by Tufan Nursultan
With four new stadiums constructed and no international window opened, the Super League has seen an increase in the amount of activity between domestic sides with more willingness to exhchange the rights to youth players in order to pick up prospects from relegated sides and experienced veterans who will no longer have a starting role for their clubs in order to either prolong their careers or have new starts, with no club deciding to stand in the way of players who wanted to leave.
Domestic Transfers:
Devrim Sen (DL) from Bakir FK to Demirspor for one Demir region youth prospect contract rights.
Tugay Coskun (ST) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Demirspor for one Demir region youth prospect contract rights.
Sinan Pamuk (MC) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Manat FK for one Demir region youth prospect contract rights.
Erdi Turkyilmaz (DM) from Bakir FK to Uryanspor for one Uryan region youth prospect contract rights.
Koray Ecevit (GK) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Elektriklestirmespor for one Elektriklestirme region youth prospect contract rights.
Bayram Tansu (ST) from Bakir FK to Tashkentspor for one Tashkent region youth prospect contract rights.
Ilker Sener (DR) from Bakir FK to Tanrispor for one Tanri region youth prospect contract rights.
Izzet Yilmaz (MC) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Tanrispor for one Tanri region youth prospect contract rights.
Oral Guven (MR) from Uryanspor to Urukspor for one Uruk region youth prospect contract rights.
Torhan Cicek (DC) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Kilicspor for one Kilic region youth prospect contract rights.
Baki Boztepe (DR) from Ilac Fabrika Takimi to Kilicspor for one Kilic region youth propsect contract rights.
Osman Hasanoglu (DC) from Hisar FK to Sariirmakspor for one Tasova region youth prospect contract rights.
Nuri Altun (DC) from Uryanspor to Sariirmakspor for one Tasova region youth propsect contract rights.
Nursultan Altayov (DR) from Hisar FK to Sariirmakspor for one Tasova region youth prospect contract rights.
Necemettin Umut (ST) from Urukspor to Sariirmakspor for one Tasova region youth prospect contract rights.
Hasan Kocaeli (GK) from Demirspor to Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi for one Ipsala youth prospect contract rights.
Oktay Engin (DL) from Bakir FK to Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi for one Ipsala youth prospect contract rights.
Tekin Yavuz (AMR) from Elektriklestirmespor to Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi for one Ipsala youth prospect contract rights.
Gokhan Umitoglu (ST) from Kilicspor to Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi for one Ipsala youth prospect contract rights.
With the lack of international transfer window, the Super League has seen an increase in the amount of business done by the teams in the division, mostly the relegated sides being cannibalised and players who are stuck on the bench despite being starting quality. Demirspor picked up one player from each of the relegated sides, adding promising left back Devrim Sen to their back line who have needed an improvement in their solidity for a long time and the addition of Tugay Coskun who will be a long term option at striker to partner with Kartal Unal as Hakan Karadere's career enters its final phase. League champions Manat FK added a quality player in the form of Sinan Pamuk who will likely be a long term replacement for Marian Ironside as she advances in years, as a more technical partner for Aycan Kubat. Uryanspor found competition at the defensive midfielder spot, with Erdi Turkyilmaz making the jump from relegated Bakir FK to join a side looking to challenge for the title. Koray Ecevit found his way to Elektriklestirmespor from relegated IFT where he will be allowed time to develop behind Sezgin Sancakli. Tashkentspor added former Tutunspor man Bayram Tansu after his 13 goal campaign last season to be a challenger to national team striker Mehmet Karaman. Tanrispor took advantage of their overachieving season to add right back Ilker Sener from Bakir FK and young midfielder Izzet Yilmaz to replace the aging Haci Eris. Urukspor shored up the right side of their midfield with Uryanspor's Oral Guven who found himself surplus to requirements. Kilicspor added two of the better players from IFT with Torhan Cicek and Baki Boztepe making the move to remain in the Super League. The two teams that did by far the best business were the newly promoted sides, Sariirmakspor added 22 matches of international experience in the form of Osman Hasanoglu making the move from Hisar, Nuri Altun, Nursultan Altayov and Necmettin Umut make the move to shore up the defence and provide Super League quality front line play from Uryanspor, Hisar and Urukspor respectively. Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi may have done even better business with the securing of Hasan Kocaeli, who while old is still one of the best goalkeepers in the league and national team right winger and exceptional talent in Tekin Yavuz who will be looking to kickstart his career again after finding himself out of favour at Elektriklestirmespor. Oktay Engin will shore up the left side of the defence after making the move from Bakir FK while Gokhan Umitoglu will be leading the line for the newly promoted side.
Youth Player Signing Summary (Superleague only):
Sahin Toprak (DC) from Tasova Gencler to Hisark FK
Kerim Erkan (DR) from Tasova Gencler to Hisar FK
Okyanus Batur (MC) from Demir Gencler to Hisar FK
Ozakan Yavuz (MC) from Demir Gencler to Hisar FK
Ismet Emre (GK) from Demir Gencler to Manat FK
Arda Uygun (ML) from Tasova Gencler to Uryanspor
Tanrivermis Asena (MC) from Ipsala Gencler to Elektriklestirmespor
Murat Karasu (ST) from Tashkent Gencler to Tashkentspor
Akyol Ozil (GK) from Yavuz Akademisi to Almat JK
Ragip Bulut (DR) from Demir Gencler to Almat JK
Akyon Gurses (AMC) from Demir Gencler to Almat JK
Hasan Aras (DL) from Goynuk Gencler to Tanrispor
Uygur Ecevit (GK) from Altin Akademisi to Urukspor
Altinhan Bardakci (DR) from Uruk Gencler to Urukspor
Aktolga Dagtekin (MC) from Yetenekli Akademisi to Urukspor
Hisar managed to pick up three starting calibre youth players, with Kerim Erkan, Okyanus Batur and Ozakan Yavuz all in competition for starting roles this season. Urukspor picked up a talented and excellent left midfielder in the form of Arda Uygun. Almat picked up a surprisingly under the radar youth prospect in the form of Akyol Ozil who will likely start in goal from day one. Urukspor got a trio of very good youth players, fulfilling needs at goalkeeper, right back and midfield.
With these additions and changes to the squad, the following is an analysis of each team, in the order that we at this paper believe they are most likely to finish in. This season will see no relegation from the Super League as the Football Federation alongside the TimLig administration planning to expand the league to 18 teams and allow the entry of 18 new teams into the structure and relegation from the third division to a full pyramid:
Team Location: Uryan
Stadium: Madenci Stadium (27,000)
Nickname: Baltacilar (The Axemen)
Manager: Baskurt Cetinkaya (45)
Formation: 4-5-1 DM
Projected Starting XI: GK: Murat Yigithan (26), DL: Hywel Wodework (NPH), DC: Berker Balkan (19), DC: Metin Boz (c) (29), DR: Gokdeniz Dag (24), DM: Erdi Turkyilmaz (26), MC: Azer Erdinc (24), MC: Yasin Tekiner (26), ML: Arda Uygun (18), MR: Susanne Mpenza (CYI) , ST: Fatih Alpaslanoglu (27)
Notable Reserves: ML Demir Kaynarca (19), DM: Timur Nas (30), ML: Kurboga Akyol (32)
Players to Watch: Susanne Mpenza, Hywel Wodeword, Berker Balkan
Previous Finish: 3rd
Analysis: While last season will have felt a bit like a disappointment for them, Uryanspor actually seem even stronger this season, the addition of Erdi Turkyilmaz from relegated Bakir FK will see Timur Nas, an often underwhelming and forgettable performer relegated to the bench in favour of the tough defensive midfielder. They will want to put the disappointment of squandering a late lead in the Super League behind them and push on to show their clear quality over the other sides, the gap between them and champions Manat is not big enough to guarantee them the title, but it should make them comfortable favourites.
Manat FK
Team Location: Manat, Demir
Stadium: Dev Halk Stadium (30,000)
Nickname: Yesil-Beyazlar (Green-whites)
Manager: Marat Yuseinov (43)
Formation: 4-2-4
Projected Starting XI: GK: Ahmed Hurriyet (31), DL: Hasan Maratov (24), DC: Rustem Hafizoglu (29), DC: Ilhan Orhanoglu (28), DR: Nuri Selahattin (23), MC: Aycan Kubat (23), MC: Marian Ironside (BRE), AMR: Volkan Ayhan (25), AML: Umit Yakar (26), ST: Omer Tameroglu (23), Ismail Burhan (24)
Notable Reserves: MC: Manas Ilhamev (31), MC: Hakan Diren (32), GK: Ismet Emre (18), MC: Sinan Pamuk (24)
Players to Watch: Ismail Burhan, Aycan Kubat, Marian Ironside
Previous Finish: 1st
Analysis: The previous season's champions will be eager to show that their narrow title victory was more than a one off, Marat Yuseinov has set his sights clearly on retaining their title and has kept the team together and added solid depth in the form of Sinan Pamuk. This team looks dangerous going forward and has a surprisingly capable back line that's used to playing with a lead, the signs are there that if they get a couple of key results then the title may be staying with the green part of Demir.
Hisar FK
Team Location: Hisar, Demir
Stadium: Hisar School Field of Excellence (6,250)
Nickname: Hisarlar (Fortresses)
Manager: Manas Volkan (34)
Formation: 4-5-1
Projected Starting XI: GK: Saban Inekci (29) , DL: Gokhan Umut (26), DC: Tuna Rustemoglu (c) (36), DC: Eichi Fujiwara (HIN), DR: Kerim Erkan (18), MC: Sahin Gul (30), MC: Ozakan Yavuz (18), MC: Yusuf Ihsanoglu (29), ML: Hakan Visneci (27), MR: Muharrem Umutoglu (26), ST: Yusuf Akman (24)
Notable Reserves: MC: Yildirim Agac (31), DC: Sahin Toprak (18), MC: Ferhat Tarimci (30), MC: Okyanus Batur (18)
Players to Watch: Sahin Gul, Saban Inekci, Ozakan Yavuz
Previous Finish: 7th
Analysis: Manas Volkan can count himself very lucky to be given another year to manage this side. Last season's seventh place finish while their city rivals romped home to a title enraged the Hisar faithful. The upper management however, decided to keep Manas Volkan for another season, with the threat of relegation a non-issue this season, he will need to prove that he can get this team to play at a high standard otherwise he may find himself without a job come next season. The promotion of Eichi Fujiwara into the starting XI alongside youngster Ozakan Yavuz are expected to provide a much needed boost to the side.
Elektriklestirmespor
Team Location: Elektriklestirme
Stadium: Halkın Güneş Çiftliği Stadium (27,000)
Nickname: Yildirim (Lightning)
Manager: Yahsiboga Levni (45)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Projected Starting XI: GK: Sezgin Sancakli (30), DL: Caner Ulas (24), DC: Cagdas Gurses (25), DC: Anil Erol (28), DR: Engin Tokgoz (27), MC: Eldemir Reza (25) , MC: Berkin Batuk (27), AML: Oktay Keskin (23), AMC: Ertan Renda (C) (26), AMR: Masaki Onishi (HIN), ST: Recep Koyuncu (27)
Notable Reserves: MC:Kazak Baykal (31), GK: Koray Ecevit (19), MC: Tanrivermis Asena (18)
Players to Watch: Ertan Renda, Masaki Onishi, Berkin Batuk
Previous Finish: 2nd
Analysis: Elektriklestirme had a season to remember last season an unexpected title challenge based on a potent attacking quartet, which has been kept together this season and the rest of the team has had another off season together to gel. They aren't expected to repeat their excellent campaign of last season, predicted to be in with an outside chance of a title challenge at best, meeting their expectation of fourth place would be vindication for Yahsiboga Levni who has pursued an unconventional coaching style with his laid back and friendly style.
Demirspor
Team Location: Central Demir, Demir
Stadium: Demir-Is Stadium (5,500)
Nickname: Demirciler (The Iron-men)
Manager: Yusuf Umut (58)
Formation: 4-2-4
Projected Starting XI: GK: Iskender Nur (19), DL: Ixion Stamatellis (NPH) , DC: Alpay Osmanoglu (24) , DC: Levent Ahmedoglu (21), DR: Savas Orhan (22), MC: Atilla Acar (C) (26), MC: Akinci Gumus (28), AMR: Ragip Eyuboglu (24), AML: Tayyar Ozel (28), ST: Tugay Coskun (19), ST: Kartal Unal (22)
Notable Reserves: DC: Gokhan Karabulut (38), DL: Cemalettin Kuyumcu (35), DL: Devrim Sen (19), ST: Hamit Karadere (30)
Players to Watch: Tayyar Ozel, Kartal Unal, Tugay Coskun
Previous Finish: 4th
Analysis: Demirspor are not expected to make big waves, with a fifth place finish expected. They will however, have one of the most potent attacking records in the league, that much seems to be a certainty with Yusuf Umut's system pulling out the best in a relative unknown in Kartal Unal last season. Now equipped with his most talented front two that he's ever had big things are expected from this side, with Tayyar Ozel also expected to play a key role providing both goals and service to the talented and young duo up front.
Tashkentspor
Team Location: Tashkent
Stadium: Tashkent Belediye Isci Stadium (18,500)
Nickname: Taslar (The Stones)
Manager: Osman Zulbekaroglu (33)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Projected Starting XI: GK: Iltas Gokcen (26), DL: Izzet Timur (19), DC: Murat Bulut (26), DC: Isa Nurioglu (27), DR: Servet Ayturk (26), MC: Altan Seyfi (19), MC: Oz Kizilkaya (19):, AML: Caner Turan (22), AMC: Metin Aytacoglu (25), AMR: Ibrahim Kahveci (24), ST: Mehmet Karaman (30)
Notable Reserves: DR: Kemal Sabuktiginoglu (33), DL: Necip Colak (31), MC: Selcuk Karadeniz (34), MC: Ayhan Ertan (35), ST: Bayram Tansu (25), Murat Karasu (19)
Players to Watch: Servet Ayturk, Altan Seyfi, Caner Turan
Previous Finish: 5th
Analysis: Tashkentspor have an issue, an issue of talent, they have too much of it pooled in Caner Turan, Metin Aytacoglu and Mehmet Karaman and not enough of it concentrated on the defence. Yes they've made some moves to address this and those will pay off this season and beyond, but the fact remains that this is an imbalanced side, that exudes talent. Some have said that this side, under Osman Zulbekaroglu's cup winning leadership may spring a surprise or two, we don't doubt it, it's just a matter of springing enough surprises to make a difference at the end of the season.
Devlet-Bira Fabrika Takimi
Team Location: Ipsala
Stadium: Ipsala Belediye Park (2,000)
Nickname: Biracilar (The Brewers)
Manager: Hami Toker (47)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Projected Starting XI: GK Hasan Kocaeli (40), DL: Oktay Engin (32), DC: Mevlut Apak (38), DC: Erdem Birol (33), DR: Derin Sener (39), MC: Temir Baba (21), MC: Yoldas Tasci (35), AML: Ertekin Izzet (26), AMC: Hasan Kurt (24), AMR: Tekin Yavuz (31), ST: Gokhan Umitoglu (27)
Players to Watch: Hasan Kocaeli, Tekin Yavuz
Previous Finish: 2nd in the Workers League
Analysis: The newly promoted side, representing workers at the state beer brewery has made big moves. Adding international talent in the form of Hasan Kocaeli and Takin Yavuz who will both be trying to prolong their careers both at club and possibly at international level. The rest of the team is generally quite capable when you look at their form and talent, make no mistake this is very much a Super League side, the question is whether the four new stars can gel with their more grizzled compatriots who had to fight in the Workers League.
Tanrispor
Team Location: Goynuk
Stadium: Goynuk Belediye Parki (1,750)
Nickname: Şamanlar (The Shamans)
Manager: Selim Tansu (43)
Formation: 4-5-1 DM
Projected Starting XI: GK: Demirkan Kavur (27), DL: Hasan Aras (18) , DC: Hidayet Koca (c) (30), DC: Istemihan Sofuoglu (22), DR: Ilker Sener (27) , DM: Erberk Aldemir (27), ML: Halil Emiroglu (19), MC: Izzet Yilmaz (19), MC: Cemal Atalar (27), MR: Alp Osman (19), ST: Emir Aga (19)
Notable Reserves: DL: Orhan Tezcan (32), DR: Cahit Ecevit (33), MC: Haci Eris (37)
Players to Watch: Izzet Yilmaz, Emir Aga, Hidayet Koca
Previous Finish: 6th
Analysis: Last season's surprise package are expected to experience a bit of regression this season, they've got younger across the board with no less than 6 of the starting XI under the age of 23. Selim Tansu will be taking advantage of a year without relegation as a looming threat to develop his young talent in preperation for the reorganised league structure next season. Eyes will be on Emir Aga to see if he can replicate his goal scoring form from last season, which was so critical in that fine season Tanrispor had and Izzet Yilmaz to see if he can thrive in his new home in Goynuk.
Almat JK
Team Location: Almat, Demir
Stadium: Almat Jimnasyum (3,000)
Nickname: Traktorlar (The Tractors)
Manager: Batuhan Okay (57)
Formation: 5-1-2-1-1
Projected Starting XI: GK: Akyol Ozil (18) , DL: Beyhan Enver (25), DC: Okan Kocak (27), DC Ucan Celik (28):, DC: Eyup Mustafa (27), DR: Orhan Yalman (31), DM: Oztekin Timur (c) (24), MC: Mustafa Aydinlar (19), MC: Eren Unal (30), AMC: Sezer Erim (33), ST: Cetin Binali (25)
Notable Reserves: MC: Taner Can (31), DR: Cumhur Yakin (19), AMC: Deniz Erbil (19), DR: Ragip Bulut (18), AMC: Akyon Gurses (18), GK: Ferdi Kurtoglu (31)
Players to Watch: Eyup Mustafa, Oztekin Timur, Beyhan Enver
Previous Finish: 8th
Analysis: Almat have had designs on being competitive with their city school rivals in the form of Manat and Hisar, but have so far failed to come even close to that. A combination of poor team management and bad luck have formed a toxic mix leaving the team in the doldrums of the Super League. The management at the team have been given one more season, free from the risk of relegation to show that their vision is viable, if there aren't substantial improvements, especially with talented national team players such as Beyhan Enver and Eyup Mustafa then Batuhan Okay will find himself looking for a new job come the end of the season.
Sariirmakspor
Team Location: Tasova
Stadium: Tasova Belediye Stadium (2,000)
Nickname: Tekneler (The Boats)
Manager: Hakan Vedat (43)
Formation: 4-5-1 DM
Projected Starting XI: GK: Sefa Cihan (20), DL: Tayfur Oz (36), DC: Nuri Altun (34), DC: Osman Hasanoglu (30), DR: Nursultan Altayov (30), DM: Gurbuz Tufan (25), MC: Hakan Karadag (27), MC: Ulas Bayat (21), ML: Sarihan Isler (31), MR: Bozok Yalcin (25), ST: Necmettin Umut (34)
Players to Watch: Osman Hasanoglu, Necmettin Umut, Nuri Altun
Previous Finish: 1st in the Workers League
Analysis: Sariirmakspor made less of a splash than their fellow promoted side in domestic transfer market, but are looking to make the most of this year to consolidate with the risk of relegation taken away this season. This means that younger players will be given time to adjust while older players will need to show they can hack it at this level. They aren't expected to make much of a splash, but Osman Hasanoglu, Necmettin Umut, Nursultan Altayov and Nuri Altun all bring Super League experience to the table that will prove valuable in both this season and to help the rest of the squad get used to the expectations of Super League play.
Urukspor
Team Location: Uruk
Stadium: Uruk Belediye Stadium (2,000)
Nickname: Bukalemunlar (The Chameleons)
Manager: Firat Seyfi (34)
Formation:4-4-2
Projected Starting XI: GK: Baykal Taskiran (30), DL: Erol Demiroren (24), DC: Cengiz Cakmak (27), DC: Isa Kartal (29), Altinhan Bardakci (18), MC: Aktolga Dagtekin (18) MC: Emre Kahveci (c) (24), ML: Tolga Mehmetoglu (25), MR: Oral Guven (31) , ST: Mertcan Gunaydin (24), ST: Aral Karaman (19)
Notable Reserves: MC: Engin Samdereli (19), MR: Vedat Tas (19), MR: Hasan Gumus (31), MC: Tuna Boral (31), DR: Karatay Ibrahimoglu (30), GK: Uygur Ecevit (18)
Players to Watch: Erol Demiroren, Aral Karamn, Emre Kahveci
Previous Finish: 10th
Analysis: Urukspor were fortunate to remain in the Super League will be simply enjoying a year without the looming threat of relegation. Aral Karaman had an excellent season from the bench that has earned him a starting role, while the team has many young players who will be blooded this season. The hope is that the team will grow with experience and be able to thrive in the new 18 team Super League next season. Erol Demiroren and Emre Kahveci have been marked out as players who will have ambitions to play at larger clubs especially if this season and the next go poorly for Urukspor.
Kilicspor
Team Location: Kilic
Stadium: Kilic Belediye Park (1,800)
Nickname: Kiliclar (The Swords)
Manager: Ildemir Akkoz (36)
Formation: 5-1-2-1-1
Projected Starting XI: GK: Sahin Ozgultekin (c) (29), DL: Ege Uslu (19), DC: Torhan Cicek (28), DC: Ozan Altin (19), DC: Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu (25), DR: Baki Boztepe (25), DM: Tugay Kazakoglu (29), MC: Cem Veysel (24), MC: Yavuz Terzi (26), AMC: Arif Tas (25), ST: Timurdogan Ozbey (19)
Notable Reserves: DR: Yildirim Albayrak (19), DC: Ergun Okanoglu (31), DR: Tayfur Akyel (32), DL: Abdullah Havutcu (32)
Players to Watch: Timurdogan Ozbey, Sahin Ozgultekin, Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu
Previous Finish: 9th
Analysis: In many ways Kilicspor is more talented than many of the teams above it, but they've simply never been able to put it all together, that means a lot of focus is being placed on Ildemir Akkoz this season, with many feeling like this is his last chance in a season free from the threat of relegation to show that he can in fact get this team to reach its potential. With future national team star in the making Timurdogan Ozbey, current international Yildiray Sabuktiginoglu and Sahin Ozgultekin there are pieces in this team that look like a team that could challenge for a title, the fact they don't is beginning to reflect on management.