Top Division Teams
Aigil Grephel
Home Stadium: Sahlepark (3.800 seats) in Grephel, Ravnar (270.000 inhabitants)
History: Founded back in 1989, Aigil Grephel was the first team from the island of Ravnar to play football in an organised fashion. In the middle of the nineties, they went through a rough period when a few players decided to split themselves off and join Grephel Gryphionen. The battle for the supremacy of the town was the summit of each season and it wasn’t until the last decade that Aigil could take the upper hand in that duel. However, this controversy causes the local government not to support the squad, contrary to the common practice for many other teams, and they will be one of the few semi-professional teams in the Top Division.
Last Season: 2nd place in the Ekipassammlung (13 vict. out of 22)
Recap: After struggling in the first few games, they managed to gather the necessary confidence to battle for the title. Nonetheless, they still went through the competition rather unnoticed until the determining victory against eternal rival Gryphionen. By that time, a strong machine had been built around the easily scoring Gerald Weber, good for 16 goals in 22 games. The assisting passes usually came from the well-coordinated midfield where the experienced Hugo Ramsmann worked for his two satellites, ‘der Express’ Marco Castell and ‘der Kampfer’ Quentin Zermin. A combination that resulted in a lot of goals and lead them to a decisive game for the league in their own Sahlepark. Despite a quick two-goal lead, Aigil had to give in to Garbarnia Hoyersko and settle for the second spot.
Transfer season: If we can apply one word, it would probably be ‘disastrous’. When the city council decided to remove the little funds they offered and the main sponsor, a local tire company, realised that they weren’t looking for national exposure, the treasury was a lot more empty than anyone could expect. The younger parts of the midfield had to be sold, Marco Castell went abroad and Quinten Zermin left for Tjelberg Forening for a lousy £50,000. The defence also got ripped apart, as Heinrich Dolfuss and Reinhart Helm moved away. With the little funds available, there were no solid replacements to be found on the market. Incoming are only two players from lower divisions. Karsten Tunst from Hallning Verein should be a certainty in central defence, but he’ll need some time. In attack, there is Dorian Schless from the disbanded Phonix Darvell, rather a transfer for the long run.
Manager: Ulli Bamsberg (62)
Starting XI: GK: Marek Piaczmarski (29), fifth season
LD: Elias Trull (22), youth product
CD: Karsten Tunst (23), first season
CD: Janus Czovlap (21), second season
RD: Dirk Gramann (25), third season
DM: Hugo Ramsmann (35, Capt), youth product
LM: Klaus von Langerehen (34), youth product
RM: Franz Ernstell (19), youth product
LA: Dario Lossching (24), second season
CA: Gerald Weber (29), youth product
RA: Ralf Pallmar (31), seventh season
Description of team: You know you’re up for a difficult season if you sell four of your best players and you have to replace them mainly with guys from your bench. Goalkeeper Piaczmarski is good, but not always consistent and will have a lot of work to guide his ridiculously young defending line. Janus Czovlap, who learned a lot from Dolfuss last season, will now be the leader there himself. Inspiration came last year from the midfield, but many think that Bamsberg will have to fall back from his 4-3-3. Hugo Ramsmann, hard-working and with great positioning, is still there but his two torpedos have been replaced by an old fox and an enthusiast young wolf. Few think that Ernstell can fill the gap left by Marco Castell. The silver lining might be the attack that remained the same. Gerald Weber stayed true to his team, despite many interesting offers and is the only man with the ability to lift the level from Aigil up this season. His goals might make the difference between relegation or another year in the Top Division.
Bench: GK: Pall Nangshill (25)
DEF: Brian Lossching (19), Piotr Hallerungen (29)
MID: Eiki Kringsloss (20), Mauritz Zafflner (33), Talle Gurnfeld (18)
ATT: Dorian Schless (17), Ivo Vlamner (19)
Bengtsmark IF
Home Stadium: Havssidanstadion (6.000 seats) in Bengtsmark, Mullsphall (435.000 inhabitants)
History: Although the prime core of football in Mullsphall could be traced in Vadshult, Bengtsmark quickly jumped on the wagon. Within a few years, Bengtsmark IF would grow into the powerhouse of the island, resulting in no less than nine titles in the domestic Norrutliga. Located in a financially positive location, Bengtsmark is and always will be seen as a core location for sports inventions. They were the first to start with limited professionalism and their home arena, the Havssidanstadion is probably the most modern one in the nation. They keep on following this path of change with introducing, as first, the business seats.
Last Season: 1st in the Norrutliga (8 vict. out of 16), 2nd in the Endklasse (2 vict. out of 6)
Recap: After a solid start, the black-and-yellow were heading towards another duel with Haljo Vannarby for the supremacy in the Norrutliga. The direct duel got won in a spectacular fashion, 7-3 with five goals by Edvald Mattisson, and the road to the national finals seemed wide open. Unfortunately, they started to drop points everywhere so it would all come down to the last game, played in the A. Holmarena. After a tactical game, Magnus Cedar kicked Bengtsmark IF into the play-offs. These started off quite well and going into the final match, they were in the lead. However, their last ninety minutes of a splendid season were terrible and after a harsh 3-0, they had to settle with the second spot and a Globe Cup ticket.
Transfer season: Bengtsmark tried to keep the transfer season rather low-profile. The last three years, a clever midfield had been created around Cedar, Aalberg and youth product Crassus Hopp and Markushovn hoped they could focus on widening the group. Unfortunately for the black-and-yellow, Frederik Wallenberg made a surprising move to Haljo Vannarby. It made him the Judas for the fans, but also left a wide gap on the midfield. It demanded a serious transfer fee to fill that spot, but with Harald Naess, an ideal replacement has been found. He should allow the team to produce even quicker launches from the midfield. Furthermore, the focus has been on adding players to the bench, with Kronen as a cheap stand-in for the injury-prone Englund and Saldlund, probably the most promising goalie from Mullsphall, as a long-term solution for Sjogren. However, most surprising was their last move...
Foreign player: Felipe Maniche, Saint Pauli It wasn’t the first time that Derrik Markushovn had pondered upon ways to allow the team to play in different styles. The big targetman Mattisson is a dangerous weapon, but a back-up plan would be welcome as could be witnessed during the final game of the season. This inspired him to look out for a small, creative forward who could reshape the team into a 4-4-2 if necessary as the current attackers on the bench are lookalikes from Mattisson. Markushovn ended up spying on Project +90, a program originally set up by Addidas (now sponsored by Vulpine Sportif) on the Northern Sunrise Islands, to gather all talented youth players from NSI and the surrounding nations. From the age of twelve onwards or even younger, kids are trained at the highest level and it is no wonder that many nations bid to have their future stars partake in the project. Many already worked their way up to top flight teams or even international squads and it was there that Markushovn spotted Felipe Maniche.
Born in Liberdade, which is located in the nation of Saint Pauli, he first joined FC Comuna Paulista. He got remarked by another local team after two seasons and joined the ranks of Atlético Liberdade. However, even that wouldn’t last too long. After only a single year, his capacity got scouted by Project +90. Tough times for Felipe Maniche, but step by step, the shy skinny boy grew into an elastic and gifted attacker that could worry any defence with his arsenal of tricks. This resulted in a new career switch for the 16-year old, as he got noticed to join the ranks of Bengtsmark IF. It is hoped that he can add some creativity to the otherwise quite sterile squad, but he will be given the time to grow. This season will mainly be about grabbing a few game minutes when the conditions are right, with an eye on next year.
Manager: Derrik Markushovn (48)
Starting XI: GK: Eelco Sjogren (34), ninth season
LD: Franco Jarnefelt (25), youth product
CD: Dulle Torvalds (28), fourth season
CD: Jonas Englund (25), youth product
RD: Johan Paulsson (31), third season
DM: Andreas Ohlin (22), third season
DM: Harald Naess (29), first season
LM: Vital Aalberg (33), second season
RM: Crassus Hopp (23), youth product
AM: Magnus Cedar (30, Capt), fourth season
FW: Edvald Mattisson (28), youth product
Description of team: We must say that this team hasn’t been weakened. Harald Naess might have been surprisingly expensive (£225,000 is the second-highest buy for Bengtsmark) but he assures that they can build on the fundaments from last year. The defence, led by Jonas Englund mixes experience with good heading and the defending midfields allow the Paulsson and Jarnefelt to go into attack every once and a while. Magnus Cedar is the leader but the creativity mostly comes from Crassus Hopp, son of former Bengtsmark striker Edison Hopp. Edvald Mattisson is the hero for the fans, can score with both feet and has a great use of his body. This results in a team like a tank, difficult to stop and with a lot of firepower. Bengtsmark IF is without any doubt amongst the favourites for the title.
Bench: GK: Erbald Saldlund (20)
DEF: Elias Kronen (33), Arne Hellson (22), Fritz Solvlen (27)
MID: Ralph Husson (24), Heikki Mickaelson (28), Sepp Vallenger (18)
ATT: Felipe Maniche (16)
, Lewi Fiersten (24)
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt
Home Stadium: Unter dem Linden (5.500 seats) in Pallstadt, Trovne (65.000 inhabitants)
History: Despite only existing for less than twenty years and hailing from a small industry town, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt has grown into a household name amongst Buyanese football circles. Year by year, they dominated the opponents in Trovne but started to struggle during the last two years before the unification. When the 2014 season didn’t exactly went as hoped as well, local merchant Helmut Kullersdorf took over. Rich on international trade, he decided to make a few remarkable changes. First of all, he sacked Allersham, the coach that had run the team for ten years straight and replaced him by himself. Secondly, he announced that he had a £1.000.000 budget in store to attract new players. A fresh start for Blau-Weiss and if the engine gets running, they might add a new glorious chapter to their history.
Last Season: 3rd in the Ekipassammlung (11 vict. out of 22)
Recap: A remarkable start for the boys in blue, where they dominated their opponents from time to time based upon a solid defence. Goalie Ulle Seber did great and captain Klaus Billsmann guided the unusual 3-5-2 towards eight victories before the half-way point. No one appeared to be able to stop them on their road to the play-offs, but then things deteriorated quickly. Games against teams at the bottom of the table got lost and another shameful game against Ernesse Stahl cost them the first spot. Things even went more downhill when Billsmann got a career-ending injury. His torn ankle will never allow him to walk painlessly anymore, let alone take the field again. In this depressing atmosphere, it’s almost a miracle that they kept the third place and the spot into the Top Division.
Transfer season: When you have a lot of money to splash around, transfer season even beats the summer holidays as your favourite time of the year. However, with the limitation of four transfers, Kullersdorf couldn’t be too rash upon his decisions. More surprisingly, he decided to let go of Ulle Seber, who started the season so well last year but disappointed in the final stretch. Some say he has mental trouble dealing with the view he got on the awful injury of Billsmann, but Kullersdorf still got a high £170,000 from Garbarnia Hoyersko. Incoming is a new central defender, Marko Maurer and a young stand-in, Doran Milosevici from abroad. Especially the first one is painted as ‘the new Billsmann’ and will be under quite some pressure. The same goes for Ludwig Pelzner, top scorer of the Ekipassammlung last season and now the attacker for Blau-Weiss. Last but not least, Reinhart Helm joins the squad on the left wing, adding some positioning skills to the defence.
Foreign player: Marko Maurer, Mytannion Youth football, it’s a joy. For most kids, it’s just about kicking a ball around with friends but for some it already gets serious from the first moment you take the field. Maurer belonged to the latter category as his talent got noted right-away by the scouts. He quickly joined FC Ararat Severyan, often served as captain in his junior squad and even got quite a few youth selections. “That’s a talent”, all would say and nod meaningfully. However, the meteoric rise predicted didn’t work out. An attempt to offer him more minutes on the field by loan went wrong and he had trouble getting into the first squad as both Fahe Mahuc and Starblaydi Isiah Charleston barred the way.
When Ararat Severyan signed Polarian Vojta Vlaschenko, the message was clear and he got sold for a meagre one million (in Mytanar terms) to Spartak Nalchik, hoping for more playing minutes. He helped Spartak to avoid relegation, but Maurer couldn’t convince the pundits of his capacity. No more meaningful nodding had been seen around him and even Spartak Nalchik wasn’t sure what to do with him. In the end, it is Blau-Weiss Pallstadt that offers him some hard-needed fresh air. Hopefully, he can fulfil the old promises in a new environment, where he is one of the stars of an ambitious squad. His hunger for the ball at the training field already points in the right direction, but it’s a big question mark how he will deal with a three-man defence.
Foreign player: Doran Milosevici, Nouvel Ecosse No one expected a second foreign transfer from Blau-Weiss, but with the transfer window coming to a close, Kullersdorf was proud to announce the addition of Doran Milosevici to the roster. Being only sixteen years old, Milosevici hasn’t appeared yet for his former domestic squad, Sanchez Juniors, but he did run through the complete youth academy, royal purveyor to the national youth squads of Nouvel Ecosse.
Milosevici got noted by Kullersdorf at the recent U-15 World Cup, where he guided the Ecossian defence deeply into the tournament. Game by game, his precision and well-timed tackling earned him praise and even an Alhambra Man of the Match selection. He guided the defence with a calm that is seldom seen for a player his age and his role in the bronze medal for the Walruslings cannot be underestimated. A shining diamond, it appears, and we believe that Pallstadt will have a lot of fun with this lad in the long run.
Manager: Helmut Kullersdorf (52)
Starting XI: GK: Jan Erhardt (19), youth product
LD: Reinhart Helm (30), first season
CD: Marko Maurer (22)
, first season
RD: Wilco Vrintz (23), third season
DM: Peco Hinze (28), youth product
LM: Theo Hueppe (26), second season
CM: Alexander Sammlhuss (31, Capt), sixth season
RM: Felix Boger (27), fifth season
AM: Fabian Goretzka (22), youth product
LA: Ludwig Pelzner (29), first season
RA: Leon Teuchert (35), eight season
Description of team: For unknown reasons, Kullersdorf decided to stick to the 3-5-2 preferred by Allersham, despite the fact that it appeared disastrous after the injury of Billsmann. All hope is now on Marko Maurer who will have to keep the lock on the door as Erhardt only has two games experience for the first squad. The midfield is seasoned, having some good passers twirling around Sammlhuss and the alert Goretzka, always in for a few goals. Teuchert is a fighter, swarming in yellow cards, but his work should allow Pelzner to keep the goals coming. Many wonder if the three-man defence will last, but if they can put a good format on the pitch, there is enough talent for a spot amongst the first four.
Bench: GK: Carlo Hanners (18)
DEF: Doran Milosevici (16)
, Sebastian Poel (24), Herzo Gluenreich (22)
MID: Sam Schmitters (37), Damian Hullsman (23), Ferdi Barcon (21)
ATT: Bernhard Temmels (31), Erwin Kroempf (24)
Garbarnia Hoyersko
Home Stadium: Aleja Lipowa (2.800 seats) in Hoyersko, Serkau (155.000 inhabitants)
History: While most teams can pride themselves upon their trophies and triumphs, the cup cabinet looks rather empty for the Tanners, as Garbarnia Hoyersko is nicknamed. Only founded in 2004, they spend most of the decade working their way up. After growing into the biggest team in town, they managed to grab the last edition of the Serkau Scale, a victory which also granted them a spot in the brand-new Ekipassammlung. Starting as an outsider, they’ve doubled their amount of silverware there. It’s a sign of a team that is growing quickly, but they’re starting to feel the rough edges of expansion, amongst others in their limited stadium.
Last Season: 1st in the Ekipassammlung (14 vict. out of 22), 4th in the Endklasse (0 vict. out of 6)
Recap: Garbarnia didn’t really hope for much when they started the season, but turned out to be a solid block that easily scored a goal through their capable midfield. When the Ekipassammlung was over halfway, they suddenly took the lead from Pallstadt and quickly created a five-point gap. They left some sweat after ties against Mirzich Jedenascie and main contender Aigil Grephel, but with a smooth 1-5 against the disappeared Phonix Darvell, the celebration was a fact. What followed was a disappointment, as quarrels and bad form disallowed them a single victory in the national play-offs.
Transfer season: Over the years, Garbarnia had created a situation where they added a player each season in order to form a complete squad. For the first time, this winter, they had to give in a few men and couldn’t satisfy the fans with the incoming transfers. Andrey Rettinger left after trouble with Libanovich to Goldfeather FC, to try his luck in New Sideburn. Even tougher was the departure of Slawko Konarski to Jottnar, as he was the man who the team was formed around last season. Replacing Konarski we have the two year younger Pawlo Gruzek from Gornik Wladica, bought for a limited £60.000. More remarkable was the addition of Ulle Seber, the troubled goalie from Blau-Weiss who might move team monument Hlawiczka to the bench. As Garbarnia has never played before with another keeper than Hlawiczka, it’s a wonder whether Seber will be met with enthusiasm. Kurt Livorski from Mirzich is mainly an option for the future.
Manager: Samuel Libanovich (56)
Starting XI: GK: Ulle Seber (25), first season
LD: Alowysz Krupa (31), sixth season
CD: Egidiusz Chmielewski (25), third season
CD: Garion Bytnar (29), eight season
RD: Pierczo Szylarsz (24), fifth season
DM: Miroslav Jachowski (28), second season
DM: Jaro Martinek (23, Capt), youth product
LM: Jehan Slawik (19), youth product
CM: Pawlo Gruzek (24), first season
RM: Sico Ullsmang (20), third season
FW: Lotthar Szylarsz (26), fifth season
Description of team: The transfer season was interesting financially, but did limit the team. The goalkeeper discussion will not ameliorate the atmosphere and there is a huge heritage for Gruzek if he must try to make people forget about Konarski. Libanovich seems to opt for a 4-5-1, a bit of a surprise since this system couldn’t convince us in the national play-offs. The defence, with the quick Krupa, is solid but it’s still a question if Lotthar Szylarsz can score enough to keep it up. The wingers, Slawik and Ullsmang, are young and might surprise in a positive sense. We expect something as well from the brand-new captain Jaro Martinek, who has a good vision and a vicious free kick.
Bench: GK: Bartosz Hlawiczka (35)
DEF: Jerzy Blechacz (24), Rafal Giertych (20)
MID: Ladoslav Kubik (28), Stefan Ribus (33), Mariusz Czarny (17)
ATT: Kurt Livorski (19), Jochen Ptak (18)
Haljo Vannarby
Home Stadium: A. Holmarena (4.500 seats) in Vannarby, Mullsphall (115.000 inhabitants)
History: Founded in 1990, they quickly became one of the greatest teams of Mullsphall and by extension of Buyan. They have gathered a bit of popularity on the other islands due to their ‘autumn tours’ during which they played several games against teams from all over the archipelago, which were, according to our sources, the first interbuyanese football contests. With six titles in the Norrutliga on their roll of honour, they can be considered as the nemesis of Bengtsmark IF. They’re usually seen as the more technically appealing and financially weaker alternative to the supremacy of IF, but have gathered their share in the glory already.
Last Season: 3th in the Norrutliga (8 vict. out of 16)
Recap: During the first games, it already became clear that they would be the main challengers of the mighty Bengtsmark IF. However, a harsh loss in the Havssidanstadion gathered most of the hope from Haljo and the remainder of the season became an alternation between hard-fought victories and disappointing losses. It was the courtesy of their archenemies that Vannarby could still try to grab the title in the last game. They showed their tactical prowess, but failed to mark a goal. The late equalizer by Daniel Ostlund, a well-timed kick in a clutch phase, symbolised a season where more would’ve been possible, but it just lacked that bit of class to move on.
Transfer season: Although only one base player has switched shirts, it seemed for a long time that Vannarby would come out of the transfer period weakened. Bart Valminen wanted certainty about Top Division football and switched to the neighbours from Pollmarnang. A more difficult loss in the long run might be the transfer from Duco Dalmshelf to Jottnar Kallsmudden. The young attacker still had to strive for consistency but his feet were often named golden by the watchers. Nonetheless, the fans could end up with a smile on their faces. Managing to gain Frederik Wallenberg from the nemesis will certainly add to the midfield capacity. Despite being in his prime and part of a well-run squad, Wallenberg said he was up for something new. His passing should guide Haljo to a save season.
Manager: Kalle Axborn (51)
Starting XI: GK: Sigge Gren (32), eight season
LD: Ake Skoglund (24), fifth season
CD: Bengt Hakansson (29, Capt), youth product
CD: Ingmar Olsson (25), third season
RD: Sven Brolmark (31), sixth season
DM: Ove Jeppson (23), youth product
LM: Frederik Wallenberg (28), first season
RM: Arne Sundqvist (31), second season
AM: Borje Rydell (20), youth product
LA: Erik Porcin (29), third season
RA: Daniel Ostlund (24), youth product
Description of team: Over the last few seasons, a completely new midfield has been erected and with Wallenberg added, Axborn should have his beloved diamond in place. Jeppson works hard to allow Wallenberg and Sundqvist to infiltrate whilst Borje Rydell is often named a hidden diamond. During the interregional play-offs it already became clear that both Porcin and Ostlund can be lethal in front of goal. The starting eleven looks pretty good, but it seems that the bench will have trouble to keep up the level. Apart from Eriksson and new signing Rappel, none can bring the same as the guys on the field. Some whisperers are dissatisfied with goalie Gren, but he showed them wrong so far.
Bench: GK: Karl Palmer (21)
DEF: Tore Eriksson (20), Jutte Hulsvist (18), Elias Mykland (29)
MID: Kristian Rappel (27), Stig Blomqvist (23), Pontus Svensson (17)
ATT: Johan Jeppson (26), Mikael Hammund (20)
Jottnar Kallsmudden
Home Stadium: Vingardarena (6.000 seats) in Kallsmudden, Ravnar (405.000 inhabitants)
History: Being one of the few main cities with a port, it is no surprise that the foreign influence named football hit Kallsmudden before getting known in the remainder of the island. The nickname ‘the Giants’ suits them very well, considering how they dominated over the local competition, only losing four titles in eleven editions of the Forsterserie. Their reputation has been a catalysis for gathering all talent on Ravnar and year by year, the gap with their opponents seem to widen. If there is one team that is glad with the opening of the league to a national level, it certainly is Jottnar Kallsmudden, as they look forward to expanding their horizon.
Last Season: 1st in the Forsterserie (10 vict. out of 16), 3rd in the Endklasse (2 vict. out of 3)
Recap: No one cruised through their competition as easily as Jottnar, already grabbing a six-point lead during the first six games. A harsh 3-0 on the field of Tjelberg Forening planted the team back with both feet on the ground. Afterwards, they went on to victory by victory, led out by a magnificent Sverre Devold. The lead got so wide that a hiccup against Stovsand didn’t influence their result much, the title was celebrated a week in advance. Jottnar seemed to be able to keep up that record in the Endklasse, taking seven point out of their first three games. They were praised for their defensive class, their capacity to control a game whilst marking the necessary goals. A loss in the Pylimasstadionas ignited the downfall. Bergh, so strong in advance, had to turn around six times in the last two games and the dreams of the title fell short to their capacity to close the gap against Garbarnia.
Transfer season: Sverre Devold. The million mint man, as he is named now, left the Buyanese archipelago to play for Apoxian Barbury Town. Although he left a considerable sum, he also caused a huge gap on the midfield. This problem got even worse when Erik Pettersen announced his switch to Tjelberg. Although technically limited, he easily scores a goal. The transfer period was set for disaster when Harald Naess received a lot of cash to replace Wallenberg in Bengtsmark. Two third of the creative midfield and the topscorer were gone before the fans could blink their eyes. It would take up until the last day of the transfer period before a serious replacement was presented, as Duco Dalmshelf is an option for the future and Evald Vansholt merely a stand-in.
Foreign player: Michael Chao, Taijan When being confronted with the harsh facts of base players leaving him, club president –and brother of the coach- Knut Ulvan realised that measures had to be taken. Replacing Devold, the golden child of Buyanese football, could not be fulfilled by anyone from the archipelago. After a long search, Ulvan lay his eye on Michael Chao. A surprising choice, we must say, as Chao is more well-known as a beach soccer star in his home nation and many say that it is on the sand that his heart lies.
However, selections for both the Market Cup and the Campeonato Esportiva don’t lie. Chao is acrobatic player and a talented passer who can bring live into a side. For the last few seasons, he played for Dynamo Nova Tangiers, a rather new side in the Green League, the first division of his home nation Taijan. Although fighting against relegation all season long, he showed his skills enough to make the national XI for the Baptism of Fire. Few match his skill in dribbling and although he didn’t demonstrate such in United Gordonopia, he is the only one residing in the nation capable of making fans forget Devold, it appears.
Manager: Freddi Ulvan (48)
Starting XI: GK: Anders Bergh (29), fifth season
LD: Edvald Castberg (24), third season
CD: Evald Vansholt (27), first season
CD: Rune Stensen (34, Capt), eight season
RD: Jostein Haugan (32), ninth season
DM: Sigurd Tufte (21), youth product
DM: Ola Wiig (28), youth product
AM: Michael Chao (26)
, first season
LA: Espen Knutsen (22), fourth season
CA: Brian Svendsen (30), third season
RA: Sil Moen (24), youth product
Description of team: All in all, Freddi Ulvan will work with a rather young squad, notwithstanding the starting defence. In order to pick up the gap from Naess, Sigurd Tufte is pushed one row forward whilst Vansholt from Hretha is dropped in the defence. Led by Stensen, they might lack the necessary speed to keep up with this level but Anders Bergh is rightfully considered one of the best keepers in the nation. Working bee Wiig should allow the artful football by Chao, but a big burden is upon the Taijan midfield to give assisting passes to all three forwards. Luckily, both Moen and Knutsen –contrary to Pettersen last season- aren’t afraid of some dirty work along the wings. All in all, this team might have weakened in comparison but can still bring a solid alignment on the grass.
Bench: GK: Ludvik Vallerengs (25)
DEF: Jonas Bing (21), Emil Botter (29), Leif Burnar (18)
MID: Petter Kluwshavl (22), Arkadiusz Niceforski (17), Kjetil Riise (29)
ATT: Duco Dalmshelf (18), Roger Moen (27)
IFK Pollmarnang
Home Stadium: Korfaltet Arena (3.000 seats) in Pollmarnang, Mullsphall (35.000 seats)
History: It’s curious that a team from a town so small and insignificant can reach the Top Division, but IFK Pollmarnang did it with grace and style. The Hikers, as they are named mockingly over their ridiculously large home field high up in the mountains, were only a small side in Mullsphall up until the last four years. When Erik Pallson, who cultivated the remote area through farming different ways of alternative energy, placed his shoulders underneath the local football team, they quickly gained their spot amongst the more powerful sides of Mullsphall. After a third spot in the Norrutliga two seasons ago, the only way seemed up, but Pallson indicated that he doesn’t want to spend all his money on football, so IFK is stuck in semi-professionalism.
Last Season: 2nd in the Norrutliga (9 vict. out of 16)
Recap: After a moderate start, resulting in ten points halfway, IFK shifted to a higher gear and grew into a true rival for the title. Their powerplay, as indicated by their 4-5-1, was added by a lot of goals by Elmo Havelund and bit by bit, they managed to lift themselves up in the ranks. A 1-2 victory, after a disputed penalty kick, in the A. Holmarena made them the main challenger of Bengtsmark for a week or two, but a loss against Tillsamman Stensund finished their winning streak. All in all, they came within a point of the Endklasse and showed that they deserved a spot amongst the big boys.
Transfer season: Allow me to start with the positive news. Despite the news from Pallson that he would limit the funds, no players left IFK. It shows that this squad is a close-knit group and despite a few signings the last seasons, the core of the team still hails from the mountain region around Pollmarnang. An important addition is Bart Valminen from Haljo Vannarby, he can bring a bit of dynamic to the static defence. The remainder of the incomings are two signings from BK Vadshult, the team that went out of business. Both should become first-tier players, but only in the long run. Ladsell, however, might be a clever buy.
Manager: Peter Horning (56)
Starting XI: GK: Svante Engstrom (25), third season
LD: Gabriel Oman (34), fourth season
CD: Axel Goransson (31), youth product
CD: Bart Valminen (29), first season
RD: Tor Bergmark (28), youth product
DM: Jakub Nilsson (25), second season
DM: Krister Lundgren (29, Capt), youth product
LM: Sebastian Lundgren (26), youth product
RM: Mattias Sture (19), youth product
AM: Thorbjorn Grahn (33), third season
FW: Elmo Havelund (26), youth product
Description of team: Will it be enough? That’s the question that is rushing through the minds of the fans of the Hikers. The defence should have a bit more agility with Valminen, but is still rather slow for a Top Division side. The midfield, fired on by the Lundgren nephews, is the strength of the team. Their capacity for powerplay is the key in Hornings tactical schemes and allows Grahn and Havelund to position themselves in front of the goal. Their main advantage might be the fact that they’re allowed to be the underdog, which might see them switch back to a 4-3-2-1, with the third Lundgren on the field and Havelund as a sole attacker.
Bench: GK: Lasse Falk (31)
DEF: Asbjorn Blomgren (25), Kare Hult (21)
MID: Stefan Ladsell (17), Isak Lundgren (22)
ATT: Gerolf Poluceck (21), Vilhelm Ljung (39)
Pajukas Sport
Home Stadium: Bokstasstadion (7.000 seats) in Pajukas, Valneda (645.000 inhabitants)
History: It is no surprise that a team from the biggest city in the nation is ranked amongst the Top Division teams, but for a long time, Pajukas was a rather barren landscape when it came to football quality. Quantity, however, was abundant and a thriving competition between small ward teams sprung up. It wasn’t until the last few years that out of this mess two teams showed themselves more adept than the others, Spartak and Sport. Their duels became part of the legend, but when the former became bankrupt, Pajukas Sport could ameliorate their squad and truly start to claim a spot amongst the high potentials.
Last Season: 2nd in the Meistrii Lyga (10 vict. out of 18)
Recap: A season with a lot of ups and downs, during which they continued to chase the leader. Based upon the strong defensive duo Wreczius-Prancivicius, Sport remained within eyesight of the first spot. When leader Seura Pohkakunti started to struggle, they overtook the team from Haemiilu after a direct duel, decided by a penalty kick by Kudirka. However, with the road to glory wide open, Pajukas spilled valuable points against Uraugai and Zeimgava. A true title match, in the Bokstasstadion against Viztourzys was planned on the final day. Quickly, the Kolektyvinis gathered a two-goal lead and despite a score from Noreika, it went 1-4 with ten minutes left on the clock. Paleckis and Vilkas brought back the tension, but the title was lost.
Transfer season: With Sport now becoming the sole Pajukas team competing at the national level, funds and sponsored were found who were willing to strengthen the squad. The loss of defender Danilius Wreczius to the champion was quite a set-back in this process, especially as no replacement was found. Nonetheless, the midfield, the weak point during the 2014 season, was significantly strengthened. Wladecki is merely someone for the long run, although he is expected to receive some playing minutes already. A lot more money was laid on the table for Armanis Briedis and Apoxian Noel Amundsen. Briedis was probably the star player of Sparta Torspeda last season and the only reason why the Orange Brigade was admitted to the interregional play-offs. His creativity and rushing pass will certainly add to the Pajukas gameplay.
Foreign player: Noel Amundsen, Apox It can be said that Noel Amundsen is a bit of a late bloomer. At the age of twenty-four, he still was playing in a lower division of the Apoxian football pyramid, trying to fight his was up with his original team, the Lighthouse Coves. His breaktrough was recorder when the Coves managed to gain the title in the ANL2, earning them a spot in the top division. The Coves were weakened after losing star player Ivo Trevowah and lacking the needed quality in midfield, manager Corsby placed her right defender Amundsen in the midfield. Although the struggle against relegation didn’t went as bright as the Coves would’ve hoped, Noel Amundsen charmed the crowd with his relentless drive and clever recuperation, allowing the players around him to thrive.
And that was exactly that Pajukas was lacking last season. In front of the strong defence, no one could take care of the connection between the lines. Initially hunting for a more creative player, to please the fans, Alexei Mekas soon realised that it would take something more to bring this team to the next level. Hopes are high that Amundsen can produce the necessary combinations to steer the attacking players along the wings and in front of the goal. Pressure is high, as it always is in Pajukas, but the captain’s ribbon he wore for the Coves shows his maturity as a player and teammate.
Manager: Alexei Mekas (45)
Starting XI: GK: Ladislao Kudirka (33, Capt), youth product
LD: Pilypas Petricius (26), second season
CD: Klas Grobanov (19), third season
CD: Edgaras Prancevicius (24), youth product
RD: Valdas Tomascevicius (37), ninth season
LM: Kazimeras Paleckis (29), second season
CM: Noel Amundsen (26)
, first season
RM: Armanis Briedis (24), first season
AM: Leonas Graucis (21), youth product
LA: Dovidas Noreika (31), second season
RA: Gabrielius Vilkas (28), fifth season
Description of team: Pajukas can hardly be named a colourful team, but the current set-up looks effective at first sight. Goalie and penalty kicker Kudirka is a monument, the midfield around Amundsen is able to show a consistent season and the attackers are both prone to score a few goals, without any spectacular football. The left wing, all three brought in from Spartak last season, has the creativity to bring a spark in their otherwise boring but effective gameplay. The only thing that might bring headaches to Mekas is the central defending duo. Prancevicius counted on the quick Wrezcius, who left for Viztourzys and it’s unsure whether the young Grobanov can fill that gap. Klas Grobanov is gifted but always has that one black moment in every game.
Bench: GK: Viktoras Pliucis (25)
DEF: Zydrunas Slawek (31), Virgilijus Nojas (24), Mykolas Parcenivas (19)
MID: Bartosz Wladecki (16), Istvan Losokov (21), Ulli Hammersheim (24)
ATT: Ramunas Paulas (20), Linas Martas (17)
Seura Pohkakunti
Home Stadium: Paraati Areenalla (2.300 seats) in Pohkakunti, Haemiilu (40.000 inhabitants)
History: Persistance has been the key for this Cinderella story. According to the legend, they started to play football when the 19-year old Paavo Rinne, a student in the islands’ capital Siklapaa, witnessed a game, nicked the ball from the locals and cycled all the way to his home town to show them the wonderous sport. Either way, two years later, Seura was founded and despite their humble origin, they always were a solid side on Haemiilu. No wonder that they were chosen as one of the two representatives of the island for the national league, but their march through the Meistrii Lyga was unexpected for all. However, the interregional play-offs demonstrated that it was no accident, even if they prefer to remain semi-professional.
Last Season: 3th in the Meistrii Lyga (10 vict. out of 18)
Recap: They weren’t named amongst the favourites, but Seura Pohkakunti amazed the followers with their flegmatic passing game. Their quick passing and thinking caught many teams off guard and with 19 points out of the first eight games, they lead the pack halfway. A spot they didn’t give away until the 13th matchday, when the Boys in Green, Pajukas Sport, came out victorious in the Bokstasstadion. Seura struggled to the end of the season, with injuries for key players Kauppi and Jokela, but still got themselves in the play-offs anyway. Their passing hasn’t faded out, it appears, as they qualified for the Top Division.
Transfer season: Manager Paavo Rinne had one important target going into the winter season. To keep the team together and to find an additional striker. Seppo Kauppi was demanded by many teams, but he decided to stick around and the new forward was found in neighbouring Silkapaa. Aatos Sihvola, the powerful left attacker of Jalkapallo, already scored four times for his new squad in the play-offs and adds punishment in front of goal to an elegant team. On top of that, Rinne lay his hand on goalie Edgaras Kundrotas from Viztourzys. Being ridiculed there after a moderate season and sold for a remarkably low sum, Kundrotas is eager to find revenge between the posts from Seura.
Manager: Paavo Rinne (39)
Starting XI: GK: Edgaras Kundrotas (32), first season
LD: Olaf Saari (28), second season
CD: Jani Rinne (35), youth product
CD: Tahvo Jokela (32, Capt), sixth season
RD: Arto Ruotsalainen (29), youth product
LM: Jyri Linna (29), second season
CM: Petri Kaapri (26), fifth season
CM: Eerik Vehvilianen (17), youth product
RM: Seppo Kauppi (23), third season
LA: Risto Pajari (18), youth product
RA: Aatos Sihvola (27), first season
Description of team: Paavo Rinne is going into his second year as manager, having played with a lot of guys on the squad himself. Year by year, he is trying to make a turnaround, replacing old players with new guns, but this transition has reached a critical point now. On one side, there is a rather old defence that might struggle with the pace from other teams. More upfield, we see that teenagers such as Vehvilianen and Pajari are dropped into the team. Nonetheless we dare to predict a relatively quiet season for Pohkakunti, due to the capacity of their key players. Kundrotas wants to show he’s still capable, Kauppi and Linna are an addition to any team and with a new striker, they’ve got their Achilles heel covered.
Bench: GK: Vilhelmi Lahti (31)
DEF: Lennart Majeru (27), Kaarlo Paruolevi (31), Alti Kohlemainen (18)
MID: Esa Laukkanen (36), Per Joukoson (31), Severi Vanhanen (19)
ATT: Isakki Vaino (32), Kimi Nikula (21)
Thor Rellhovn
Home Stadium: Mellem to Strome (2.700 seats) in Rellhovn, Ravnar (95.000 inhabitants)
History: As many cities in Ravnar, Rellhovn already had a local team early on. It might have been their luck that they are geographically situated on the other side of the island as Kallsmudden, which causes their youth players to be less attracted to the loud call from Jottnar. It allowed Thor to build up quite a tradition themselves, standing for counterfootball displayed with tactical top class.
Last Season: 3rd in the Forsterserie (7 vict. out of 16)
Recap: Few teams went so unnoticeable through the competition as Thor Rellhovn. Unlike most other teams, they managed to grab the necessary points against lowerranked teams, earning 22 points out of 24 against the bottom four. No surprise as the power of Kvarlsen and Martinsen is very effective against less-organised defenders. Whilst Mellem to Strome seldomly could applaud a technical masterpiece, they kept on moving up the ladder, resulting in a third spot. An emulation to their best position ever in the Forsterserie and a ticket for the play-offs. There, they surprised by holding back two big names, Welanduz Vadshult and Sparta Torspeda, through rolling in the underdog position and finishing off more attacking opponents.
Transfer season: With the sole exception of Martinsen, no players caught the interest of the scouts but Nordling could convince the striker to stick around. A bright decision, as he shot the team to the Top Division. Thor even grew stronger, with Heinrich Dolfuss joining the defence. Tall and quick, he brings something extra to an otherwise slow backline. A second new name at the kick-off is goalkeeper Palle Angst. Its still a question whether the goalie from Virksomhet Stovsand can live up to the expectations, but his reputation for stopping penalties might add a few points at the end of the season.
Manager: Hammi Nordling (62)
Starting XI: GK: Palle Angst (22), first season
LD: Frederik Hastrup (29), third season
CD: Heinrich Dolfuss (31), first season
CD: Ebbe Frandsen (34), youth product
CD: Ludvig Thorkildsen (23), fifth season
RD: Kersten Thorup (19), youth product
LM: Malte Eliassen (23), youth product
CM: Thomas Hovbjard (26), fourth season
RM: Sigmund Dalby (26), second season
LA: Palle Kvarlsen (25), third season
RA: Ezekiel Martinsen (31), youth product
Description of team: Thor will try to focus on keeping the zero and punching a few holes in the opponents’ defence in the counter. With their tall and strong last line, guided by Ebbe Frandsen, they have the needed tools for that. Watch out for Kersten Thorup, whose quick feet can be punishing in combination with the crosspasses from Sigmund Dalby. The duo Kvarlsen-Martinsen is capable to make half a chance a goal, so the eternal underdog will be very hard to contain once they’ve managed to pull themselves into the lead. Unfortunately, there seems to be no back-up plan when behind, as the Gundersen brothers are copies of the first-string attackers.
Bench: GK: Tore Westergaard (32)
DEF: Yngve Skulason (19), Aage Thomsen (23), Jarl Blom (34)
MID: Anders Prolling (24), Holger Vahl (27), Ib Abrahamsen (21)
ATT: Verner Gundersen (21), Viggo Gundersen (18)
Tjelberg Forening
Home Stadium: Den Dam (3.400 seats) in Tjellberg, Ravnar (110.000 inhabitants)
History: Founded in 1994, Tjellberg quickly grew into one of the challengers of the supremacy of Jottnar Kallsmudden. Together with Hretha Somlhus, they tended to fulfil this promise in the early days of the Forsterserie, resulting in one title and a batch of honorary awards. Times change and five years ago, there were even voices to stop competing at the highest level. Fortunately, a young and thriving generation of players stood up and led the team back to a higher ground, just in time to justify a spot in the Top Division.
Last Season: 2nd in the Forsterserie (8 vict. out of 16)
Recap: Few managed to do last season what Forening did at their own Den Dam. With attractive football, they overshadowed Jottnar in all aspects of the game, resulting in a three-nil. Ole Schau kept on leading his teammates throughout the season, but the midfield was too often uncapable to get past weaker sides. Fortunately, there were the goals from Daniel Jespersen, who guided them through darker moments so they were allowed an all-or-nothing game in the Vingardarena. It turned out to be nothing, as they couldn’t control Sverre Devold. Nonetheless, Forening could be satisfied with a second spot on the tables.
Transfer season: From the first moment onwards, Tjellberg decided to make their ambition clear. In order to complement Jespersen, they opened the purse to gain the heart of Erik Pettersen. The lean left-wing attacker, often scrounged by the press for his lack of working force in a 4-3-3, recognized a chance when he saw one and decided to join Forening. For a better connection between the backs and the forwards, the weak point in 2014, Tjellberg attracted Quinten Zermin from Aigil Grephel. Zermin is nicknamed ‘der Kampfer’, so an ideal casting if you have to back up Pettersen. Two major investments for the management, but they can lift Tjellberg to a higher level.
Manager: Dejan Heibye
Starting XI: GK: Rasmus Beck (18), youth product
LD: Fredrik Sparre (24), second season
CD: Kristoffer Jakubsen (32, Capt), youth product
CD: Jesse Asmussen (21), third season
RD: Gabriel Refshauge (29), second season
DM: Jonas Kjaer (24), youth product
LM: Quinten Zermin (25), first season
RM: Marcus Riel (31), sixth season
AM: Ole Schau (26), fourth season
LA: Erik Pettersen (28), first season
RA: Daniel Jespersen (29), third season
Description of team: The same solid defence as last year, build around captain Jakubsen and the talented Asmussen, but the worry lies in the goal. After Norgaard announced to quit football at the age of 31 unexpectedly due to the health problems of his young daughter, all pressure lies on Rasmus Beck. The midfield has grown stronger, but Riel and Kjaer hardly add something. Tjellberg will probably be punitive in front of goal, counting on Pettersen en Jespersen, already nicknamed the Golden Duo in the press.
Bench: GK: Johannes Westergaard (20)
DEF: Till Gregersen (26), Mads Lund (24), Hans Thorup (18)
MID: Jekke Eskildsen (17), Dolf Mussnel (23), Jerre Kvint (31)
ATT: Nils Moller (23), Henrik Ostergaard (19)
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis
Home Stadium: Nova Pylimasstadionas (5.500 seats) in Viztourzys, Valneda (115.000 inhabitants)
History: The football history of Viztourzys was a tragedy until 2000. Two local sides Olympic Viztourzys and Viztourzys FC competed with eachother till the point of bankruptcy. From the ashes, the Kolektyvinis arose. After struggling initially to overcome the disputes between both sides, they managed to make the miners’ town a leading force in Valneda football. “Legs and heart” is the motto of the squad and it was this combination that brought them the first title ever in national history. In order to expand their possibilities and to represent our nation rightfully in the Champions’ Cup, the Nova Pylimasstadionas replaced the former windy location.
Last Season: 1st in the Meistrii Lyga (11 vict. out of 18), 1st in the Endklasse (3 vict. out of 6)
Recap: ”It’s all about timing,” Zarnevidis said to the press when they asked him upon their success. Viztourzys waited indeed with their push towards first position until the second half of the season, where they made an important nine out of nine against Seura, at home versus Uraugai and on the field of Sparta Torspeda. This allowed them a championship game on the field of Pajukas Sport, where they got in the lead early on and didn’t gave it away. The same process happened in the Endklasse. With two points halfway, all hope seemed lost but topscorer Vincas Dauksa broke loose and ensured a title game in their own Pylimasstadionas. For the last time over there, they scored thrice in the first half and the title was a fact. A marvellous result for a reliable and strong machine, headed by an attacker that scores easily and a defensive line with good positioning.
Transfer season: It happened fairly unnoticed, but Viztourzys Kolektyvinis might come out of the transfer period with the best cards. Focussing financially on the new stadium, they seemed to limit themselves to easy buys in order to grow the team in depth, rather than strength. However, when goalkeeper Kundrotas announced that he was looking for greener pastures after harsh critique, Zarnevidis simply stated that “[he] could find twenty better keepers with one telephone call”. In the end, he found his replacement in the German American States. Schmidt ain’t the only addition to the team, that focused on buying in Valneda. Markevicius showed in Torspeda that he is a reliable central defender who scores his goals with the head, Wreczius was fundamental for Pajukas Sport on that position and Balnerii allows to rotate with the attackers.
Foreign player: Manuel Schmidt, German American States When all eyes were on names such as Pliucis, Piaczmarski or even Anders Bergh, Zarnevidis decided to look across the border in order to replace fallen club monument Kundrotas. Few would have thought he would go for a goalkeeper known to have a spectacular style, something which has discredited Schmidt before, but his willingness to work hard has brought him in for a respectable £250,000. It is certainly a plus that Manuel Schmidt is a modern goalie, capable to think and play along and even launch a counterattack.
Coming from SC Gold Loewe, Schmidt is familiar with big crowds in the gigantic Millwaukeesburg Arena. Proving himself important in the GAPL for SC Gold Loewe, he got called up for the national team by Karl Rheinhart. Selections for the World Cup 65 and the Campionato Esportiva VII followed, but he remained barred from the first team by Joshua Klopp from Swillburg United. When this did not change for the National Cup, even despite fourteen clean sheets in a single season, Schmidt knew he had to switch teams in order to convince Rheinhart. This promising goalie is once again selected for the World Cup, but he hopes that his performances might bring him in the national team. In the meanwhile, he can enjoy experience at the highest UICA level.
Manager: Edgaras Zarnevidis (43)
Starting XI: GK: Manuel Schmidt (25)
, first season
LD: Kazimieras Zemaitis (19), second season
CD: Elmar Markevicius (31), first season
CD: Bronius Bartkus (23, Capt), youth product
RD: Ignas Smetona (24), fourth season
DM: Danilius Wreczius (28), first season
LM: Karsta Lupeikis (26), youth product
RM: Eero Halmiini (22), second season
AM: Kazys Navickas (25), third season
LA: Vincas Daukas (27), youth player
RA: Stasys Grinbergas (32), fifth season
Description of team: They were surprisingly strong last year and the Red Machine only seems stronger. For the second year in a row, Zarnevidis could bring something extra on a few positions. The defence, of which young captain Bartkus and Smetona were elected in the team of the season has become even more solid and the rushes from Zemaitis, when Lupeikis leaves his diamond position to defend in his place, can be deadly. Wreczius has been transformed to a defensive midfield to allow the creativity of Halmiini and Navickas to flourish. Daukas scores easily, while Grinbergas can decide on the attacking rhythm. All in al a very solid side and they might add a second title to their tally right away.
Bench: GK: Steponas Teriouris (39)
DEF: Algis Lupeikis (29), Povilas Rovnas (25), Giedius Justs (17)
MID: Tomas Varnas (33), Darius Lovas (31), Vridrich Lammerschon (19)
ATT: Damian Balnerii (23)