ingo Herdrich (23), Valeri Bugajenkovs (31), Sergei Pazilov (30 - Capt) *** Aleksander Sakalenkov (30), Vassili Putsev (20)
Bench: Aleksey Martynuk (22 - GK), Ilya Fomin (25 - LD), Oleg Kravilov (29 - CD), Pavel Nych (19 - RD), Dmitriy Zilin (29 - CD), Yury Parlov (26 - LM), Gunner Bing (19 - CM - AUD), Ilyas Feokstov (18 - AM), Samuel Vange (18 - ST)
Transfers In: Vadimas Simkus (1.5 mil - Pajukas Sport), Samuel Vange (1.2 mil - Tillsamman Stensund), Gunner Bing (free - amateur level (AUD)), Ilyas Feokstov (youth product)
Transfers Out: Lojes de Sájajo (end of loan - Viztourzys Kolektyvinis), Stepan Bluckins (2 mil - Ernesse Stahl), Adam Rowcowicz (0.4 mil - 22. Czerwiec Grozno), Evgeny Verbov (free - Torpedo Dyatinsk)
Overview: Here’s to a side that already has managed a key victory before the actual start of the season. The opening of the Smertin Power Stadium, a brand-new state-of-the-art arena, should give the Milionairs the sound base to further grow into a defining member of the Top Division. Manager Pavel Smertin never made a secret of the ambitions that far exceed the island of Urka and this stadium should renew the wind in the sails that nearly slipped away over the Financial Fairplay rules that forbid Smertin to simply open up his wallet to set things straight. After what had been a heavy season, keeping in mind the adjustment to the highest tier and the games in the SBCC, Druzhna looked actually more like a decent side than a wealthy man’s toy and they should have all what’s needed to progress further on that road.
Manager Prukchnik’s style - short, snarky and uninterested in image - cost him fans but it’s a fact that he can mould and grow players. Under his guard, Herdrich turned from a whirlwind into a NT player and Putsev became a double-figure goalscorer but also the whole group, even those remaining local players, stuck together through good and bad weather. For the next season, he can no longer count on season surprise Bluckins who switched to Ernesse, but keeping in mind that he had already two prolific strikers in the quick Putsev and the sturdy Sakalenkovs, money was well invested in talent Sam Vange - one of the brightest diamonds in the puddle of mud called the Start Division. This attacking wealth should not draw the attention away from the fact that this side remains build around Sergey Pazilov - a man of talent, a keen eye and a club player. Around him, the experience of Pallson, speed of Herdrich and toil of Bugajenkovs make a sound combination and who knows that youngsters Bing and Feokstov can already make a dent.
However, no more de Sájajo as he returns to Viztourzys with good grades. Parting ways is also Adam Rowcowicz - goalgetter in 2034, disappointment last year - who returns to his previous club to refind his form. Moving further back on the pitch, we get the highest-profile buy of the season for the Rovers. Vadimas Simkus played in a side that aimed for the title but chose for the Mints from Druzhna, partnering up with Herédi to create a formidable duo ahead of Kavolskas. Lined up like this, Druzhna can count on a stronger than ever eleven and it makes sense to target the first column. That is, if all remain on board as the bench comes across wafer-thin - Smertin mentioned before that he “doesn’t want to spend too much on guys who just sit on their back”. An attitude that can backfire but we sense that if Druzhna goes down, it will be after a fight.
Ernesse Stahl
Home Stadium: Das Stadion (13.500 seats) in Ernesse, Felder (110.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Andrey Rettinger (45)
”I’ve never played for a team like this before,
It’s all together for one goal,” - Stepan Bluckins
It’s all together for one goal,” - Stepan Bluckins
Starting XI: Karol Zagumny (26) *** Antek Zych (28), Cheney Heneghan (24 - BRE), Dietrich Lentzl (32) *** Moritz Rothblatt (20), Armin Fincke (30 - Capt), Wulf Waldow (22), Valentin Bolzenstein (30) *** Gerard Kolman (24), Stepan Bluckins (23), Robin Claesson (25)
Bench: Wolke Oppert (27 - GK), Olaf Rechgitl (31 - RD), Timo Bechtel (26 - CD), Christian Geyer (35 - CD), Gunther Egner (23 - LD), Leopold Meyr (22 - RM), Bodo Cranach (26 - CM), Arnold Stork (19 - CM), Sigismund Munch (29 - AM), Caspar Schricker (33 - LW), Rolf Jentsche (25 - RA), Zilvinas Dagys (33 - LW)
Transfers In: Karol Zagumny (1.4 mil - Ciegnalki Motor), Stepan Bluckins (2 mil - Druzhna Rovers), Cheney Heneghan (2 mil - Gallant Cross (BRE)), Frode Vennerod (0.7 mil - Jottnar Kallsmudden), Arnold Stork (youth product)
Transfers Out: Lutz Kesselbaum (4.2 mil - Bengtsmark IF), Franz Dümmler (1 mil - Aigil Grephel), Christian Geyer (free - Grephel Gryphionen), Caspar Schricker (0.2 - Ruch Siepoclawycz)
Overview: History repeats itself so much that it must have felt as Groundhog Day for manager Andrey Rettinger. With a solid squad, initially lacking an outright star, he crafted an attractive eleven that long challenged for the glory and honour of the UICA tickets and even though that mark wasn’t made, it still concluded a formidable season with a cartload of goals, a positive ambiance and an outright admirable atmosphere hanging around Stahl. Amidst a solid side with few weaknesses, a young striker lifted himself above the crop in Lutz Kesselbaum, nearly the top scorer last season. So once more, the off-season was centred around a talented attacker with the world in front of him… Who left a very interesting amount of cash behind him. And once more, Rettinger decided not to blow it on one big shot but to add quality in width, reinforcing his side to not just repeat 2035 but build upon it.
The sole Achilles’ heel was, for long, between the stakes but the departure of good-but-not-that-good Dümmler opened up room for Zagumny - the best element in the second tier. As crucial to stop the steady flow of goals against that probably cost them a third or fourth spot is the two million spend on Cheney Heneghan, a Brenecian whose bustling physicality provides something extra to the not always steadfast back three. It’s the kind of power that the 3-4-3 from Rettinger, with two wide players covering a lot of ground, really needs. Said midfield remains rocksteady with Bolzenstein and Rothblatt doing the navette - neither seems familiar with the phrase ‘a loss of form’. In the heart of the line-up lies a bit of a liability as one could question how Waldow is going to move from here. Getting a few early call-ups for the NT, he has reached some sort of standstill and now has to rely more than healthy on Armin Fincke. With Meyr, Cranach and Munch, Rettinger has good subs but no player who seems capable to become a permanent starter in an ambitious team.
The biggest makeover, however, can be found in the attacking compartiment. Two million has been flashed out for Stepan Bluckins - quite a hefty sum for a guy who was not always consistent when playing for the Rovers but his profile, a tall striker, not too selfish, suits the side like a glove. On the wings, Rettinger showed his capacity in long-term growth by the abundance of choice he created. Gerard Kolman successfully stepped up to the Top Division and he managed to craft the raw, unguided speed from Claesson into a dangerous tool. Add to that the experience of Dagys and commitment of Jentsche and you can go a few ways. For the third year on end, Ernesse seems to have become better all-around and with Andy Rettinger, they have an exciting coach who gets results with good football. There’s room for ambition.
Garbarnia Hoyersko
Home Stadium: Aleja Lipowa (9.100 seats) in Hoyersko, Serkau (170.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Adrian Poszek (44)
”Of course the expectations are different now
but I didn’t came here to play the second violin.” - Didrik Moller
but I didn’t came here to play the second violin.” - Didrik Moller
Starting XI: Zbigniew Zumicz (32) *** Elias Forsberg (26), Michal Bortkiewicz (36 - Capt), Idzi Sochacki (22), Emil Olsen (23) *** Hanko Drazanski (32), Kornel Staszak (26), Frydyryk Gorczyka (22), Didrik Moller (25) *** Rudi Polaniak (32), Titus Mielczarek (26)
Bench: Johann Lienke (31 - GK), Tamas Mazur (34 - CD), Patryk Teklak (21 - CD), Antoni Kadot (19 - RD), Daniel Rysinski (21 - DM), Emil Garbacz (27 - DM), Michal Wenta (20 - LM), Rowan Szesztup (26 - RM), Pafnucy Gawel (20 - LA), Carl Gossauer (24 - RA), Lasse Polk (23 - CA)
Transfers In: Emil Olsen (0.8 mil - Tjelberg Forening), Lasse Polk (free - amateur level), Michal Wenta (youth product), Patryk Teklak (youth product)
Transfers Out: Ryszard Kazymierczak (1.5 mil - Pajukas Sport), Miro Stepaniak (0.8 mil - Venividicci (FIL)), Jan Bonarewski (free - 22. Czerwiec Grozno)
Overview: It has been, at first sight, like a very quiet transfer period for the Tanners and sometimes, that to be a good thing. In this case, however, it rather looks as if Garbarnia is slipping behind but, we must admit, that was predicted last year as well and then the peculiar, scientific guidance of Adrian Pozek did manage to park them in the first column. It was quite a feat when kept in mind that Hoyersko, in a league where even the sides making up the middle of the pack, dare to be ambitious this off-season. But then again, it has always been the characteristic of the hard-nosed Serkauers to squeeze the best out of every buck and their home reputation has survived the turn of the times unscathed. There’s a reason that they’re the only side without a trophy who hasn’t missed a season in the Top Division yet.
The transfer story for Garbarnia was in Miro Stepaniak. The phlegmatic playmaker stood by this club longer than could be considered good for his career, but in the end it was toxic for the club as well. Adrian Pozek made a daredevil decision to cut him off, despite the wishes from the fans, the board and part of the dressing room. That he, nonetheless, managed to get all noses back in the same direction and grab results in the same process encouraged all those parties to rally behind him, cementing his position against all expectations. Stepaniak himself made no secret of it that “after giving my best years, I’m going to think about myself” and eventually landed an interesting transfer abroad to Filindostan - very motivated to show once last time what he’s made off. It all eclipsed a possibly more damaging departure, being from the fairly talented Kazymierczak who was dragged into the ‘Dance of the Left Backs’ - with hefty transfer sums on a position so many teams are weak in.
Nonetheless, the two of them brought in relatively little money and even less of that was to spend for Pozek as the Aleja Lipowa desperately needed some clean-up as well. The only serious investment was in Emil Olsen, who couldn’t really make a dent at the Forening but still has time at his side. The back four aren’t half bad, even if Bortkiewicz won’t last forever with the talented Sochacki and the underestimated Forsberg. The midfield hinges on Didrik Moller, a playmaker with a lot of heart who has the trust of his teammates to make the difference. Playing organised will probably not constitute a problem, contrary to the issue of who’s gonna score the goals… One always looks at Rudi Polaniak for a handful of them, but one day that source will dry up as well and any double-figure scorers don’t seem to be on the horizon. As such, Pozek once again starts the season with question marks, knowing that they’ll have to outsmart the wealthier opposition.
Haljo Vannarby
Home Stadium: A. Holmarena (11.500 seats) in Vannarby, Mullsphall (125.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Wilhelm Grafland (54)
”We had a rendezvous with history and at last we made it...
But if you screw up on the first date, you’re out of the picture as well” – Johim Thorn
But if you screw up on the first date, you’re out of the picture as well” – Johim Thorn
Starting XI: Teobald Saldlund (22) *** Stig Vallerenga (33), Sten Malkin (22), Stefan Axborn (29), Dubois (22 - DAI) *** Georgs Ruvelikaitis (31), Sune Strand (23), Per Gustafsson (28), Johim Thorn (24), Nathan Fester (25) *** Olaf Sirelius (26)
Bench: Ingvar Palmer (20 - GK), Gosta Bunke (20 - LD), Victor Lilleborn (24 - CD), Carl Kroon (34 - RD), Anders Dunker (29 - DM), Per Lundblad (31 - CM), Nicklas Fester (21 - AM), Borje Ahlund (19 - CA), Harry Rosen (28 - ST)
Transfers In: Georgs Ruvelikaitis (0.7 mil - Sparta Torspeda), Dubois (1.3 mil - Thor Rellhovn), Sune Strand (0.4 mil - Virksomhet Stovsand), Ingvar Palmer (youth product), Borje Ahlund (youth product)
Transfers Out: Lennart Mellberg (0.4 mil - Tillsamman Stensund), Stellan Norling (0.2 mil - Tjallimvarn Kickers)
Overview: After more than a decade, the Flagship makes its return to the highest tier of Buyanese football and the thousands of fans in one of the most football-mad cities of the country can rejoice. The ambitions are quite high for the troops from Wilhelm Grafland as the team was visibly too large for the second tier - but now finds themselves in uncharted territory as much has changed since Haljo last played in the Top Division. Contrary to the Rovers last year, who indulged in a majestic off-season splurge, Vannarby opted for a more conservative path which allowed them to build upon what was present - an wel-connected eleven that showed in the Trophy that they have something to offer. The 4-5-1 might not always be attractive, it stands like a block of concrete.
Between the posts, Teobald Saldlund - the younger nephew of former international Erbald - makes for a promising goalkeeper and should be ready for action. The duo in front of him is a tad rudimentary but aware of the needs for his team, Grafland did put his wallet on the table for Daineri Dubois from Rellhovn. A remarkable transfer as many sides vied for his services but it shows that Vannarby is here to stay. It all gives a little colour to an otherwise semi-grey team. In midfield, we find Georgs Ruvelikaitis who didn’t fit the sweep of change from Hawke at Torspeda and who should hoover the midfield along with Strand - once again, efficiency should go over looking exciting. It all opens up room for the remarkable playmaker of Vannarby. Gustafsson is quite slow and makes up little ground, but he has a great eye for the game and gives this side something special. If, and we say, if, he stands the test, he could propel them up the table.
The main beneficiaries of his passing are the two attacking midfielders and the lone striker. The former make an odd duo, in that their mullets have gone on to become a bit of folklore, with quite some fans following their eccentric hairstyle. Both spend relatively little time gelled to the sideline but rather switch turns to carve through the heart of the opposing defence. Another handful is Olaf Sirelius, one of those strikers who only wants to be judged by his numbers. He has a slightly nasty reputation for conduct on the pitch, but makes up - at least for the Haljo fans - with a cartload of goals every season. The result of all that is a side that looks seasoned and cunning enough to last in the difficult reality of top tier football, even if the bench isn’t much to look at. An exception there is for Nicklas Fester and Borje Ahlund, leaders of a promising generation.
Jottnar Kallsmudden
Home Stadium: Vingardarena (17.000 seats) in Kallsmudden, Ravnar (405.000 inhabitants)
Manager: Sigurd Tufte (44)
”Yeah, I like it when people say that you can’t win
stuff with kids. Then I smile to the Trophy.” – Sigurd Tufte
stuff with kids. Then I smile to the Trophy.” – Sigurd Tufte
Starting XI: Sergei Gazulov (21) *** Ivar Bjelland (19), Marius Sellaeg (23), Kai Ruutu (38 - Capt), Jehan Brustad (30) *** Jorn Engebretsen (27), Reidar Bjelland (21), Kashim Broadway (21 - ISK) *** Kirsty Nevay (19 - SCT), Terje Falkanger (24), Erik Myklebust (32)
Bench: Jona Rekkel (35 - GK), Ebbe Laffing (18 - CD), Stein Vellmark (19 - LD), Ronadio (20 - RD - DAI), Victor Borja (17 - CD - TAE), Hakon Jepsen (21 - CM), Ari Kreplu (33 - RM), Kare Kristersen (20 - AM), Morten Thiem (24 - CA), Jostein Gjertsen (28 - RW)
Transfers In: Sergei Gazulov (1.2 mil - Tjelberg Forening), Morten Thiem (1.2 mil - Virksomhet Stovsand), Ebbe Laffing (youth product)
Transfers Out: Jarle Waerness (2.8 mil - Viztourzys Kolektyvinis), Frode Vennerod (0.7 mil - Erness Stahl), Stig Lakner (free - Turbine Kallsmudden)
Overview: For an agonisingly long time last season, it seemed as if the Giants had betted on the wrong horse as they trailed at the tail of the league for months. However, it all turned into a Cinderella story when they not only managed to salvage their faith with a successful streak fueled by exciting football but also made their way to the final of the Knut Dahle Trophy - and won it to honour their former player. Monumental moments that only became better because Sigurd Tufte, at a certain point just one step away from getting fired, did it with a squad filled with young, enthusiast players, professing the sort of football he never quite managed to play in his best days: lots of passing over the ground, lots of movement, lots of risks, … There’s quite a few reasons why Jottnar is the ‘favourite second team’ of many followers of the sport.
The main transfer for the GIants is that they managed to keep almost all their brilliant talents on board - and it’s not as if there was no long line till out the door for Reidar Bjelland, the astounding number ten who plays with unseen maturity for a boy his age. We did mention almost as Kallsmudden still has some historical debts to pay off and couldn’t withstand the offer from Viztourzys on Jarle Waerness. He’s dubbed the next Knut Dahle but then again, he’s still a lot of games and goals away from deserving that moniker. However, selling talents for hard cash is how the Giants also develop their club further and for once, they did not do it through a series of youngsters… Well, kind off. The goalie position never was fully taken since Bergh but with Gazulov, they should have a top player. Sergei Gazulov left Tjelberg after a terrible incident with young Will Marke and now tries to refuel his career in greener pastures.
He will lead a defence that must have learned from their mistakes, led out by veteran Ruutu but thriving on a series of young kids such as Sellaeg, Borja, Ronadio, Vellmark, Ivar Bjelland and now Laffing. That there’s a lot of future NT potential goes without saying. The midfield has a delicate but valuable dynamic ranging around the ballwinning capacities of Engebretsen, the ludicrous stamina of Broadway - still on cloud nine after scoring the decisive Cup penalty - and the genius of Bjelland. They set up the stage on which wingers Gjertsen, Myklebust and Schottian Nevay, an absolute fan favourite, can blossom. Contrary to most teams, the star is not the striker in this set-up but Falkanger has taken a next step in his career and will now be rivalled by Morten Thiem, topscorer at a lower level and up for a new challenge at 24. What must please Tufte is the range of options he has. It’s a fact that Jottnar has its limitations, but they play admirable football with admirable footballers.