Cap6 - The Domestic Sports Channel of Cap Nord

[Cap Nord]

Across the nation of Cap Nord, various sports are contested. From a wide range of winter sports during the arctic months, when the cold winds sweep the peninsula, over some water sports in the treacherous waters which surround the country. But all in all, many of those are wide-spread as a pastime, but not that much as a spectator sport. Media tycoon Philip Buch saw the gap, or rather the potential revenue stream, and bundled the six most popular sports on one tv channel. Cap6 was born and over a single decade, it became a synonym for professional sports in the country - potentially also due to his connections with other corners of the media.
Optimists will note that Cap6 has resulted in streamlined competitions with previously unseen glory and income for the competitors. Realists might note that Buch has a stranglehold on the sports landscape and that sportsmanship is not high on his list of motivators when steering the ship in a new direction. So far, this still has gone fairly well, creating a Big Six of sports which are contested on a professional level. These are:

• Football - The primus inter pares, as despite the modest size of the country, no less than 64 teams compete professionally. The Premier Division drives tens of thousands of fans to the stadium weekly whilst the second-tier Challenger Division is notorious for the minimal differences between the squads and the surprising results at the end of the ride. Two National Divisions, as all mentioned containing sixteen teams, form the base on which the system runs and the connection to the various, regional, amateur leagues. Next to the double round-robin league, the competitors duel across seven rounds for the Müller Trophy, handed to the winner of the national Cup.
  
  2022: Sielhafen 1.FC
  2023: Sporting Noordende
  2024: Sandfjell Fotball
  
  
• Rugby - In the western parts of Cap Nord, rugby makes a valiant effort to duel with football and the main clubs maintain a well-structured youth academy. The result is a two-tiered system of professional sides: both the Top Championship and the Second Series contain ten quite popular clubs: the big derbies always dominate the national front pages whilst even lower-tier clubs perform in front of several thousand fans. The sport is contested mainly in spring, with a double round-robin competition.
  
  2023: Valognes Athletique
  2024: Drochry Corinthians
  
  
• Handball - Getting most of its popularity from the eastern region of the country, but with clubs in every corner of the state, handball completes the circle of impactful team sports in Cap Nord. The competition, which runs from late summer till the end of year, is contested in two parts. First, three regional groups of six face one another twice. Based upon their performance, they are redistributed in three tiers of six with the top tier battling it out for the title. Incredibly popular on television, especially during the calmer winter months.
  
  2023: DV Trucking Melundhavn
  
  
• Athletics - Track and field always held a soft spot in the hearts of the Capnordian people, but Buch managed to repackage it into the Track Series, a popular concept, both in the stadiums and on television. Twelve regional selections of about 40 athletes compete against each other in sixteen meetings. Due to a careful balance, staging twenty-two of the potential 42 events, every event is assured of some stars to feature. Athletes can win a personal title in an event, but the main honour is the highly contested team trophy, both per meeting as in total.
  
  2023: Tiggland Tigers
  
  
• Swimming - Inspired by the success from the Track Series, a similar setup has been developed for the Pool Series. This year, for the first time, they will also have sixteen meetings to compete. A main difference is that there are only eight teams and their brand used to be focussed on a commercial sponsor rather than a city or region. Due to the lack of connection with the fans this gave, the teams will now focus on a few key swimmers with the same cluster of coaches. Each evening sees twenty-four races, with a focus on freestyle events over the rest.
  
  2023: Elektrix Eels
  
  
• Cycling - Last but not least, cycling earned its spot in the Big Six. Historically, the sport always carried weight but within the vision of Buch, it always was an outlier. Contrary to the other sports there was not a single source of authority or a power vacuum, but a lot of stakeholders in varying alliances. The infighting formed the base for a substantial drop in popularity. Ironically, this played in the hand of Buch who won power and recently restructured to a more readable format. Fifteen trade teams of ten riders take on a calendar of fifty days, centred around the Cap Nord Tour, one of the nations' most prestigious sports events.

[Cap Nord]

Preview of Capnordic Football Season 2022

MOBILE-U PREMIER DIVISION

Cercle Terranville

Whilst leading the path alphabetically, Cercle fans know this is the only way that ranks them ahead of the opposition. Last year, les Cémentiers not only scraped by in their debut season in the highest tier, they also sent far more prestigious neighbour Olympique Isbècque out the back. This year will be another thirty-game battle for every point, trying to stay afloat with the pound-for-pound weakest selection of them all. Still, it is not outlandish to believe Terranville can repeat the stunt and lie the groundwork for a longer stay. Coach Poulain runs a tight ship, kept his selection as good as together (bar centre back Dortigne) and brings a cynical but efficient brand of football which forces many opponents to take risks. Never an easy game on a rainy Saturday evening in Terranville.

Key Player: It is telling that a holding midfielder such as Pierrick Vandervelde can be the most notable man but he's a reliable captain with cunning and a fine cross.
Rising Star: After showing glimpses of his potential last season, this could be the breakthrough year for Amadée Duval, a fast and nimble left wing attacker.
Important Incoming: Nearly no signings at Cercle. They replace Dortigne with Nsacko, a block of granite from third tier En Avant, another cheap but clever transfer.

Clachonoch Rovers

If one searches for a definition of mid-table fodder, there is a chance that Clachonoch comes up. Their image is determined by the Psycho Gang: Simpson, McParland, MacLean and Lowe, four more experienced players who are known for their ruthlessness on the field and their bizarre antics in the tabloids. Their presence casts a bit of a shadow over the fact that the Rovers play more than acceptable football, with a lot of passing and movement. Their very loyal fan base ensures them of staying out of trouble but for a genuine chance at, lets say, the top five, these Rovers miss a bit of magic in the air and money in the bank. Once again, a key striker in Elliot Jackson left the shores to balance the books and he seems inadequately replaced by the Clachonoch board.

Key Player: The back four with MacLean, Simpson, Williams and Barnett is hard but solid. Brian MacLean, the tireless right back forms the kind of guy to rally the troops behind.
Rising Star: During the preseason, coach Humphries has given Thom McEnroy a chance between the stakes and he has not regretted so far as his quick thinking stands out.
Importing Incoming: Journeyman striker Louis Delcroix gets the heavy task to get the same double figures as Jackson. With his lack of speed, it feels highly doubtable.

Draiewikum Boys

A club that is so mediocre, that is slowly slipping into the lower second half of the table. The Boys are the representative of the Fryske minority and as the only club of them in the highest two tiers, they have been using that to their advantage. More often than not, the Boys found some talent that lingered in the amateur divisions and lifted them up. But with youth football rapidly professionalising and scouts looking beyond the borders of their region, that well dried up lately. They have not really managed to follow the requirements for youth academies so whilst they keep on bringing locals to the line-up, only few of them truly raise the level. The end result still seems too good to go down, but that’s the nicest thing we can say about the flat (in all senses of the words) 4-4-2 Draiewikum will be using.

Key Player: Siel Leuwert already was a community hero, but the Campionato overnight turned him into a national one. Stands between the Boys and ‘really sucking’ with his reflexes.
Rising Star: Aukje Spoelstra plays an important role for Draiewikum, connecting defence and attack with her tireless runs and clever infiltrations - this year she should become the defining field player.
Importing Incoming: Left back Karel Broodhaers once had been predicted a beaming future over at Sporting but it did not materialise. Can the Boys provide that second chance?

Drochry Academic

Returning to the elite ranks, Drochry Academic intends to stay. The Mortarboards have been a fixture in the top tier for two decades, with two Cups to prove it, but bit by bit it all fell apart. They return from a second relegation in five years, but this time the scenery looks a bit more rosy. Dropping back a level again forced Academic to clean out the dressing room and focus on bringing in young and hungry players. With result: last year they won the title with two games to spare and apart from Powell and the retiring Williamson, the same guys can aim for a quiet season around spot eleven. This is in part due to a trio of focussed, affordable transfers that give the line-up a well-rounded look and feel. If the Academic can keep up this positive curve, they could be starting a new golden age of their history.

Key Player: The likeable Ramsey Fraser is at the pinnacle of his career, booting in goals left and right. Not really refined, but a highly useful element in the plans of coach Proudfoot.
Rising Star: Those who keep track of the second tier keep on whispering the name of Neve Adam, a crafty wingback with a sharp cross and impeccable stamina - curious if she can confirm one league higher.
Importing Incoming: Of the trio of acquisitions, the return of midfielder Steve McLochlan caught attention. After stints with Fallwich and Lydholm, he returns home.

Fallwich United

Not too long ago, Fallwich looked on its way to break into the ranks of the Big Boys but that dream has recently been brought to a halt. Apparently their buy-and-sell tactics met the edges of its potential but that won’t stop the notorious United president John Gilliam from trying it again. Young potential Trevor Barrington was sold off for a sizable sum, allowing Fallwich to scourge for affordable options elsewhere: Dortigne joins the sizable French-speaking enclave spearheaded by goalie Le Vallez, whilst Kenneth Breuker and Peter Powell both have shown capacity at this level. Then why wouldn’t they be on the way up this year? Potentially the complete lack of trust in coach Emmett Wynter who swears by a fragile 3-5-2 but does not seem to get the players to execute such a ploy. Some potential, but hanging by a string.

Key Player: Contrary to Le Vallez and defender Noble, Steven Bryce did not make the national selection but the midfielder is a club legend with a golden right foot - the only one who can’t do wrong with the fans.
Rising Star: The addition of Powell might not do his playing minutes good, but the lanky Daniel Clark seems tough as nails and could well become an attacking multitool for Wynter.
Importing Incoming: Of all additions, ruthless yet technically apt defensive midfielder Kenneth Breuker could give the Hoops their much-needed stability.

FC Waalterzee

Could this be the year for Waalterzee? The coastal city bolsters a club that has long been patient, building on the road upwards. But by now, even the loyal fanbase hopes to see that translated into something other than a fine sixth place - even in the Cup, no silverware was yet gathered. The green and white get praise for their calm and composed management style but their football - defensive strategists with some poachers up front - rarely gets applause from the pundits. Gaffer Paul Eltink couldn't care less, after a decade and a half in the business, he knows what’s what and values midfield workers such as Lemmeling and Corstjens. On top of that, he got a good dressing room which incorporates newcomers quite well. In that sense, the departure of prima donna Kees De Reuver could be an advantage rather than a loss.

Key Player: As traditional as it might be, a good central forward makes a lot of difference. Carel Wymeersch scores the goals whilst acting as the first defender in the plan.
Rising Star: Picking up Lasse Noland came as a bit of surprise but the quirky defender had fallen out with Norreborg. Will he now unleash his true potential?
Importing Incoming: For two years in a row, Per Hollmann was chosen as the best goalkeeper in the second tier: his debut in the Premier Division seems to be long overdue.

FF Stennköping

Replicating the surprise title four years ago seems several bridges too far for the Hingstarna but Stennköping used that platform to become a stable club in the top half of the league. As such, fans have been flocking to the SendBank Arena, one of the most modern stadiums in the country, bankrolled by a major financial institution. Manager Johannes Grenholm managed to hold himself from throwing money out of the window, but other clubs know that FF has a piggy bank and tend to profit from that knowledge. Nonetheless, Stennköping plays with a strong, albeit a bit slow, team in a traditional 4-2-3-1. They tend to score in numbers, but without that bit more of defensive stability, they will drop too many points to challenge for silverware. Nonetheless, the blue-and-yellow will once again spice up the competition.

Key Player: 31-year old Jonas Persson appears as slow and whimsical for the beholder but when one tracks his performances across a season, one might see he could be the best Capnordic player out there.
Rising Star: Inge Torsson has all the qualities for an overnight fan favourite: quick feet, a cheeky attitude and hair so blond, it has its own line of jokes. Sometimes he even gets an assist.
Importing Incoming: As the umpteenth attempt for a better back four, Espen Lonstad arrives from Sandfjell. The towering centre back will definitely give them an advantage in the air.

Forbrodring Opsvik

After losing Anders Skogen to SK and Glenn Pedersen to Norreborg 59, it seems as if Forbrodring features on all journo shortlists for the relegation. And all can see why. As a club with limited means, they have been in the top tier for seven years now but at some point, it feels as if their luck must run out. Opsvik usually relies on one or two stars, supported by a rotating cast of gritty workers and relentless defenders. So far, it made a night out against the Oljebondene or Oil Farmers a tricky affair for any team but that image slowly but surely starts to break down. In the second half of last year, when they went through three different coaches, goals were already hard to come by and now Magnus Hettervik is met with a depleted line-up. Every point will be met as a success for the Forbrodring, that’s for sure.

Key Player: The difficulty to find one tells lengths about this club. Asgeir Reiersen will need to be the source of inspiration, Khadija Mrabet ensures the guidance in midfield.
Rising Star: Only seventeen, but midfielder Jorgen Bjerkness will be dropped in the starting line-up already. Whether that tells more of Opsvik or about his talent, remains to be seen.
Importing Incoming: Helle Volging arrived from second-tier Skjerm SK and is the only thing close to a proper replacement. It will be a hard debut season for the 23-year old in attack.

Lydholm Forened

After the merger between Boldklub and Young Boys, now twelve years ago, Lydholm Forened seemed to be on its way to become that much-craved Danish-speaking club that could challenge for the title. In their short history, however, they have been a bit of everything. Some seasons, they tickle the Big Boys living up to the dream, in other seasons they need to watch the abyss till the final matchday. Predicting their faith this time is once more bordering the impossible. The few stable factors in the line-up get a year older or leave whilst the inflow of talent remains a difficult thing. On the other hand, goalie Svend Moller became that long absent reliable element between the stakes whilst the coffins from Forened sponsor LundBeton form a welcome factor during the off-season: four new names adorn the line-up.

Key Player: Possibly a bit past his prime but Andreas Hom, a playmaker at the defending midfielder position, still remains an assurance of guidance in a team aching for that.
Rising Star: Maybe the least boisterous of their incoming transfers, but 22-year old Troels Poulsen showed quality with sleeping giant Brym and could become a big name at right-back.
Importing Incoming: After a transfer saga that swung all ways (headlines linked him to four different teams) star striker Steffen Puch joins from Huftstad. A handful for defenders and managers.

Metallar Varnoberg

For the very first time in their club history, Metallar Varnoberg will play at the highest level and that is against everyone’s expectations. Locals claim that Varnoberg is a city with a flourishing metal company, more adequate researchers discover that VarnoMetal is a metal company with problematic accounting and a town. But that town is filled to the brim with staunch fans for the club and their unique community spirit reflects on the line-up which has - bar one or two exceptions - only local heroes. They got promotion due to a good second half of the year and faltering opposition but will stick with their gameplan: rough in attack, brutal in midfield and downright nasty in defence. But if you can knock one in against them, the question opens up how on earth Varnoberg will score enough to stay afloat.

Key Player: Amidst a selection with limited football skills, the grace and touch of Hanna Mostrom stand out. But don’t be fooled, she’ll break your legs as if they are twigs.
Rising Star: Can we catalogue a 26-year old as a Rising Star? Peter Torbjornsson last year rose up from the amateur ranks to Metallar and scored nine - can he repeat his progression?
Importing Incoming: It tells you a thing or two about Varnoberg that they made no notable transfers this off-season. Zero incoming bar two youth products., zero outgoing bar a retirement.

Norreborg 59

As Lydholm keeps on being Lydholm, the formerly unheralded Norreborg 59 forms the strongest of the Danish-speaking clubs in the highest tier. Coach Mohammed El-Berrhi knows how to bring his players to the next level time and time again, delivering the club a Cup victory two years ago. This season, they aim to improve from a fourth place and whilst that will be very hard, they will give the more wealthy sides a run for their money. And even then, the aura of poorer club is becoming a thing from the past as evidence by the signings from Clachonoch’s Jackson and Opsvik’s Pedersen: two players others were willing to whip out the wallet for, but the steady progress from the Tangerines pays off. Norreborg has the potential to challenge for a title some day, but that day is not there yet.

Key Player: Gitte Nilsen is the queen of the free kicks who can make difficult actions look amazingly simple. And, every once and a while, the other way around.
Rising Star: With the fragile Noland leaving, our eyes turn to a slow but steady rise. Bernard Vleugellam has been with Norreborg for five years now but this could be the point where the left-back becomes a key player.
Importing Incoming: Rarely called stylish and with limited stamina, but Elliot Jackson always has his heart in it and weighs on opposing defences to ensure a good production.

Sandfjell Fotball

When Egge Stavseth trembled the net with a perfect volley in the final game of last year’s season, the city (or at least the red half) exploded with delight. The goal against Sielhafen confirmed the title, the first one since the Forseth Dynasty which saw them win six trophies in five years. But the subsequent decade only saw two Cups and for the hungry management and fans, these meant hard times. Now Fotball is back where it has always aspired to be. Whether they will display the same dominance from the further past is debatable but that they remain a title candidate goes without saying. The Canned Tomatoes (as their new kit with frozen vegetable producer FroostBoost coined) play physical, borderline brutal football but put focus on scoring rather than avoiding goals, making them Capnordicly entertaining.

Key Player: A gentle giant off the field, Till Myrrheim unleashes a lot of working power when given the reigns of the attack. Last year’s topscorer and looks ready to repeat that.
Rising Star: Maybe too soon to earn a spot in the starting eleven but 17-year old Simon Carstensen was a phenomenon in the youth ranks and could already show a thing or two.
Importing Incoming: In the blue part of town, he’s now known as Judas but the Fotball board knows they’ve taken in a multitool midfielder with Steffen Haugen.

Sielhafen 1.FC

The bustling port city is known for its melting pot in cultures and their hard nosed Dockers on and off the field. Whilst they never really got into the title race last year after a poor start, the club from infamous manager Gerolf Felder can aim for glory this time around. The framework, with a clinical defensive compartment and a lot of firepower in attack, remained the same with a few additions that looked spot on during preseason. As such, things are looking uncharacteristically rosy for one of the most wealthy, but also most volatile clubs in the league. If they can avoid their usual pitfalls (fallouts between key players, supporters who put the pressure on after just one weaker game, Felder breaking someone’s spirit, …) this Sielhafen potentially starts the season as favourites. But that is a major ‘if’.

Key Player: Stuck somewhere on the scale between a genius and an insufferable loner, short yet sharp Dieter Scharf finds space where it did not seem to exist.
Rising Star: It is telling that at the fine age of twenty years old, Johannes Marzinn is given the keys to the goalmouth. As talented as he is tall, and he’s a double metre.
Importing Incoming: What gives der Erste that little edge is that they managed to scoop Gesa Wierink, a solid wing player, away from bitter rivals Sporting Noordende.

SK Sandfjell

There was a day and a time when the navy blues of Sandfjell looked on their way to take over the reign of town but in just a season or three, that ambition imploded. Always known more for their merchant skills than their academy, a series of mediocre or downright poor silly seasons saw them slip down the ranks. SK parked in eleventh last year and there is no reason to see them move higher. Losing Haugen to the rivals was a bitter pill to swallow and with Flock, Lonstad and Vercaemst, three more loyal soldiers left the line-up. Most return was used to close the gaps in accounting whilst some was invested into Skogen. But putting your chips on a 29-year old who is most accustomed to relegation battles seems risky. There should be enough in this selection to avoid relegation, but only if they can find a decent goalscorer to go with their decent defence.

Key Player: Witty and stylish, Erik Brymsaeter forms a genre of footballer on his own. It's peculiar but also fast and with bravado so it is hard not to love his pencil mustache.
Rising Star: After two years marred with injury, it remains questionable if kid prodigy Elodie Valdes will resurface. But if she does, SK could have found that needed goalgetter.
Importing Incoming: Much faith is stored in Anders Skogen and that seems too much for a hardworking midfielder. But his mentality will match with the Sandfjell supporters.

Sporting Noordende

At the end of the day, there is only one club about whom everyone has an opinion - positive or negative. Sporting does not think they're the best, they just know it. Now the rest of the country. But, their stellar trophy cabinet serves to back up this claim and the depth of the squad is unmatched. This is the result of a combination of the deep pockets of the management and an excellent youth academy, which continues to deliver pearls honed in the style of the house: technical, dominant and fast-paced. Sporting has a reputation when it comes to the transfer window, leading to other clubs tending to push the price a little when Noordende knocks on their door. As such, cash was splashed for Barrington and Schroeten - both players who still have to confirm. A bit of a blow: the departure of Wierink to a direct rival, a rare occurrence and a sign of a low in the Sporting hegemony for some. But most see in it an additional stimulation to regain the title.

Key Player: Whatever way you look at it, Rohan Williams is a beautiful footballer. Makes the covers of the sports section with his dribbles, of the newspapers with his podcast and of the tabloids with his flirts and cars.
Rising Star: Jan Vandijcke will have enough internal competition, but if he can gain his spot in the attack next to Valentijn and Williams, it will be for his daring rushes from the left wing.
Importing Incoming: This summer, managers were tripping over one another in the office of the Fallwich secretary, but only Sporting brought defensive hot shot Trevor Barrington back home.

Vereniging Huftstad

The planned city with the gargantuan design (and the modest execution) required a matching club. Vereniging, in their notable brown-purple shirts, have since earned a reputation for throwing money against the wall whilst hoping that something would stick. As organised as its city centre looks, as capricious their trajectory through the Premier Division. Whilst having been close to it a few times, one of the worst-supported teams (transferred government officials apparently remain loyal to the club of their roots) remains in waiting for that title. It won’t be this year as the club changed hands to Peter Dingens and the new owner turned on the financial screws. Ways were parted with Breuker and Puch - both expensive, but also crucial to the line-up - and the selection got slimmer. They will be back after this regroupment but this season could be a bleak mid-tier one.

Key Player: Without Steffen Puch, the weight of the attack lands on the shoulders of Murad Benkasar. He should be able to carry most of that towards double figures.
Rising Star: Removing players puts youngsters higher up the ladder and the most gifted of those is Wouter Locquet, a more than decent wingback with good stamina.
Importing Incoming: Only incoming Kees De Reuver left Waalterzee with doors banging. On her best days, she’s a clever playmaker. But the rest of the year, De Reuver is a diva on and off the pitch.

CANDICAN CHALLENGER DIVISION

AS Isbècque
For their small but dedicated following, winning the long-awaited derby against Olympique will be the main focus. Otherwise, survival is fine enough.

Barnuff Rangers
The Rangers have been stuck ‘beyond their level’ for so long now, one starts to wonder whether this simply isn’t their level. Not ready for promotion - again.

Blue-White Gleburgh
A fine youth academy gets you somewhere, but only that far. Growing stability sees them lock in somewhere near spot eight and that’s just fine.

Bryn Boldklub
The ‘Boldest of the Boldklubs’, as their tagline reads, seemed ready for a big push towards promotion but after the departure of Hansen and Lilholt, that will be tough.

Crester Wanderers
Last season, the Wanderers came within two points of promotion, this year they are one of the favourites to return to the Premier Division.

Energie Swamund
A re-entry in the ranks for Energie. The club has a reliable but aging core of midfielders who could navigate them into the safety of the middle of the pack.

Melundhavn Start
Start seems to have stopped mourning their slightly injust drop from the top tier three years ago, but question marks can still be set around their transfer policy.

Noordende VV
One of those clubs whose names just fits in perfectly with the Challenger Division. Too big to relegate, too small to vye for more and all about a deep cup run.

Olympique Isbècque
Relegation was an absolute low in the club history of this club that never sleeps and always seems to go through rough water, but also has a massive number of fans.

Peteringham City
The second promoted side should, in theory, have the means in terms of players and deep pockets, but before the season, the manager was already fired.

Porskoggankopp FK
The Shepherds feature for five years in a row on the list of candidates to go down, but a core of strong club players so far prevented that.

Skjerm SK
One of the biggest talent factories in the nation, Skjerm struggles to translate that into an actual title run. Nonetheless, a gifted side with attractive football.

Standard Brouai
Driven by an excellent attacking duo in Vandecasteele and Mrabet, they could become the surprising package of the year and make the move to the top two.

Stellarbrough Town
Every competition has that one club that you forget when you try to list the teams from memory and in this division, the brown-and-maroon Townies play that role.

Stennköping Atlet
Atlet made a shock transfer by convincing 41-year old FF legend Melissa Lagergren to make a comeback. Can she rock them or have her legs gone?

Valognes Sportive
Valognes is by all accounts the large city with the weakest club. Some claim that they could get replaced by local rival Géants, but that’s a bit too much.


SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION WEST

Possibly the weaker of the two leagues of the third tier, the West looks to be a four-horse race. Relegated Braelowan did a thorough cleaning of the dressing room and could make a quick comeback whilst SV Leijendorp lost the promotion playoffs last season - they’ve only lost left-back Schreyen. Those in the know point to either Newton Steelworks, who start to profit from their connection with Fallwich, picking up their second-rate youngsters, or Géants de Valognes, who got a new president, the owner of BouchEtRit, a large meat company.

Academic Club Bellworth
Braelowan Athletic
Drochry Corinthians
En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé
Excelsior Moringhem
Géants de Valognes
Groene Leeuwen Bercht
Guardiens de Carbécourt
Hand in Hand Wulvem
Hercules Noordende
Newton Steelworks
Racing Bieshout
Sparta Bieshout
Stade Saint-Loic
SV Leijendorp
Verbroedering Noordende


SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION EAST

The most wide open of the four professional leagues always is an arena full of surprising names and revelations. Relegated Fram Rorsund looks poor and plundered, so Jagerfly Ringskar with cult midfielder Erik Byring tops the list of candidates for most bookmakers. Other teams that have shown potential last year are Kickers Rening (known for their high press), THOR Avelinge’s impeccable home reputation and the growingly popular Sielhafenspor. Also take a second to watch an AmnKam game, their new salmon-green-orange kit made it to international websites.

AmnKam
Bronvalla Black Star
Eintracht Wechholz
FF Skroya
Fram Rorsund
Jagerfly Ringskar
Kickers Rening
Lydholm BK
Sielhafenspor
Sport Melundhavn
Stennköping IF
THOR Avelinge
Ungdommer Sandfjell
Valhalla Gronring
Wadum Emtex
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk

[Cap Nord]

Premier Division         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                                                                  
 1 Sielhafen 1. FC        30   15  11   4    51   31  +20    56    —   2–0  0–0  2–1  0–2  4–2  2–0  5–2  0–1  2–0  1–0  2–0  3–2  2–0  3–0  2–0
 2 Sandfjell Fotball      30   15   7   8    62   44  +18    52   1–2   —   3–3  3–2  1–1  2–1  4–2  2–2  5–2  2–2  1–0  1–0  3–0  3–0  5–0  3–1
 3 Sporting Noordeinde    30   13  12   5    69   54  +15    51   3–3  1–0   —   1–4  3–1  2–2  2–4  6–4  1–3  0–0  1–1  3–4  4–3  5–1  1–0  3–1
 4 FC Waalterzee          30   14   5  11    53   53    0    47   1–0  0–2  3–2   —   0–1  1–1  1–3  0–4  4–4  1–0  0–0  1–0  0–1  2–0  2–1  2–1
 5 Clachonoch Rovers      30   14   4  12    40   39   +1    46   0–2  3–0  4–4  0–2   —   2–3  0–0  2–1  1–3  2–1  3–0  1–0  2–1  1–0  0–1  1–0
 6 FF Stennköping         30   12   9   9    56   50   +6    45   0–0  2–4  0–0  1–2  0–2   —   3–1  3–1  1–0  1–0  1–1  2–1  2–0  4–2  8–4  2–0
 7 Fallwich United        30   12   8  10    48   42   +6    44   3–0  2–1  1–1  3–4  2–1  2–1   —   1–2  3–3  0–1  0–0  2–0  1–2  1–1  3–1  2–0
 8 Lydholm Forened        30   12   7  11    51   51    0    43   1–1  1–1  2–4  2–3  1–0  4–3  1–1   —   3–2  1–0  1–2  1–0  2–2  2–0  1–1  1–2
 9 Norreborg 59           30   10  10  10    54   54    0    40   1–1  2–1  3–3  1–0  1–2  2–2  4–1  1–0   —   2–2  1–2  3–3  2–0  1–0  1–0  0–1
10 Vereniging Huftstad    30   10   8  12    40   36   +4    38   1–1  4–1  2–3  4–4  0–1  3–0  3–3  1–0  2–0   —   1–0  1–1  1–2  0–1  2–0  1–0
11 Draiewikum Boys        30    8  14   8    28   31   −3    38   2–2  1–0  0–0  6–4  1–0  3–3  1–1  1–2  2–1  1–2   —   0–0  1–1  0–0  0–0  1–1
12 SK Sandfjell           30   10   6  14    42   49   −7    36   3–3  4–6  2–3  2–2  3–2  3–2  0–2  2–3  1–1  1–0  3–0   —   1–2  1–0  0–3  2–0
13 Drochry Academic       30    9   8  13    56   57   −1    35   2–2  3–3  2–3  4–3  6–2  3–4  0–1  3–2  4–4  1–1  0–1  1–2   —   0–0  4–1  2–3
14 Cercle Terranville     30    8   7  15    21   38  −17    31   0–0  0–0  0–3  3–1  1–1  1–1  1–0  0–1  4–1  2–1  1–0  0–1  0–3   —   1–0  0–1
15 Metallar Varnoberg     30    7   9  14    28   45  −17    30   1–1  0–1  1–1  1–2  2–0  0–0  1–0  0–0  3–3  1–0  0–1  0–1  2–2  2–1   —   1–0  Relegated
16 Forbrodring Opsvik     30    7   3  20    25   50  −25    24   2–3  1–3  0–3  0–1  0–2  0–1  1–3  2–3  2–1  2–4  0–0  2–1  1–0  0–1  1–1   —   Relegated

Forbrodring Opsvik
This is where it ends for Opsvik but to their credit, they did not go down without a fight. While Hettervik failed to keep the boat afloat, he did give Forbrodring enough heart and spirit, as evidenced by the fact that they only lost once by more than goals. As such, it seems that they will continue with the coach, who pledged his allegiance to the fans. On the pitch, there were a few moments where the tables could have turned: the loss at Metallar was rather undeserved and if they won their best game of the year against Waalterzee, it might have been close. But Opsvik parked in the last spot after four games and never managed to get away there. The main culprit was the lack of efficiency at home and the absence of a reliable scorer. Volging worked hard but only netted four: still enough for a spot as club top scorer and that is telling. Sole bright spot of the year might be the evolution of Bjerkness. There is a big chance that the 18-year old will be snapped up by a stronger team, but the incoming cash from such a transfer could be the golden parachute needed to immediately battle for a return next season.

Metallar Varnoberg
With home draws against Sielhafen, Noordeinde and the highly despised Stennköping (the away match ended in a bonkers 8-4 result), Metallar brought exactly what we all expected to the league. A rather difficult trip to a stadium that always seemed five degrees colder than the surrounding country. A style of play so ugly, it is a caricature of itself. A fairly high number of red cards for handing out life-threatening injuries. But, at the end of the day, not enough skills to maintain a spot in the highest tier. An away loss to Terranville three weeks before saw them sink beyond SK and Cercle: winning just one point in the subsequent games sealed their fate. It is doubtable that Varnoberg will have a second stint in the near future. Their short stay did point stronger teams to the remarkable Mostrom, the powerful Jonsson and the reliable Lund. Without players like that, it would be back to the grey midtable, the end of a short, not particularly pretty fairytale. Only silver lining, main sponsor VarnoMetal is said to raise their share, seeing the difference in impact between the first and second tier. If that would be true, an exodus might be avoided.

Cercle Terranville
Whilst many teams still had homework to do, Cercle opened the year with ten points in their first six games. In hindsight, these were the key for adding a third year to their stint. Building upon the line-up of last year, Terranville looked like a block, difficult to deconstruct and fast in the counterattack. But once the code from coach Poulain became cracked, the hollowness in terms of talent and creativity became glaringly obvious. All inspiration came from Duval, good for seven goals, and Sangaré, the lightning bolt on the opposite side. Both are young enough to be transfer targets but sank together with their team in the second round of the season as opponents focussed just on those two. As such, this summer could be a bit of a crossroads for Cercle. Murmurs claim that the days of Poulain are counted. Going without him after seven seasons might mark a line in the sand and a decision: will risky investments be made to grow or are they satisfied with battling relegation every season? Because the current selection signs up as a candidate for the second tier for next season.

Drochry Academic
Thirteenth is quite a bit below the gut feeling left by the enthused style from the Mortarboards. Cause, god be darned, we were entertained. The home fans especially got spoiled, witnessing their club mark 35 times, a number only exceeded by Noordende and Sandfjell. The style from Fraser does not match the academic in the club name, but the battering ram from Drochry did score twenty-two goals. You don’t get to those figures without some assistance and with McLochlan, Wilson and Hamilton, there was enough cunning in this group to wreak havoc. But, although they never sank below the line, all this attacking fire power did not suffice to get them in the first column. Academic got the pundits excited but shabby defending cost them a handful of points. High wing backs are fun but goalie McCullough was left on his own quite often and the mediocre heart of the defence did not help. At first sight, manager Wilson does not look as if he wants to turn that around but will the fans keep on enjoying that? Possibly but it is questionable that this is the foundation for a new glorious period for Drochry.

SK Sandfjell
After ten games, there was a sense of optimism among the SK fans. The results were a bit of a mixed bag but the spectacular 3-4 victory in Noordende (the first loss of points for the title candidates after six games) and a courageous derby which ended in a prehistoric 4-6 showed fire in the squad. And then things collapsed slowly, like a flan in a cupboard. It is difficult to determine what pushed the navy blues to a soulless two points out of a possible 27 but that it was a cocktail of injuries, key players going awol (Valdes) or picking up back-to-back red cards (Felting) and a lack of leaders in the dressing room. Having wandered into the relegation area, the board installed a new manager in Ilise Hauk and she managed to quickly get the boat afloat again through the reliable midfield duo Andersen - Skogen. With her, they can start building again and that will be necessary. The most talented player, Brymsaeter, realises that it becomes now or never to explore greener pastures and the treasury will need his money to ensure the squad becomes wide enough to stay out of trouble. A rollercoaster of a season, so they're probably just happy it is over.

Draiewikum Boys
The most historic moment of the season for the Boys, considering its potential impact, might have come from the boardroom rather than the pitch. In March, it was announced that construction magnate Wielant would take over the reins of the club. It could spell the end of the prudent and conservative image from the club, as he does not seem to be the man to settle for mediocrity. On the pitch, nonetheless, Draiewikum stuck with its focus on organisation. Goalie Leuwert demonstrated why he remains the national number one, winning no less than eleven clean sheets. Not without some help from his back four, where newcomers Broodhaers and Vennema found their spot. Still, the Boys remained far from the top four dogfights due to a lack of scoring. Tjibbe Opsma netted a respectable eleven, including a quadruple banger in an incredible 6-4 win to FCW, but none of his teammates scored more than twice. And so, every proper chance needed to be converted and it became hard to get a flow going. One thing is sure, Wielant will be ogling other strikers to match with Opsma and money will not be the issue.

Vereniging Huftstad
For a club so desperate to be an ambitious contender, this was truly a poor season. Budget cuts had already limited the ambitions but being nowhere near the international spots had all sorts of disappointing written all over. Especially on the road, there was little to rejoice about. Any bright spots there were, usually got signed by Kees De Reuver. The quirky playmaker proved his former employer Waalterzee wrong in a spectacular 4-4 and was the architect for a memorable home win against Sporting. But a myriad of injuries hampered his progress and without him between the lines, it became painfully obvious how mediocre and soulless the current line-up is. Key figures such as Benkasar and De Jonghe have not had their best season, whilst the youngsters who were given the chance to develop failed to materialise their opportunities. The lack of crowd and support is a running gag for the competition, but the complete desertion on the last home game - after the lost Cup Final - showed new depts for the club. Owner Peter Dingens gets a lot of stick for that, whilst offers for Benkasar are flowing in.

Norreborg 59
You have got a mediocre season and you have got a really mediocre season. Norreborg ran one of the latter, with an equal amount of games won, lost and drawn, whilst scoring exactly as much as they conceded. But the figures merely mask the wild ride of highs and lows: from a home loss to the hands of Opsvik up to slaying Sielhafen on the road. For some clubs that would have been sufficient but the Tangerines can round it up as abysmal. And it is difficult to pinpoint what went wrong. Gitte Nilsen had a fine season, newcomers Jackson and Pedersen integrated well and with Silke Hammers, they unearthed a new pearl for their crown. But too often, the football brought did not reap the expected points total, much to the frustration of coach El-Berrhi. It leads to fingerpointing and eventually the blame landed on goalkeeper Egils. The 34-year old did have some off moments, but the fact that none of his replacements posted better results could point to a deeper issue with defensive stability. A forgettable season for Norreborg, not in the least because they were overtaken again by their local rivals Lydholm.

Lydholm Forened
The Forened got off to a slow start, picking up only two points in their first six games - in hindsight, a series that cost them a chance of an international appearance. A hardfought victory against Stennköping seemingly flipped the switch and what we saw afterwards was arty. Svend Moller softly knocks on the door of the national team, the relation with the four in front of him improving. Pairing the artistic Hom with the arduous Aastrup proved a winning combination and allowed wingers Poulsen and Bissett to create danger on all fronts. As it went with the club, Puch struggled at first to adjust but in the last twenty games, he scored more than once a game. If he can keep up that rhythm, the Forened will push for much more next season (some even claim there is a title chance). That could be a bit out of line but coach Grofelt has a very good base setup which can easily continue next season, maybe with an additional attacking midfielder. With the success, the fans returned and selling out for the first time in four seasons for the derby can be that little stimulus needed to strive for more. (Usually that’s the point of downfall for Forened, but we’ll see.)

Fallwich United
A stunner of a season for the troops from coach Wynter and if it weren’t for his focus on the Cup in the tailend of the year (with success), they could have ended in the top five. His 3-5-2 got a lot of criticism before the kick-off of the season but the newcomers turned it from the fragile satire last year into a solid line-up. The trio of Barry, Mussa and Robinson got a lot more reliable now Kenneth Breuker patrols the midfield. The ruthless Breuker not only possesses a good pass, he vacuums up a lot of opposing attacks. Fallwich were the only club to beat Sielhafen, Sandfjell and Noordende, indicating their capacity to deconstruct strong teams whilst preying on the inevitable chances. For that last bit, Daniel Clark turned into a revelation: with thirteen goals, he pushed pricy newcomer Powell to the bench. Added to this was a positive spirit within the team which inspired the fans. Within three days, United sold out the twenty thousand allotted seats for the Cup Final and the celebration in the city centre will be a memorable moment for years to come. This must have awoken the appetite for more.

FF Stennköping
There were definitely games where we were entertained by the Hingstarna and it would be unfair to dismiss this season: one more win would have qualified them for the Challengers Cup. But when the going got tough, we saw how little support Persson got to push the opposition against the wall. In the eight games against Sielhafen, Sandfjell, Sporting and FCW, FF earned a very poor scorecard of 4 points out of 24. Not a single key game was won and in that perspective your 8-4 win against Varnoberg loses a bit of its glory. The biggest problem is that manager Grenholm himself admitted that with this squad, he cannot solve the riddle. Every important game saw flaws, big or small, made by the defensive component. Newcomer Lonstad might be good in the air, but was caught short in positioning (not aided by those around him). The board is expected to keep their faith in Grenholm after all these years but the coach himself will want some additions to the line-up. Otherwise, Stennköping could be on their way to a slow collapse, especially as linchpin Persson doesn’t get any younger.

Clachonoch Rovers
Those who had sworn that the Rovers would be waking up at the morning of the final match day and still be in contention for the top three, would probably be pushed into a straightjacket and carried off. And in all fairness, most Clachonoch fans were pinching themselves just to be sure this was happening. As such, as the players greeted the crowd after the away loss to Noordende, the applause from the away stand remained thunderous. What gives the Rovers’ trajectory more value is that this was not accomplished through a particular breakout star or an exceptional season: it is the result of carefully fitting the pieces of the puzzle across the years. No one will consider strikers Delcroix or Fallon for the national team, but with twenty goals and a lot of tired defences between the two of them, they balanced an excellent defensive effort. Against the big teams, they did give away the initiative with a smile but as it paid off, no one is willing to change that. It is almost cynical, after such a year, to wonder what further progress still is possible as if this wasn’t good enough, even without an international ticket.

FC Waalterzee
FCW, on the other hand, can pack their bags but it comes after a long season of flirting with the top four. The final match, facing an already relegated Opsvik, came at the right time. This new virtual line in the classification, next to the relegation line, made the season a lot more stressful for the always calm Waalterzee and it did show. At a few crucial moments (home against Drochry, in Sandfjell and Terranville), it seemed to slip through their hands by making nervous mistakes. But with it all done and dusted (and a positive result), the simple truth is that this fourth place is a well deserved success for Paul Eltink and his men. Carel Wymeersch chased the upper echelons of the goalscorer table but the m/w of the year is without any doubt Hella Veensma. Under the protection of Corstjens and Lemmeling, she found the space to direct the play. Her short, stocky turns show her quick thinking and it allowed Waalterzee to break the deadlock in some difficult games. FCW already voiced its ambition to retain the new star, but the bigger clubs will be very eager to pick her up. That it would make another top-four for FCW a lot harder, would be considered a nice bycatch.

Sporting Noordeinde
It is not a title, not even a Cup and as such, by definition, a disastrous season for the Royals. The start, with five consecutive wins, cannot be blamed and halfway through the race, Noordende remained tied for first. But a poor series saw Sporting slip back, even if the competition wasn’t flawless themselves. In the end, a home win on the final matchday against the Rovers was needed to park in third with the knowledge that the real title battle happened without them. One should not point to a lack of quality in the starting line-up: the trio up front in Valentijn, Williams and Van Dijcke produced the numbers to make them the highest-scoring team. More than ever, Sporting did look unbalanced or downright top-heavy. The midfield struggled to keep up the grueling pace of Cap Nord's most demanding club, with youngster Barrington not warranting his transfer sum and Schroeten and Velthof delivering mixed performances. Only Academic conceded more goals and then you can have the most impressive attack out there, it just does not add up. To their advantage, the squad is young and improving but this season it was insufficient.

Sandfjell Fotball
The reigning champions proved themselves worthy of their title after a slower start. The Canned Tomatoes could build upon the existing foundation, with a 3-6-1 formation and a lot of movement. It all starts with Till Myrrheim who won his third consecutive topscorers title with 26 goals. A solid team, a good dressing and improved depth in the selection allowed Sandfjell to kick off the final match with title aspirations, being only one point down on the leader. However, nerves started to show against Norreborg and it was a minor consolation that they would have been second anyway, disregarding the result. Despite the mixed feelings after the final whistle, having been in the lead for a while once the star from Sporting waned, this has been a strong season. It confirmed their spot at the pinnacle of Capnordic football. Key players Myrrheim, Belten and Stavseth have already prolonged, as has the ridiculously talented Simon Carstensen. An additional centre-back could be a worthwhile addition, but otherwise this selection is fit to be challenging for titles for years to come, and maybe establish a second dynasty.

Sielhafen 1. FC
It was the picture of the football season, shot after the title match against SK Sandfjell. As thousands of Dockers fans stormed the pitch in extacy, Gerolf Felder stood on top of his dugout, overlooking the chaos with his arms crossed and a satisfied smile. Whilst his grumpiness is considered legendary, Felder did manage to make another title-winning formation, three years after the last triumph. With only four losses, Der Erste showed itself very difficult to manoeuvre and uncharacteristically mature. Between the posts, Marzinn was not flawless but confirmed why a 20-year old gets the keys to such an important position. The back four, with Worbe in front of them is solid and efficient, and agonisingly boring. But who cares if it is matched with five offensive talents, led out by Scharf and Beirer. A worthy champion. What sets them apart from usual was how much of a machine (a working one) they looked like. Whether it is a change of pace or just a momentary quiet before the inevitable storm is a story for the next season.

Challenger Division      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                                                                  
 1 Bryn Boldklub          30   20   3   7    58   33  +25    63    —   1–0  3–1  3–2  2–0  2–3  4–2  2–0  2–1  1–1  1–1  5–1  1–1  1–0  2–0  4–0  Promoted
 2 Crester Wanderers      30   18   4   8    56   35  +21    58   1–0   —   4–2  2–1  0–2  1–0  6–4  3–1  2–0  2–1  0–1  4–1  3–2  4–1  2–1  4–1  Promoted
 3 Standard Brouai        30   15   9   6    58   38  +20    54   1–3  2–1   —   5–4  2–0  4–0  4–0  3–0  2–1  1–1  1–0  7–3  0–0  0–0  1–2  2–0
 4 Melundhavn Start       30   15   6   9    51   46   +5    51   2–0  1–3  1–1   —   2–0  3–2  2–2  0–0  0–1  3–1  1–0  1–0  2–0  2–1  3–2  3–2
 5 Skjerm SK              30   13   8   9    55   42  +13    47   0–2  2–0  2–0  1–2   —   2–0  4–1  2–2  2–3  5–2  1–1  3–2  5–1  0–0  0–1  4–4
 6 Blue-White Gleburgh    30   14   4  12    40   34   +6    46   1–0  2–1  0–0  3–0  1–2   —   1–1  3–1  0–1  1–0  2–0  0–1  4–2  2–2  2–3  2–0
 7 Stellarbrough Town     30   12   9   9    46   45   +1    45   0–1  1–1  3–0  4–2  2–1  0–0   —   1–2  2–1  2–0  3–3  2–1  1–0  0–0  1–0  0–0
 8 Valognes Sportive      30   12   8  10    53   52   +1    44   2–3  0–1  3–5  2–2  0–0  2–0  1–1   —   1–0  2–2  6–4  4–2  4–3  1–0  5–4  2–1
 9 Noordende VV           30   11   6  13    43   46   −3    39   2–3  2–0  0–0  0–0  3–4  1–2  1–0  3–2   —   0–2  1–3  0–1  1–0  1–0  5–3  5–1
10 Stennköping Atlet      30   10   8  12    34   43   −9    38   2–1  0–0  0–0  2–1  0–3  1–0  2–1  0–2  0–0   —   0–3  5–3  1–0  3–0  1–0  0–1
11 Barnuff Rangers        30   10   7  13    54   50   +4    37   0–1  2–2  1–1  0–1  0–1  3–2  3–5  1–0  4–0  2–2   —   2–1  4–5  2–1  6–1  6–3
12 Porskoggankopp FK      30   11   4  15    42   61  −19    37   1–0  1–0  1–2  5–3  3–3  0–3  0–2  1–3  2–2  1–1  1–0   —   1–0  1–0  0–0  1–0
13 Olympique Isbècque     30    9   6  15    42   48   −6    33   1–2  1–2  0–0  2–3  4–3  1–0  1–2  0–0  1–1  3–0  3–0  3–0   —   2–1  1–0  1–0
14 Energie Swamund        30    7   7  16    35   46  −11    28   4–2  0–3  2–3  1–2  1–1  0–1  0–2  1–0  3–2  4–2  0–0  3–4  3–1   —   3–1  0–0  Relegated
15 Peteringham City       30    8   4  18    39   59  −20    28   2–3  1–1  0–3  1–1  1–1  0–1  3–0  2–3  2–3  0–2  3–2  1–0  3–2  0–3   —   1–0  Relegated
16 AS Isbècque            30    5   7  18    33   61  −28    22   1–3  1–3  3–5  0–1  0–1  0–2  1–1  2–2  2–2  1–0  1–0  2–3  1–1  3–1  2–1   —   Relegated

Promotion Battle
They were definitely not the only side to impress but with twenty victories and an iron home reputation, Brym is a slightly surprising but well deserved champion of the Challengers Division. The departure of some key players gave others oxygen to grow and it will take little time before Hoj, Svendsen, Ingesson and Damskard become household names in the top tier. Behind them, the battle for second was closer. Gleburgh kicked it in top gear during the early months of the season but ran out of steam too soon. Skjerm and Melundhavn looked good, the latter through revelation Nordmann, but in the end it was a two-horse race between Brouai and the Wanderers. Standard Brouai is the only French-speaking club that performed this season. Attacking duo Lavalée and Kendi created a strong partnership but in the direct clash with Crester, the opponent looked more mature and pulled it off. As such, Crester got in second and with three victories

Relegation Battle
Cup triumphs against Brouai and Norreborg formed the sole highlights in a disappointing campaign for AS Isbècque, another blow for Francophone football fans across the country. Their struggle to grab anything, especially on the road saw them park in last early on already and even the disastrous 13th spot from city rivals and hated nemesis Olympique could not comfort the fans. The second ticket to the bottom tier turned out much closer. Peteringham, on their third manager, worked hard to give themselves a fighting chance. But on the final day, Olympique won a direct duel to stay up with an unheroic, but only, penalty goal. As such, Swamund could jump to 14th but that is no use, they go down as well. Team spirit only gets you that far and after a single season, they take the elevator back down.

National Division West         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 SV Leijendorp                30   22   6   2    52   22  +30    72  Promoted
 2 Braelowan Athletic           30   21   3   6    59   32  +27    66  Promotion PO
 3 Excelsior Moringhem          30   20   2   8    56   31  +25    62
 4 Géants de Valognes           30   17   6   7    61   38  +23    57
 5 Newton Steelworks            30   15   7   8    55   37  +18    52
 6 En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé   30   13   6  11    51   45   +6    45
 7 Racing Bieshout              30   13   6  11    41   35   +6    45
 8 Academic Club Bellworth      30   12   9   9    45   40   +5    45
 9 Verbroedering Noordende      30   12   5  13    37   36   +1    41
10 Sparta Bieshout              30   11   6  13    47   50   −3    39
11 Hand in Hand Wulvem          30   10   4  16    37   45   −8    34
12 Drochry Corinthians          30    8   9  13    37   50  −13    33
13 Hercules Noordende           30    9   6  15    41   56  −15    33
14 Stade Saint-Loic             30    4   6  20    26   62  −36    18
15 Guardiens de Carbécourt      30    4   5  21    37   68  −31    17
16 Groene Leeuwen Bercht        30    3   6  21    35   70  −35    15  Relegation PO

National Division East         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sielhafenspor                30   18   7   5    64   33  +31    61  Promoted
 2 FF Skroya                    30   18   6   6    53   37  +16    60  Promotion PO
 3 THOR Avelinge                30   17   6   7    57   40  +17    57
 4 Kickers Rening               30   18   1  11    58   46  +12    55
 5 Ungdommer Sandfjell          30   17   3  10    55   47   +8    54
 6 Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk           30   15   8   7    59   35  +24    53
 7 Jagerfly Ringskar            30   16   4  10    55   38  +17    52
 8 Wadum Emtex                  30   14   7   9    47   46   +1    49
 9 Fram Rorsund                 30   13   5  12    67   48  +19    44
10 Lydholm BK                   30   12   7  11    46   52   −6    43
11 AmnKam                       30   12   4  14    44   43   +1    40
12 Bronvalla Black Star         30   11   0  19    45   65  −20    33
13 Eintracht Wechholz           30    8   2  20    46   59  −13    26
14 Sport Melundhavn             30    7   4  19    29   53  −24    25
15 Stennköping IF               30    6   5  19    27   59  −32    23
16 Valhalla Gronring            30    3   1  26    35   86  −51    10  Relegation PO

Play-offs
Groene Leeuwen Bercht 1–0 Valhalla Gronring
FF Skroya 0–0 Braelowan Athletic (0–0 AET) (2–3 pen.)

The second tier will be reinforced in the upcoming year. SV Leijendorp cruised to a superior title, grabbing the title with three games to spare. The defensive trio got a lot of praise and, if they can keep it together, should allow them to perform next year as well. In the east, the competition was fierce and with a month of games left, there still were six teams in the running. A spectacular dip in the form of Ringskar and an injury for Ryntsjerk forward Hopsma opened up the path for a duel on the ultimate matchday. Sielhafenspor kept a cool head and ensured that the German-speaking community keeps a club in the Challenger Division after the drop from Energie. No luck for FF Skroya who looked worthy for a step up but fell after penalties to Braelowan in a tight and physical play-off game. At the other side of the universe, Valhalla Gronring returns to the amateur ranks after an abysmal season, larded with hammerings left and right, and 86 goals against.

Cup Results

Opening Round
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk 2–0 Guardiens de Carbécourt
Fram Rorsund 5–0 Racing Bieshout
THOR Avelinge 0–0 FF Skroya (2–0 AET)
AmnKam 0–1 Sparta Bieshout
Jagerfly Ringskar 4–3 Sport Melundhavn
Drochry Corinthians 2–2 Lydholm BK (2–2 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Kickers Rening 2–3 Sielhafenspor
Ungdommer Sandfjell 2–0 SV Leijendorp
Stade Saint-Loic 1–3 Valhalla Gronring
Wadum Emtex 2–1 Verbroedering Noordende
Groene Leeuwen Bercht 2–0 Braelowan Athletic
Stennköping IF 2–0 Eintracht Wechholz
Excelsior Moringhem 1–0 Hand in Hand Wulvem
Newton Steelworks 3–0 Academic Club Bellworth
Géants de Valognes 1–0 Bronvalla Black Star
En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé 1–0 Hercules Noordende

Second Round
Stennköping Atlet 2–0 Newton Steelworks
Sparta Bieshout 2–5 Bryn Boldklub
AS Isbècque 2–1 Standard Brouai
Blue-White Gleburgh 3–3 Noordende VV (4–4 AET) (2–3 pen.)
Fram Rorsund 2–2 Barnuff Rangers (2–2 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Crester Wanderers 4–1 Jagerfly Ringskar
Wadum Emtex 2–0 Géants de Valognes
Peteringham City 4–2 En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé
Excelsior Moringhem 2–1 Stellarbrough Town
Olympique Isbècque 1–1 THOR Avelinge (2–1 AET)
Skjerm SK 3–0 Valhalla Gronring
Energie Swamund 4–3 Melundhavn Start
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk 1–0 Ungdommer Sandfjell
Groene Leeuwen Bercht 1–0 Lydholm BK
Stennköping IF 0–3 Sielhafenspor
Valognes Sportive 1–1 Porskoggankopp FK (2–2 AET) (3–1 pen.)

Third Round
Lydholm Forened 0–2 Olympique Isbècque
Cercle Terranville 4–0 Wadum Emtex
Crester Wanderers 4–3 Excelsior Moringhem
Groene Leeuwen Bercht 0–2 Valognes Sportive
Fallwich United 1–0 Noordende VV
Drochry Academic 2–2 Sporting Noordeinde (2–2 AET) (4–5 pen.)
FF Stennköping 1–2 Forbrodring Opsvik
FC Waalterzee 4–2 Bryn Boldklub
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk 3–1 Skjerm SK
Sielhafenspor 0–1 Vereniging Huftstad
Peteringham City 5–0 Fram Rorsund
Draiewikum Boys 1–1 Sandfjell Fotball (1–2 AET)
Energie Swamund 1–2 Sielhafen 1. FC
SK Sandfjell 2–4 Clachonoch Rovers
AS Isbècque 2–1 Norreborg 59
Stennköping Atlet 2–1 Metallar Varnoberg

Round of 16
Olympique Isbècque 3–1 Cercle Terranville
Crester Wanderers 2–1 Valognes Sportive
Fallwich United 1–0 Sporting Noordeinde
Forbrodring Opsvik 4–3 FC Waalterzee
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk 0–1 Vereniging Huftstad
Peteringham City 4–3 Sandfjell Fotball
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–2 Clachonoch Rovers (3–3 AET) (3–2 pen.)
AS Isbècque 0–1 Stennköping Atlet

Quarters
Olympique Isbècque 2–0 Crester Wanderers
Fallwich United 1–0 Forbrodring Opsvik
Vereniging Huftstad 1–0 Peteringham City
Sielhafen 1. FC 6–1 Stennköping Atlet

Semis
Olympique Isbècque 0–1 Fallwich United
Vereniging Huftstad 2–0 Sielhafen 1. FC

Final
Fallwich United 0–0 Vereniging Huftstad (0–0 AET) (4–2 pen.)

Quarters
With Lydholm and Terranville, Olympique already had two top tier scalps dangling on their belt and they added the Wanderers. The latter, in a full promotion battle, missed a bit of freshness against a sleeping giant (as evidenced by the number of fans who joined for a cup match). They will be up against Fallwich who were walking on sunshine throughout the year. A match against Forbrodring theoretically was an easy draw, but only in minute 84, the only goal of the match was scored by Cunningham. Peteringham made an appearance as third Challenger Divisionists. The giant slayers of Fotball were eager for a new stunt and their enthusiasm deserves praise but after the break it was a miracle they only lost by one. Atlet did not have that luck and were on the receiving end of a serious thrashing by Der Erste with four goals for Beirer.

Semis
Olympique dreamed of a Cup Final already but Fallwich continued their great form with the fourth consecutive 1-0 win. Reaching the final with only four goals scored is unprecedented but of note are the continued clean sheets by Le Vallez. As a former Valognois, he got a lot of stick from the Isbècque fans but kept a cool head and launched the counterattack from which Powell scored the winner. Vereniging had also made it this far with a string of 1-0 scores but they had reserved the best for a clash with Sielhafen. A five star game by Keijzer and De Reuver disallowed the champions to be a double.

Final
And so two clubs from the middle of the table clashed, but with different perspectives. Huftstad tried to embellish a season where the main narrative had been their growing distance to the relevant clubs whilst Fallwich felt stronger than ever. Two fan sides for whom a trophy would mean the world, so the buildup was great. The match itself did not deliver, both clubs first and foremost too afraid to fail. And so, a long, winding match went into penalties. Huftstad already had one miss by their name when Ahlers lined up for his. Le Vallez saved it from the bottom left corner, uncorking the champagne bottles with that gesture.

[Cap Nord]

--- LIVE TRANSFER TICKER —-- TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY IS 28 FEB 23h59 —--

FEB 1 - 16h09
The transfer market has barely opened, but Simon Egils has already signed elsewhere. The last of his three seasons with Norreborg 59 was not going well, undoubtedly, but he got a disproportionate amount of blame for the mixed results from the club from El-Berrhi. The goalkeeper will now try to have an Indian summer for his career in the second tier with the ambitious Melundhavn Start.

FEB 2 - 14h16
In a radio interview, SK Sandfjell coach Ilise Hauk made it very clear that the trajectory of Elodie Valdes with the navy blues is over and done with. The capricious striker marked nine times but also managed to go off the radar for three weeks. Considering her talent, a rumoured price tag of 6 to 7MFr goes around and no one can tell whether that is a steal or a swindle.

FEB 3 - 14h20
Fallwich United wants to get their homework done early this year. With the Cup Winners Cup on the planning, a wider selection is a must and their choice fell on Mamadou Sangaré from Cercle Terranville, an energetic wing attacker. Whilst no deal has been signed yet, discussions go in the right direction.

FEB 4 - 10h00
One of the players who will move clubs this offseason must be Theodore Bissett. The fast left wing had an excellent second half of the season with Lydholm Forened, scoring six times and being a consistent menace on the wing. Being only 22, he could form a very valuable option for Lydholm, who can use the money to challenge for the top four. Both Sporting (where some doubt Van Dijcke in that position), Sandfjell and Sielhafen have been named as potential destinations.

FEB 5 - 15h33
As Sielhafen 1.FC starts their preparation for the upcoming season, this is without Trude Heipertz. After thirteen seasons with Der Erste, she no longer fits the plans of Felder. Last season, she usually came off the bench but most certainly had her contribution to the league title of 1.FC. She would be in talks with clubs in both the first and second tier.

FEB 5 - 17h13
The entourage around Jonas Reeman claims it is time for greener pastures. After six seasons in the first squad of Sandfjell Fotball, he still awaits a starting spot despite racking up minutes left and right. The defensive midfielder is currently being linked to Lydholm Forening who might want an alternative for Oscar Aastrup, who himself is named for various clubs.

FEB 5 - 19h56
Things are looking awry for the (few) Vereniging Huftstad supporters. New owner Peter Dingens wants to make money with his assets and nothing stands between him and the departure of Murad Benkasar. Dingens confirmed this to the press and added that the powerful striker already has received various offers, without going into the details. Even if Benkasar comes out of a lesser season, many clubs can use a gifted target man of his stature. But who has the money to satisfy Dingens?

FEB 6 - 08h30
Whilst all eyes were on Fallwich United when it comes to Mamadou Sangaré, it seems as if [i]Cercle Terranville found a deal with Clachonoch Rovers. The negotiations between the player and the club are still ongoing.

FEB 7 - 11h08
With a short message on the website, Vereniging Huftstad announces their first transfer of the season. Anke Klaassen comes in from Noordende VV to strengthen a defence that could not convince last season. Klaassen, who won the captains ribbon at VV at the age of 25, signed for 4 years with the Vereniging.

FEB 7 - 13h29
No shortage of offers for Jonas Reeman. Whilst the previously mentioned interest of Lydholm Forening was unconfirmed, there has been an option for two years presented by SK Sandfjell. The Navy Blues could use Reeman in midfield, but the Sandfjell Fotball youth product would be less enthused to jump ship to the bitter city rival.

FEB 8 - 11h10
According to the rumours, Anders Svendsen is close to a move to Norreborg 59. However, Bryn Boldklub does its best to squeeze the most out of one of the key players to their promotion. An initial offer of 2.4MFr has been refused, but the negotiations haven’t broken down yet.

FEB 8 - 12h27
Talks between Elodie Valdes and Draiewikum Boys have run stale. Some in the know claim it ended when she demanded one of the villas of construction magnet Wielant, the new owner of the Boys, as part of the wage package.

FEB 9 - 16h04
Despite the offer from the Rovers, it is Fallwich United who present Mamadou Sangaré as their new attacking midfielder. The fast 23-year old signs for two seasons with the Cup winner. Cercle Terranville sees 3.5MFr passed on to their bank account.

FEB 9 - 18h10
Building giants VarnoMetal have announced that they will be prolonging their stake in Metallar Varnoberg but that the level of the commitment will not rise. A bit of a blow for the club as they had hoped to make an immediate return to the first tier. With the news, a lot of rumours have been kickstarted about players leaving Metallar: Hanna Mostrom confirmed her allegiance with the club, but nothing is heard about Lund, Torbjornsson and Jonsson yet.

FEB 9 - 21h23
Murad Benkasar was spotted in a restaurant with Paul Eltink, which makes some believe that a departure from the striker to FC Waalterzee is only a matter of hours. Whilst there might be a cultural fit between the composed Benkasar and the quiet Waalterzee, the question is whether they would be willing to push their financial capacities for him if they still have the beloved Carel Wymeersch on the books. Especially as Vereniging Huftstad owner Dingens expects a sum in the vicinity of 15MFr for Benkasar.

FEB 10 - 09h22
Official announcement by the management of Jonas Reeman. After having been linked with four or five different clubs in the opening week of the transfer market, the Sandfjell Fotball midfielder found a new place. He has declined the offer from SK Sandfjell and instead leaves for Norreborg 59 who could use some additional stability in midfield.

FEB 10 - 12h02
More bad news for SK Sandfjell today as their star defender Erik Brymsaeter requests permission to leave the club. In his five years with them, he grew into a key player and an international but at 27, he considers this his last chance to move out and up, looking for a club that can battle for the prizes rather than fighting in the second column with the Navy Blues.

FEB 10 - 14h07
Cercle Terranville did not need a lot of time to spend the incoming amount for Sangaré. This morning, Désirée Lavalée joined les Cémentiers, coming in from Standard Brouai. Known for her endless rushes into space in the second tier, the 24-year old scored 28 goals in the last two seasons combined and looks ready for a shot in the Premier Division.

FEB 10 - 16h25
That Felix Nordmann would make a transfer after his excellent year with Melundhavn Start was no surprise but the question remains who will land the 23-year old midfielder. Last year, Nordmann won double figures in assists and has been linked with Draiewikum Boys, Drochry Academic and SK Sandfjell already.

FEB 11 - 11h20
Whether Draiewikum Boys will extend an official offer on Nordmann might depend on the outcome of their negotiation with Pieter Paryn. The nifty midfielder found himself on a dead trail with Hella Veensma making waves in the FC Waalterzee and has been offered a contract for three seasons with the Boys. Usually, the Boys are very absent on the transfer market but with new owner Wielant, it is clear that this has changed.

FEB 11 - 17h06
It’s a deal! Carolus Alstrom will be playing for the next three seasons with Lydholm Forened. A fairly under the radar move by Forened, but the newcomer from Stennköping Atlet comes off a solid season in which he played a vital role to keep Atlet away from the thick red relegation line.

FEB 12 - 15h01
Pat McAllish, the flamboyant coach of Crester Wanderers apparently put his foot down for extra reinforcements for the newcomer in the highest tier. The first one to join in is 29-year old Eric Hill who parted ways with Clachonoch Rovers after a stint with mixed results. Injury woes and the fierce competition from MacParland and McLean in the centre of the defence stood between Hill and a starting spot. In Crester, he aims to become a squad leader.

FEB 13 - 14h22
According to the rumour mill, Drochry Academic is willing to push hard for Daan Vandeurzen. The defensive midfielder has been part of the starting line-up from Draiewikum Boys for a few years now, making it even to vice-captain. But he no longer fits the plans there and would be looking for a move himself. Drochry is not alone in their interest - newcomer Crester Wanderers is said to be preparing something as well.

FEB 14 - 19h14
Off the record, Norreborg 59 officials confirmed that they are looking for alternatives to Anders Svendsen. A second negotiation round with freshly promoted Bryn Boldklub again stalled on the financials.

FEB 14 - 19h29
Only 18 years old, but Jorgen Bjerkness already is the talk of the town. As Forbrodring Opsvik falls to the second tier, their little diamond aims for a major transfer and there seems to be no doubt about the destination. Sandfjell Fotball looks willing to put a lot of cash on the table for the talent, whilst Bjerkness himself hopes to join the Reds as well. Opsvik, from their side, try to make the financial most of Bjerkness as he represents their parachute for a quick return to the Premier Division.

FEB 15 - 10h16
Talks between Vereniging Huftstad and FC Waalterzee about Murad Benkasar have ended without a decision on a contract. FCW refuses to meet the demands from Huftstad, even if they had found a personal deal with the star striker. It is a risky business from Huftstad owner Dingens as not too many clubs are able to put the requested sum on the table. Rumours say that he said no to an offer of 12MFr by Waalterzee.

FEB 15 - 11h41
It is a very happy Ilise Hauk who presents Felix Nordmann as the new midfielder of SK Sandfjell. The revelation of Melundhavn Start was on the radar of a string of Premier Division clubs but in the end, SK won the debate. It helped that other plausible alternatives such as Drochry or Huftstad are still caught up in other dossiers or are first looking to shed some players. Still, an excellent signing for SK.

FEB 16 - 14h13
No Trude Heipertz at SK Sandfjell next season. Discussions were going in the right direction but the earlier signing of Nordmann threw that option off the books for the experienced midfielder. Rumours of a drop to the second tier intensify around her, as Gleburgh and Melundhavn are named.

FEB 16 - 15h27
Will Hella Veensma part ways with FC Waalterzee? The 21-year old attacking talent stunned the crowds last season as she evolved from unknown squad fodder to the leading lady of the FCW midfield. Her quick rise caught the attention and imagination of various competitors. Many clubs currently circle around her name but according to unofficial sources, no offer has yet been extended. That it would go well above and beyond 10MFr can and should be expected.

FEB 16 - 17h55
Inside sources claim that two offers are being prepared on Theodore Bissett of Lydholm Forened. The first one would be of Sporting Noordende who are looking to turn their silver attacking trio into a quicksilver one with the pocket rocket. On the other hand, the champions of Sielhafen 1.FC would be willing to spend on him as well, even if it would require a change in the organisation.

FEB 17 - 03h53
No more news about SK Sandfjell juggernaut Elodie Valdes or rather about a new contract for her. She did post a clip of herself in a nightclub in Noordende, drinking red vodka whilst throwing a blue bottle of gin against the wall, a clear indication how she feels about SK at the moment. Some believe that there is a subliminal message that she will jump ship to the city rival Fotball.

FEB 17 - 09h02
An offer on Stennköping FF’s Mohamed Rrezi left the offices of Norreborg 59 last night. It is clear that midfield reinforcements are needed for the Tangerines but the budget is tight with limited assets to sell for them.

FEB 17 - 10h36
For a while, things remained quiet around Sielhafen 1.FC but the champions now seem to be front and centre in every major transfer saga. New messages now link Der Erste with Murad Benkasar. The powerful striker would in this case become a royal duo matched with Beirer, in the aspiration that together they can make waves in the Champions League and allow 1.FC to qualify for the group stage.

FEB 17 - 15h06
With the Nordmann option signed by SK Sandfjell, Draiewikum Boys puts their chips on a deal with Pieter Paryn. The player himself looks willing to sign, having left the training grounds from FC Waalterzee to avoid injury, but the club holds off at the moment, hoping to stretch the price a little more.

FEB 17 - 17h33
After a mediocre season, Stennköping FF can use some reinforcements but so far it has been awfully quiet around them. Some claim this is due to doubts on the future of coach Johannes Grenholm, but as he started the training camp, this seems incorrect. Even more, as Grenholm followed Metallar Varnoberg on Twitter, rumours started about a potential joining of the powerful Palle Jonsson.

FEB 18 - 11h17
And just as all glances were on Stennköping FF’s Mohamed Rrezi, it is Anders Svendsen who walks into the offices of Norreborg 59. At first sight, it is an excellent negotiation by Brym Boldklub who add 2.9MFr to their bank account for the 26-year old midfielder. With the Tangerines looking for alternative options, Brym chose to sign the deal, although it feels as if they had the upper hand in this slow, two-week, waltz.

FEB 18 - 11h35
And there are two deals done in quick succession today. Daan Vandeurzen leaves behind Draiewikum Boys and will be wearing the colours of Drochry Academic next season. As such, it seems as if coach Wilson is answering the call of the board to reinforce the defensive structure of the club that scored third-most goals last season but parked in 13th. For Vandeurzen, it is a fresh start.

FEB 18 - 13h06
No signatures between Sielhafen 1.FC and Murad Benkasar. In the sidelines of the extension for two seasons with striker Eberhardt Beirer, the assistant coach told off the record that the initial offer shared with Vereniging Huftstad has been declined and a such, they decided to leave it at this. A lot of confidence, and not without reason after his sixteen goals last year, in Beirer to lead out the formation to the Champions League group phase or a new title.

FEB 18 - 15h30
No white smoke yet in the negotiations between Jorgen Bjerkness and Sandfjell Fotball. Whilst the player himself mentioned multiple times in the press that Fotball is the club of his dreams since he was a little boy, it seems as if his agent is more focused on squeezing every other penny out of the deal.

FEB 19 - 10h10
Stennköping FF thanks William Vallung for his time and efforts with the club. The 30-year old defender will continue his career with Forbrodring Opsvik in the second tier. He is already the fourth signing for the relegated team who seem to be spending the anticipated cash on Bjerkness already.

FEB 19 - 17h54
So far it has been quiet on the incoming front with FC Waalterzee. The club is known to be looking out for a defensive reinforcement but talks with the powerful Lasse Rendahl from Norreborg 59 seem to have stalled.

FEB 20 - 15h03
The rumour mill is putting in extra hours when considering the case of Murad Benkasar. That he needs to go off the books of Vereniging Huftstad is set in stone and at his age, he can still bring in a decent sum whilst still having both experience and several years at top level in him. The question is who can pay for that. Newest destinations named are Sporting Noordende, who have remained silent so far but would then need to sell Pieter Valentijn, and Stennköping FF. But the focus of the yellow-blacks this off-season is believed to be focused on the defence.

--- END OF PART 1 OF THE TICKER —-- TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY IS 28 FEB 23h59 —--

[Cap Nord]

--- START OF PART 2 OF THE TICKER —-- TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY IS 28 FEB 23h59 —--

FEB 21 - 09h00
Today marks the start of the international signing period. As an experiment, the league board allowed clubs to contract a single foreign player during the last eight days of the transfer period. Although a few people reacted off the record that “them bloody foreigners took our job”, most club owners welcomed the opportunity to open up the market. That the league board does not accept outgoing transfers (yet), did help in their positive assessment.

FEB 21 - 11h10
As the rumours about Elodie Valdes joining Sandfjell Fotball intensified, the latter saw itself forced to share a statement indicating that it had no intent to sign her. Valdes leaving SK is a fact, but where to remains an open question.

FEB 21 - 13h37
FC Waalterzee goes on an attempt to reinforce their midfield as Veenstra, between the lines, indicated she would be interested in a transfer. The club extended an offer to Oscar Aastrup and the player himself has an interest to join FCW, but his club Lydholm Forened seems less enthused to sign the papers. However, money talks, so they might change their mind once FCW has the cash from Veenstra in their coffins.

FEB 21 - 14h09
The reliability of Alfred Lund last season with Metallar Varnoberg has been applauded and touted, but the defender has decided to split ways with his club of four seasons. This was much against the desire of the club, but a subclause in his contract allowed him to leave after a relegation - no one dreamed of Varnoberg going to the first tier, so it had been intended (but not written) to cover a drop to the National Division.

FEB 21 - 15h44
They might have been quiet so far in this transfer period, but Sporting Noordende now kicks it into the next gear. Last year’s number three aims much higher this time and they hope to find it with Charles Terzaghi. The Tikariotian currently plays in his home country for Vantanoch FC, but Sporting hopes to seduce the latter with an offer of two million international dollars (2MId).

FEB 21 - 16h20
The honour of being the first international to feature in the Premier Division will go to Garrick Rustak. He will join FF Stennköping who had been looking for a strong defender as troubles in that segment kept them out of the international placings. With Rustak, they get a merciless defender with a scythe in the backpocket for 2MId. The 30-year-old Nepharan joins from Starling, the club for which he played his whole career in the Zenith.

FEB 21 - 19h53
The international opportunities are being taken by club managers left and right. Norreborg 59 wants to finish their homework early and wrap up a third and crucial signing. For the position of goalkeeper, they are looking to Chromatikan team Felswyr State University and the 20-year old talent Hailee Sourtois. Those who kept an eye on U-18 World Cups call her a major talent and she has already won a CCFA trophy.

FEB 22 - 09h47
The next club to take a look at the international market is, surprisingly, Drochry Academic. The Mortarboards venture outside their comfort zone with Athame Caulker. It’s an open question whether the calm Brenecian, who joins from Premier Rozelle, will be able to plug all holes in the Drochry defence at the age of eighteen but with this right-back and Vandeurzen, Academic’s coach Wilson has more tools in his arsenal to build something better.

FEB 22 - 11h25
A slightly left-field choice by FC Waalterzee. Coach Paul Eltink puts his faith in Alexandre Belliard, the broad-chested defender from Cercle Terranville. Since joining from AS Isbècque three years ago, Belliard has been a consistent starter but rarely caught the headlines. He will give FCW additional depth in the defence.

FEB 22 - 16h01
With deadline day approaching within a week, it seems as if the signed contracts are coming out of thin air. This one from Pieter Paryn has been on the radar for a while now, but FC Waalterzee paced it just enough to run up the price to an approximate 5.5MFr. Not bad for a 26-year old who spent most of last season on the bench, but Draiewikum Boys know that they will need more inspiration if they want to escape the second column, and Paryn offers exactly that.

FEB 22 - 16h30
No signing of Palle Jonsson yet. The Metallar Varnoberg strongman has been linked to various clubs already, such as FF Stennköping, Vereniging Huftstad and Clachonoch Rovers, but the defensive midfielder remains on the transfer market for another day.

FEB 22 - 21h16
No deal for Norreborg 59. Hailee Sourtois indicated to the team that she has no interest to take up their offer as there are opportunities available with clubs such as Port Rhovanyon AFC and Sabrefell Athletic. Norreborg did not look too phased by the rejection and continued their search for a new starting goalie in the Chromatikian competition with the 23-year old Oxolt-Ulutu Nev.

FEB 23 - 08h19
This was not a morning breeze, but a sigh of relief shared in the headquarters of Vereniging Huftstad. The club has been trying to sell their striker Murad Benkasar to balance the books but few teams were eager enough to pass on the right figure to their bank account. In the end, it is FF Stennköping that breaks open the piggy bank for 14MFr. Quite an investment in the forward, indicating that everything below the top four would be a disaster for the Hingstarna next season.

FEB 23 - 10h36
Another signing that could make waves is the one from Hella Veensma. But where will the attacking midfielder move towards? Currently, most eyes are on Sporting Noordende, but the extent of their offer will depend on the deal (or no deal) with Terzaghi. Sielhafen 1.FC, so far rather prudent and shying away from any deal, could be an alternative but they are said to look abroad in the first place.

FEB 23 - 11h03
Clachonoch Rovers have been looking at the sideline to the transfer market so far, but they intend to change that soon. With their participation in the Esportivan club competition in mind, they want an additional vacuum cleaner in front of their heralded back four and the offer on Zwangzugs Martin Staunt-Anderson fits that bill. Rumours talk about 1.2MId for the Tenth Star Hasiera midfielder, who plays in the Audioslavian second tier.

FEB 23 - 15h54
Coach Ilise Hauk is trying to give a new vibe to SK Sandfjell but with the limited funds available, she has been creative. An offer for 0.8MId has been mailed to Czujon 022, the Tjorlish club which houses Matias Dybvik. Dybvik is a young striker who has not yet grown to his full potential, but a breath of fresh air could change that.

FEB 23 - 17h07
It took a bit of time before new Draiewikum Boys owner Wielant opened his wallet, but here comes a second deal in two days. Once again with a serious price tag as 1MId is spent on Benoit Djaozandry from Quebecois Heart of Saguenay. The tall poacher is known as an assurance on goals. If he forms a match with Tjibbe Opsma and the team takes up the workload to bring Djaozandry in lucrative situations, this could be their ticket to much more than last year’s 11th spot.

FEB 23 - 17h34
Despite starting the training period with the selection of Fallwich United, it is clear that there is no future for Peter Powell with the Hoops. The evolution of Danny Clark and the addition of Mamadou Sangaré to the French-speaking enclave pushes Powell not just to the bench, but the stands. A hard knock for a player who was acquired for 4MFr from Drochry just twelve months ago.

FEB 23 - 18h35
According to our sources, Sporting Noordende made a serious offer of about 11MFr to SK Sandfjell for Erik Brymsaeter. Whilst the departure from the 27-year old left-back has been anticipated, it will be as disruptive for the line-up as great news for the accounting department. SK is said to contemplate the offer but considering the other open Noordende dossiers, it might be wise not to hesitate.

FEB 24 - 09h19
Drama in the ranks of Sporting Noordende. Apparently, they tried to involve Gillian Sintnikolaas in the transfer of Brymsaeter. The 21-year old youth product so far rarely makes it off the bench, but has the potential for the Premier Division. The defender protested against this trade and indicated he wants to leave Sporting because of the way they handled it, but not to SK Sandfjell. To be continued.

FEB 24 - 10h36
Only an expert of the second tier bats an eye as Johnny Wilks leaves Stellarbrough Town for Fallwich United. He has been with the Townies for the best part of a decade and seems to be an expansion player for Fallwich, as coach Wynter knows that his defensive trio will probably not go another full season without the slightest of injuries.

FEB 24 - 12h16
Kick Penning puts the pen to paper for his return to Vereniging Huftstad. The lanky midfielder left for Drochry Academic three years ago. He racked up a good number of playing minutes but now took the opportunity to rejoin his youth club. Whilst Penning is a decent player, it shows that Dingens is not going to blast the transfer sum of Benkasar in one go.

FEB 24 - 14h55
The next club to dip its toe in the international pool is Lydholm Forened. They try to tie the services of Lydia Gomboult to them. The former youth international from Mertagne club Signal Dannin is known as a tall playmaker and free kick specialist. An ambitious offer from Forened, but interpreted as a signal that a departure of Bissett, Aastrup or both will soon be incoming.

FEB 24 - 18h32
The talks between FC Waalterzee and Lydholm Forened about Aastrup seem to be stagnating as the number four of last season has extended its search area. Rumour has it that they want to sign Turok van Halen from Kelsekian outfit Burnaby SC. Van Halen is an experienced midfielder, with an attacking focus and a wide experience. A different type than Veensma, but potentially as impactful.

FEB 24 - 19h20
Just in! Trude Heipertz has put the pen to paper for three years with Bryn Boldklub. The 33-year old was released by champion Sielhafen 1.FC as it became clear that she no longer would appear in the selection. A move that will put smiles on the faces of both fan sides: Bryn receives a lot of experience and a player eager to show she is not done yet. 1.FC supporters will be happy to see an appreciated club soldier remain in the highest tier despite more lucrative offers down the pyramid.

FEB 25 - 08h05
It is a grand morning for the Sielhafen 1.FC fans as well, as the Dockers welcome Theodore Bissett to the selection. With an offer of 11.5MFr, the champion outdid Sporting Noordende to pick up the revelation of Lydholm Forened. Next to a nice one-up to a main rival for the title, they also win a speedy left wing player. The message for Felder is now to fit him in the starting line-up without clipping the wings of star player Dieter Scharf.

FEB 25 - 08h37
The other title candidates also woke up early this morning. Sandfjell Fotball tried their luck with an offer on Felix Farthen. The Cenian international can count on interest from various clubs across the globe, but could be the one who gives the central defence that needed volume to last a long season.

FEB 25 - 13h35
A fresh face on the training pitch of Crester Wanderers. Jody Barnes made her debut last year in the starting eleven of Blue-White Gleburgh and caught the eye of those following the Challenger Division. The promising midfielder now gets a shot with the promoted Wanderers, joining them in their quest to stay at the highest tier. The 19-year old signs a four-year contract.

FEB 25 - 14h06
As the transfer deadline nears, the amount of signings rapidly ramps up. Next on the list is Palle Jonsson who continues his career with Vereniging Huftstad. It is quite notable that Huftstad managed to pick up the Metallar Varnoberg man, a leader on and off the pitch, as he had multiple offers to choose from. The critique on owner Dingens, who peddled the whole league with Benkasar starts to diminish a little, as there seems to be a method to the madness.

FEB 25 - 17h20
Another major signing gets official. Charles Terzaghi leaves Vantanoch FC after finding a personal deal with Sporting Noordende. The 25-year old right-footed player exchanged hands for 2MId. Manager Vanschravenswijk explained that he does not see Terzaghi as a competitor for Williams, but rather as the missing attacking midfielder to execute the new tactical plan. An intriguing proposal to say the least and a major challenge for the Tikariotian.

FEB 25 - 19h27
No white smoke on the horizon yet for Elodie Valdes. The latest rumour had her linked to Cercle Terranville but the club could not match her wage demands and decided to leave this trail - much to the rejoice of the Cercle fans.

FEB 26 - 09h52
Four days before the end of the transfer period and Sandfjell Fotball fans were still awaiting the first arrival. But with Jorgen Bjerkness, they did land their big transfer goal of the silly season. The 18-year old supertalent of Forbrodring Opsvik should form, along with Carstensen, the long-term plan for the Canned Tomatoes: an insurance plan for which they are willing to pay 10MId. Not without risk, but it confirms the ambitions of last year’s runner-up.

FEB 26 - 10h06
A saga of a predicted transfer. Five days after ending his contract with Metallar Varnoberg on a legality, Alfred Lund puts the pen to paper for four years with Lydholm Forened. More than ever, this Forened looks ready and willing to crack the top four in the classification, especially if they land an additional attacking midfielder.

FEB 26 - 11h20
This morning, Peter Powell was spotted at the training ground of his ex-club Drochry Academic. He would have been executing his physical tests in order to allow a transfer away from Fallwich United.

FEB 26 - 13h15
Is there a bit of panic in the management of FC Waalterzee? They want to reinforce their midfield and quickly. The newest rumour is that they reached out to Dennis Schroeten of Sporting Noordende. A move from the latter is not unlikely: between Velthof, Barrington, Melchers and newcomer Terzaghi, there will be far less playing minutes available. A bit of a sad trombone for Schroeten, who only joined the Royals last year.

FEB 26 - 18h04
No deal between Felix Farthen and Sandfjell Fotball. The Cenian continues his career on the Cordian Isles. The number two keeps on looking for a new defence leader and appears to have adjusted the target to Lorena Collyer, a 29-year old defender who is currently on the books of Brattleboro FC. Her experience and phlegma could be the needed stabilising force for the reds.

FEB 27 - 09h31
Erik Brymsaeter was tracked by a pair of journalists as he walked out of the Noordende hospital. Whilst he heavily implied that a transfer seems to be a done deal, he jokingly added that it would be to Noordende VV rather than Sporting Noordende. The ‘go’ seems a matter of hours.

FEB 27 - 10h23
Those in the know claim that the negotiations between Sandfjell Fotball and Brattleboro FC are moving in the right direction. The only question is whether the Reds can seduce Lorena Collyer to leave her domestic shores, but with a wage package that puts her in the team’s top three, a penthouse in the hip Tinghus area and a role as vice-captain, it is fair to say that Sandfjell is making an effort to convince.

FEB 27 – 12h51
A video emerges, showing a discussion between Sporting Noordende manager Vanschravenswijk en defender Gilliam Sintnikolaas in a public diner. Whilst it cannot be made out what they were saying to one another, one can clearly see the player throw a glass of water into the face of the gaffer at the end of the clip. It can be concluded that Noordende is looking for a solution for him. And fast.

FEB 27 - 13h26
News from the lower leagues. Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk revelation Aiko Hopsma still has a longlist of clubs to pick and choose from. Many of those act in the second tier, but Draiewikum Boys and Vereniging Huftstad have been named as well. The former seems a logical choice as Zwaluwen have acted as their unofficial feeder club in the past, but commentators across the nation already fear an attacking duo by the names of Opsma and Hopsma.

FEB 27 - 15h40
Confirmed: Peter Powell will not be joining Drochry Academic this winter. His physical tests were considered insufficient by the Mortarboards.

FEB 27 - 17h03
A solution is being sought and potentially found for Gilliam Sintnikolaas. The Draiewikum Boys management extended an offer for the defender, but considering current events, they have added a very meagre price tag to it. Curious whether Sporting Noordende will find it worthwhile to go through the hassle.

FEB 27 - 18h19
One of the major stories on deadline day will be the destination of Hella Veensma. That she will leave FC Waalterzee is now confirmed but where will she go? With the arrival of Terzaghi, Sporting Noordende disappeared from the picture. Sielhaven 1.FC seems to be in pole position at the moment but it takes a lot of time to agree on a transfer sum. As such, Sandfjell Fotball could swoop in for the call, handing out a blow to a major title opponent.

FEB 27 - 23h00
In twenty-five hours, the transfer market comes to a close. The first international window looks to be a nailbiter, with six bids still open. But also domestically, there are still unresolved questions. Who will win the bidding war for Hella Veenstra? Will SK Sandfjell manage to get rid of Elodie Valdes? And how busy will the day be for Sporting Noordende, who still have various open dossiers on their agenda?

--- END OF PART 2 OF THE TICKER —-- TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY IS 28 FEB 23h59 —--

[Cap Nord]

--- START OF PART 3 OF THE TICKER --- TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY IS 28 FEB 23h59 ---

FEB 28 - 08h15
Among those for whom transfer deadline day will be a nervous one is Peter Powell. The versatile forward no longer fits in the plans of Fallwich United but teams are not lining up to put him on board. The failed medical at Drochry will without any doubt make his deal harder to close.

FEB 28 - 08h49
It is FC Waalterzee who gets out of the starting blocks early. Dennis Schroeten, who was falling a bit by the wayside with Sporting Noordende joins them for three seasons. Despite his long-running contract with the Royals, the fee for Schroeten remained limited to 6MFr.

FEB 28 - 09h12
For Ilise Hauk and SK Sandfjell, it will be a nervous wrap-up with still three open cases and the clock ticking down. The fog around Tjorlian Dybvik might be thinning as his club Czujon 022 OK’ed a departure. Hauk is currently in negotiation to seal the deal with the player himself.

FEB 28 - 9h54
No Lydia Gomboult in Cap Nord next season. Clyde Park, a club from Tumbra, just shared pictures of the midfielder as their new signing. Someone close to the Lydholm Forened management says that the hunt on the transfer market is not complete yet, with the target currently locked on Joe Bonschotten, a pacy Ko-orenite midfielder of 23. Question remains whether his club Sterrenwolde FC will accept the offer of an approximate 1MId.

FEB 28 - 10h17
For Norreborg 59, the work is done during this transfer period. They welcome Oxolt-Ulutu Nev as their new goalkeeper. The Qusmic comes over from University of Myana in Chromatika and is touted as a no-nonsense goalie who puts his focus on stopping the ball. Not a bad thing for a goalkeeper.

FEB 28 - 10h29
Tension is rising on deadline day as SK Sandfjell is still trying to find a solution for the capricious Elodie Valdes. The price tag on the bizarre but highly talented striker has plummeted over the days.

FEB 28 - 11h15
Things are not going to plan for SK Sandfjell and their gaffer Ilise Hauk. Attacking reinforcement is needed but it will not come from Matias Dybvik. Despite coming close to a signing, the Tjorlish forward has put the pen to paper with Cordian club, Thor’s Rest Storm, which is admittedly a far cooler club name than ‘SK Wherever’.

FEB 28 - 11h50
Sporting Noordende is doing some good business on the outgoing front, shedding a few guys who could be a nuisance when seated on the bench. As for Gilliam Sintnikolaas, he joins Draiewikum Boys on a relatively meagre fee of 0.8MFr. With Sintnikolaas on board, the boys explained that from their part, the transfer window was completed.

FEB 28 - 12h16
We are less than twelve hours away from the end of the transfer market and so far, there has not been an incoming from Clachonoch Rovers. The number five of last year focussed on keeping the squad together, which worked out perfectly, but had hoped to strengthen the midfield for a repeat of last year’s surprise season. Zwangzugian Staunt-Anderson remains the target but whilst his club has agreed to the transfer, negotiations with the player remain ongoing.

FEB 28 - 12h33
Bjerkness was already in the bag and now the second big target for Sandfjell Fotball has been confirmed. Cassadaiguan defender Lorena Collyer signs for a move from Brattleboro FC. It is a sizable transfer sum for the Reds, but it confirms their title ambition.

FEB 28 - 13h02
It is a buzzy day for everyone but spare a thought for the Sporting Noordende administrator who is at his third and fourth transfer before noon. This one he could have prepared in advance as it is left-back Erik ‘Pencil’ Brymsaeter who comes in from SK Sandfjell. The price remained limited with a fee of just 6MFr for an international in his twenties. But the deal was sweetened by adding Mitch Livyns in the mix, a young defender who so far has not featured often in the first team.

FEB 28 - 13h42
The departure of Veenstra will undoubtedly add a lot of cash to the books of FC Waalterzee but will also leave a hole in the line-up. Talks between FCW and Hinodian Turok Van Halen seem to be stalling, forcing the club to add more targets with ample time on the clock. The latest rumour concerned Douglas Garcia, a Juvencan midfielder known as someone who can take a team by the hand and up their production, despite being only 23. These are two ambitious targets for a club that needs to make pace.

FEB 28 - 13h46
Reports are coming in that signal the presence of Hella Veenstra in Sandfjell. Some claim that she was spotted in the local hospital, others report her as seen entering the stadium of Sandfjell Fotball. Will the Reds pick up another major target of the off-season?

FEB 28 - 14h01
A bunch of names are currently being tossed left and right for the position of SK Sandfjell striker. Some of them are domestic, such as Porskoggankopp’s Sven-Ake Limmer, others believe in the route which would bring Zeta Rekan Danilo to the navy blue side of town. The forward with a strong infiltration has the intention of leaving FK Finansijskigrade behind before the end of the transfer period.

FEB 28 - 14h03
Despite opportunities elsewhere, Aiko Hopsma signs for four years with Vereniging Huftstad. The striker was the sensation of the National Division East last year as he banged in 27 goals in 25 games for Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk but now gets the big challenge to prove himself two tiers higher. A Cinderella story for a man who worked as a butcher two years ago, but will it have a happy ending?

FEB 28 - 14h45
No waiting, no hesitation by SK Sandfjell. They happily announce that for less than 1MId, they add Zeta Rekan Danilo to their selection. A forward with good vision who can terrorize a static defense, an excellent addition to the tall Felting up front. Danilo leaves FK Finansijskigrade behind for his first international adventure.

FEB 28 - 16h04
SK Sandfjell manager Ilise Hauk was spotted in the offices of Lydholm Forened to discuss a potential transfer from Elodie Valdes. A replacement might have signed with Danilo, but the clock for the navy blues is ticking down if they want to get the highly talented but equally difficult to handle striker off their books.

FEB 28 - 18h00
We are going into the final hours of the transfer market and there are still a few players for whom no outcome is signed yet. For some, it is about the wealth of options such as Hella Veensma, others (such as Powell or Valdes) could be facing a long season on the sideline with their current teams. On the other hand, a few clubs still have increasingly nervous envoys abroad: FC Waalterzee struggles to sign a high quality midfielder and might, depending on the outcome, block an outgoing move from Veensma. The current status in the negotiation between Clachonoch Rovers and Staunt-Anderson seems to drag on, without the Zwangzugian it will be a disappointing transfer season for the Rovers. But the most precarious situation might be with Lydholm Forened who need more firepower to address the departure of Bissett, but whose various routes look fruitless so far.

FEB 28 - 19h04
Nothing like a strict deadline to get the show on the road. Lydholm Forened welcomes their Ko-orenite newcomer Joe Bunschotten, who joins for 1MId from Sterrenwolde FC. An excellent addition to their midfield which looks strengthened with this newcomer and Lund. The fans definitely are charmed with Bunschotten, whose announcement swiftly breaks the social media records of Forened. For Forened the books close, Elodie Valdes will not join them.

FEB 28 - 19h47
Breaking news on Hella Veensma! Although some claim that only the signature was to be set for her transfer to Sandfjell Fotball, there are now reports that she is in Sielhafen. A helicopter would have dropped off her, her mother and her manager just a little over twenty minutes ago. Is this the end of the Veensma saga?

FEB 28 - 20h05
Relief for Peter Powell. After what seemed to be a roadtrip through the country to find him a new club, he has now inked a two-year deal with Crester Wanderers. Although he was sidetracked with Fallwich United, it is not unfair to say that the 28-year old will add experience and quality to the Crester’ frontline.

FEB 28 - 21h24
Clachonoch Rovers kept it late but after a good bit of nerves in the management room, our CEdC representative looks a lot sharper for the upcoming season. From now on the role of defensive midfielder will be filled by Martin Staunt-Anderson. The Zwangzugian brings a lot of experience from Tenth Star Hasiera and should make the Rovers even more solid in the back.

FEB 28 - 22h03
With smiles that hold the middle ground between relief (for the receiving end), nerves (for FCW that has two hours to whip up a replacement) and satisfied (for Hella Veensma and her entourage) a four-year contract is signed with an enormous sum of 18MFr to it. The young prodigy had her breakthrough year last season with FC Waalterzee, now she will have to start confirming it with Sielhafen 1.FC. The champions kept it late to snap up the midfielder, but between her and Bissett, they added a lot of talent (for a lot of cash).

FEB 28 - 22h54
At last, the new destination of Elodie Valdes is known. After one of the most intricate transfer sagas of the off-season, which saw Valdes linked to a string of clubs, it is Bryn Boldklub who try their luck with her. At this point, SK Sandfjell is so happy to have her out of their dressing room that they have accepted a sum south of 2 MFr for their most gifted striker. A bit of a gamble from Bryn, who immediately get some spice added to their line-up.

FEB 28 - 23h49
All eyes on FC Waalterzee, that is not the usual way it works. Always quiet seemed to be the way to go for the Seagulls but tonight was a nervous one. With the deal for Hella Veenstra sealed, a replacement was required. Turok Van Halen looked to be the man on whom their trust was placed, but eventually no deal was found. A similar story developed with Douglas Garcia and that placed the FCW owners in a corner. The clock was ticking and with ample time left, Arnar Heikkisson was loaned from Graintfjaller club Steinaux. An attacking midfielder, as sought, but one of only seventeen years old. Not the reliable on-pitch leader hoped for, at first sight, and this gives a blow to their ambitions. The preliminary IFCF elimination showed that the current midfield might not be up for the task.

[Cap Nord]

Preview of Capnordic Football Season 2023

MOBILE-U PREMIER DIVISION

Bryn Boldklub

The ‘boldest of clubs’ or at least, so reads the tagline. Bryn kicks off its fifth stint in the top tier in less than thirty years and those who think a second or two about that statement know the implication. Despite being a larger city than, just to take two examples from its vicinity, Waalterzee or Norreborg, it struggles to support a strong and consistent club. When taking a look at the current line-up, only few believe that this generation can change that eternal cycle. Anders Svendsen, a key player in the title season, left for ‘59 and replacement Trude Heipertz seems a bit past her prime. In the Challenger Division, that sufficed to churn out an excellent home record but whether it will stand a harder test remains to be seen.

Coach Martin Odevald relies on a starting eleven with a lot of younger, untested players who excelled in the cosy Polderparken but who could get dominated by more physical teams. It’s a given that hasn’t been improved. Boldklub relies on a theoretical 3-4-3 which is less experimental than implied: Sorensen and Ingesson often drop in whilst the defensive trio (Kager being the most remarkable, if only for his large salt’n’pepper beard) focusses on hoofing the ball up the pitch. As such, the responsibility for a creative touch lands on the shoulders of Heipertz and Damskard. The former is eager to prove she is still of top-tier level but that this is the sole Premier Division club with interest, points in the wrong direction. The diminutive yet fiery Ola Damskard loves a good dribble and free kick but when in trouble, Bryn could be defending with one less player.

If you are limited in your composure, you will need to score goals to bring in enough points for survival. Peter Sorensen, the towering forward, weighs on defences but is not immediately a goalgetter. For that, they will look at the wings. A small decade ago, Frederik Hoj was the hottest talent of Lydholm but things never materialised. In this environment, with fewer worldly temptations, he managed to become important and impactful, both in acts and figures. The woman on the other side of the field scored nine goals in twenty appearances for SK last season, and yet no one wanted to pick her up. Bryn, aware of its lack of quality, took the gamble once her price deflated. On a good day, Elodie Valdes is a terror on the wing with fast feet and thinking. Question is what Bryn will do the rest of the season, where she’s impossible to manage and a problem in the dressing room.

Expected Line-up: Frandsen - Lauritzen, Nilsen, Kager - Ingesson, Heipertz, S. Sorensen, Damskard - Hoj, P. Sorensen, Valdes
Regular prediction: 15th.
Bold prediction: Elodie Valdes finally finds her head and scores enough Damskard assists to keep them in the league.

Cercle Terranville

Whilst most clubs focussed on their impact on the transfer market, the headlines in the silly season (in as far as Cercle ever could score headlines) were concerning coach Poulain. After a disappointing streak of 21 points out of a possible 72, even for Les Cémentiers, his head seemed to be on the chopping block. The question arose how and by whom he could be replaced, not an easy one as the rise of Cercle was connected to his name alone. As such, still a significant part of the supporters stood behind him. And then there was the cost of his ongoing contract which had been prolonged by three years in the euphoria after the previous season. Some long analysis later, the board decided to stick with Poulain but to tie his hands a little more in the off-season.

If the latter should be considered a smart move is highly doubtable. Last season, the duo Sangaré and Duval gave the club that little bit of inspiration that allowed them to stay out of real trouble but with the departure of the former to Fallwich, the line-up looks more and more depleted. Sole new face Désirée Lavalée deserves credit as a killer in the box but might not contribute much in play, as does her partner in crime Vereecque. As such, much is expected from the back four. Lemaitre and Nsacko are a decent partnership but both Bentaleb and Gheerardyn are getting a little order, without proper alternatives on the bench. Pillar in the formation remains Vandervelde, a soldier of many wars who gives a bit of spice to the midfield with his crosses. He gets flanked by Pitt and Valéry, two guys who run miles on end to keep the whole thing stitched together.

All in all, we only see Amadée Duval as a player to watch. In his breakthrough season, seven goals started from his dizzying left foot but now he truly needs to carry the team. It is a lot to ask from a 22-year old who still has the occasional off-day. It will be crucial that coach Poulain reinvents himself a little. Yes, his cynical, efficient football kept them in the league for two seasons in a row but the formula only can stretch it that far. More than ever, this is the least talented selection in the Premier Division: simply waiting for the opponent to make a fumble will be difficult, especially without lightning bolt Sangaré. Optimists glance to the bench, where an 18-year old has been promoted who is said to have butchered the 60 yard record but whether Afifa El Khna can also shoot is unknown. And that the Cercle fans need these straws to clutch is telling.

Expected Line-up: Gheerardyn - Bentaleb, Lemaitre, Nsacko, Bogna - Vandervelde, Pitt, Valéry, Duval - Lavalée, Vereecque
Regular prediction: 16th.
Bold prediction: Anything that involves them staying up is bold and it will need a supersonic Amadée Duval.

Clachonoch Rovers

A winter came and passed, yet Rovers fans are still pinching themselves. Not only did they park in fifth, the management showed the ambition to keep up the good work. Left and right, there were rumours on Barnett, McEnroy and Lowe but coach Zeke Humphries stuck to his guns. After all those years of building a line-up, he was not going to slaughter the goose with the golden eggs. And so, only substitute Hill was allowed a walk-off through the backdoor whilst the incoming focus remained limited to a single midfielder. And it is not just any midfielder that completes the Rovers' line-up. Staunt-Anderson has vast experience in the highly rated Audioslavian pyramid and looks like a clean fit with the 4-2-2-2 upheld by Humphries.

The solidity starts from the back onwards. That Thom McEnroy got the number one jersey was a surprise last season but after twelve months, his capacity is well confirmed. Simpson and Williams are two rock-solid defenders but the reputation of the back four mainly lies in the wing backs. The sturdy Brian MacLean and the seemingly slow Deirdre Barnett both make a ton of miles but never relent on their defensive duties. Add to that a double midfield lock on the door and you are competitive with any team in the Premier Division. It is easy to set Clachonoch aside as a dull side which parks the bus now but that is far from the truth (even if Humphries is not afraid to use that tactic if the circumstances require it). When in possession, the Rovers bring an inspired passing game which is far more patient than one would expect.

This usually gets directed by 'Sicko' MacParland, on the pitch ruthless yet refined, off the field a gift for the tabloids. And at 34, questions arise whether he has another year of that level in him. In games where he fails to make his impact, limitations surface: Fallon and Decroix make a splendid partnership but neither are really great strikers. It all risks to become a lot of completed passes for very few shots on goal. In that case, the disciplined organisation (despite the lack of discipline of the Psycho Gang) assures that Clachonoch will make it hard on any team. But in the current state of the league, two or three additional wins make the difference between vying for an international spot and a mid table appearance. Will it be good enough? Definitely, but the Rovers' might regret the conservative off-season in the longer run.

Expected Line-up: McEnroy - MacLean, Simpson, Williams, Barnett - Lowe, Staunt-Anderson [ZWZ], Pelham, MacParland - Fallon, Delcroix
Regular prediction: 9th.
Bold prediction: Last year, Fallwich won the Cup without a single goal against. If there is one side capable of pulling that same stunt…

Crester Wanderers

Two seasons, that was all the Wanderers needed to regain their position in the highest tier. It does not take an old and weary fan to remember when Crester away was considered a difficult encounter that no one looked forward to. Regaining that status in the top tier still seems a few steps away for the Wanderers whose decline runs in an awkward parallel with the demise of the industrial hubs in the west of the country. No city was affected as much as Crester and you can tell when entering the rusty gates of St Barbara Grounds (better known as Old Barbs). Still, some of the publicity boards breathe the atmosphere of better times and the gargantuan main stand struggles to cover half the seats. But the standing area behind the goal remained filled to the brim, with a loyal, hardened fan base for whom the chants and heckles are the highlight of the week.

That sturdy home reputation (16 wins out of 18 in Old Barbs last year) reflects in the style of the club. Pretty is something for the posh, here it is about sweat and results. In front of Alisha Sawyer, an underappreciated goalie, stand five guys of whom no one in particular makes waves. Together, they will not make any prisoners and cleverly manage to send the right guy into attack to unbalance the opposition (quite often Alf Green). The midfield has all the qualities of a traditional triangle: the wisdom of Bernard McRae, the youthful energy of newcomer Jody Barnes and the free kicks of Ebediah Goodman. For the latter, there is room for a redemption arc. In his previous appearances in the highest tier with Gleburgh and Fallwich, the 27-year old midfield maestro failed to convince. Will his magnificent feet be able to carry the Wanderers? It could be vital for a team without abundant creativity.

Crester likes things the old-school way and one can tell from the striking partnership as well. Last minute signing Peter Powell was brought in as the battering ram. In Fallwich, he lost the battle against rising star Clark (despite a few important goals) but for a club like this, the hardworking Powell will be useful and at 28, he should be in his prime. In theory, this matches with Idrissa Conteh, an (often unguided) missile who nonetheless scored eighteen goals in the Challenger Division. It is classic and everything about this club seems soaked in that atmosphere. Part of it gives great nostalgia but it also raises some doubts. There are different names but not much seems changed since their last season in the Premier Division and then it slowly tipped sideways. What will stop that from happening now? The lack of glaring gaps in the line-up currently gives them a bit of edge to stay up for most pundits but if they want a future, a better plan is needed.

Expected Line-up: Sawyer - O'Sullivan, Hill, Vanderdonckt, Green, Sanders - McRae, Barnes, Goodman - Conteh, Powell
Regular prediction: 14th.
Bold prediction: The Wanderers will not even get involved in the relegation battle.

Draiewikum Boys

Having an owner with money is one thing. Having one who seems vigilant but not frugal when spending it, is the next. Eelco Wielant, a construction magnate in the region, kept his eyes open during the transfer market and invested without splashing cash around, tackling the lacunas in the line-up. Even if he remained personally low-profile and stayed away from the spectacular deals, it gives Draiewikum an uncharacteristic new ring and energy to their name. Off-seasons were usually for picking up some youngsters from the close region whilst getting rid of veterans, whilst holding on for dear life to the few and far stars. The last few parts remained the same: Daan Vandeurzen was thanked for multiple years in the line-up (although he’s far from done with professional football) and with Siel Leuwert, the Boys will have the national number one under the crossbar for another twelve months. That part of the story, hoping on their stay-at-home players, seems familiar.

But it was the boost of creativity and guts that stood out. Pieter Paryn could have stuck to Waalterzee with Veenstra leaving, but got seduced by the plans from Draiewikum. His vision should link with tireless box-to-box Aukje Spoelstra to give the Boys a stronger midfield. And in attack, all weight had been on the shoulders of Tjibbe Opsma. The phlegmatic forward performed, with eleven goals, but wonder what he can do with a strong partner. Quebecois Benoit Djaozandry did not (yet) completely fulfil his initial promise but his combination of stature and technique on the ball gives the Boys a whole lot more options to dissect the opposition. Two players in their prime and it had been a while since Draiewikum bought those. It is a direct injection in the veins of the attacking prowess they missed last year, which led to a dreary 11th spot.

It gives confidence because what worked, stayed. Siel Leuwert comes across as a bit too timid for an international career but he is an assurance on clean sheets. The organisation in front of him hinges on players who were cast aside too fast elsewhere: Broodhaers, Vennema and Sintnikolaas all are still fairly young and with a chip on their shoulder. But oldtimer Lus Baeck makes sure that planes over the stadium can navigate on their offside line. It made Draiewikum the team that conceded least last year and earned Vennema a spot in the wider selection for the World Cup Qualifiers. Everything seems to be going their way at the moment and that makes it dangerous to be too optimistic. Coach Wyvert might have a lot more pieces to his disposal, one still needs to see the resulting puzzle. However, watching a game from Draiewikum will not be an effort this year and that is already the first victory for Wielant and his men.

Expected Line-up: Leuwert - Sintnikolaas, Vennema, Baeck, Broodhaers - Jenson, Dykema, Spoelstra, Paryn - Djaozandry [QUE], Opsma
Regular prediction: 6th.
Bold prediction: The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan and suddenly there are kids with black-and-yellow jerseys everywhere.

Drochry Academic

Drochry has a philosophy to their reappearance in the highest tier and it deserves some praise that they decided to believe in it. Last year, they amazed us with energetic, charming and borderline naive football. With decent to good results, as they remained untouched by the relegation battle whilst banging in over fifty goals, a record for a promoted side to the Premier Division. The question was which route manager Jack Wilson wanted to take with the Mortarboards. Being endearing with your goals only works if all goes well, but they bought a hefty fine for it as Gareth McCullough was left home alone in a shooting range far too often. Building a bit more security and organisation without losing their strengths was the task. As only Kick Penning, often moving between the line-up and the bench, left for Huftstad, the latter can be seen as a mission accomplished: 19-year old talent Billie Valls should pick up his minutes now.

For the building department, the judges are still out on the conclusion. Daan Vandeurzen adds a good deal of experience as defensive midfielder, but his Achilles' heel is exactly that full focus all game. Whilst fitting the club culture, they might have needed someone that balanced it out a bit more. Brenecian right-back Athame Caulker already showed a promising connection with the forward on her wing, Junior Wilson, but does come across a bit aloof at times. In a way, the gaffer wanted to have his cake and eat it. The result still could be a little shaky at times and that is with the hope that the body of 37-year old Paul Thomson has another full season in it. During practice games, it rather looked as if Wilson does not want to do something different this season: he aims for the same, but better.

And that thing is not just entertaining, it also contains more quality than often given credit for. A lot of focus was given to star striker Rodney Fraser, who scored and stomped his way to second in the top scorer ranking but still is not considered for the national team. This is partially due to his uncanny style, but his energy weighs on a defence and allows Junior Fraser and Lian Liddell to find holes in the opposing defence to dive into. There, they find deep passes dropped by Steve McLochlan. His return to the club where he made his professional debut can be considered a ten out of ten as he immediately took the team by the hand. His interviews might be a pisspoor assembly of mumbling but when given the ball, everyone knows what he means. Add to that the clever runs of his partner in crime Tara Hamilton and there is an attacking unit where the pieces fit. So we will be entertained again by the Mortarboards, they will give us some unbelievable scenarios. But Drochry is just perfecting their current act and that one will only take them that far up the ranks.

Expected Line-up: McCullough - Caulker [BRE], Forsyth, Thomson, Adam - Vandeurzen, Hamilton, McLochlan - Wilson, Fraser, Liddell
Regular prediction: 12th.
Bold prediction: Rodney Fraser grabs the golden boot as he manages to score even more than last season.

Fallwich United

Goalkeeper Pierre Le Vallez lifting the Cup over his head made thousands of fans, used to a good club that struggles to translate that into trophies, ecstatic. The day after, people started to wonder whether this should be considered as the peak or rather as the end of a cycle for the Hoops. Eccentric owner John Gilliam made clear that for him, it is the latter by buying a page in the popular Daily Review which told ‘all those who need to know’, that ‘none of the Fallwich United players are for sale’. It is a tactic like any… And it worked out in the end, as only the abundant Peter Powell got sold (and the amount spent on him a year ago was forgotten). Unspokenly included in that page was a continued confidence in Emmett Wynter. The bookish manager of United had a troubled relation with the fans, in part due to his near-devotion to the 3-5-2, in part due to his absolute lack of connection with the average football supporter who does not look to footy like a game of chess.

They still might not hold him in his heart, but winning a trophy goes a long way. Wynter got a fair bit of credit for going through five cup rounds without a single goal against but Pierre Le Vallez definitely deserves his praise for that as well. On his day, he is the best keeper of the nation but just that one time too many, the dominant goalie gets involved in a little tussle with… Just about anyone: referees, opponents, teammates and ball boys, all have felt his wreath already. In front of the leader of the fairly large French-speaking enclave of Fallwich, there are three hard-as-nails defenders. The only downside is that they are pretty poor footballers and that is where Kenneth Breuker steps in: equally ruthless, but capable of getting a counterattack on the road. It gives breathing space to the midfielders of whom Robinson is the most quirky but equally exciting to follow. A fan favourite of the crowd, he can do no wrong with his outlandish celebrations.

The main reinforcement comes on the wings in Mamadou Sangaré, a lightning bolt who could be electrifying even if he does not always manage to convert his energy into results. The line up gets topped up with Danny Clark and Eleonor Cunningham. The lanky Clark serves as the crowbar for poacher ‘Elly’ but the revelation of last season, still only 21, got his fair share of goals as well. It is not a spectacular duo but for the system of Wynter, where every ball in the final third needs to go to the goalmouth as fast as possible, they do the job. Not everything looks attractive in this Fallwich line-up but it feels as if Wynter has the puzzle worked out. It makes Fallwich, in that large peloton chasing the top three, one of the main contenders for the IFCF placings. And if “they don’t look good” is the best argument to be found against Fallwich, the Hoops will be close to that position. The only downside is that they lack someone among the field players who can really tip the scales with individual class and that might cost them a few points.

Expected Line-up: Le Vallez - Dortigne, Noble, Wilks - Breuker, Mussa, Robinson, Bryce, Sangaré - Clark, Cunningham
Regular prediction: 5th.
Bold prediction: Danny Clark makes it a ‘Veensma’ style of seasons and drags the team with his goals to the Challengers’ Cup.

FC Waalterzee

An eventful off-season for FCW and that in itself should be a cause for concern for the surprising number four of last year. By the time this preview hits the press, their international adventure has already stalled, giving a black lining to the notable debut. But the clash with Mitra even got less coverage than the transfer saga which unrolled on the final day which could have seen a club triumph that slowly clawed their way to the top. In the end, Waalterzee looked out of their element during the dying hours and whilst they won an excellent price for last year's revelation Hella Veenstra, they could not spend it properly, weakening the line-up. It leaves a dissatisfactory taste in the mouth as the season kicks off and one can wonder whether it will change sooner rather than later. Manager Paul Eltink is, after more than fifteen years in the saddle, not the man to complain but he is up for a tough task to repeat last season as every compartment has its own doubts.

Between the posts, Per Hollmann became a more than reliable goalkeeper but due to a heel injury, he will be missing for the first two months of the year. Replacement Vanderwee struggled to bring the same coolness and composition to the four in front of him and then the weaknesses showed fast. Both Den Haak and Noland have the perfect physical build for the position but are prone to suffer from mistakes. Newcomer Belliard is a fine addition for the width of the selection, yet no born leader to bring it back in line. With that, quite a bit falls on the shoulders of Eddy Bilot, one of the shortest players in the Premier Division and an ageing fan favourite. Luckily for the organisation of Eltink, he can count on a duo of defensive midfielders that easily ranks among the best (if not being the best) in the competition. Everyone outside of Waalterzee might feel that Dirk Lemmeling is a dirty bastard, within the city walls he is seen as the spirited love child of plough and a tank engine. His companion Jip Corstjens is less outspoken but does an awful lot of dirty work. The heart of FCW is reliable, that will remain the same.

It is the goal scoring that worries the fans the most. Last year, they were delighted by the development of Hella Veensma who mesmerised defences with her short, stocky turns. Before twelve months, she was a barely known youth product, suddenly she became the hottest subject on the transfer market. For the third year in a row, the green-and-white lost their main attacking midfielder, an indicator of their position in the domestic pecking order. It led to the most nervous day in recent history for the Waalterzee management. The task to provide striker Wymeersch (beloved, strong, energetic, technically limited) with good crosses is now left to Dennis Schroeten and Arnar Heikkisson. The nickname ‘Dennis the Menace’ lost a bit of its on-pitch aura and won some (literal) off-field weight during Schroetens mixed tenure with Sporting. And at 17, Arnar was not the international star signing the fans had hoped for, despite his excellent record with the Graintfjall U18. That he and Schroeten were caught nibbling on fastfood during the short training camp adds to the nerves of the board, who seem to have taken one too many gambles to get near the top four again.

Expected Line-up: Hollmann - Bilot, Noland, Den Haak, Belliard - Lemmeling, Corstjens, Schroeten, Heikkisson [GRF], Parr - Wymeersch
Regular prediction: 8th.
Bold prediction: It doesn’t fall apart. That seems already bold enough at the moment.

FF Stennköping

It was not necessarily a bad season for the Hingstarna, in hindsight, but it lacked the raw quality to move any closer to the Big Three as the ambition had been before the start. Especially in the difficult clashes against top opponents, the genie of Jonas Persson just could not carry the team on his own. As such, manager Grenholm got the green light from main sponsor SendBank (namesake of the magnificent arena) to go for quality over quantity. Two players washed up on the shores of Stennköping, both filling in a key vacancy. The hesitations in the defence which cost FF dearly lately are meant to be resolved with Nepharim Garrick Rustak. Combining his ruthless style with the strong header Lonstad should at least give Stennköping the physical edge. Questions also arose on the collective brain in the back: especially Evald Bengtsson is notorious for his needless tackles inside the box. Rustak will not just have to be the man with the scythe, but also with the guide.

The second addition came with international Murad Benkasar, who left the sinking ship of Vereniging Huftstad (whilst dropping a few bags of cash for the latter) to take up the role of attack leader with Stennköping. This pushes the wildly popular Cain McHogan to the bench, despite marking thirteen times last year. A decent amount, but the forward rarely scored a winner, so the choice for coach Johannes Grenholm is easy at first sight. The supporters might be far more critical for Benkasar who struggled last season to live up to his full potential. But in theory, they could use a powerful bulky forward with a calm and composed character. Wingers ‘Blondie’ Torsson and ‘Long Legs’ Longlet both are fine players who can swoop past their direct opponent but neither is a killer in the box. What speaks in the advantage of FF Stennköping is their width in this department: next to McHogan, there are youngsters Villund and Granqvist who would win more playing minutes in any other club.

In the end of the day, the faith of the Hingstarna will again depend on the form of Jonas Persson. Whilst definitions differ, the majority outside of Sandfjell will point to the clever playmaker when appointing the best Capnordic. Over time, the club discovered he functions best with two hard working loyals behind him in Rrezi and Bouquet. (They happen to be best friends off the pitch as well, with Maximilien Bouquet's live feeds about their collective camping trips being banter legend.) Year after year, it results in strong stats and the occasional touch of magic on a chip or a free kick. His style made Persson respected by fans and opponents alike. Grenholm built the team and style around him and it works, so far. With Rustak and Benkasar on board, FF looks the most solid in the field of chasers behind the top three and Jonas Persson will obviously play his role in that. But for the long term, the question starts to pop up how they will fare now their playmaker nearly reaches 33.

Expected Line-up: Falck - Bengtsson, Lonstad, Rustak [NPH], Aalund - Bouquet, Rrezi, Persson - Torsson, Benkasar, Longlet
Regular prediction: 4th.
Bold prediction: The front three find that connection and crack the top three.

Lydholm Forened

It is difficult to catch the atmosphere around the club that resulted from a difficult merger (a bunch of hard core fans of one of the two sides just lifted their club back in the National Division). In the second half of last season, coach Grofelt had all the puzzle pieces in the right place and both on the pitch and in points, they were on par with the IFCF teams. End of last season, a belief grew that the rowdy side could finally live up to its potential and knock on the door of the podium finishes. One cold winter later, little of that sentiment withstood the test of time despite some good additions. It is telling of the continuous state of affairs in Lydholm, which tends to flip flop between euphoria and devastation. Something which is not aided by the board, headed by LundBeton owner Palle Lund III, that tends to put the bar ridiculously high before giving a next manager their marching orders. The credit of Grofelt, as is with anyone in Lydholm, looks much slimmer despite not a single ball being kicked in the past months.

The main cause of concern is the departure of Theodore Bissett. The quicksilver wing player won himself a lot of fans with his infiltrations and energy, becoming a hot topic on the transfer market. It is telling that champion Sielhafen whipped out the wallet for ‘the Bullett’. His departure does not just cost quality, it also convinced Grofelt that the 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 (depending on the analyst) tactic with high wingbacks was no longer feasible and folded to a 4-2-2-2. Not only did it harbour less ambition, it also reminded the fans of the early days of Forened, when that tactic got associated with the highly unpopular coach Hammargren. But the manager seems dead set on employing it, reorganising the four in front of the quite good Svend Moller. This means that Troels Poulsen needs to lay low a little in his attacking efforts whilst new guy Carolus Alstrom becomes left-back. Quite a heavy legacy, moving up from second tier Atlet whilst having the eyes of the fanbase glued on them as they reminisce about Bissett.

The engine room in midfield remains composed by the inspirational Andreas Hom and walking (or rather, running) battery Aastrup who was kept on board despite a few good offers. Rumour has it that they barely speak off the field, but as long as they deliver between the lines, no one could care less. A bit higher up the pitch, two newcomers need to connect to the strikers. In the case of the reliable Alfred Lund, this should be with runs whilst Ko-orenite Bonschotten can let the ball do the work, coming through the halfspaces or from the wing. The latter left an excellent impression during the training games which cannot be said about star striker Stefan Puch who looked a little overweight. Nonetheless, he still remarked that he missed a good partner in crime: great news to hear for young Aaron Paal. And so, things never get calm, quiet and straight in the right direction with Lydholm. There are bumps, little clashes, protests and by the end of the year, that will cost a team with a lot of potential quite a few points: potentially too many to make the top four.

Expected Line-up: Moller - Poulsen, Gustafsson, Flock, Alstrom - Aastrup, Hom, Lund, Bonschotten [KOR] - Paal, Puch
Regular prediction: 7th.
Bold prediction: Grofelt gets a few quick wins, gets the fans on board and they grab that elevator to a great spirit. In that case, they can beat everyone on the field.

Norreborg 59

Norreborg 59 (named after the founding year of the related athletics club, not of the football section) parked their ride in ninth last year despite deserving a bit more, did not lose a key player whilst making some sensible transfers and still gets predicted for tenth: being a mediocre side is barely fun in Cap Nord. Not as if someone in Norreborg will truly care that in that large pool of mid-tier sides, they are currently the one being overlooked. Last season left quite a few scars as they dropped from 4th to 9th despite promising performances left and right. But it seems that over the winter, the club regrouped. A major statement confirming that they prolong with coach El-Berrhi showed the road to all. He could not find the solutions last year to the flaws but vaguely pointed in the direction of the goalie. Said player, Simon Egils had left for Melundhavn before the end of the first day of the transfer period. Decisive starts of the off-season and even if they were not followed up swiftly, it did raise the spirit.

The key swap in the line-up can be found under the crossbar. The value of 'Ox' Nev remains up in the air as a challenging task awaits the Qusmi youngster: restoring the confidence of the defensive line. If all goes well, some will call it a stroke of genius by El-Berrhi to keep his trust in the same four that suffered from mixed performances before. They're all more than decent footballers, but maybe one lumberjack amidst their number would not have been such a grave violation of the philosophy. Because in hindsight, that killer instinct might be what is missing in the current selection. Across the board, Norreborg owns a squad of above-average football players but when the opponent wants to overpower them, it is possible. It is questionable whether Reeman (sent away from Sandfjell with a "just not enough" tag) will balance that out sufficiently in midfield. The other addition, Anders Svendsen who leaves Brym for the Tangerines, is a more technical profile with great feet but less than sixty kilos on the scales.

It is easy to point out the gaps in the skillset of the Tangerines, as they become more glaring every season. But their strengths deserve equal attention as well. The midfield has an exceptional football IQ with 'Pinball' Svendsen, the slender wanderer Silke Hammers and playmaker Gitte Nilsen. The free kick specialist always gives off a sense of unfulfilled potential due to her grace in possession and the ease with which she makes the ball travel. Especially against the big clubs, her sense of timing oozes geniality. It opens up opportunities for the duo up front: target man Elliott Jackson and the roaming Steffen Larsen. It is a combination that gets on the board, marking over ten times each last year. The writing is on the wall: Norreborg will trouble some big hitters and spoil points elsewhere. The spirit is high to do better currently but could become fragile fast if the results don't follow. Considering the squad balance and depth, they look the weakest of the good teams.

Expected Line-up: Nev [QUS] - Akintola, Pedersen, Rendahl, Vleugellam - Reeman, Hammers, Svendsen, Nilsen - Larsen, Jackson
Regular prediction: 10th.
Bold prediction: They manage to find defensive stability, that is a hot enough take as it is.

Sandfjell Football

For most of the transfer period, things were looking on the up for Sandfjell. The Canned Tomatoes were landing their targets and were still in the market for a third and final addition, the infamous Hella Veensma. But during the last hours, they relented their offer on the attacking midfielder and shut shop for the winter. Most assumed that the price tag on Veensma eventually was the decisive element. A far worse cause was to be blamed. During that eventful evening, manager Harm de Weerd suffered from a cardiac arrest. Whilst swift reflexes of the club doctor saved his life, a long recovery awaits de Weerd. In the meantime, his duties are transferred to his assistant Tinne Sollvoll. An immediate rupture in styles as the pensative, composed de Weerd now leaves his club in energetic hands and a slice of theatre along the line. For the 38-year old, it is her first assignment as head coach yet the fans expect nothing less than a title.

Last season, Fotball remained in the running till the last game so the recipe remains unaltered for now. Sollvoll still hangs by something considered a 3-6-1 by analysts, but which is difficult to capture in numbers: a rarely seen fluidity is expected of the midfielders whilst the other five have well-defined roles. Goalkeeper Roger Belten is a beacon of experience at 35 and possesses a mean cross. The defensive trio looks reinforced now Lorena Collyer will be calling the shots. The Cassadaiguan was immediately promoted to vice-captain, a confirmation that the 29-year old is given the reins to make the Fotball backline a little sturdier. In footballing terms, little is expected of the back three, just to stop any opposition and to deliver the ball to a teammate as soon as possible when in possession. The last one with a well-defined role is babyface assassin Till Myrrheim. The towering forward and last year’s topscorer is beloved in the stands and dressing room alike for his genuine modesty, hard work and kind nature. On the pitch, he is a menace for defenders and nearly impossible to stop.

The Sandfjeller magic is supposed to come from the midfield, a section that has gone through a bit of an overhaul over the winter. Reeman left the Sandfjeller shores for Norreborg whilst Saugestad retired as foreseen. The return of Evald Hagbo remains uncertain as the once sparkling baller is now sidelined with his second heavy injury in three years. Whether the main driver is necessity or choice is up for debate, but the card of the youth is drawn. Jack-of-all-trades Simon Carstensen earns a key role in the setup at the tender age of eighteen and incoming transfer Jorgen Bjerkness (19 years old) finds himself among the starters as well. With the knowledge that Mohr and Saller are still only 21, that is a lot of coaching for valued soldier Karsten Saller and for Egge Stavseth, a man with very clever infiltrations into the box and a ditto number of goals. That youthfulness on the bench and in midfield is why the Reds are considered the weakest of the Big Three at the moment: it should cost them a point left or right. But in the long-term, things are looking promising.

Expected Line-up: Belten - Pellenaars, Collyer [CDG], Vestby - Saller, Carstensen, Haugen, Mohr, Bjerkness, Stavseth - Myrrheim
Regular prediction: 3th.
Bold prediction: Both Carstensen and Bjerkness explode and on that energy, the club wins a trophy.

Sielhafen 1.FC

The title for Der Erste was well deserved and another confirmation (as if that was still needed) of the capacity of Gerolf Felder to push a group to its limits. It is an approach of his that usually leads to a cyclical run in the fortunes of the ambitious port club: a growth, silverware but then an equally fast decline rooted in conflicts. The exact same scenario played out three years ago for the Dockers and many see a repeat upcoming. However, to the merit of the current selection is that last time the cracks were already showing before the trophy was lifted. Now, it is less easy to pinpoint why and even if it will go wrong. True to its nature, money was thrown around by the club but there was a method to the madness, with clear international ambitions mentioned. Maybe one too many times, making it difficult to see their trajectory as complete this season if it is not with a string of IFCF successes. Managing to sustain the winning formula would in itself already be a breakthrough for Cap Nord's most volatile top club.

All looks fine and rosy, but Felder decided to double down with an extra challenge. The 4-4-2 employed served more than well, yet he will take on the season in a 5-3-2 formation. A major instigator of that switch is in the arrival of Theodore 'Bullett' Bissett, the coveted left wingback, although it is hard to see if his transfer is the cause or result of Felder's new scheme. His infiltrations should give Sielhafen an additional weapon up their sleeve and it is not unlikely that against weaker sides, this will rather look like a 3-5-2. This means that Haller, Peary and Rossner make the clinical and unforgiving trio in the heart, guarding young goalie Marzinn. The latter proved himself more than worthy of the starting spot and seems to take two steps at a time in his evolution. As if there is not enough security built in already, Carl Worbe patrols the midfield. Equally unexciting and useful, and that is for the dullest man of the league.

Far from dull is what Sielhafen cooks up in the attacking segment. Gesa Wierink was successfully transformed from a wide player to a midfield multitool, combining his speed and aggression with more stamina. But all eyes will be on 21-year old Hella Veensma. Her rise to stardom with Waalterzee was as swift as unexpected. Even among the best, she thinks faster and has the short, stocky moves to execute those thoughts. It provides options for Beirer, who lacks looks or flair but makes for a very efficient goalscorer at the top level. The open question and maybe the reason why they are currently just below Sporting for the bookmakers, is the position of Dieter Scharf. Last season, he excelled as a wandering striker-playmaker, a man who knew the available options. With the arrival of Bissett, he will have to adapt. Scharf so far told the press that he looks forward to that but during the preseason matches, it did not create magic yet. He is a bit of a lonewolf, but team and fans know his value and how crucial that is to make a title challenge.

Expected Line-up: Marzinn - Lemarbaix, Haller, Peary, Rossner, Bissett - Worbe, Wierink, Veensma - Beirer, Scharf
Regular prediction: 2nd.
Bold prediction: Sielhafen manages to clinch a spot in the group phase of the IFCF after an excellent qualifying series.

SK Sandfjell

With Erik Brymsaeter, the last real star player closed the door on SK Sandfjell. Manager Ilise Hauk took over with eleven games left last season and so far looked like their best transfer. Not only did she quickly move them away from the relegation line, she made the most out of the limited funds as the transfer sum from ‘Pencil’ mainly went into the renovation of the decrepit stadium. Lastly, she reorganised the dressing room: continuous pain in the side Valdes was given her marching orders whilst Felting got a second chance on strict conditions. It is a signal of a new era for the Navy Blues who have now abandoned all hope to move past their bitter city rivals. The once quite wealthy merchants’ home now needs to be a good housefather and count every single penny. Young and not too expensive is the new rule around here but it will take the fans a bit more time to get accustomed to that reality. It has cut them loose from the large mid-table peloton and planted them firmly in the second half of the table.

A simple diamond 4-4-2 line-up should take the pitch for SK, carried by the midfield section. Anders Skogen arrived here last year and seemed a hardworking but limited element. But Hauk gives him a lot of authority (even handing the 30-year old the captain’s ribbon) and the robust centre midfielder delivers with a lot of stamina and heart. Next to him, the backbone gets reinforced by Marit Andersen, a silent force who shows that vertical play is not to be confused with route-one. Whilst Silje Horst ensures the balance, newcomer Felix Nordmann gets a chance as starting creative midfielder in the Premier Division. In itself, that is a more than decent core of the squad and one in which Hauk has invested a lot of confidence: in part due to the flimsy bench. The key question is whether the other members of the starting line up can act in consistency with this level. Goalie Ludvigsen starts his third year between the posts and this experience should start to pay off now, that is no major worry.

The back four, on the other hand, get a lot of question marks by their name. Livyns came in as the bargaining chip for Brymsaeter. There is potential in the youngster, but those around him have their limitations as well: Azra Mohammad is a winger crammed into the position, Tuva Bjorne battles with the years and Dave Pickering has a track record which got him the nickname ‘Savage’. Make of that what you want. Whether the end result will have a careless season will as such depend on the attacking duo. Emil Felting towers above the others in the box, but needs the ball served to him on a plate. Next to that, he has been involved in more on-field antics than is good for him. That leaves quite some pressure on Danilo, the Zeta Rekan newcomer with great positioning but who was described by the local press as ‘not a team carrier’. It is fair to say that Ilise Hauk still has a lot of puzzling ahead of her if she wants to turn this ragtag selection into a club that can carry the ambitions of the fans.

Expected Line-up: Ludvigsen - Bjorne, Pickering, Livyns, Mohammad - Holst, Andersen, Skogen, Nordmann - Felting, Danilo [ZRK]
Regular prediction: 11th.
Bold prediction: Apart from the actual performances, they win the heart of the fans, who currently remain on the fence, and truly turn the curve back upwards.

Sporting Noordende

The opinions on Sporting Noordende vary across the country. Some consider them as ‘wildly arrogant’, others keep it to ‘mildly arrogant’. But the fans of the Royals will claim that they are the best club on the globe or at least in Cap Nord. And with records in terms of won titles and victorious Cup finals, there is even something to that claim. It also implies that the club could not relent after a disappointing Cup run and a ditto third place finish. The most prestigious side of the nation reacted by cleaning out the selection with a few guys that (according to insiders) “did not meet the bar”. This ranges from youth players that could not break into the first team fast enough to Dennis Schroeten, who did not turn out the vast talent they had hoped and paid for. On the other hand, a few more pearls dropped off the seemingly endless conveyor belt of gifted youngsters called the youth academy whilst the wallet was whipped out for two crucial additions to see Sporting get back into the title race.

The defensive unit of Sporting got reinforced with international Erik ‘Pencil’ Brymsaeter, an artistic type off the pitch but a prime example of a forward-thinking wingback who does not neglect his defensive duties. The opposite wing has one of those as well, even if Maud Pieterman does not always get the attached recognition. Central (both in stature and position) stands Patrick van Hilvaren, a key player of the Whalers as well. Goalkeeper Jarne Pelikaan starts to feel the years but with hip, young talent Anne van Velzen, there is a back-up. Completely across the pitch, the best attack of the competition remains intact. Pieter Valentijn might have the intellectual capacities of a wooden log, he is a battering ram for the Royals who opens up space for Jan Van Dijcke and the sheer brilliance of Rohan Williams. The latter is as popular in the tabloids as on the stands and combines a charming rebel flair with on-pitch discipline and a warm connection with the fans. In a way, he is the face of the team but also a strong scorer, as are his two partners up front.

Last season, the trio banged in goals left and right but did not get the required support from the midfield trio. For this, manager Van Schravenswijk came up with a small reshuffle of the cards. No longer will the three play in a flat row, but in a tilted triangle. That means that Trevor Barrington, the young potential won previous winter from Fallwich, will no longer drown in the responsibilities but keeps his focus on the defensive section. Janine Velthof gets a bit more space on the left hand side to connect with Brymsaeter and on the right-hand side, Tikariotian newcomer Charles Terzaghi appears. In origin a striker, but with mediocre goalscoring, the gaffer sees a new role for him as attacking midfielder who links up with Rohan Williams. A new role but one that could suit the skills of the newcomer. During preseason, this novel plot showed promise for the Royals. It makes Sporting Noordende the favourite for the title as they look a bit (Sielhafen) or a lot (Sandfjell) further in the build-up of their new formation.

Expected Line-up: Pelikaan – Pieterman, van Hilvaren, Delpaire, Brymsaeter - Barrington, Velthof, Terzaghi [TKT] - Williams, Valentijn, Van Dijcke
Regular prediction: 1st.
Bold prediction: By a mile.

Vereniging Huftstad

Is Peter Dingens giving this club a second chance or is he slowly sucking them dry? Even if he was quite boisterous about the number of incoming players, it is a fact that with Murad Benkasar, one of the best forwards of the competition was sold. Twelve months after the departure of the capricious but talented Steffen Puch, this leaves the ranks depleted. Newcomer Aiko Hopsma was a bit of a sensation last year… In the third tier. That it will take some time for him to grasp the level properly goes without saying and the question can be asked whether that time is available for Vereniging. The number of fans, which never were high, are dwindling and that after a year in which they reached a Cup final. Huftstad is an artificial city in an uninteresting plain with people solely living there for work: their allegiance usually remained with their birth city. But the few who clung to Vereniging did have a specific spirit to them. Even that seems to have gotten a bit of a bust now and the once ravingly ambitious club now lingers in the right-hand column.

The attacking line is emblematic of the whole selection. Year after year, talent got sapped for income whilst the incoming ones looked to come off the penny market. It seems a bit too harsh to judge as such on the defensive quartet. They did reasonably well, with Asante Mbongo as reliable leader and newcomer Anke Klaassen to shore them up. Any compliments do focus on the defensive capacities as they focus on hoofing it forward when in need (and also when not in need). Goalkeeper Keijzer has his days but they don’t fall in every weekend. Training games did not yet reveal the final formation of the midfield but that it will star Kees De Reuver goes without saying. The sole remaining star is terribly fragile and toxic in the dressing room but can do magic on the right day. It is up to Anouk De Jonghe and the robust Palle Jonsson to compensate for his antics. What the role of Kick Penning will be remains unclear but the bench is filled with players who did not turn up last year.

All in all, goalscoring looks to be the main issue. Even a mediocre Benkasar parts ways with fifteen goals scored, a number not easily replaced. It will probably not come from Emilie Lykke, a useful element but not a killer in the box. It must be noted that if they can overcome that major issue, Vereniging Huftstad is not a side to go down. In their ranks, there is a lot of maturity and football wiseness. In a potential relegation dogfight, that is the kind of thing that can keep you afloat. It does pose a question for the longer run for Huftstad and Dingens: there are not that many assets left that will spectacularly rise in value (bar 18-year old reserve Siebe Moersleutel) so it is difficult to envisage the next step. So far, Peter Dingens keeps on saying that this is just a phase in a plan towards silverware but only those close to him still see the destination. All in all, the kindest thing one can wish upon Vereniging supporters is a quiet and calm season, both on the field and around the club.

Expected Line-up: Keijzer - Mortier, Klaassen, Mbongo, Ahlers - De Jonghe, Jonsson, Penning, De Reuver - Hopsma, Lykke
Regular prediction: 13th.
Bold prediction: Ignorant of all that is falling apart around them, this selection shows maturity and skill on the field.

CANDICAN CHALLENGER DIVISION

Barnuff Rangers
The Rangers delivered spectacle last season and that was great to see: but they have slowly sunk to the second column in the table and it is difficult to see that change in the short term.

Blue-White Gleburgh
With Barnes, Gleburgh delivered another strong end product to a top tier club. If the finances had been there, they should be able to contest for more but now it looks like a simple mid-tier year, looking for the next talent.

Braelowan Athletic
It was by the slimmest of margins but Athletic makes an immediate return to the second tier with physical and organised football. If that will be enough to avoid the bottom three is not certain.

Forbrodring Opsvik
They relegated with games to spare and still Opsvik is a major candidate for promotion. Coach Hettervik makes a great fit with the club and the money from Bjerkness was spent wisely.

Melundhavn Start
Both city and club look ambitious but the reality is that they can no longer retain a key player such as Nordmann when a bigger club brings the francs. Will race for the top two but other clubs look better.

Metallar Varnoberg
If things ended more lucky, Varnoberg would still be in the Premier Division. But they didn’t, the best players left and sponsor VarnoMetal is not compensating it with additional funds. A grey year awaits them.

Noordende VV
VV goes on without captain Klaassen but looks strong enough to stay true to their goal: a quiet season with one of the warmest fan bases in their small but charming stadium. Halfway between a family and a hipster club.

Olympique Isbècque
Some thought that relegation from the Premier Division was an all-time low but they almost tumbled to the third tier. Even a deep Cup run couldn’t hide that this sleeping giant is having a nightmare and they will not wake up immediately.

Porskoggankopp FK
The Shepherds had a poor away record with a few shutouts, but their home games ensured a gap with the relegation line. This is happening too many years in a row to be an accident, some say, but they remain a weaker side.

Sielhafenspor
The multicultural representation of the bustling port city has everything going their way at the moment, so purely on enthusiasm, a longer stay in the Challenger Division is predicted.

Skjerm SK
Contrary to usual, Skjerm kept their line-up together over the winter. It makes them more than ever a promotion candidate as there is a good amount of talent and entertaining football to be seen in the Huggansdall.

Standard Brouai
Brouai continues without Lavalée but their duo of attacking midfielders, Vandecasteele and Mrabet, stay on board and that gives hope. A promising side that will even appear in the IFCF.

Stellarbrough Town
Often ignored and that is an accomplishment for a club sporting the uncanny brown and maroon combination. Slightly mocked for their lack of attraction, but their seventh spot showed they are a well-led club.

Stennköping Atlet
Rumours on dwindling funds were supplemented with a string of players leaving their shores. Stennköping Atlet looks on its way to relegation unless a young talent springs up.

SV Leijendorp
Well organised, both on the pitch and in the boardroom, so there is little reason to suspect why De Boeren could not grow into a consistent Challenger Division club.

Valognes Sportive
In a season which looked disappointing across the board for French-speaking clubs, Sportive did properly. Coach Bernard Lepagnot seems to know what he is doing and that is building patiently.


SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION WEST

The National Division West might have had two promoted sides last season, they are now definitely a tad weaker than their eastern neighbour. That doesn’t mean that the title candidates don’t look fierce. AS Isbècque looked abysmal last season but a club with a following and history as theirs looks like they could bully this competition. The pockets of Géants de Valognes, sponsored by a large meat company, showed during the offseason and their completely rebuilt squad should gain traction once the pieces fit. And it might be a completely francophone affair if Excelsior Moringhem confirms last season in which they brought fine, technical football with a young selection (of whom they only lost one starter). A strong outsider could be Newton Steelworks, but their best player Mundale is back at Fallwich after the completion of his loan year. Relegated Peteringham seems too much in shambles to bounce back.

AS Isbècque
Academic Club Bellworth
Drochry Corinthians
En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé
Excelsior Moringhem
Géants de Valognes
Groene Leeuwen Bercht
Guardiens de Carbécourt
Hand in Hand Wulvem
Hercules Noordende
Newton Steelworks
Peteringham City
Racing Bieshout
Sparta Bieshout
Stade Saint-Loic
Verbroedering Noordende


SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION EAST

This competition was closely contested last year and everything points in the same direction for this season. The newcomers are here to make an impact: Energie Swamund has all the looks of an elevator team and that implies that in this tier, they’re a title candidate. YB Lydholm, on the other hand, was founded twelve years ago by disgruntled fans who disapproved of the Lydholm Forening merger. Their sole goal is to once oust the club they hate and that requires more than just survival here. There are many clubs cited as title candidates but on all lists are FF Skroya, who lost out on penalties for promotion last year, the high press of Kickers Rening and THOR Avelinge. Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk made good use of the money from Hopsma and look stronger across the board as well.

AmnKam
Bronvalla Black Star
Eintracht Wechholz
Energie Swamund
FF Skroya
Fram Rorsund
Jagerfly Ringskar
Kickers Rening
Lydholm BK
Sport Melundhavn
Stennköping IF
THOR Avelinge
Ungdommer Sandfjell
Wadum Emtex
YB Lydholm
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk

[Cap Nord]

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

Week -2
Challengers Cup           FC Waalterzee 2-0 Mitra (ERM)

A small showcase with the signature of Hella Veensma. The green and white looked a bit nervous for this historical debut against the number five of the Liga Eraman but the attacking midfielder guided them through the storm with a brilliant assisting pass and a successful free kick. Looking sharper than ever, she celebrates long into the night with the supporters.

Week -1
Challengers Cup           Mitra (ERM) 4-0 FC Waalterzee

It started bad and ended worse. Veensma is absent with a case of transfer fever (she signs for Der Erste four days later) and two minutes in, Noland accidentally beats his own goalie. A masterclass from Rama Karyadi later, FC Waalterzee is on the flight game with a serious hangover. That it was not just a proverbial one gets bad reception in the press and stands alike.

Week 1
Campionato de Campeones   Prinsen af Rosen AC (CPC) 4-2 Sielhafen 1.FC
                          Clachonoch Rovers 1-1 Nyiregyháza Spartacus FC (ESD)

When Eberhardt Beirer scored after only two minutes in the Presidential Stadium, it seemed as if The Dockers were off to a flying start. This nosedived within minutes as Capitol Cove’s finest proved far more experienced and efficient, resulting in a rough evening for Johannes Marzinn. It is easy to point to the young goalkeeper but he did not look rosy on two separate occasions, putting Sielhafen immediately on the backfoot. In the other CEdC confrontation, Clachonoch confirmed that they were not planning on imploding. Against the quarter finalist of last year, the Rovers ran a tight ship and even got in front when ‘Sicko’ found Fallon isolated in the box. After the break, everyone on the field seemed to be Spartacus but the Esportivano Darmeni did not get further than an equalizer.

Week 2
Champions League          Sielhafen 1.FC 1-2 Natal (CBZ)
Challengers Cup           Sporting Noordende 0-1 Swangard Athletic (QUE)
                          Sandfjell Fotball 0-0 Perserejo Kratonredjo (SDG)
Liga B Champions Trophy   Audkirkenclub (SAL) 1-3 Standard Brouai

The laughter over the thrashing of FCW against Mitra died down quickly as the Big Three collected just a single point in their home games of the opening round. The Azurean champion proves to be a tough and creative opponent. After the opening goal from Beirer, Natal takes over the command and patiently tries to pierce a hole in the defensive line. It requires a moment of genius from Bento Cunha to do so, but after the equaliser a winner quickly gets sent out of reach of Johannes Marzinn. It is not over yet, but there will need to be a plan B if Der Erste wants to overpower Natal in the second leg. Sporting Noordende was up to a rough task with an opponent that last year came within inches of the knock-out rounds. The Quebecois took possession in the opening minutes and never relented. But it took a miscommunication in the defense by newcomer Brymsaeter to allow Swangard to take the lead. In the final third of the game Sporting gathered a few chances but Pieter Valentijn sent the best one in an orbit around the globe. As such, Sandfjell left the international opener as the moral winner. Against the Sendhangi number four, they delivered a solid performance with special praise for newcomer Collyer. The Cassadaiguan ran a tight ship in the back, disallowing the opponent to come anywhere near Belten. Unfortunately, the same could be said about the Perserejo defense that kept a tight check on Till Myrrheim, resulting in a goalless affair. Far from the spotlight, Standard Brouai star Abdelmajid Mrabet made many teams from the Premier Division wonder why they did not invest in the 27-year old midfielder. With one goal and two assists, he was vital in the win over Audkirkenclub.

Week 3
Champions League          Natal (CBZ) 2-0 Sielhafen 1.FC
Challengers Cup           Swangard Athletic (QUE) 2-1 Sporting Noordende
                          Perserejo Kratonredjo (SDG) 1-3 Sandfjell Fotball
Liga B Champions Trophy   Standard Brouai 0-1 Audkirkenclub (SAL)

They were up for a difficult task but in the end, Sielhafen did not even come close during their visit to Cabo Azure. Natal took an early opener, left the ball to Sielhafen and the Dockers did not manage to use it properly in the final third. Dieter Scharf refusing the extended hand of his coach when taken off after 70 minutes might even be the worst news of the day: with his character, this could put dynamite under the group. But 1.FC still has a fallback in the Challengers Cup and Associations Trophy while the adventure of Sporting comes to an end here. They put up more of a fight, equalizing minutes after the opener from Pio Mendonça through a fine combination on the right wing. The best chance on the 1-2 was headed to the wrong side of the post by Barrington and a strike from Terzaghi got miraculously saved. The late Hansdottir goal just confirmed the early exit for Sporting. Sandfjell does continue, grabbing a notable win at the field of Perserejo. Excellent stuff from the Reds who fall in love with Jorgen Bjerkness just a little more every day. A lot of runs, clever passing, a fine goal popping up on the second post and rounding it all up with a filthy backheel assist. Lovely. They go into a few important weeks with a lot of energy in their veins. Near the border, Standard Brouai loses their game but qualifies for the next round nonetheless.

Week 4
Campionato de Campeones   Sielhafen 1.FC 0-1 Aleiusia Capital (ZRH)
                          Empilot United FC (BRP) 5-0 Clachonoch Rovers

On Monday, the board claimed everything was still fine but by Sunday evening, a more vocal part of the supporters demanded a change among the staff. Sielhafen 1.FC lost their fourth international match in a row as clearly as the previous ones, with Aleiusia simply forgetting to pull the trigger for a few more. Suffering from difficulties to get the show on the road in the competition as well, the Dockers looked a bit hapless in the buildup without Scharf in the line-up, but this did not improve as he took the pitch halfway. A win is highly needed for things to look up again. The visit to Boring Paradise became a sledgehammer to the knee for the Clachonoch Rovers who were a bit more naive than usual and immediately conceded. An uncharacteristically weak moment of McEnroy saw them three down before the half hour mark and after that, the less said the better. Luckily, most fans were happy drunks already before kick-off.

.

Week 5
Challengers Cup           Sielhafen 1.FC 1-2 Brham United (DAR)
                          Sandfjell Fotball 3-2 Sporting Cabo (ACS)
Liga B Champions Trophy   Standard Brouai 1-2 Austin FC (DAR)
                          Ringmuir (TLI) 1-0 Crester Wanderers

Five losses out of five, this has become tragic for Der Erste. The Capnordic champion faced the debuting Darmeni side Brham United but it were the visitors who determined the pace. So far, Marzinn had not really been to blame about the streak, but tonight things went south on his behalf. A complete mistiming of his jump lifted the score from 0-1 (neat opener by United) to 0-2 at the half-hour mark and Sielhafen never really recovered. With time running out, Gesa Wierink headed a corner outside of reach for the Darmeni goalkeeper but the away game looks like a mission impossible. If the Challengers Cup is not over for Cap Nord next week, this is likely to be via Sandfjell who faced Sporting Cabo. Domestically overshadowed by Arrachai, the Acastanha opponent aimed to make their mark on the international front but Sandfjell brought a mature performance despite their young line-up. Simon Carstensen and Till Myrrheim stood out tonight: the former dominated the midfield possession with a few powerful steals and a splendid assisting cross for the opener. The latter scored two goals, including the winning one just seconds after Cabo had made up a 2-0 deficit. After that diving header, Cabo had no further response. Out of the limelight but with four-thousand passionate fans by their side, Brouai mimicked 1.FC both in results as in performance: there is little hope for recovery. The Wanderers looked on their way for a good opening leg but a rare missed penalty from Ebediah Goodman allowed Ringmuir to leave the pitch with a win.

Week 6
Challengers Cup           Brham United (DAR) 1-2 Sielhafen 1.FC (5-4 pen)
                          Sporting Cabo (ACS) 0-1 Sandfjell Fotball
Liga B Champions Trophy   Austin FC (DAR) 1-1 Standard Brouai
                          Crester Wanderers 2-0 Ringmuir (TLI)

A week to remember for our international football as Sielhafen delivers its first stellar performance of the season. Clearly frustrated by the questions on his starting position, Dieter Scharf led the way in the first half with a string of yellows, but also an exquisite goal by Hella Veensma who now scored for two clubs in one campaign. Brham reply with an equalizer after the break but once recovered from this punch in the gut, Der Erste fights on and sees Beirer score the important 1-2. Exhausted, the Dockers hang on by the skin of their teeth and Marzinn’s gloves for penalties. The quality of the kicks is ace with no keeper making a save but the strike from Rossner ends up at the inside of the crossbar, giving Sielhafen a sour exit after an excellent match. Still, the adventure in the Challengers Cup goes on for Sandfjell Fotball pulls off a minor stunt in Acastanha. It is a one-sided game in Cabo with the visitors limiting themselves to sturdy defending. Pellenaars, Collyer and Vestby have developed into the most reliable back three Sandfjell saw in a long while and when Brandas squeezes his way through, Roger Belten shows his experience and stays upright. His colleague across the pitch, Kalabar, suffers from boredom. Yet he is left without a chance with twenty minutes left as Cabo starts a last push: Jorgen Bjerkness slips through the offside trap and puts the qualification in the net. In the LBCT, there is a 50% track record. Standard plays valiantly in Darmen but a goal from Perlez does not suffice to move on to the next qualifying round. Crester, on the other hand, eliminates Ringmuir in front of an ecstatic crowd. The Wanderers hand the Licentians their second consecutive immediate elimination via goals of Powell and the ever improving Jody Barnes.

Week 7
Cup Winners’ Cup          Fallwich United 0-1 Hiyashi Celestia (EXT)
Campionato de Campeones   Couno Rangers (TMB) 3-0 Sielhafen 1.FC
                          Clachonoch Rovers 1-1 Platinastinagrade (ZRH)

Despite coming out of the second pot, Couno Rangers are whispered to be one of the candidates for the Campionato trophy and the visit to Tumbra matches this anticipation for Der Erste. Suffering from a bit of decompression, they seem to make it through the first half until two goals in quick succession complete the task for the Rangers. As Sielhafen has no reaction in the second half, one starts to wonder whether an expanded squad is not necessary for the grueling series of matches this club has played so far (14 in 43 games): Haller, Wierink and Beirer all leave the pitch with injuries as 1.FC seems eliminated. Clachonoch Rovers, to the contrary, still have much to play for as the Zeta Rekan number two comes over to visit. Last year, they were the sole Esportivan side in the knock-outs of the Champions League but this year they struggle on a soaked pitch in Clachonoch. Goalgetter Vilim Feinberg opens the score but a low-key cannonball from Staunt-Anderson sees the mudded face of the Zwangzugian on all frontpages and the Rovers still in the race for a second round. The eighth Capnordic club to make an appearance are Weshshire’s finest: Fallwich United drew Saint Eleanor’s cup victor Hiyashi Celestia. Ironically, it was Eleonor Cunningham who blew the finest chance for United, powering a Sangaré pass over the crossbar. The visitors also missed their fair bit of chances, so whilst the crowd already had made amends with a goalless draw, Le Vallez had to turn around unfortunately: a downer to what had been a strong game by the goalie who was booted from the national team earlier.

Week 8
Challengers Cup           Sandfjell Fotball 2-2 Marthorpe City FC (FVA)
Liga B Champions Trophy   Ovrâd Dragons (ZRH) 4-0 Bryn Boldklub
                          Nunavut North Stars (QUE) 1-0 Crester Wanderers

Another week and another fixture for Sandfjell Fotball who seemed to navigate the cliffs of international club football the best. Opposite, they found the number three of the Super League who were eager to re-reach the group phase of it all. Easier said than done as Fotball stunned with a top-class first half hour which eventually got rewarded when Egge Stavseth, a man with a nose for key goals, slid in the opener. Crawford’s troops did catch a second breath and bit by bit, the 3-6-1 of the Reds crumbled into a 5-4-1, leaving Myrrheim stranded on an island. Still, scoring through both Iqbal and Collomb was a bit harsher than deserved, In the end, it required a contentious penalty, but a draw and a fighting chance in the City Arena were a fair result for Sandfjell. In the LBCT, the results looked less colorful. Crester played a decent match at the pitch of North Stars but more than defending valiantly against the Quebecois side was never on the books and 1-0 a flattering scoreline. Nothing flattering about the first international game of Bryn: the Zeta Rekans tore apart the defense, Hoj and Valdes did not show up and Damskard looked like a futsal player. Tough night.

Week 9
Challengers Cup           Marthorpe City FC (FVA) 1-0 Sandfjell Fotball
Liga B Champions Trophy   Bryn Boldklub 2-3 Ovrâd Dragons (ZRH)
                          Crester Wanderers 1-2 Nunavut North Stars (QUE)

The Bryn fans had more fun in the second leg, possibly due to Ovrâd fielding a second string but there were no wins to be had in Polderparken: the creativity in attack and a genius backheel goal from Elodie Valdes were annulled by three goals for the visitors. Crester Wanderers looked closer to qualification when Idrissa Conteh picked up the ball after twelve seconds and scored past a baffled goalie. Cue ninety minutes of Nunavut dominance but the home side only crumbled in extra time, taking in two goals. Most eyes for the evening were on Sandfjell Fotball where Tinne Sollvoll took a risk by opting for a 4-5-1. It did help the back row to handle the increasing pressure of Marthorpe but with the attacking patterns unraveled, few chances were created. The best one was a fine combination between Mohr and Bjerkness but the latter placed it on the wrong side of the post. The remainder of the highlights were posted by City. The Gold struggled to convert, not helped by a save on the line by Collyer and a spectacular save from Belten on a free kick. The latter did injure the veteran goalie and his replacement, 20-year old Siebe Greibrokk saw an unstoppable ball go past him. End of the Challengers Cup and LBCT road for Cap Nord.

Week 10
Cup Winners’ Cup          Hiyashi Celestia (EXT) 1-1 Fallwich United
Campionato de Campeones   Sielhafen 1.FC 0-3 Couno Rangers (TMB)
                          Platinastinagrade (ZRH) 5-0 Clachonoch Rovers

But not the end of the international football joy for our teams. On second thought, ‘joy’ might not summarize the evenings of Sielhafen 1.FC and Clachonoch Rovers. The former saw an annoyed Gerolf Felder field seven reserves in what was already considered as a dead rubber by the 1.FC coach. A bold decision and one that resulted in getting bullied for ninety minutes. More of the same for the Rovers who took their second drubbing on the road. From a mathematical point of view, the Rovers are far from eliminated with just a three-point gap on second and their two direct opponents to play against, but it will require something different. Maybe something which echoes the performance of Fallwich United who got eliminated but could leave Saint Eleanor with their heads up high. Against the winner of the domestic double, Fallwich had a tactical ploy and executed it splendidly. Kenneth Breuker focussed on paralyzing Takeshi Honda, whilst the speed from Barry and Sangaré was used to ruin Schanke’s plan. Just before half-time, this resulted in the first international goal of Danny Clark. With extra-time on the books, Celestia seemed to lose a bit of steam in the last ten minutes. Fallwich looked as if they had survived the worst but just then there was Rick Goldsmith: the resident late-goal-expert did it again and eliminated United.

Week 13
Campionato de Campeones   Sielhafen 1.FC 2-4 Prinsen af Rosen AC (CPC)
                          Nyiregyháza Spartacus FC (ESD) 2-1 Clachonoch Rovers

In the wake of some harsh criticism over the starting line-up, Felder decided to give the fans some value for their money against Prinsen af Rosen. But fielding the right players does not always result in triumph: a disastrous opening half saw the Dockers hit the dressing room three points down. After a characteristic Felder tirade and five subs during half-time, Sielhafen fought themselves back in the game but it was too little, too late. More eyes on the Rovers who took the visit to Nyiregyháza quite seriously. Even if it resulted in a loss, it became the best match of the Rovers in the competition. MacParland ruled over the midfield, Delcroix scored a pretty goal and Thom McEnroy softly knocked on the door of the national team. Unfortunately, the often lauded defense did not have such an amazing day and Spartacus proved ruthless when it came to converting chances.

Week 16
Campionato de Campeones   Aleiusia Capital (ZRH) 1-0 Sielhafen 1.FC
                          Clachonoch Rovers 1-1 Empilot United FC (BRP)

The last encounter of the Campionato de Campeones and we can say, at last, for Sielhafen 1.FC. Already eliminated and with another demanding competition on the horizon (one in which they hoped not to buckle under the pressure), it was an unseen eleven that took the pitch. Aleiusia entered the arena with the knowledge that they had only lost three of their last 55 confrontations in the Campionato (two of those finals) and that astonishing statistic on the Cup holder did not take a hit, but 1.FC played a decent game. More than decent was the appearance of Clachonoch who made their home stadium a bit of a fortress: no home loss meant more than a thing for the Rovers’ fans. The gargantuan win required for a ticket to the knock-outs was never on the books, but one could only dream when Simpson headed in the opening goal. The Rovers searched for more, maybe a bit too much and Empilot United managed to squeeze out a goal themselves. End of the campaign, one that Sielhafen fans don’t want to remember but an unforgettable adventure for the Rovers.

Week 17
Associations Trophy       Brinemouth (NPH) 4-2 Sielhafen 1.FC

A duel among Dockers but there was quite a gap between the pedigree of the two sides in this fixture. For both sides, it felt as punishment: the Nepharim as they played the Champions League last season, for Der Erste one wondered whether nine losses in ten confrontations (and a painful elimination on the tenth game) had not been enough of a pummeling. The answer was no. Brinemouth could afford to rest a few of their stars as the score ran up to four against nil and late strikes by Veensma and Scharf might have spruced up the scoreline, the few hundred who had traveled with the club knew better.

Week 18        
Associations Trophy       Sielhafen 1.FC 4-0 Astena Rangers (AHR)

But those that had bothered to pay for a seat in the half-filled Werkstättenstadion for the confrontation against the dominant force of Athearan football were not disappointed. The first sixty minutes were close and competitive, with Der Erste eventually opening the scoreline through a plagued Bissett. Subsequently the Rangers were forced to take risks and Beirer, Klosterdal and Veensma could run up the score. A first triumph for the Dockers and one that will put in a few sighs of relief in the board rooms. The position of Felder was never officially questioned but the capricious manager had put a lot of eggs in the international basket and it had not yet paid off: till now.

Week 19
Associations Trophy       Inland Peaks (VIL) 1-2 Sielhafen 1.FC

In a relaxed atmosphere, Sielhafen boarded for Vilita, knowing that any point won on the road was a success. The home side looked a bit more nervous to shine as the Associations Trophy had not been the place where they had hoped to shine now they shook off their reputation as an elevator club. Inland Peaks dominated the start but especially Peary and Haller played impeccably. Eberhard Beirer was his efficient self, scoring his fifth of the campaign on the counterattack and two minutes later, Wierink landed the double punch. Near the end of the game, the Vilitans raised the pressure and a red for Lemarbaix made the situation precarious: but 1.FC held on.

Week 22
Associations Trophy       Sielhafen 1.FC 0-2 Inland Peaks (VIL)

Making the halfway point as leader (on goal difference, ok) placed Sielhafen in an unanticipated position. Still no nerves were detected in an opening forty five minutes which saw Der Erste overperform in terms of composure and speed of execution. But a fast attack by Inland Peaks in the extra time of the first half, little slip-up of Haller included, allowed the Vilitans to take the lead. It is admirable that Felder did not force his side to rush forward and if Veensma was a little more lucky in her finishing things could have gone better. Could have, should have, did not. Late in the game, Inland Peaks scored a winner and the natural order of things was restored.

Week 23
Associations Trophy       Sielhafen 1.FC 2-1 Brinemouth (NPH)

The game against Astena Rangers had seen a half-filled stadium but for the visit of Brinemouth, the hype was well alive. With the odds against their favor, Sielhafen folded back: whether that was due to a tactical plan or mainly because the Nepharim pushed Der Erste back remains an open question. But that this opened opportunities remained sure and ‘Bullett’ Bissett was the main character for that. The first rush of the fast left back stranded on the outside of the post, his second one disappeared behind the Brinemouth goalie. The visitors kept true to their plan and equalized but could not neutralize man of the match Bissett. Another rush of his, with a fine and successful cross on Beirer, completed the scoreline. In the first weeks, Bissett was a bit lost on the pitch but tonight they made the most of his potential and confirmed his capacity to play together with Schraf on the left side of the field.

Week 24
Associations Trophy       Astena Rangers (AHR) 2-0 Sielhafen 1.FC

And so Sielhafen traveled to Atheara in the knowledge that a victory could see them make it to the group stage of the Associations Trophy. Did this instill a certain fear in the legs? The international campaign, bar this group phase, had seen Der Erste move from low to low but no individual performance was so quintessentially poor as the opening half in Astena. The only thing that kept the scoreline from going to five or six against nil was a strong Johannes Marzinn and a bit of bad luck for the Athearans. A quadruple replacement by Felder later, the stability returned a bit but only two decent chances were constructed: Klosterdal skied his opportunity and a header from Wierink was held by the goalie. And so ends a long campaign for Sielhafen, a campaign which had a few triumphs but which ended on an off note.

LOWER LEAGUES

Candican Challenger Division     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Standard Brouai                30   17   7   6    55   34  +21    58  PROMOTED
 2 Melundhavn Start               30   15   7   8    58   47  +11    52  PROMOTED
 3 Forbrodring Opsvik             30   14   8   8    68   56  +12    50
 4 Blue-White Gleburgh            30   13   8   9    44   34  +10    47
 5 Porskoggankopp FK              30   13   7  10    52   52    0    46
 6 Metallar Varnoberg             30   13   6  11    28   31   −3    45
 7 Skjerm SK                      30   11  11   8    36   27   +9    44
 8 Noordende VV                   30   13   5  12    40   45   −5    44
 9 Barnuff Rangers                30   12   6  12    47   49   −2    42
10 Stennköping Atlet              30   11   7  12    40   48   −8    40
11 Olympique Isbècque             30   11   6  13    49   40   +9    39
12 SV Leijendorp                  30   12   3  15    36   39   −3    39
13 Sielhafenspor                  30    8  10  12    32   39   −7    34
14 Valognes Sportive              30    9   5  16    48   53   −5    32  RELEGATED
15 Braelowan Athletic             30    8   5  17    34   51  −17    29  RELEGATED
16 Stellarbrough Town             30    6   7  17    33   55  −22    25  RELEGATED

Promotion Battle
After only six games, Standard Brouai took the lead in the Challengers Division and there was no way that they would give that away. As such, the main questions that encircled the southern team were a better addition to the top tier than Cercle Terranville, the only francophone side of the last two years. Brouai might not have the grandeur of Isbècque or the vibrant atmosphere of Valognes, but it is a decently-sized city with a healthy sports tradition. If Mrabek and Vandecasteele, the midfield engine of this side, remain on board, they will definitely have a shot to convince. The mature games in the LBCT, where they will reappear, confirms that. For the second promotion spot, there were a lot more candidates. Forbrodring Opsvik relegated but were in for a shot to return straight away and parked in second halfway. Brand-new striker Aage Helmsund proved to be a missing piece and was so proficient that he won the topscorers title. Still the defensive issues of last year were not gone: no side got more goals than Opsvik. This allowed others to pop up. Metallar missed the inspiration and Skjerm frankly disappointed, the crisp energy of last year was missing. But Blue-White made a real claim for second, powered by playmaker Talbot. It was a good run but a direct duel on matchday 27 got lost to Meludhavn so it was the latter that steamed from sixth to second after the halfway point. Just when we thought that Start had accepted their new position as a second-tier side, they for once do not crumble under the pressure. An excellent end run with seven wins in nine games allowed coach Knutsen and his boys to return to the top tiers after four seasons in the Challenger Division. It is a decent side with a few players eager to prove their doubters long: goalie Egils, midfielder Pelham and attacker Gustav Myrrheim (yes, the nephew of) all want to grab that last chance.

Relegation Battle
That Braelowan Athletic would not remain long at this level was kind of predicted. The board decided to stick to the same selection which had scraped through via the play-offs but physicality and length only get you this far. But a few other relegation candidates surprised the pundits. Atlet is still a mess off the field, but the liquidity problems seemingly pushed the squad forwards. Discovering a talent such as Maximilian Dahl does help to stay afloat. And the Sheppards went even better, being predicted in the tailend but ending up in the fifth position. As such, other names saw themselves end lower than anticipated. Seeing Stellarbrough finish last is a disappointment in a variety of ways. It is a small club yet seemingly well-lead, but this year things did not click for them. One could point to a few dubious decisions, but that does not put you nine points behind the safe zone. The third relegation was even more surprising. The longest time, it looked as if Sielhafenspors stint in the Challenger Division would only last a single season but in the final stretch, Demirci, Henkel and his mates pushed the second team of Sielhafen to a small stunt as they overtook Valognes on the final day. It is almost easier to list what did not go wrong for Valognes Sportive: injuries, a falling-out with coach Lepagnot, fan violence, missed penalties and a home loss to an uninterested Barnuff in the last game. Clubs like Valognes should not relegate, but sometimes they do.

SuperShop National Division West     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 AS Isbècque                        30   21   6   3    57   20  +37    69  PROMOTED
 2 Excelsior Moringhem                30   21   5   4    59   25  +34    68  PLAY-OFFS
 3 Newton Steelworks                  30   17   7   6    49   27  +22    58
 4 En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé         30   17   6   7    50   31  +19    57
 5 Géants de Valognes                 30   17   4   9    54   34  +20    55
 6 Racing Bieshout                    30   15   6   9    39   32   +7    51
 7 Academic Club Bellworth            30   12   8  10    48   42   +6    44
 8 Hand in Hand Wulvem                30   13   4  13    30   47  −17    43
 9 Verbroedering Noordende            30   12   6  12    50   48   +2    42
10 Drochry Corinthians                30   12   5  13    50   51   −1    41
11 Peteringham City                   30   11   7  12    51   37  +14    40
12 Stade Saint-Loic                   30    8   5  17    34   47  −13    29
13 Sparta Bieshout                    30    7   8  15    38   52  −14    29
14 Hercules Noordende                 30    5   9  16    26   58  −32    24
15 Guardiens de Carbécourt            30    3   5  22    30   66  −36    14
16 Groene Leeuwen Bercht              30    1   5  24    16   64  −48     8  PLAY-OFFS


SuperShop National Division East     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Kickers Rening                     30   17   9   4    55   31  +24    60  PROMOTED
 2 Jagerfly Ringskar                  30   17   9   4    45   23  +22    60  PLAY-OFFS
 3 Energie Swamund                    30   17   8   5    42   19  +23    59
 4 FF Skroya                          30   17   7   6    53   31  +22    58
 5 Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk                 30   17   3  10    48   35  +13    54
 6 Fram Rorsund                       30   13   7  10    37   40   −3    46
 7 THOR Avelinge                      30   12   8  10    45   30  +15    44
 8 Lydholm BK                         30   11   9  10    33   41   −8    42
 9 YB Lydholm                         30   10  10  10    27   32   −5    40
10 AmnKam                             30   10   8  12    36   38   −2    38
11 Ungdommer Sandfjell                30    9   9  12    32   36   −4    36
12 Eintracht Wechholz                 30    7  11  12    34   41   −7    32
13 Wadum Emtex                        30    9   5  16    38   49  −11    32
14 Bronvalla Black Star               30    8   7  15    41   57  −16    31
15 Sport Melundhavn                   30    4   6  20    23   45  −22    18
16 Stennköping IF                     30    1   6  23    14   55  −41     9  PLAY-OFFS

Play-offs
Groene Leeuwen Bercht 4–1 Stennköping IF
Excelsior Moringhem 1–1 Jagerfly Ringskar (2–1 AET)

Last season was a bit of a drama for AS Isbècque but they bounced back from their relegation in style. For the fans, it became an agonizing sprint against Excelsior Moringhem. For AS, the results were accomplished through high pressure and mere skill level whilst L’Excel did it with a more balanced plan and a few individual stars in Bongolo and Dupasquier. With four games left, only one point separated the two powerhouses of the league and as neither made a mistake in what remained, it was AS Isbècque that guaranteed themselves of the first promotion spot. It might have been tight in the West but the East saw three different clubs in the hotseat during the last thirty minutes. Ringskar had been a bit forgotten by the bookmakers but cult player Erik Byring steered his team through thirty convincing games during which Jagerfly was hard to beat. But winning against Fram proved difficult. Energie Swamund, on the other hand, scored a 1-2 in Wadum and looked on their way for a return to the Challenger Division. A fun, energetic side that would be an addition but conceding an equalizer was a bad move. In the meanwhile, Kickers Rening had overtaken Jagerfly by handing out a pounding to Bronvalla: a 5-0 win and a promotion on goal difference for the Kickers, that led the competition for only seventeen minutes. It all fell apart for Ringskar as the promotion play-off was lost after extra-time to Moringhem after a disputable late penalty. At the other side of the spectrum, Groene Leeuwen won their second relegation play-offs cementing their reputation as ‘worst pro team’ and making one question whether just one relegation from the pro ranks is still enough.

CUP

Opening Round
Hand in Hand Wulvem (3DW) 1–3 Racing Bieshout (3DW)
Kickers Rening (3DE) 0–2 Stade Saint-Loic (3DW)
Fram Rorsund (3DE) 2–1 Jagerfly Ringskar (3DE)
Lydholm BK (3DE) 2–4 Peteringham City (3DW)
THOR Avelinge (3DE) 1–0 YB Lydholm (3DE)
Groene Leeuwen Bercht (3DW) 0–0 Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk (3DE) (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Verbroedering Noordende (3DW) 3–3 En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé (3DW) (3–3 AET) (4–2 pen.)
AS Isbècque (3DW) 2–2 Stennköping IF (3DE) (3–3 AET) (3–1 pen.)
AmnKam (3DE) 0–1 Wadum Emtex (3DE)
Géants de Valognes (3DW) 2–0 Academic Club Bellworth (3DW)
Sparta Bieshout (3DW) 0–0 Newton Steelworks (3DW) (0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
Drochry Corinthians (3DW) 0–3 Ungdommer Sandfjell (3DE)
Eintracht Wechholz (3DE) 0–3 Hercules Noordende (3DW)
Guardiens de Carbécourt (3DW) 3–2 Energie Swamund (3DE)
FF Skroya (3DE) 2–1 Bronvalla Black Star (3DE)
Excelsior Moringhem (3DW) 4–0 Sport Melundhavn (3DE)

Second Round
Melundhavn Start (2D) 2–4 Barnuff Rangers (2D)
Ungdommer Sandfjell (3DE) 2–2 SV Leijendorp (2D) (2–4 AET)
Valognes Sportive (2D) 0–0 Peteringham City (3DW) (0–1 AET)
Blue-White Gleburgh (2D) 3–2 Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk (3DE)
AS Isbècque (3DW) 1–0 Sielhafenspor (2D)
Forbrodring Opsvik (2D) 5–1 FF Skroya (3DE)
Noordende VV (2D) 0–1 Stellarbrough Town (2D)
Excelsior Moringhem (3DW) 2–0 Stennköping Atlet (2D)
Verbroedering Noordende (3DW) 0–0 THOR Avelinge (3DE) (0–0 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Braelowan Athletic (2D) 2–0 Racing Bieshout (3DW)
Metallar Varnoberg (2D) 1–0 Fram Rorsund (3DE)
Sparta Bieshout (3DW) 0–0 Stade Saint-Loic (3DW) (2–0 AET)
Porskoggankopp FK (2D) 2–0 Guardiens de Carbécourt (3DW)
Standard Brouai (2D) 2–2 Hercules Noordende (3DW) (2–3 AET)
Wadum Emtex (3DE) 2–5 Skjerm SK (2D)
Géants de Valognes (3DW) 1–0 Olympique Isbècque (2D)

Third Round
Vereniging Huftstad (1D) 0–1 Excelsior Moringhem (3DW)
Forbrodring Opsvik (2D) 3–1 Blue-White Gleburgh (2D)
Sporting Noordeinde (1D) 1–3 AS Isbècque (3DW)
Crester Wanderers (1D) 2–1 SV Leijendorp (2D)
Lydholm Forened (1D) 0–2 SK Sandfjell (1D)
Cercle Terranville (1D) 0–1 Fallwich United (1D)
Peteringham City (3DW) 4–3 Sandfjell Fotball (1D)
Géants de Valognes (3DW) 1–0 Porskoggankopp FK (2D)
FC Waalterzee (1D) 1–0 Stellarbrough Town (2D)
Barnuff Rangers (2D) 0–2 Draiewikum Boys (1D)
Drochry Academic (1D) 1–3 Clachonoch Rovers (1D)
Sparta Bieshout (3DW) 0–2 Skjerm SK (2D)
Norreborg 59 (1D) 1–0 Hercules Noordende (3DW)
Braelowan Athletic (2D) 0–1 Metallar Varnoberg (2D)
Sielhafen 1. FC (1D) 1–0 Bryn Boldklub (1D)
FF Stennköping (1D) 2–0 THOR Avelinge (3DE)

Round of 16
Excelsior Moringhem (3DW) 2–3 Forbrodring Opsvik (2D)
AS Isbècque (3DW) 0–3 Crester Wanderers (1D)
SK Sandfjell (1D) 2–2 Fallwich United (1D) (3–2 AET)
Peteringham City (3DW) 1–1 Géants de Valognes (3DW) (1–1 AET) (1–3 pen.)
FC Waalterzee (1D) 1–0 Draiewikum Boys (1D)
Clachonoch Rovers (1D) 1–2 Skjerm SK (2D)
Norreborg 59 (1D) 1–0 Metallar Varnoberg (2D)
Sielhafen 1. FC (1D) 4–2 FF Stennköping (1D)

Quarters
Forbrodring Opsvik (2D) 3–1 Crester Wanderers (1D)
SK Sandfjell (1D) 2–0 Géants de Valognes (3DW)
FC Waalterzee (1D) 2–0 Skjerm SK (2D)
Norreborg 59 (1D) 0–2 Sielhafen 1. FC (1D)

Semis
Forbrodring Opsvik (2D) 2–3 SK Sandfjell (1D)
FC Waalterzee (1D) 1–2 Sielhafen 1. FC (1D)

Final
SK Sandfjell (1D) 1–0 Sielhafen 1. FC (1D)

The competition does not really start up until the third round, that is often the point where the press reserves the headlines for the Cup as that is the point where the top-tier sides step in. But this year, the journalists were having headlines left and right to report on. Before it properly started, both Sporting and Fotball were eliminated. To make things more dramatic, both giants fell to third-tier clubs. Noordende got humiliated in their own stadium by lowly AS Isbècque in a game where the home side did not turn up. Sandfjell Fotball did have thirty minutes that warranted their status, but they only came once Peteringham was 4-1 up. It is hard to explain why clubs of their stature would throw away the shortest route to silverware but there were more reserves in the line-up than usual: still, never an easy game in the Cup. The giantkillers masked the demise of a few other top tier clubs. Huftstad dominated their game against Excelsior but abysmal finishing by Hopsma and Lykke saw their campaign end prematurely. The draw had also determined that there were four direct duels and in most, the underdog lost: Cercle, Academic and Bryn fell to cup holder Fallwich, Rovers and 1.FC. Lydholm Forened, one of those clubs that is not strong enough for a title but good enough for a Cup, disappointed and were the seventh elimination. Visitors SK Sandfjell saw Felix Nordmann finally perform, just in time for an 0-2 win.

With four teams in the round of sixteen, the National Division West outperformed the second tier but as it goes with Cinderella stories, they are not bound to last. Moringhem put up a great fight against Forbrodring, but the latter had two goals from Helmsund to make the difference. Their opponents in the league, AS Isbècque were quickly dismantled by a methodical Crester who finished it up in less than twenty minutes. But as the two other ones were facing each other, one would make it to the quarterfinals, a great feat for such clubs. Géants de Valognes were to be that club as they bested City on penalties. It might be a terrible season for Valognois football, but this is a glimmer of hope. Next to the Giants and Opsvik, the third lower tier club will be Skjerm SK. The talent factory remained calm after an early goal from Fallon and eventually won the day through a free kick from Engvildsen. No spectacle in Waalterzee or Norreborg: a smart header from Parr and a free kick drifting off the left foot of Gitte Nilsen sufficed. Cup holders Fallwich put up quite a fight when visiting the Navy Blues but a red card of Mussa did cost them. Down to ten, they could no longer close the gaps in extra time. The headliner between Sielhafen and the Hingstarna also delivered but only by one side: 1.FC triumphed with room to spare.

The dream continued for Forbrodring Opsvik. They were the laughing stock last season but they used the transfer money of young star Bjerkness smartly and that showed. Against Crester, they delivered a genuine Premier Division performance and were a bit cooler in front of goal. This was not Sawyer’s best day, but Opsvik simply won for being the better side. No such surprise by Skjerm who came up short visiting FCW. Waalterzee might have taken a step back in level of last year but their third consecutive clean sheet echoes the way Fallwich won it last year. Géants de Valognes ended their campaign in the quarters after a courageous game in Sandfjell. In the last twenty minutes, stamina won the day as did a neat Danilo chip. The last of the final four would be Sielhafen that makes it with a solid run at Norreborg, fueled by an efficient Beirer.

Bit by bit, it looked as if Der Erste would wrap up a Cup win: the main direct opponents got eliminated left and right and against FC Waalterzee, they confirmed once more. The scoreline hides a game in which only one side had chances to do more. FCW has already entertained us this season, more than before, but when Schroeten and Heikkisson are leashed, they are toothless. Der Erste almost had a final fixture against a second divisionist. Forbrodring kept the dream alive halfway with a 2-1 lead but goals from Danilo and Mohammad gave SK Sandfjell the advantage. A fourth semi final in six seasons for the Navy Blues but this time, they make it all the way through. And all the way through, that means they can keep Sielhafen 1.FC from a Cup victory. The final, as is the case all too often lately, was not really a great spectacle. Sielhafen was the better club but Ilise Hauk had her organization set up with care. 1.FC made few mistakes but one from Demarbaix in the box was enough for SK: silent force Marit Andersen was given the honor and scored one of the (if not the) most important penalty in the club history for SK Sandfjell.

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 1-3

Week 1
SK Sandfjell 0–0 Vereniging Huftstad
Cercle Terranville 1–1 Lydholm Forened
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
Bryn Boldklub 0–1 Drochry Academic
Crester Wanderers 0–3 Fallwich United
Sandfjell Fotball 3–2 FC Waalterzee
Draiewikum Boys 2–2 Clachonoch Rovers
FF Stennköping 3–4 Norreborg 59

Week 2
Vereniging Huftstad 1–3 Norreborg 59
Clachonoch Rovers 0–1 FF Stennköping
FC Waalterzee 1–0 Draiewikum Boys
Fallwich United 2–3 Sandfjell Fotball
Drochry Academic 2–3 Crester Wanderers
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–1 Bryn Boldklub
Lydholm Forened 1–2 Sporting Noordeinde
SK Sandfjell 0–1 Cercle Terranville

Week 3
Cercle Terranville 0–2 Vereniging Huftstad
Sporting Noordeinde 3–1 SK Sandfjell
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 Lydholm Forened
Crester Wanderers 1–2 Sielhafen 1. FC
Sandfjell Fotball 1–1 Drochry Academic
Draiewikum Boys 0–1 Fallwich United
FF Stennköping 2–4 FC Waalterzee
Norreborg 59 1–0 Clachonoch Rovers

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Norreborg 59                  3    3   0   0     8    4   +4     9
 2 Sporting Noordeinde           3    3   0   0     6    2   +4     9
 3 Sandfjell Fotball             3    2   1   0     7    5   +2     7
 4 Fallwich United               3    2   0   1     6    3   +3     6
 5 FC Waalterzee                 3    2   0   1     7    5   +2     6
 6 Sielhafen 1. FC               3    2   0   1     4    3   +1     6
 7 Drochry Academic              3    1   1   1     4    4    0     4
 8 Vereniging Huftstad           3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
 9 Cercle Terranville            3    1   1   1     2    3   −1     4
10 FF Stennköping                3    1   0   2     6    8   −2     3
11 Crester Wanderers             3    1   0   2     4    7   −3     3
12 Lydholm Forened               3    0   2   1     2    3   −1     2
13 Clachonoch Rovers             3    0   1   2     2    4   −2     1
   Draiewikum Boys               3    0   1   2     2    4   −2     1
15 Bryn Boldklub                 3    0   1   2     1    3   −2     1
16 SK Sandfjell                  3    0   1   2     1    4   −3     1

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

Martin Staunt-Anderson grins towards the camera, scratching his five o’clock shadow as he looks at a few fast clips of him in the dark green outfit of Clachonoch Rovers. A wild shot of which the cameraman does not show the outcome. A fierceful tackle against what is, based on the stripes, Lydholm Forening before passing the ball on to Delcroix. Winning an aerial duel. The sharp jaw and lively eyes are still there for Martin, only the hairline has given up.

"After the first day I came home and I told my wife, honey, I said, this is the last time I sign for a club before we can check out the premises, I promise, haha. Seriously. I came from Audioslavian second tier and the U21 accommodations were better in Hasiera than what the Rovers had. The showers were abysmal, the veterans knew that you had to rush after training for warm water."

A picture of the line-up appeared with the members of the Psycho Gang getting highlights. With a grainy filter and the strange collars, it looks as if it was taken a century ago.

"Before the season, there was a training camp. So you would expect a sunny beach, perfect green pitches and all that. None. Four days in the Blealoch Hills and it rained for four days straight. So the first night, the Gang goes to town. They stumbled back in around midnight as no one still wanted to serve them. Next night, the gaffer tried to keep them calm with a team activity with some game or quiz, I don't know. Halfway through, MacLean had invented a new game called liquor bowling and long story short, no bottle of the hotel bar survived. So the coach is like, third night, we stay in, boys. No idea how they got the booze in but they totaĺled their room. I still see Simpson, only wearing pants but on his head, dancing a one-man conga through the hallway."

There have been some images unearthed about the drinking habits of the Psycho Gang, the most notable with MacLean wearing a Santa hat, sat in a bag carried by his accomplices.

"And then each time, the next morning, Humphries would ask if everyone had a good night, lift his shoulders and carry on as if nothing happened. A good man, bless him, but a bit too soft for that dressing room. MacLean, Lowe, Sicko, … You had to give it to them. Hangover or not, they did not miss a training session. It was always right up till the edge and sometimes over it. I had far better players in my team elsewhere but the most hotly contested 4-vs-4's, definitely in Clachonoch. And Humphries kept on asking 'please boys, do not break shins, they are hard to replace'."

A reporter off-screen asks Staunt-Anderson if there was regret from his side. The Zwangzugian replies fast.

"No. Well, maybe I arrived one or two years too soon in Cap Nord. Connecting to the outside quickly brushed away the rough edges and forced them to level up in facilities and the like. By example, no one at Rovers checked for some living room for me and my family, just some elderly volunteer who cycled past every few days. We had to come up with an apartment and schools and such by ourselves. In some ways, it was amateur hour."

To illustrate, pictures are shown in gray of the old South Stand. It was knocked down four years after Staunt-Anderson's stay but at the time, it already breathed nostalgia: the iron entry gates, the wooden hotdog stand, a volunteer serving behind the bar. It would have been charming if it were not first tier.

"But it was also amateuristic in the original sense of the word: a genuine love for the game itself. Not for the money. Our season started poorly and it put us on the backfoot for the whole year. Still the fans kept on supporting us. And me. It took me a few weeks to get that unbalanced 4-2-2-2."

A league table flies by, with the Rovers, initially outsiders for the top four, struggling to remain away from danger. Images of Thom McEnroy conceding a goal and three Rovers losing possession on a muddy pitch come around.

"I dug my heels in and it improved week after week. That season, we missed a sharpshooter to live up to the expectations. Still, in the end, we were more than decent even if the results were not that consistent. We even played internationally and in a club of this size, the fans remember that. When I come back here, I still get asked for selfies and the like."

Recent images of Martin trying to get to his seat but getting stopped every few inches confirm this.

"And there still is a yearly reunion for which I fly in. Sicko is now the 'club hospitality manager'. The same guy who once painted all handles in the club house in, well, his 'own material' for not being fielded, yes. But an amazing baller on his day and a loyal Rover. 'Stauntie' he will say, 'Stauntie, let us see if you became a better drinker this year.' I'm still not. Despite the training opportunities in Clachonoch, haha."

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 4-6

Week 4
Vereniging Huftstad 2–2 Clachonoch Rovers
FC Waalterzee 2–2 Norreborg 59
Fallwich United 4–1 FF Stennköping
Drochry Academic 1–2 Draiewikum Boys
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–3 Sandfjell Fotball
Lydholm Forened 1–0 Crester Wanderers
SK Sandfjell 3–0 Bryn Boldklub
Cercle Terranville 0–0 Sporting Noordeinde

Week 5
Sporting Noordeinde 1–1 Vereniging Huftstad
Bryn Boldklub 1–3 Cercle Terranville
Crester Wanderers 1–2 SK Sandfjell
Sandfjell Fotball 0–0 Lydholm Forened
Draiewikum Boys 1–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
FF Stennköping 0–0 Drochry Academic
Norreborg 59 0–1 Fallwich United
Clachonoch Rovers 2–0 FC Waalterzee

Week 6
Vereniging Huftstad 0–1 FC Waalterzee
Fallwich United 2–1 Clachonoch Rovers
Drochry Academic 0–0 Norreborg 59
Sielhafen 1. FC 3–0 FF Stennköping
Lydholm Forened 1–1 Draiewikum Boys
SK Sandfjell 2–0 Sandfjell Fotball
Cercle Terranville 0–1 Crester Wanderers
Sporting Noordeinde 2–0 Bryn Boldklub

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Fallwich United               6    5   0   1    13    5   +8    15
 2 Sporting Noordeinde           6    4   2   0     9    3   +6    14
 3 Norreborg 59                  6    3   2   1    10    7   +3    11
 4 Sandfjell Fotball             6    3   2   1    10    9   +1    11
 5 SK Sandfjell                  6    3   1   2     8    5   +3    10
 6 FC Waalterzee                 6    3   1   2    10    9   +1    10
 7 Sielhafen 1. FC               6    3   0   3     9    7   +2     9
 8 Draiewikum Boys               6    2   2   2     6    6    0     8
 9 Cercle Terranville            6    2   2   2     5    5    0     8
10 Lydholm Forened               6    1   4   1     4    4    0     7
11 Vereniging Huftstad           6    1   3   2     6    7   −1     6
12 Drochry Academic              6    1   3   2     5    6   −1     6
13 Crester Wanderers             6    2   0   4     6   10   −4     6
14 Clachonoch Rovers             6    1   2   3     7    8   −1     5
15 FF Stennköping                6    1   1   4     7   15   −8     4
16 Bryn Boldklub                 6    0   1   5     2   11   −9     1

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

“Jezus Christ, I look as if I had barely made it out of high school.”

It is with a certain unease that Danilo checks out the images of his presentation, yet the boyish smile which made him so popular among a specific subset of the Sandfjeller supporters has not waned with the years. When the Rekan newcomer made his first appearance for the press, the same mix showed. The handshake with Ilise Hauk came across a little shaky but the juggling in front of the sponsor billboard (the part feared by most newcomers to SK) went exceptionally well. In the stands, a few hundred fans give a polite applause, unsure what to make of their new striker. During the off-season, Brymsaeter and Valdes had left, arguably the two most talented elements of the dressing room, and all that comes in are unknown quantities.

“I remember the game against Bryn early in the year. We both were bottom of the league and whoever lost that one was up for a big chase. I had not scored yet and I dreaded the game a little. Elodie Valdes, some complete lunatic who had left SK for Bryn in the winter, had sworn to eat us alive. Twenty minutes in, a through pass from Skogen.”

The tape starts rolling, in slow-motion and with the background crowd pasted over it separately.

“It’s a bit too hard so I am just happy to intercept it, let alone control the ball. It bounces up, high, and as I feel the defender in my back, in a reflex I decide to volley it at once from the edge of the box. After that our season started. As did my time at SK.”

A video montage of some more goals by the Rekan rolls over. The one against Bryn was the most acrobatic one by a landmile. Most of them feature Danilo popping up in front of the goalkeeper and keeping his cool in a one-on-one. There are a few chips that show maturity. A special place is reserved for his goal in the Cup semifinal where the striker finds a non-existing space to scoop in a Nordmann pass for the 1-1. After the goals, the Rekan celebrates with his signature dance move and we see a group of fans mimicking it. Next, it is the whole squad doing the ‘Danilo’ on a shaky social media clip.

“It felt as if the fans embraced me from that point onwards."

A chant which does a mediocre effort to rhyme 'Here we go' and 'Danilo' to one another resounds. It is god awful in a way but also quite impressive as the small SK stadium seems to tremble over the a capella.

"Sandfjell, when you go there the first time, is cold. In all senses. I arrived alone and for a few weeks, all I could think about was home. No one talks. But once they know you… You go to a restaurant and then the owner says, 'it is free for you, this is a blue restaurant'. It is not like, the left bank is for Fotball, the outskirts are for SK. Every other house could support the other team. But after a while, you recognize the signs. It is not just the colors. If you enter a bar and there are antlers on the wall, you know it is an SK place. I mean, the week after the derby, people would have paid me just to eat at their place. That game, well. Some days, huh."

A short summary gets shown. International Myrrheim gets covered by both Livyns and 'Savage' Pickering and the low block from SK pays off. A stat shows that they had 29% of possession but did score the only two goals of the game, with the opener by the Rekan.

"Locals like Bjorne, Mohammad, Holst, … They made you crazy the week before that match. By kick-off, you just wanted to devour everything red. It meant the world to them. Hauk always had a special plan for derbies, just to mess with Fotball's heads. Rough games but those are why you play football."

A new clip which was visibly taken on a handheld, judged by the poor quality. In a low cellar, a ton of people with navy blue scarves and shirts are lined along long wooden tables.

"Oh yeah. The fan nights. Something typically Capnordic, apparently, to cram a few hundred fans, two or three 'volunteer' players and a thousand liter beer together. It starts as some sort of interview and it ends… Sometimes it barely ends."

Again that boyish smile.

"As the team manager knew I was alone in the city, they often sent me. Better there, where we can keep an eye on him, they probably thought. The veterans knew when it was the right time to quietly slip away but on my first edition, well. Let us say that a fan drove me to the morning training. Everyone knew what was up, except Hauk. I must say, that day was typical for the group. It was not a fairytale all camaraderie selection. Especially to a newcomer like me, but also to a Nordmann or so, who was born just ten miles away. Good colleagues, but colleagues. But during that training, everyone covered my ass and made sure Hauk did not notice. I survived, barely. If you are watching, sorry coach, it only happened once."

The smile of Danilo fades out over pictures of the striker, dancing and singing with fans in a Sandfjeller basement.

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 7-9

Week 7
Bryn Boldklub 1–0 Vereniging Huftstad
Crester Wanderers 0–0 Sporting Noordeinde
Sandfjell Fotball 0–0 Cercle Terranville
Draiewikum Boys 0–2 SK Sandfjell
FF Stennköping 1–0 Lydholm Forened
Norreborg 59 2–3 Sielhafen 1. FC
Clachonoch Rovers 5–0 Drochry Academic
FC Waalterzee 0–3 Fallwich United

Week 8
Vereniging Huftstad 2–1 Fallwich United
Drochry Academic 2–6 FC Waalterzee
Sielhafen 1. FC 0–2 Clachonoch Rovers
Lydholm Forened 2–2 Norreborg 59
SK Sandfjell 1–1 FF Stennköping
Cercle Terranville 0–1 Draiewikum Boys
Sporting Noordeinde 0–1 Sandfjell Fotball
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 Crester Wanderers

Week 9
Crester Wanderers 1–2 Vereniging Huftstad
Sandfjell Fotball 1–0 Bryn Boldklub
Draiewikum Boys 0–0 Sporting Noordeinde
FF Stennköping 0–0 Cercle Terranville
Norreborg 59 0–1 SK Sandfjell
Clachonoch Rovers 0–1 Lydholm Forened
FC Waalterzee 0–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
Fallwich United 0–0 Drochry Academic

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Fallwich United               9    6   1   2    17    7  +10    19
 2 Sandfjell Fotball             9    5   3   1    12    9   +3    18
 3 SK Sandfjell                  9    5   2   2    12    6   +6    17
 4 Sporting Noordeinde           9    4   4   1     9    4   +5    16
 5 FC Waalterzee                 9    4   2   3    16   14   +2    14
 6 Sielhafen 1. FC               9    4   1   4    12   11   +1    13
 7 Norreborg 59                  9    3   3   3    14   13   +1    12
 8 Vereniging Huftstad           9    3   3   3    10   10    0    12
 9 Draiewikum Boys               9    3   3   3     7    8   −1    12
10 Clachonoch Rovers             9    3   2   4    14    9   +5    11
11 Lydholm Forened               9    2   5   2     7    7    0    11
12 Cercle Terranville            9    2   4   3     5    6   −1    10
13 FF Stennköping                9    2   3   4     9   16   −7     9
14 Crester Wanderers             9    2   2   5     7   12   −5     8
15 Drochry Academic              9    1   4   4     7   17  −10     7
16 Bryn Boldklub                 9    1   2   6     3   12   −9     5

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

Seated in the large interviewing chair, Oxolt-Ulutu Nev, more commonly known as ‘Ox’ in Norreborg and surroundings, looks even lankier than during his active career. The facial features confirm that this man did not stop sporting when he took off his gloves for the final time. Focussed, he watches a short outtake of a match in Lydholm. For the N59 fans, it is a confrontation that puts everyone on edge as the rivalry between the two cities reverberates in the duel between its football clubs. Norreborg is leading with the extra time of the second half already started. Nonetheless, when possession is lost, only three defenders are remaining in their own half. A fast break by Bonschotten finds Aaron Paal. The effort of the young forward is halted by Ox, but Stefan Puch is faster on the ball and gets his tip against it for the equalizer. No sweet triumph on the road but an eruption from the home stands. Ox is shown, muttering to himself as in the background the teammates pile up on top of Puch.

“Nothing bad can be said about the dead, they always say. But El-Berrhi had some dogmas in his style… Our plan was good, even brilliant in a way. But if he just could be satisfied with playing it for 85 minutes instead of the full ninety, I would have made my IFCF debut the next year. I am still convinced of that.”

Another game, another late goal against. One can see that Vleugellam and Akintola, the wing backs, are far too deep up the pitch to fold back when sole defensive midfielder Reeman gets overpowered.

“He was a bit of an anachronism. It did not take a lot of weeks to understand that in this competition, you could end a game at nil each and get applause from the stands. Most squads played very organized, trying to concede less than the opponent. So his style, with seven guys who mainly get attacking instructions, charmed and attracted. People loved that. Well, the people who were not the other four players on the team.”

Nev sports a meager grin. Anyone can see that a few of the missed chances still run through his mind.

“The year before, things had been even worse. If I am not mistaken, they were top three in goals scored and in goals conceded. So before the season, El-Berrhi was asked if there was a plan to change that and the whole plan consisted of three letters. N, E and V.”

Images of the first training, which show a seemingly uncomfortable Oxolt-Ulutu Nev. That is, until targetman Elliott Jackson unleashes a rocket on goal and Ox dives it out of the bottom corner. More clips from competition games follow, all in the same vein. The most impressive one might be a case where Till Myrrheim, a name that after two decades remains embroidered in golden letters in the history of Capnordic football, hammers it to the left hand side from inside the box. Somehow the Qusmi goalie punches it out of bounds and immediately gets encircled by two or three jubilant teammates while he attempts to organize for a corner.

“On my line, I was not too shabby, I must say. The guys knew that as well and it made me win their trust. Things had not ended well with my predecessor, from public outcries by the coaches to swung fists in the dressing room. So there was room for improvement, to say so. And I think that got appreciated as well.”

A visualized placard appears with the results of the goalkeeper of the year awards. The top six, all close to one another in points are familiar names to the Capnordic football fan: the new Golden Glove Johannes Marzinn, national number one Siel Leuwert, the Iron Wall (trophy for least conceded) Svend Moller, young talent Thom McEnroy and old fox Pierre Le Vallez. And neatly tucked between them, in fourth, there is the name of Oxolt-Utulu Nev.

“I even think I got the most saves across the competition that year. Goalkeeping behind a sieve did have its advantages. What worked to my advantage is that, especially during those days, that was the only thing that mattered to the pundits. In Cap Nord, a goalkeeper had to stop the ball with whatever part of his body and things were ok. If you could hoof it up the field, then that was a plus as long as you could hoof it far.”

A small chuckle.

“The goalkeeper coach in Norreborg was rather old style. I barely trained with my feet and if I did, it was just shooting it to the other half in the hope that Jackson could pick it up. It was a bit of fresh air from Chromatika where most staff expected you to be the eleventh player as well. In that sense, going to Cap Nord worked out well even if it did cost me later in my career. In that sense, even El-Berrhi was not that apart from your standard Capnordic gaffer.”

The part ends with a compilation of the five penalties against Norreborg. One goes in and another one ends up in the stands. But there is an amazing save from the top corner on an attempt by Crester's Goodman, who grabs his head in unison with the astonished fans in the stands. A kick from Schroeten, who tries to outsmart him through the center gets stopped with the tip of Nev’s foot. And then Ox also gets a glove on an, admittedly mediocre, try by Palle Jonsson.

“Yeah. I was not too shabby on my line.”

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 10-12

Week 10
Vereniging Huftstad 3–2 Drochry Academic
Sielhafen 1. FC 1–0 Fallwich United
Lydholm Forened 1–0 FC Waalterzee
SK Sandfjell 0–1 Clachonoch Rovers
Cercle Terranville 2–1 Norreborg 59
Sporting Noordeinde 2–2 FF Stennköping
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 Draiewikum Boys
Crester Wanderers 0–0 Sandfjell Fotball

Week 11
Sandfjell Fotball 0–0 Vereniging Huftstad
Draiewikum Boys 0–1 Crester Wanderers
FF Stennköping 2–2 Bryn Boldklub
Norreborg 59 0–0 Sporting Noordeinde
Clachonoch Rovers 0–0 Cercle Terranville
FC Waalterzee 0–1 SK Sandfjell
Fallwich United 0–1 Lydholm Forened
Drochry Academic 3–2 Sielhafen 1. FC

Week 12
Vereniging Huftstad 0–4 Sielhafen 1. FC
Lydholm Forened 2–0 Drochry Academic
SK Sandfjell 0–1 Fallwich United
Cercle Terranville 0–3 FC Waalterzee
Sporting Noordeinde 2–1 Clachonoch Rovers
Bryn Boldklub 1–1 Norreborg 59
Crester Wanderers 2–3 FF Stennköping
Sandfjell Fotball 3–1 Draiewikum Boys

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sandfjell Fotball            12    6   5   1    15   10   +5    23
 2 Fallwich United              12    7   1   4    18    9   +9    22
 3 Sporting Noordeinde          12    5   6   1    13    7   +6    21
 4 SK Sandfjell                 12    6   2   4    13    8   +5    20
 5 Lydholm Forened              12    5   5   2    11    7   +4    20
 6 Sielhafen 1. FC              12    6   1   5    19   14   +5    19
 7 FC Waalterzee                12    5   2   5    19   16   +3    17
 8 Vereniging Huftstad          12    4   4   4    13   16   −3    16
 9 Clachonoch Rovers            12    4   3   5    16   11   +5    15
10 Norreborg 59                 12    3   5   4    16   16    0    14
11 Cercle Terranville           12    3   5   4     7   10   −3    14
12 FF Stennköping               12    3   5   4    16   22   −6    14
13 Draiewikum Boys              12    3   4   5     8   12   −4    13
14 Crester Wanderers            12    3   3   6    10   15   −5    12
15 Drochry Academic             12    2   4   6    12   24  −12    10
16 Bryn Boldklub                12    1   5   6     6   15   −9     8

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

“Now that's what I call a strapping young man.”

Two decades have come and gone but the rosy cheeks of Arnar Heikkisson have not vanished. The Graintfjaller is one of those people who has a mischievous twinkle in his eye that will always make him appear much younger than he actually is. The show races through images that exemplify the rollercoaster of his season: Arnar emerging as the strongest from a duel with two Cercle players. A thunderous shot disappears behind a stunned Pierre Le Vallez. Confidently grabbing the ball in the dying minutes and burying it with the outside of his left boot. But also a pitch-side falling out with coach Eltink, a sulky face on the bench and a headline in the tabloids 'FCW POSTER BOYS IN TROUBLE AGAIN'.

"To think that I was not looking forward to that year in Waalterzee. I had just made a name for myself in the U18, looking to break into the line-up for Steinaux… And then you get sent to a backwater in a bottom-tier competition. A transfer to Cap Nord back then really was something for players on a dead end, with nowhere left to go."

The voice-over indicates that the loan season of Arnar took off slowly.

"I was already over my game weight, then had a two day bender, took a plane and after ten minutes of training, I thought, damn. I am probably the best player of this whole lot. And two seconds later, Corstjens scythed me, saying that they did not like showboating over here, haha. Maybe I was a bit too confident as a kid. I don't think the coach was too chuffed about my arrival either. Last season, his tactic had hinged around Veensma and now I had to step in, but I was a very different type of player. Less of a classic ten, more all-round. Maybe a bit too round as well, haha."

An interview after an early-season loss against the Rovers gets shown, in which Arnar grabbed a second yellow. Coach Paul Eltink, a grizzled veteran who stood synonymous with the club, tries to explain what went wrong with his young midfielder. You must understand, he never played football before. Yes, yes, U18 or U something… That is the kid's game. This one is not for fun, or joy. It is about money, guys who see that their friends must work in a factory for their pay. And that means opponents will be nasty and taunt you. And you have to find your limits, also in self control. Today he learned. And his path here will depend on how well he remembers his lessons.

"Mister Eltink, bless him. I do not think any coach made me run more laps in my career. If I had been out, he knew and I would run. I think he was friends with every barkeep in a twenty-mile radius of the stadium. One time he kept me running laps whilst the other guys could start the kicking exercises. I was sick as a dog, moaned 'Coach, I'm gonna throw up' and he replied 'Good, just a few more laps then until you will'. I did barf on his loafers but to his credit, he did not mind. His point was made."

An interview with an elderly Eltink rolls, showing him well past 75. I have seen tons of footballers but sometimes you get a player that has something unique. It is for those that you are in this business. Arnar… He was one of my favorites of all time. He had the whole toolbox, but did not know yet what it was to be a footballer. So sometimes we clashed. But when he touched the ball, the stadium held its breath. I think he only played twenty-five games in green and white, but there is still a Graintfjaller flag in the stands, every home game. Rightly so. You can see that the words of his late manager touch the powerful striker.

"Eltink definitely shaped me into the player I became. He was that grumpy grandpa who chastised you in front of the group but he had an idea in mind. The consistency was not there yet but we played some amazing games if it all clicked. Good organization, fast breaks, lots of energy."

The most infamous of his Arnar’s eight goals illustrates the matter, a 0-1 winner on the pitch of the despised Vereniging Huftstad. After a deep ball, Wymeersch heads it back to Dennis Schroeten. A doublepass with Arnar Heikkisson later, Schroeten was too far on the outside to score himself. With a clever touch, his partner in crime brings it to the edge of the crescent where Arnar rifles the ball in. The duo celebrates by uncorking a fictional champagne bottle at the corner flag, but the images slow down and get a sepia tone. There is a little crack in the voice of Arnar as he comments.

“Yeah… Dennis Schroeten. The Menace and the Kid. We got in a lot of tabloids that season. You see, Waalterzee… It is a nice town but it is as provincial as they come. Most of the guys were good family men, whilst Dennis and I were two bachelors with the world on our feet. I think there was six years in age difference but it just clicked: on the pitch and off it. Just a really good footballer and a really great bloke. It was hard to find in a sleepy town like Waalterzee, but he knew the places to go out. He was a bit… Special in the head. Impulsive maybe. But a heart of gold.”

Tabloid snippets which outline the downfall of Dennis “The Menace” Schroeten come and go. It starts with the drinks and the women, it drifts off to drugs and random destruction.

“In terms of football, he was at his peak that year, I think. With a bit of luck, I think we could have been in the top four. We found one another and were the engine of that line-up. Still, he had been kicked out in Noordende and that really was a scratch on his soul. The club of his dreams had sent him away like trash. In Waalterzee, he found a bit more breathing space and I am sure he would have gotten things in line again but the fucking paparazzi…”

Arnar shakes his head in disgust.

“There were not that many real, authentic people like Dennis in the league. So they chased him and put every single wrong step in big capitals on the front page. He was no saint, of course not, but never malicious. But they ruined him. They came for me as well, I mean, I had my nights out in Cap Nord but I was no troublemaker. Still. Anything for a headline.”

Pictures of Schroeten and Arnar on pitch roll over, with a commentator jubilating on their physical strength matched with great feet. It fades out in a picture of the duo, sitting in a bar in Waalterzee (as evidenced by the characteristic lighthouse in the background). The attentive eye notices from the strength of Arnar Heikkisson at the one hand, and the deep-lying eyes, extra chin and faint smile of Schroeten, that it is a picture a few years after their season together.

“That was the last time I saw him. It was halfway through the season and I got a few days off on an international break. The locals in Waalterzee still had us in their heart, you see, so we went there. Dennis no longer had a contract that season and had even stopped training properly. It was great getting back together, a hilarious evening and of course you are like ‘we will do that again in Steinaux in a few months’. Three days later, he was gone.”

In a documentary that usually captures the lighter side of Capnordic football, it is a darker moment as the cameras give the otherwise so cheery Graintfjaller footballer the room to collect his thoughts.

“I like to think his passing did change the mentality a bit. The press was a little less pressing, less suffocating. And clubs paid more attention to guidance in that respect as well. But the cost for that change was too high, far too high.”

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 13-15

Week 13
Draiewikum Boys 3–0 Vereniging Huftstad
FF Stennköping 2–3 Sandfjell Fotball
Norreborg 59 1–1 Crester Wanderers
Clachonoch Rovers 1–1 Bryn Boldklub
FC Waalterzee 3–3 Sporting Noordeinde
Fallwich United 1–0 Cercle Terranville
Drochry Academic 1–0 SK Sandfjell
Sielhafen 1. FC 0–0 Lydholm Forened

Week 14
Vereniging Huftstad 2–2 Lydholm Forened
SK Sandfjell 0–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
Cercle Terranville 2–1 Drochry Academic
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 Fallwich United
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 FC Waalterzee
Crester Wanderers 1–0 Clachonoch Rovers
Sandfjell Fotball 4–3 Norreborg 59
Draiewikum Boys 6–1 FF Stennköping

Week 15
FF Stennköping 2–0 Vereniging Huftstad
Norreborg 59 2–2 Draiewikum Boys
Clachonoch Rovers 0–2 Sandfjell Fotball
FC Waalterzee 1–0 Crester Wanderers
Fallwich United 2–0 Bryn Boldklub
Drochry Academic 3–4 Sporting Noordeinde
Sielhafen 1. FC 1–0 Cercle Terranville
Lydholm Forened 2–1 SK Sandfjell

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sandfjell Fotball            15    9   5   1    24   15   +9    32
 2 Fallwich United              15    9   1   5    21   10  +11    28
 3 Sporting Noordeinde          15    7   7   1    21   13   +8    28
 4 Lydholm Forened              15    6   7   2    15   10   +5    25
 5 Sielhafen 1. FC              15    7   3   5    20   14   +6    24
 6 FC Waalterzee                15    6   4   5    23   19   +4    22
 7 SK Sandfjell                 15    6   3   6    14   11   +3    21
 8 Draiewikum Boys              15    5   5   5    19   15   +4    20
 9 Cercle Terranville           15    4   5   6     9   13   −4    17
10 Vereniging Huftstad          15    4   5   6    15   23   −8    17
11 FF Stennköping               15    4   5   6    21   31  −10    17
12 Clachonoch Rovers            15    4   4   7    17   15   +2    16
13 Norreborg 59                 15    3   7   5    22   23   −1    16
14 Crester Wanderers            15    4   4   7    12   17   −5    16
15 Drochry Academic             15    3   4   8    17   30  −13    13
16 Bryn Boldklub                15    1   7   7     7   18  −11    10

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

After all those years, Benoit Djaozandry still oozes class. He is the kind of guy to whom the waiter will naturally ask to taste the wine and who has the best barber shop addresses in town. Dressed meticulously, the Quebecois is notably prepared for this insight in his time with the Draiewikum Boys, a club that was as much at a turning point as the league itself.

"The negotiations did not take long. I had been considering a new stint abroad and did not want to spend my prime in the second tier. But I also knew my value. Usually, these discussions are a lot of back and forth, like being on the market and haggling for every cent. Mister Wielant, on the other hand, was quite straightforward: this is the deal, take it or leave it. A fair deal and every cent was paid on time. A good businessman, a reliable man but not really a football man.”

An intermezzo which shows Eelco Wielant, owner of a fast-growing construction company, converse with the press during the announcement of his takeover of the Boys. Slowly graying, he is a composed man, explaining that his desire is to break the financial glass ceiling with which his native Draiewikum is confronted. This is no man who jumps on the tables but one with a plan. It is a rare occasion where Wielant talks to the journalists: he rarely made appearances in public.

“He only popped up in the dressing room a few times each season. Never jubilant, but never to break us down to the ground. Always calmly explaining the vision. But what he had vastly underestimated was that the problem with Draiewikum was not necessarily money. It was decades of doing things the same way with the same people with the same mindset. And those were nice and fine people for the budget back then, with a lot of heart for the club. But not the ones that could lift the club up.”

A difficult encounter of the yellow shirts against Crester Wanderers is shown. The visitors, freshly promoted, opened the score through the speedy Idrissa Conteh and gave the Boys the ball to progress. It does not take a keen analyst to see that Draiewikum dabbles around without a proper idea and the home fans turn against their own. Benoit Djaozandry stands on an island in an orange sea, trying to do something with the rough crosses sent his way, but lacking support. The commentator dives into the figures and remarks that Boys only scored once in their last five home games. Even if the table does not give it away, things are not going well.

“Wyvert got fired before the half-season break. If you had had one tactical session with him, you had heard them all. Four-four-one-one and no back-up plan. At that point, you think about Saugenay a bit more, that is for sure. Money can’t buy you wisdom, but it can buy you wiser people and that was the big lesson for Wielant that season. When he brought in Elias van Dongelen, things went better but that is just part of the solution: a coach can only play who he has and… All their other transfers had just been, who is available in clubs nearby?”

The images of Draiewikum’s most infamous game of the season roll on. Having won 3-0 already on the debut of van Dongelen, the young, phlegmatic former Noordende player managed a spectacular triumph over FF Stennköping. Key figure in the triumph? Djaozandry who gets on the scoreboard four times of which one neat bicycle kick. Immediately after the 6-1, FF fans get out of their section and first attack a home stand before jumping the boarding to the pitch. Dykema, a player of the Boys, gets assaulted and the game ends in chaos.

Eventually, the FA decides that despite the premature ending, the 6-1 result stands. FF Stennköping, at that point sunk to spot fourteen despite aiming for the top four, gets a heavy fine and an exclusion from international football for two seasons. One individual hooligan gets a four-month stay in prison. A first in the history of Capnordic football for the Hingstarna, but more lasting than the financial impact is the tainted image of Stennköping, usually seen as ambitious yet sympathetic.

“At the time, people focussed on how low FF stood in the ranks for things to explode. But if it had been on… I don’t know, Crester or something, things would not get that heated. One cannot underestimate how utterly disliked Draiewikum was that year. Every game already started with the temperature ten or twenty degrees higher, so every spark found a lot of dry wood.”

Pictures of banners swoop past. ‘HANDS OFF OF OUR FOOTBALL WIELANT’, ‘THE BOYS = NO SOUL’, ‘DRAI€WIKUM MONEY CLUB’ and so on.

“It was not the only club in Cap Nord in private ownership, by far. But usually, there was a split: either you were and remained directed by the community, or you were a club in the hands of a company or tycoon and stayed there. In the years before, two or three teams had already switched. But those had been clubs in dire straits and no success stories. Somehow, the impact of Wielant made clear that this was an evolution that was impossible to stop and that would see healthy clubs switch sides. So the hate and despise directed itself to us. Even from some fringe groups within Draiewikum.”

A supporter torching his yellow and black shirt outside the stadium is shown. Djaozandry looks at it with a mix of pity and compassion.

“Growing pains. A fan is not really a voice of reason in that sort of debate. At the end of the day, you can wonder whether new money is worse than old money. Especially for someone like Wielant, who was no cowboy, tossing around money bags. It was not as if we suddenly dominated the league, huh.”

A visualization sees Draiewikum rise through the ranks, moving up from 13th to 7th until it is rudely interrupted by a clip of Benoit Djaozandry. The Quebecois forward turns back after a duel, makes a step and sinks to the ground.

“No contact, no nothing. Just a four centimeter muscle tear: I was in the race for the Golden Boot but that ended that. Out for two months and back to the whiteboard for the coach.”

Djaozandry grins.

“I still ended up with sixteen goals, more than half the production. The next guy only scored three. Make of that what you want but halfway through I already knew I would be playing with someone else up front the next year. I guess that is the advantage of new money, haha.”

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 16-18

Week 16
Vereniging Huftstad 0–1 SK Sandfjell
Lydholm Forened 2–1 Cercle Terranville
Sielhafen 1. FC 4–2 Sporting Noordeinde
Drochry Academic 2–2 Bryn Boldklub
Fallwich United 0–3 Crester Wanderers
FC Waalterzee 2–4 Sandfjell Fotball
Clachonoch Rovers 2–1 Draiewikum Boys
Norreborg 59 1–0 FF Stennköping

Week 17
Norreborg 59 3–0 Vereniging Huftstad
FF Stennköping 1–1 Clachonoch Rovers
Draiewikum Boys 4–0 FC Waalterzee
Sandfjell Fotball 1–3 Fallwich United
Crester Wanderers 4–2 Drochry Academic
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
Sporting Noordeinde 1–1 Lydholm Forened
Cercle Terranville 2–2 SK Sandfjell

Week 18
Vereniging Huftstad 1–0 Cercle Terranville
SK Sandfjell 1–1 Sporting Noordeinde
Lydholm Forened 0–1 Bryn Boldklub
Sielhafen 1. FC 1–2 Crester Wanderers
Drochry Academic 1–0 Sandfjell Fotball
Fallwich United 0–0 Draiewikum Boys
FC Waalterzee 0–0 FF Stennköping
Clachonoch Rovers 0–3 Norreborg 59

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sandfjell Fotball            18   10   5   3    29   21   +8    35
 2 Fallwich United              18   10   2   6    24   14  +10    32
 3 Sporting Noordeinde          18    7   9   2    25   19   +6    30
 4 Lydholm Forened              18    7   8   3    18   13   +5    29
 5 Sielhafen 1. FC              18    8   4   6    25   18   +7    28
 6 SK Sandfjell                 18    7   5   6    18   14   +4    26
 7 Norreborg 59                 18    6   7   5    29   23   +6    25
 8 Crester Wanderers            18    7   4   7    21   20   +1    25
 9 Draiewikum Boys              18    6   6   6    24   17   +7    24
10 FC Waalterzee                18    6   5   7    25   27   −2    23
11 Clachonoch Rovers            18    5   5   8    20   20    0    20
12 Vereniging Huftstad          18    5   5   8    16   27  −11    20
13 FF Stennköping               18    4   7   7    22   33  −11    19
14 Cercle Terranville           18    4   6   8    12   18   −6    18
15 Drochry Academic             18    4   5   9    22   36  −14    17
16 Bryn Boldklub                18    2   9   7    10   20  −10    15

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

“Yeah, that time when the fans invaded the pitch and whacked that Draiewikum player. I mean, it is not the kind of thing you should do as a supporter. But goddamned, I can imagine the amount of frustration that had piled up in that fellow before that punch. But I am not condoning it, not at all.”

Garrick Rustak scratches his brow, totally condoning it. The Nepharim one-man tank battalion still has the same pair of shoulders that terrorized the Capnordic pitches after a long career at Starling that saw him surprisingly quickly shift between ‘being barred by veteran centre-halves’ and ‘surpassed by fresher legs’. Still, his decade of experience in the Zenith made him a major addition to the league. As such, FF Stennköping had come out of the transfer period with a reinforced line-up and rekindled spirits among the fans.

“Before the first ball was kicked, people were already talking about the Challengers Cup and whatsmore. After all, the club had parked in sixth, two points shy of fourth, and with Benkasar, there was a fresh, good striker. So I get that there was optimism, initially.”

The images of the second home game, an encounter with FC Waalterzee, roll by. Despite an early lead, the team suddenly falls apart in the final fifteen minutes dropping a 2-1 lead for a painful 2-4 defeat. Rustak features prominently, making efforts to patch up a shaky back four by scything an FCW player, only to see the winner disappear in the net behind him.

“Jezus Christ, if I would have known you would send me in here just to get tortured again. We were just piss-poor once it was about the grind and not the ‘do what you trained upon’. End of story. The line-up hinged upon Persson and I know the guy is a national legend, but… Everything had to go through him and as that had been the tactic for five years running, other trainers caught on. And apparently nobody had checked whether he and Benkasar got along before signing the latter, so that did not work out. It all turned dire.”

The growing unrest gets demonstrated with fans in blue and yellow getting increasingly annoyed.

“At first it was, you know, sympathetic. Just some heckling. I am not gonna say the stadiums are filled with slam poets, but some of the chants were pretty creative. It only took them four weeks to find out they could call me Garrick Rucksack.”

One feels the question mark on the face of the interviewer.

“Garrick Rucksack, he’s too big and on his back, cannot cross and cannot pass, bearded like a bum crack. Although, by the time they got to know my tackles, it usually ended with ‘makes your striker's spine crack’. Ah, I don’t mind a bit of banter and they appreciated it.”

The producers slip in the images of his only goal this season, in which he towers over his direct opponent on a corner kick and heads it home powerfully. The defender celebrates on the slippery field by sliding on his back to the Kop, arms and legs dangling in the air.

“It was a good crowd, all in all. Typically Capnordic, I would say. Quite cynical at first and always tongue in cheek but if you show you fight for their colors, they can appreciate it. At that point, you win their hearts. You cannot walk around in town anymore without someone shouting your name to you, but as far as it is that… Who minds?”

The reflection gets brutally interrupted by an image of an FF Stennköping, yellow balaclava and blue gloves included, who jumps over the boarding and strikes out at Jurrit Dykema, the Draiewikum Boys midfielder. He then turns towards a second player but is leveled by Rustak.

“Yeah, some pundit called it ‘the most technical and esthetical move from the Nepharim defender in his time with us’, haha. It is regrettable things boiled over that night. But the results had been shite throughout. I think we didn’t manage to win two games in a row till the end of August?” * note that the Capnordic season runs from March till October

The season drags on for the team from the west of Cap Nord. Communication between Benkasar and Persson, according to the press, completely breaks down.

"It was not all boohoo and tears. Some try to claim the dressing room was rotten but that is exaggerated. But as it goes, if you cannot get a proper streak and rise through the ranks, then you get cliques, you get reserves wondering why, …"

In the end, the board opts for the oldest trick in the book: axing the coach. After five seasons and a historic title for the Hingstarna, Johannes Grenholm had to walk.

"They brought in some new guy, Billing, whose sole purpose was to do things differently. In any way. Different system (an effective 5-3-2), different strikers, different warm-up, different schedule, different everything. One morning, we arrive at the club house and he has single-handedly refurbished the gym. Wanted something different. Started every tactical one with a quote from some classic writer. Mad as a badger but sometimes it is what a club needs. And more importantly, he got us mad as well."

Images of an encounter with Sandfjell come and go. On what seems as a lost ball, both Lonstad and Rustak slide tackle, ensuring it is not a corner. The roar of the FF fans can be heard in the background.

"In that respect, fans are the same anywhere. I can say, honest to God, we never stopped fighting, whoever the coach was. But new brooms sweep clean and suddenly things are good again. We wrapped it up halfway the table and with two of our most expensive players on the bench, as Persson was reinstated. But at least it wasn't boring, huh."

The segment ends with a clip from the last game. Jonas Persson leaves the pitch early due to an injury and Rrezi has already been subbed off. The playmaker looks around for a second, then limps towards Rustak and hands him the captain's ribbon. He is visibly moved by the honor, a career first for the defender.

"Someone once compared a club to a family. You did not pick one another and you did not choose for what goes wrong. But after a while, those guys but also staff, fans, … they become your family. Even if it is a bit dysfunctional. Or a lot."

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 19-21

Week 19
Clachonoch Rovers 1–4 Vereniging Huftstad
Norreborg 59 1–0 FC Waalterzee
FF Stennköping 1–0 Fallwich United
Draiewikum Boys 3–2 Drochry Academic
Sandfjell Fotball 4–1 Sielhafen 1. FC
Crester Wanderers 1–0 Lydholm Forened
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 SK Sandfjell
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 Cercle Terranville

Week 20
Vereniging Huftstad 2–4 Sporting Noordeinde
Cercle Terranville 1–0 Bryn Boldklub
SK Sandfjell 0–1 Crester Wanderers
Lydholm Forened 2–0 Sandfjell Fotball
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–0 Draiewikum Boys
Drochry Academic 1–1 FF Stennköping
Fallwich United 4–3 Norreborg 59
FC Waalterzee 1–0 Clachonoch Rovers

Week 21
FC Waalterzee 1–0 Vereniging Huftstad
Clachonoch Rovers 1–3 Fallwich United
Norreborg 59 1–3 Drochry Academic
FF Stennköping 1–2 Sielhafen 1. FC
Draiewikum Boys 0–1 Lydholm Forened
Sandfjell Fotball 2–2 SK Sandfjell
Crester Wanderers 1–1 Cercle Terranville
Bryn Boldklub 0–2 Sporting Noordeinde

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sporting Noordeinde          21   10   9   2    32   21  +11    39
 2 Sandfjell Fotball            21   11   6   4    35   26   +9    39
 3 Fallwich United              21   12   2   7    31   19  +12    38
 4 Lydholm Forened              21    9   8   4    21   14   +7    35
 5 Sielhafen 1. FC              21   10   4   7    30   23   +7    34
 6 Crester Wanderers            21    9   5   7    24   21   +3    32
 7 FC Waalterzee                21    8   5   8    27   28   −1    29
 8 Norreborg 59                 21    7   7   7    34   30   +4    28
 9 SK Sandfjell                 21    7   7   7    20   17   +3    28
10 Draiewikum Boys              21    7   6   8    27   22   +5    27
11 FF Stennköping               21    5   8   8    25   36  −11    23
12 Vereniging Huftstad          21    6   5  10    22   33  −11    23
13 Cercle Terranville           21    5   7   9    14   20   −6    22
14 Drochry Academic             21    5   6  10    28   41  −13    21
15 Clachonoch Rovers            21    5   5  11    22   28   −6    20
16 Bryn Boldklub                21    2  10   9    10   23  −13    16

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

The Ko-orenite looks remarkably at ease as he seats himself in the interview chair. One can spot the first few silver hairs near his temples and there are some crow’s feet but otherwise Joe Bonschotten is as sharp as in his best days. A smile appears as he checks the images of the young man who two decades ago tormented the left wing in that silky, slightly oversized shirt of Lydholm Forening.

“We had gone down with Sterrenwolde after what seemed to be the longest twelve months in my career: we had been pummeled left and right and were relegated weeks in advance. So all I wanted was a fresh start in an ambitious club, something new. It was something different, that is for sure.”

The Forening started the season poorly and in week seven, things erupted. As Lydholm looked on its way to a loss in Stennköping, the communication broke down between striker Stefan Puch, Bonschotten and coach Grofelt. After a wayward through ball from the Ko-orenite, the tall striker had had it.

“It had not been his game and I just happened to be in the line of fire, so he came up to me, scolding me. At one point, he even tried to swing a punch. Obviously Grofelt replaced him on the spot after which he totalled the dressing room. For clarity, we all were frustrated at that point but Stefan was the kind of guy who would voice that. Loud and obnoxious, in a way, but a damn good attacker.”

Still, both players returned the next game.

“Lykke Grofelt had his own way of dealing with that. He gave us all two days off, except Stefan. We never knew what was said or promised but when we were back, the whole dressing room was repainted and he apologized. ‘That was that’, Grofelt said and we never spoke of it again. That was the visible part. We were all shocked because, well, that was not how we knew the primadonna of our club. But Grofelt also took the signal of Puch and changed the line-up. He got some kid from the U19 to do nothing but run into space so Puch could get in the box. Some kid, haha. We didn’t know yet how big Gunvor Tofte would become.”

With the change in tactics, both the mood and the results change. The Forening starts to win every other week.

“In that sense, Lykke Grofelt remains an underestimated coach to me. The system had been completely turned around since last season but again he had a winning formula. Not a sexy one, I think we won most matches one to nil. But it worked: a low block of five, then lots of speed through Poulsen, Lund, myself and Tofte and the battering ram of Puch. The better we got, the more we could lay low and beat them on the counterattack. After all, we lost most points that year to clubs like Bryn and Cercle and such, opponents that had the same mindset.”

Still, Lydholm rises up the ranks, exemplified with a triumph against Sandfjell Fotball. The clip shows the dominance of the widely lauded midfield of the Reds, but they cannot find a whole in the strategic wall. After a botched corner, goalie Svend Moller throws it immediately to Bonschotten who darts across the pitch, has a double pass with Tofte and then scores one of his four goals that season. In the crowd, someone holds a flag of what seems to be a rabbit in Ko-orenite blue and green.

“Oh, yes, Joe The Hare. I think some fan even wrote a children's book about the ‘little hare that could’ and distributed it to the schools in the wider Lydholm area. To think it was all based on a typo. When I was announced, it said ‘Joe Bunschotten’, that became Joe Bun and if you are fast, it becomes Joe The Hare.”

Although Lydholm rose through the ranks and at one point seemed to enter the title fight, the line-up met its limitations.

“A tactical scheme like that has an expiration date and unfortunately, it came before the end of the season. Opponents started to realize if you could keep Andreas [Hom] and Troels [Poulsen] away from possession, it became hoofing the ball forward. The selection, as good as it was, limited the technical skill to deal with that. And Lydholm would be Lydholm…”

The viewers are reminded of the merger between the liberal, slightly elitist Boldklub Lydholm and the side from the impoverished burroughs near the Malke River, Young Boys. The latter had run out of money, the former missed an audience after dropping from the top tier and LundBeton owner Palle Lund II saw an opportunity to form a club with the potential for a top five spot. Whilst today, Forening is accepted as a fact, the wound still was fresh in the days. Newly founded YB Lydholm, whose sole reason for existence was hatred for Forening, emerged in the professional ranks and the fans of Forening rarely appeared as one.

“Everything was politics. It had been more than ten years but still some players and staff were seen as either ‘Young Boys’ or ‘Boldklub’. And if they did something wrong, they immediately got double the criticism. That did not help. Andreas Hom, such an amazing player on the ball and some fans would start to whistle after one wrong pass. You can say it does not, but it matters. In all honesty, we rarely felt that strength of the twelfth man and that can matter four or five points by the end of the year. Costly points.”

Grey and somber pictures of the old Noddebaekpark are shown. The outside of the stadium, with its iron gate and Gothic lettering, still oozes a certain charm but the inside seems unfit for the modern purpose with lots of metal bars and loose rocks in the corner.

“It was the old Boldklub stadium, which did not help to integrate the Young Boys fans, and… Fans always talk with a certain nostalgia about their own stadium but this one was just over and done with. Not good enough to play your U21 in anymore, to be honest. But it was not the only one in the league. SendBanken from Stennköping was nice and then there were three or four that had been properly refurbished but the majority was just amateur material. I was glad I had to play and not go watch it, because many had loose chairs, no roofing, no proper heating, inadequate parking. Starting late due to traffic jams happened three or four times that year, just crazy. So when they announced the new stadiums, you felt a certain ‘oof, we are going to go to international standards’. I am not talking about politics, but for the game, it was a good thing.”

The infamous presentation for the Campionato Esportiva, with the stuttering royal opening word from King Harold eventually being overshadowed by the vainglorious speech by Annette Dalving. Her plan, which smelled like panem et circenses focussed on the organization of a major tournament and the eyes of the region on Cap Nord, but got underpinned by a vision to renovate four stadiums and build two new ones up from the ground: one in Isbècque and another in Lydholm. Joe grins as he sees the grand declarations and cringe visuals.

“We all know how that ended, huh.”

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 22-24

Week 22
Vereniging Huftstad 1–0 Bryn Boldklub
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 Crester Wanderers
Cercle Terranville 3–2 Sandfjell Fotball
SK Sandfjell 2–0 Draiewikum Boys
Lydholm Forened 1–2 FF Stennköping
Sielhafen 1. FC 6–3 Norreborg 59
Drochry Academic 0–1 Clachonoch Rovers
Fallwich United 0–1 FC Waalterzee

Week 23
Fallwich United 1–0 Vereniging Huftstad
FC Waalterzee 5–1 Drochry Academic
Clachonoch Rovers 2–0 Sielhafen 1. FC
Norreborg 59 1–0 Lydholm Forened
FF Stennköping 6–2 SK Sandfjell
Draiewikum Boys 1–0 Cercle Terranville
Sandfjell Fotball 4–3 Sporting Noordeinde
Crester Wanderers 0–2 Bryn Boldklub

Week 24
Vereniging Huftstad 0–0 Crester Wanderers
Bryn Boldklub 0–0 Sandfjell Fotball
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 Draiewikum Boys
Cercle Terranville 1–0 FF Stennköping
SK Sandfjell 0–1 Norreborg 59
Lydholm Forened 1–0 Clachonoch Rovers
Sielhafen 1. FC 0–0 FC Waalterzee
Drochry Academic 3–3 Fallwich United

  Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sporting Noordeinde          24   12   9   3    37   25  +12    45
 2 Sandfjell Fotball            24   12   7   5    41   32   +9    43
 3 Fallwich United              24   13   3   8    35   23  +12    42
 4 Sielhafen 1. FC              24   11   5   8    36   28   +8    38
 5 Lydholm Forened              24   10   8   6    23   17   +6    38
 6 FC Waalterzee                24   10   6   8    33   29   +4    36
 7 Norreborg 59                 24    9   7   8    39   36   +3    34
 8 Crester Wanderers            24    9   6   9    24   24    0    33
 9 SK Sandfjell                 24    8   7   9    24   24    0    31
10 Draiewikum Boys              24    8   6  10    28   25   +3    30
11 FF Stennköping               24    7   8   9    33   40   −7    29
12 Cercle Terranville           24    7   7  10    18   23   −5    28
13 Vereniging Huftstad          24    7   6  11    23   34  −11    27
14 Clachonoch Rovers            24    7   5  12    25   29   −4    26
15 Drochry Academic             24    5   7  12    32   50  −18    22
16 Bryn Boldklub                24    3  11  10    12   24  −12    20

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

"Oh boy. Not that Rovers game either, please."

A muttered laughter from the other side of the camera gets repeated with the bright, boisterous laugh of Athame Caulker. The glasses and business suit will make Drochry fans do a double-take but the reliable glance tells you she is still one-hundred percent the composed right-back who won the hearts of the Mortarboards, even if no one ever figured out how to pronounce her first name. Originally believed to have just been acquired just to form a child actor name along with goalie McCullough (collegiate Drochry has it out for overelaborate puns), she managed to land on her feet in Cap Nord, but not immediately.

"Wilson, he was a character. He once did a training week just on offensive patterns. Just that. If we score more, who cares. Well, that doesn't work out against a side like Rovers."

In what comes closest to a derby for Academic, they got pummeled by the nemesis who abused their naivety for a 5-0 scoreline. And it was not the only time Drochry got overclassed.

"I am quite a calm nature but even I was wondering after a while, like, should we not try to win a game? On the other hand, when we did, it was always with fanfare and highlights.”

We hear the commentator go wild in what looks like the dying minutes of a confrontation with reigning champion 1.FC Sielhafen. Junior Wilson goes to the center, it’s Caulker with the overlap: she gets the ball and yes! Past her opponent, Fraser? Fraser! Fraseeeer! What a brilliant cross from the Brenecian and Rodney Fraser heads it in. How sour for Der Erste but what a triumph for the second to last in the table! Scenes! The scenes!

“Against a superior team, we entertained. Always. There was this stand of university students who would just sing and cheer and heckle for ninety minutes, whatever the scoreline. I am quite sure that a lot of the stronger sides feared them, but for us, it gave so much energy. So you do stuff like that, overlap number fifty-three of the game when you have already run out of gas half an hour before.”

The camera focuses on the non-seating section in the corner of University Ground, nicknamed Half-Price Park, a colorful cabal held together by uni scarfs, a section of horn blowers and stupid amounts of confetti. But the production pays a bit more attention to the flags which are raised. Some of them, in authentic dark ochre and black have the Drochry shield. But some others are, to those in the know, political. One with ‘Yellow card for diving’, but with the last word suspiciously written out like the name of NUP head of state Annette Dalving. Another one with ‘My King is called Steve’, a tongue in cheek reference to attacking midfield and folk hero Steve McLochlan, whose interviews might even be worse than those of brand-new King Harold. But there is also the controversial 'old' flag in Half-Price Park, with the swords. After the international incident with Troels Poulsen, these kinds of things matter in Capnordic stadiums.

“The first game after the election, or the coup, pending on which side you were on, was tense. I still don’t understand how it ended without any deaths.”

Athame has a watery stare. She had quickly bonded with the university fan base in Drochry and the home derby against the Rovers was a turning point for them. The match came in the weekend after the election, which had led to the violent but swift takeover by an NUP supported army force. The NUP stood strong in the western region of Arghailgh and in Clachonoch, over one in two voters supported Dalving. Drochry, on the other hand, contrasted to the electoral map of the region. Its young, left-wing vote base stood out.

“Things were tense before the game with chants and such but till the break, things looked ok. But after the nil-one, the Rovers fans got mouthy and ours got rowdy. At that point, our guys started singing ‘I bow for no king but Steve’ and well…”

Despite the game being in full swing, armed troops invaded Half-Price Park. It remains unclear to this moment whether they were regular riot police or reinforced with the troops that forced the takeover on election day. With brute power, various key members of the Drochry supporters were taken and carried off. Those who refused were straightened with the truncheon.

“I don’t know how we ended that game. I remember getting a free throw on that side and watching the riots. Coach Wilson said afterwards that if we had stopped playing that it would have been a bloodbath. But it felt surreal. I was just stunned after the final whistle. Even the Rovers players did not celebrate, I remember.”

The documentary shows a rippled flag in the Drochry stadium that commemorates the ‘Battle of Half-Price Park’ to this very day. Various fans remained imprisoned without a clear crime. Even if all present are aware that things could have gotten even more awry, it did set wheels in motion.

"In general, I was against trying to mix sports and politics. It was not the most stable of times in my native Brenecia either back then and as a sportsperson, you want to focus on your career. But… It is not 'just' politics. It affects everyone around you. Everyone was in shock. Many guys in our squad were from Drochry, a few even had studied with some of those arrested. It all froze in time."

A quick clip from the subsequent game underpins the statement of Caulker. After the break, the Academic eleven simply collapsed and get overrun by FC Waalterzee. The last goal, which sees Wymeersch go on goal alone, with no one having the heart left to chase him, is emblematic.

"We were four or five points away from survival but more importantly, mentally rock-bottom. Few of us looked forth to continuing the season. The next home game… Was tense."

Images of the opening half in which a dominant Fallwich United runs away to a three-goal lead. The visitors, surprisingly still in the mix for the title, look as if the points are won in a silent University Ground.

"Wilson was one of those half-time-speech coaches. Just a good old ten minute rant after which you just went out and gave it all: the best way to avoid another earful. But that time he just said 'if we go down, we will let them bastards win. So if we go down, it will only be after we fought till our last breath'. A bit dramatic in hindsight but everyone in that dressing room knew who the bastards were. Not Fallwich, no. So, two minutes later, Fraser makes another one of his typical goals from within the box and the crowd awakens."

The dark ochre seems to vibrate on the screen now, it vibrates in the stands and it vibrates on the pitch. One corner, two corners and on the third one, Caulker takes a few steps back where everyone else jumps to the ball. It falls for her left one and…

"I think I never have scored with left, before or after. But there, I hit it on the sweetspot. Lian Liddell turned it into a draw a bit later. We were still in danger, but we were not out of the league yet. And more importantly, Drochry breathed again."

The documentary ends on a silent fragment. Athame Caulker stands on the grass of University Ground, watching the commemoration banner. A picture fades in, showing her scrambling for a ball for a throw-in when behind her riot police rush up the stairs. It's grim and gray, but then the Brenecian right-back turns and we face the goalmouth. Again, images of last week and two decades ago get blended, but now with her crucial goal against Fallwich. A smile appears on her face.

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 25-27

Week 25
Drochry Academic 1–2 Vereniging Huftstad
Fallwich United 0–2 Sielhafen 1. FC
FC Waalterzee 0–1 Lydholm Forened
Clachonoch Rovers 0–0 SK Sandfjell
Norreborg 59 1–0 Cercle Terranville
FF Stennköping 2–3 Sporting Noordeinde
Draiewikum Boys 0–0 Bryn Boldklub
Sandfjell Fotball 3–2 Crester Wanderers

Week 26
Vereniging Huftstad 0–1 Sandfjell Fotball
Crester Wanderers 0–0 Draiewikum Boys
Bryn Boldklub 1–1 FF Stennköping
Sporting Noordeinde 2–3 Norreborg 59
Cercle Terranville 1–2 Clachonoch Rovers
SK Sandfjell 1–1 FC Waalterzee
Lydholm Forened 1–0 Fallwich United
Sielhafen 1. FC 1–1 Drochry Academic

Week 27
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–1 Vereniging Huftstad
Drochry Academic 2–2 Lydholm Forened
Fallwich United 0–1 SK Sandfjell
FC Waalterzee 1–0 Cercle Terranville
Clachonoch Rovers 0–3 Sporting Noordeinde
Norreborg 59 1–0 Bryn Boldklub
FF Stennköping 3–1 Crester Wanderers
Draiewikum Boys 0–2 Sandfjell Fotball

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sandfjell Fotball            27   15   7   5    47   34  +13    52
 2 Sporting Noordeinde          27   14   9   4    45   30  +15    51
 3 Sielhafen 1. FC              27   13   6   8    41   30  +11    45
 4 Lydholm Forened              27   12   9   6    27   19   +8    45
 5 Norreborg 59                 27   12   7   8    44   38   +6    43
 6 Fallwich United              27   13   3  11    35   27   +8    42
 7 FC Waalterzee                27   11   7   9    35   31   +4    40
 8 SK Sandfjell                 27    9   9   9    26   25   +1    36
 9 Crester Wanderers            27    9   7  11    27   30   −3    34
10 FF Stennköping               27    8   9  10    39   45   −6    33
11 Draiewikum Boys              27    8   8  11    28   27   +1    32
12 Clachonoch Rovers            27    8   6  13    27   33   −6    30
13 Vereniging Huftstad          27    8   6  13    26   38  −12    30
14 Cercle Terranville           27    7   7  13    19   27   −8    28
15 Drochry Academic             27    5   9  13    36   55  −19    24
16 Bryn Boldklub                27    3  13  11    13   26  −13    22

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

“I remember entering the dressing room and hesitating for a second. It felt as if I had entered the U21 side of the complex. I could not recall seeing that much acne in a single place.”

It is always difficult to tell whether Lorena Collyer, the Cassadaiguan defender of Sandfjell Fotball, one hundred percent means it or if it is her deadpan delivery. There is a stern side to Collyer and a training suit that shouts ‘coach’ to the casual onlooker, but also a softness in her glance. If you would pass her by in person, there is little that would make you turn heads but in this context, there is a certain authority to her.

“When I signed up, there was a plan to become national champion. By the time my plane landed, it was utter chaos. I remember that Roger, as in Roger Belten, goalkeeper and captain, picked me up from the airport amid apologies. He had been the only one at the club that remembered that I arrived that day. But of course, once I knew what was on, apologies were not needed at all.”

It is bizarre how modern television journal studios can look completely outdated in just one generation’s time. The video clip on the circumstances of the last day of the transfer period as such gives one a slight chuckle at first, but only for a second. It reports on the cardiac arrest of Harm de Weerd. The manager of Sandfjell Fotball made a recovery but never returned to his position. Images of the grayish man, surrounded by energetic youth players, seem corny at first but are a confirmation of his stature as the man who built the lauded academy at the club: a strong pyramid of which a new wave was hitting the first team, but without their trusted leader.

"My skepticism waned on the first training. It was all chaos but you could see the technical depth in the roster. Players like Carstensen, Bjerkness, the Mohr brothers, Pikdal: the speed of execution among them was impeccable. I was used to being in the bottom half for skills at Brattleboro, but with these kids, that was something special."

Clips show how the season gets kicked off without any sort of hesitation. A fast combination against Sporting Cabo in the Challengers Cup which sees Carstensen deliver a perfect cross on Till Myrrheim. A ballsy progression of Bjerkness who dodges three or four outstretched legs against Sielhafen, before handing the reigning champion a home defeat with a successful shot. A cheeky dribble-in-two-attempts by Elias Mohr. Amidst that Collyer appears, pointing, waving, shouting. Organizing the line to force a slim but meaningful win over Noordende.

Standing out, almost, in her way.

"The funny thing is that people tend to say I learned those kids the ropes those days. In a way, that makes sense. Our system was modern, energetic and fluid, such a thing looks frivolous but requires a lot of discipline and coordination to maintain. But I was learning at the same rate as those kids: other things but still. That year I discovered that management could be a thing for me. Still, we were all novices."

One can see images of a difficult confrontation with Huftstad, with increasingly difficult attempts to break a deadlock against a stubborn adversary. Hesitation from Collyer and Stavseth. Panicky waving by Tinne Sollvoll, the freshly graduated head coach.

"She was a talent back then, another one in our dressing room. And as every talent has on the next step, one with growing pains. If things went south, she struggled to keep it together."

A difficult night against the always stubborn Cercle shows Sollvoll waving her arms in despair as the Reds find no hole. Collyer, in her turn, sees the glaring openings in the line-up and as Lavalée gets sent through alone, the Cassadaiguan takes her down. A red card follows swiftly and as Collyer walks off, a short but fiery discussion ignites.

"What she yelled? Haha, 'what did you do' and I blurted 'save your ass'. Oh lord, she exploded. She always wanted to be smarter than an opponent, more daring but in the process, it risked stretching us. Our defense often nearly drowned. I had two or three of those cases and one paper started naming me ‘Plays on the Border Collyer’. I was lucky to have Vestby beside me, and Pellenaars, one of those guys that somehow never won a call-up despite deserving it. Then again, our midfield thrived and the results did not lie."

The montage shows a series of victories in quick succession, more often than not through a Myrrheim goal. The fabled striker had by then reached the point in his career where another 20+ goal season was seen as evident. One of the most beautiful ones was an acrobatic one-touch score on a free kick against Draiewikum, which ensured that Sandfjell entered the final bit of the competition in the leader position.

"We had been in or near the lead all season long. There was never really a gap on Fallwich or Noordende, so the ambitions remained in check: an IFCF spot and 'as high as possible'. But then came the 'Shoelace Game'."

The highlight report of the infamous confrontation between Sandfjell and Sporting Noordende gets shown in full and it is a thrilling encounter. Noordende takes the lead through Williams but Myrrheim and Stavsand ensure that the home squad goes into half-time with a lead. After the break, the Royals regain control as Brymsaeter whips in a cross that lands next to Belten. The 2-3 followed seconds later, a great effort by Pieter Valentijn.

“The Royals were the complete reverse of us. A highly disciplined system with an experienced line-up that was ruthless when required. On the bench a coach with decades under his belt, who never seemed to stand up during games. But to our advantage, everyone outside of Noordende was rooting for us. ‘My second-favorite team is whoever plays Noordende’ became even more true when it surfaced that they, the Royals, obviously were King Harold’s preferred team. Relenting was not an option.”

Tinne Sollvoll does what is within the possibilities of the selection, throwing in three new forces with an average age of twenty. There is pressure, there are corners and on one of those, Lorena Collyer gets her head: in the right spot at the right time. With time running out, the camera focuses on Simon Carstensen. Or more specifically, his shoe. He sits near the midfield circle while the play goes on at the edge of the Noordende box. A zoom shows that his laces are in tatters but with ample seconds left, Carstensen takes the longest string, simply binds it around the shoe and runs forward. What follows is not really textbook, but the stuff of fairytales. He runs up and finds a stray pass in his way. Without thinking, he hammers it with his left and it goes to the left-top corner, out of reach for Jarne Pelikaan.

“4-3. And the realization that Sandfjell Fotball could well be on their way to the title. We won a few games after and overtook the Royals to first… And in the dressing room, we started to believe.”

[Cap Nord]

WEEK 28-30

Week 28
Vereniging Huftstad 0–0 Draiewikum Boys
Sandfjell Fotball 0–0 FF Stennköping
Crester Wanderers 0–2 Norreborg 59
Bryn Boldklub 0–3 Clachonoch Rovers
Sporting Noordeinde 1–0 FC Waalterzee
Cercle Terranville 0–2 Fallwich United
SK Sandfjell 2–3 Drochry Academic
Lydholm Forened 0–1 Sielhafen 1. FC

Week 29
Lydholm Forened 0–1 Vereniging Huftstad
Sielhafen 1. FC 2–1 SK Sandfjell
Drochry Academic 1–0 Cercle Terranville
Fallwich United 2–1 Sporting Noordeinde
FC Waalterzee 0–1 Bryn Boldklub
Clachonoch Rovers 0–1 Crester Wanderers
Norreborg 59 2–1 Sandfjell Fotball
FF Stennköping 0–0 Draiewikum Boys

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sporting Noordeinde          29   15   9   5    47   32  +15    54
 2 Sandfjell Fotball            29   15   8   6    48   36  +12    53
 3 Sielhafen 1. FC              29   15   6   8    44   31  +13    51
 4 Norreborg 59                 29   14   7   8    48   39   +9    49
 5 Fallwich United              29   15   3  11    39   28  +11    48
 6 Lydholm Forened              29   12   9   8    27   21   +6    45
 7 FC Waalterzee                29   11   7  11    35   33   +2    40
 8 Crester Wanderers            29   10   7  12    28   32   −4    37
 9 SK Sandfjell                 29    9   9  11    29   30   −1    36
10 FF Stennköping               29    8  11  10    39   45   −6    35
11 Draiewikum Boys              29    8  10  11    28   27   +1    34
12 Vereniging Huftstad          29    9   7  13    27   38  −11    34
13 Clachonoch Rovers            29    9   6  14    30   34   −4    33
14 Drochry Academic             29    7   9  13    40   57  −17    30
15 Cercle Terranville           29    7   7  15    19   30  −11    28
16 Bryn Boldklub                29    4  13  12    14   29  −15    25

You are presented with bits from ‘Johnny Foreigner’, a documentary that was made twenty years after this particular season. It focuses on the fact that this was the first season in which ten non-Capnordic football players were employed in the Premier Division and documents their discovery of Cap Nord and its football culture.

It is a pensive Charles Terzaghi who sits in the interview chair. As is not unusual with creative types who hung up their cleats, he has added quite a few pounds since retirement. The grizzly beard and the checkered shirt give him a healthy, outdoorsy look. Little reminds one of the Tikarotian technician who arrived on the Capnordic shores, filled with disappointment. His first reply is one with a certain subtext.

“What convinced me? That they wanted me, I think. Herbert van Schravenswijk had traveled to Rushmore to meet me, rather than me visiting the premises. ‘Noordende must win the title next year. And if you can forget everything you know about football as you play it now, you will be a pivotal player in that.’ Well, that was a conversation starter.”

A picture of the to-the-point Sporting manager passes by. Although he was just in his fifties, there were already deep grooves in his face and the feeble remainder of a haircut stood staunchly in the wind. Few players enjoyed working with van Schravenswijk and those averse to hard labor would slander his legacy when he disappeared from the scene to live like a hermit in the Blealach Hills. But he was a known craftsman for whom ‘excellent’ was just enough, stubborn internally and disinterested to the press. In silver letters, his quote, ‘I’m a manager, not some television whore’ appears.

“I came off some frustrating seasons in Vantanoch. Season after season, more expensive players barred my path and even if I stood well with the fans as a rare local youth player, I never caught a break. And then Vantanoch FC dropped a tier and I got seen as some heavy contract they needed to shed.”

A few clips of Terzaghi in the black-and-red shirt of the Hawks. Some splendid dribbles but also a few near misses summarize his time at Knightsbridge Park.

“For years, it always had been the same riddle, good player but he should find his scoring touch. Van Schravenswijk explained that he did not need a scorer: he had plenty of that hanging around with Williams, Van Dijcke and Valentijn. He wanted someone in the build-up but not a traditional number ten. A 4–1-4-1 that would see me use my speed and technique in the pockets. It was the first time a coach told me about my strengths and how he would fit the team around it, rather than mentioning what I should improve to match the system.”

Images of an early-season game, probably against Draiewikum based on the shirts. Terzaghi darts past two opponents but finds no one in the box and decides for a hasty shot. Another fast move, a dribble, another one but it leads to nothing. The Tikariotian oozes energy, but little efficiency.

“Our start was good and decent but I was still finding my feet. It was like… Like my hard disk had been cleared and now I needed to be reprogrammed. And I got confronted with the other side of the medal. Anything but a win was a defeat, was a crisis. You did not ‘aim for the title’ in Noordende, it was the anticipated minimum. Two seasons without silverware had made everyone itchy. And if you had a price tag to your name, there was no room for mistakes.”

A clip from the opener of the second half of the season. As Eberhardt Beirer scores the decisive 4-2, one can spot various players sinking to their knees. As Der Erste celebrates, a lashing choir of whistles buries the Sporting eleven. Painful statistics fly to the screen, the harshest one being recording only seven wins in the first eighteen confrontations: subpar.

“We were close to cracking at times but Van Schravenswijk insisted that we were on the right road, even when his job was at risk. And we stood by it. The more people insisted we did not suffice, the more supporters of other clubs rejoiced in our struggle, the closer the dressing room got. It had natural leaders such as Williams and van Hilvaren and it all gelled.”

The documentary takes us to a visit to FF Stennköping, who were clawing themselves up the ranks like a wounded animal. An early red for Pelikaan and a 2-0 for the Hingstarna seemed to spell doom but the script got flipped. Like clockwork, three goals rolled off the belt and in each, Charles Terzaghi played his part, speeding up the game at will and attracting defenders like a black hole to allow others to score.

“No team improved like us…”

A confirmation from the always difficult confrontation with FC Waalterzee. A stubborn opponent, but Terzaghi and Janine Velthof doublepass their way to triumph.

“Until the Fallwich game. The title seemed on our fingertips already, we dominated and took the lead. I still remember the bench shouting we were twenty minutes away from the champagne and doubled our efforts. But Le Vallez had one of his days and we had not. Add to that a howler by Pelikaan and… 2-1. It was not meant to be.”

A snappy graphic shows how three teams still could lay a claim to the title with ninety minutes left. The three expected names, each with their own trajectory. Sporting Noordende, the favorites with the pressure mounting with every fleeting second. Sandfjell Fotball, the attractive youngsters who were moving into uncharted territory. And, against all odds, Sielhafen 1.FC. The reigning champion missed their start completely and were already six points behind after six games. Throughout the season, they had never been near the top two but on the brink of the finale, Scharf, Veensma and Marzinn pushed Der Erste back in the battle, even if their chances were slim.

“Point in case was that Sielhafen had the easier opponent. Cercle Terranville had not won in five, since Vandervelde got injured, and needed to win to stay up. Everyone knew that if they were forced to attack, they lost half their strength. Our game was in front of our own crowd against the number fourteen, but Drochry wanted points to ensure their stay and were hyper motivated. After all, we were the Royals… Pressure can only mount that far.”

Snippets of tabloids fill the screen. ‘WILLIAMS GOES WILD’. ‘ROHAN RUINS TITLE CHANCES’. ‘ROYAL REBEL’.

“Apparently, Rohan Williams had tried to negotiate his departure with the board. Up until that point, the FA had been holding off on that option for Capnordic players.”

A technical intermezzo starts, supported with a fun infographic. Lawyers had already discovered that it could be possible to move for free agents, but that required one to part ways with the total football pyramid. For the good players, that was not an option as no team would let them go without a transfer sum. But Williams had been trying to find a backdoor, which practically meant a transfer outside of the auspices of the FA. Only problem, it required Sporting to sign papers that made the money only flow back to them if he found a club abroad. If a domestic team signed him, they would have just given away their key man.

“We did not know about any of that until he did not show up for training on Tuesday. And not on Wednesday. Van Schravenswijk was furious as the whole story leaked to the press. Hearsay has it that there were intense negotiations in the evening between Williams and the board. What they eventually landed on, I never knew, but on Thursday he was back, with apologies. Only problem was, Van Schravenswijk had not been informed. I have never seen a coach scold a player for ten minutes, ten literal, agonizingly long minutes straight.”

A small chuckle from the lips of Terzaghi.

“I am quite sure Van Schravenswijk did not use the same swear twice in his litany. I learned something new that day. Either way, he finished by saying that Williams had to go sit in the showers. To us he said, ‘have a vote if you want him in or out and let me know’. And then he walked away. I still remember the awkward silence as his steps faded. And just as they were gone, there was a squeaky voice from the showers. ‘Guys? Guys? I will pay for the whole title celebration party if I can play.’ As they say, the rest is history.”

The title match had it all: unrelenting pressure from the Royals on Academic, a siege on the goal of McCullough and eventually the opening goal by… Rohan Williams. The superstar of Capnordic football whipped it in from the edge of the box. Drochry tried to change the result but with the crowds already singing (as Sandfjell buckled under the pressure at home), the home side finds a fast counter: Brymsaeter over the wing, Valentijn heading the cross back to Charles Terzaghi and the Tikariotian scoring the 49th and final goal of the Sporting Noordende title season.

Week 30
Vereniging Huftstad 0–2 FF Stennköping
Draiewikum Boys 1–0 Norreborg 59
Sandfjell Fotball 0–2 Clachonoch Rovers
Crester Wanderers 1–3 FC Waalterzee
Bryn Boldklub 1–1 Fallwich United
Sporting Noordeinde 2–0 Drochry Academic
Cercle Terranville 0–1 Sielhafen 1. FC
SK Sandfjell 1–2 Lydholm Forened

   Mobile U Premier Division   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Sporting Noordeinde          30   16   9   5    49   32  +17    57  CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
 2 Sielhafen 1. FC              30   16   6   8    45   31  +14    54  CHALLENGERS CUP
 3 Sandfjell Fotball            30   15   8   7    48   38  +10    53  CHALLENGERS CUP
 4 Fallwich United              30   15   4  11    40   29  +11    49  CHALLENGERS CUP
 5 Norreborg 59                 30   14   7   9    48   40   +8    49
 6 Lydholm Forened              30   13   9   8    29   22   +7    48
 7 FC Waalterzee                30   12   7  11    38   34   +4    43
 8 FF Stennköping               30    9  11  10    41   45   −4    38
 9 Draiewikum Boys              30    9  10  11    29   27   +2    37
10 Crester Wanderers            30   10   7  13    29   35   −6    37
11 Clachonoch Rovers            30   10   6  14    32   34   −2    36
12 SK Sandfjell                 30    9   9  12    30   32   −2    36
13 Vereniging Huftstad          30    9   7  14    27   40  −13    34
14 Drochry Academic             30    7   9  14    40   59  −19    30
15 Cercle Terranville           30    7   7  16    19   31  −12    28  RELEGATED
16 Bryn Boldklub                30    4  14  12    15   30  −15    26  RELEGATED

[Cap Nord]

Review of Capnordic Rugby Season 2023

A special season, one for the history books, as the 2023 season marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first nationwide trophy in the sport. Even if the Top Championship only exists for fourteen seasons, it does not doubt to consider the exploits in its predecessors as part of its history. Initially, there was only the National Trophy, a staggered cup competition which formed the recipe for upsets. In 1995, the three regional competitions were merged into the National Championships. Even if the latter changed formats various times throughout its existence, it remained a double-round robin competition aiming to crown the strongest across the year.

And this season, that strongest of all was Valognes Athletique who triumph back-to-back. A rarity in Capnordic rugby as it has not been achieved in seventeen years. With their tenth trophy on the mantle, there is no doubt that ‘Athlé’ aims for the unprecedented threepeat which would mark this generation as potentially the greatest ever witnessed on our domestic rugby fields.Players such as Xavier Maës, Hamadi Ahchour and Valentin Fleurier have pushed this selection to new heights. Within the Top Championship, Valognes is now unbeaten for fourteen consecutive home games, an unbelievable figure in such a close competition.

Second in the final table, scoring their best result in a decade, is the young selection of Braelowan Warriors. When you ask anyone around town, 22-year old scrum-half Kieran Jones is the best thing since sliced bread. And up close are, evidently one would almost say, eternal candidates Drochry and Crester. The Corinthians, one of the oldest clubs in the country and the oldest one represented in the professional pyramid, have not been outside the top three in the last five years and look on their way for silverware. And Crester Tigers only have been founded at the turn of the millennium, but have reinvented their franchise after the ‘17 title with eager players such as Sam Jeffers and Kalifa Diedhiou. At the bottom of the table, Melundhavn leaves the top tier after three difficult seasons. They are surprisingly replaced by Noordende Vereeniging who escape the bottom competition for the first time in their existence.

National Trophy                1974 Fallwich XV               
                               1975 Fraternité Isbècque 
                               1976 Esprit de Valognes        I      
                               1977 Crester RUFC              
                               1978 Drochry Corinthians       
                               1979 Fallwich XV               II
                               1980 Crester RUFC              II
                               1981 Fraternité Isbècque       
                               1982 Association Moringhoise   
                               1983 Fraternité Isbècque       
                               1984 Association Moringhoise   
                               1985 Drochry Corinthians       
                               1986 Fraternité Isbècque       IV
                               1987 CR Brouai                 
                               1988 Lochkanear Country        I
                               1989 Gleburgh Ruggers          I
                               1990 Valognes Athletique       
                               1991 Drochry Corinthians       
                               1992 Old Clachonoch            
                               1993 Olympique Carbécourt      I
                               1994 Valognes Athletique       
National Championships         1995 Old Clachonoch            
                               1996 Old Clachonoch            III
                               1997 CR Brouai                 
                               1998 Valognes Athletique       
                               1999 Association Moringhoise   III   
                               2000 Valognes Athletique
                               2001 Barnuff Royalty           I
                               2002 Valognes Athletique
                               2003 Valognes Athletique
                               2004 Fallwich Falcons          I
                               2005 Crester Tigers
                               2006 Crester Tigers
                               2007 Stade Isbècque
                               2008 Stennköping RK            
                               2009 Stade Isbècque
Top Championship               2010 CR Brouai
                               2011 Stennköping RK            II
                               2012 Braelowan Warriors        I
                               2013 Drochry Corinthians
                               2014 Valognes Athletique
                               2015 CR Brouai
                               2016 Stade Isbècque
                               2017 Crester Tigers            III
                               2018 CR Brouai                 V 
                               2019 Valognes Athletique
                               2020 Stade Isbècque            IV
                               2021 Drochry Corinthians       V
                               2022 Valognes Athletique
                               2023 Valognes Athletique       X

Polar Gin Top Championship     Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts
 1 Valognes Athletique          18   12   0   6   262  163  +99    60    —    17–6   21–9    9–0   15–14  24–10  30–6   24–0   25–10  21–5
 2 Braelowan Warriors           18   11   0   7   268  266   +2    55  20–5     —    18–6   13–15  22–14  10–6   32–17  23–3   10–7   10–3
 3 Drochry Corinthians          18   10   1   7   285  227  +58    52  10–6   16–31    —     9–0   26–17   3–5   13–10  24–6   21–9   13–0
 4 Crester Tigers               18   10   1   7   233  214  +19    52  12–3   25–13   5–26    —    18–18  18–9   21–0   20–17  12–6   29–17
 5 Newton Ramblers              18    8   3   7   206  164  +42    46   6–10  22–0    6–6    7–3     —    12–13  16–0   18–3   13–13  19–3
 6 Stade Isbècque               18    9   0   9   221  212   +9    45  15–11  29–10  13–8   19–24  13–0     —     0–12   0–3   23–17  23–3
 7 Barnuff Royalty              18    8   0  10   253  266  −13    40  18–17  50–0   24–35  10–5    3–10   0–11    —    15–10  16–10  27–0
 8 Sielhafen Pirates            18    7   0  11   180  278  −98    35   3–7    3–23  23–21  17–13   3–6   27–13   6–15    —    27–20  13–3
 9 CR Brouai                    18    6   1  11   233  285  −52    32   3–14  21–17  27–24   0–10  10–0   12–7   22–20  11–13    —    14–10
10 Melundhavn 66                18    6   0  12   188  254  −66    30  16–3    7–10   6–15  21–3    3–8   18–12  28–10  22–3   23–21    —    RELEGATED


Landbrukkredit Second Series     Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts
 1 Noordende Vereeniging          18   15   0   3   295  201  +94    75    —    22–14  26–10  22–12  18–10  14–6   19–18  13–10  25–10  24–7   PROMOTED
 2 Fallwich Falcons               18   12   0   6   281  197  +84    60   0–8     —    10–0    9–20  19–0   18–14  29–8   19–17   6–7   25–7
 3 Bellworth Danger               18   10   1   7   276  219  +57    52  19–21   8–11    —    36–0   34–27  20–5   15–10  17–6   16–10   8–10
 4 Stennköping RK                 18    9   2   7   192  219  −27    49   3–20   3–8   17–12    —    18–10  10–31  17–11  10–14  17–6   16–9
 5 Olympique Carbécourt           18    8   1   9   210  181  +29    42  22–0   14–17  23–7    0–0     —     3–5   17–0    8–3   13–0    3–10
 6 Lochkanear Country             18    8   0  10   245  213  +32    40   3–10  21–26  10–13  16–6   15–6     —     8–5   14–21  15–3   14–15
 7 Association Moringhoise        18    7   0  11   205  243  −38    35  13–3   18–9    0–6    6–13  10–6   20–15    —    20–26  17–5   19–8
 8 Deux-Marches Académie          18    6   2  10   258  259   −1    34  12–13  12–5   10–11   0–0   19–25  10–6   23–25    —    24–24   3–24
 9 Old Clachonoch                 18    5   2  11   192  299 −107    29  23–20   8–33   7–28   6–19   3–6   13–28  17–5   17–10    —    19–3
10 Bryn Blackshirts               18    5   2  11   163  286 −123    29   9–17  10–23  16–16   3–11   3–17   0–19   7–0    8–38  14–14    —

[Cap Nord]

Review of Capnordic Handball Season 2023

With the renaming of HC Valognes to ExtraGas Valognes, every handball club in the professional competition is now known by the name of their main sponsor. It has been a fast transition for the last nine years, since SendBank gained the approval to highlight their investment in the Stennköping team and other companies followed suit. As a result, the lineage of clubs looks far more shaky than it should (even if the old names are more often than not kept as a nickname) as some teams switch sponsors every few years. But it does provide us with a fine overview of the Capnordic companies that invest in handball.

• AquaLive Norreborg - A new name on the shirts and leaflets but not on the books. Entertainment group BeLive passes on the torch of the main sponsorship from their zoo AnimalLive to their water and fun park in Hilking. BeLive is a conglomerate with two zoo’s, some entertainment parks, a casino and, due to a recent misunderstanding, a series of morgues. Whether the latter suits the company guideline ‘Fun from zero till hundred’ is up to the eye of the beholder but it suits eccentric owner and millionaire Jesper Luvand. The latter is highly visible in talk shows due to his hot takes and has mentioned that he is interested in expanding his interest in the sporting world: the sponsorship of Norreborg is solely a nice gesture to his niece who plays in their line-up.
  
• Akra Swamund - It is difficult to separate the sleepy town in Feldburg from the looming power plant that gives a rather unscenic panorama to an otherwise charming place. Still, it does provide jobs and economic activity. One of the companies that grew under the shadow of the tower and due to the presence of an above-average number of physicists is Akra, a snappy shorthand for AtomKRAft. The company, which focuses on the house applications of nuclear power mainly seems into it from an angle of recruitment but as they enter their third year of sponsorship, that seems to suffice. The cleverly named, ‘Upup ‘n’ Atom' is one of the most popular mascots in the competition.
  
• BasicPhone Huftstad - In a city where connections are the most important thing of all, it makes sense to have a telecommunications company as a namesake. When the market got privatized, it was to the expense of the customers. BasicPhone stepped in recently as a competitor, offering the same complete lack of customer service but for a better price. It suits Huftstad, a place that was founded to serve as capital but never fully materialized and is now filled to the brim with liveless government buildings and ditto afterwork taverns. It is some penlickers dream that Huftstad can materialize a title in some sport, somewhere, and if they will, handball seems the most likely candidate.
  
• DV Trucking Melundhavn - As the name predicts, Melundhavn is a lively merchant town that suffered quite a bit when the shallow harbor no longer could service the increasingly large vessels. A blow to the strong tradition in transports and logistics held by the city. This position got regained through the build of the ‘C. Hessel International Cargo Airport’, which tends to get a surprising number of young party dudes despite being nowhere near a proper beach. DV Trucking, a family company which is the far offspring of an older merchant family in sail blubber, is one of the companies that grew through the airport and became a national player.
  
• ExtraGas Valognes - Cap Nord holds gas reserves, but they are relatively small and insufficient to service the whole nation. ExtraGas, the merger of ExtraEnergy and BezièreGas that should have been baptized BezièreEnergy, has always put its focus on the commercial route. Currently, they have reinforced their political position as they serve as the domestic partner for Koronavian LNG provider Leltza-Anersberg. However, the deal made the margins plummet for ExtraGas and was detrimental to their image. As such, it was deemed clever by the marcom guys to search for a few dimes left and push them in the already depleted budget to reinforce the Valognes team.
  
• GenPharm Vilholt - Vilholt is quite probably the smallest municipality to bolster a team in the national handball competition, but it earned its spot due to its vicinity to Lydholm. When the local university had to expand, lacking the grounds, it founded a new technology campus in nearby Vilholt which can be reached via a fast train connection of about fifteen minutes. Said campus in turn spawned a series of innovative companies which try to make Cap Nord a regional player on medical improvements. So far, with limited success. GenPharm, which does (or tries to do) exactly what the name says, is one of the frontrunners. Their most promising project is still in the pipeline, but the powerpoints looked good.
  
• GreenHorn Noordende - Not every company that sponsors a handball team is located in the same city as the team. GreenHorn, which has its HQ in the sleepy town of Berghoutem, nonetheless invests in the team from the capital and with reason: they only wanted to associate their name with success. With reason, as in less than two generations, GreenHorn grew from a small farmers family into the largest vegetable processing company of the country. The focus is on slicing and dicing but they recently started their own line of soups as well. As a consequence, the players will be guided to the floor by a six-feet beverage carton which hands out tomato soup bags to the crowd. Commercial.
  
• HelloCookie Sandfjell - Before you get your hopes up, this one will not be handing out bags of cookies to the spectators. Two years ago, the team was still called Hammarsvik Digital Technologies Sandfjell, a very unattractive mouthful. The same story was applicable for the company, which had its focus on web presence, SEO and other online consultancy actions but could use a better image. HDT redefined itself in the slightly juvenile HelloCookie but someone at marketing said it was genius for the branding. Changing the corporate logo to a chocolate chip one did lead to Sandfjell now sporting brown spotted outfits, a questionable fashion choice. Either way, HelloCookie is booming business, as is the Sandfjell team.
  
• Jane&Paul Crester - Crester, the only English-speaking team in the line-up will definitely not be competing for the title but at least they will be fashionable. Jane&Paul, still owned by the elderly couple of couturiers Jane and Paul Aldershield, has about thirty boutiques across the country which try to give modern, casual chic clothing for he and her. Their reputation held was ‘that place where your dad buys six shirts at once’ but recent innovations allowed them to redefine their target audience. One of the steps taken was sponsoring the handball team, in the Weshshire region of Crester considered as an ‘alternative’ and ‘niche’ choice. For J&P, the main motivation might have been that it is quite a bit cheaper than football.
  
• KLIC Gronring - There is something fishy about a company that both owns a team and the naming rights to the league and that sense of unfair favoritism has only grown now Gronring grew from an unrespected minnow into an unrespected challenger. Who knew that there was enough money to be won with rather cheap and low-quality furniture shops in which you can have a meal for just a few francs. The focus is on wood and metal with easily exchangeable components, hence the name, although that officially mimics Katharina Loveld Interior Creations. Either way, KLIC is one of the most recognisable brands in the country and that only grew with their sports marketing interests expanding.
  
• Link4 Lydholm - As has been mentioned before, Lydholm is a vibrant university city which has a young population and the company Link matches that image quite well. Initially a price brokering internet provider, they dived headfirst into the world of ‘internet of things’ and ‘virtual reality’. Expectations so far remain limited but Link’s ‘discovery labs’ are the first spots across the nation where you can try VR gaming. Everything in this niche has been funneled into their Link4 brand which still needs to make a name for itself: before they called it LinkMore but after the defenestration of once beloved but now disgraced tv presenter Eugene Linkmore, they wisely made the switch.
  
• MarziPanic Sielhafen - At last a company which people can enjoy in the stands! Marbo must be the most recognisable candy brand in Cap Nord, building upon the old Feldburger tradition of sweets. Their signature piece must be DockSide, a licorice based stick with a hefty anise taste which was seen as popular among sailors and dockers. For the past five seasons, Marbo has been connected with the Sielhafer club and each year, they switch the name to put a lesser known brand in the spotlights. This year, they go for MarziPanic. According to the marketeers, these are little marzipan cannon balls which will “make your taste buds go crazy”. Not sure if that is a good thing.
  
• Metallar Värnoberg - As the company is called VärnoMetal, this technically remains the sole squad not having the name of its sponsoring company or brand. But as a club called VärnoMetal Värnoberg is just too stupid, they stuck with the ‘franchise’ name that we already have met during our football coverage. Optimists call Värnoberg a city with a large metal company, realists admit it is a metal company with a few depressing worker’s burroughs built around it. As these are not the best of times for the industry, the sponsorship has been declining as has the public interest in the town. However, there is no other traceable economic activity in Värnoberg as far as is known, so it will have to do.
  
• SendBank Stennköping - Few sponsors are so omnipresent in sports sponsorship as financial behemoth Sendbank: the namesake (and financier) of the football stadium, owner of one of the most prestigious cycling teams and the company behind a handball club. Stepped in relatively late in the game as Stennköping used to have a powerful brand behind it (cinema tycoon SkoopSight) but the latter fell flat as viewing habits switched. One can reasonably expect Stennköping to rise through the ranks soon as SendBank is never in it for a bottom spot, but they are unlucky to be a part of the hardest regional tier. Still,a new stadium looks like a matter of years.
  
• Sneijder Bercht - From a mathematical point of view, Leindhjatten and Vilholt are smaller towns but the club that services the smallest market might be eternal minnow Bercht, a city that is easily overlooked. Usually for good reason, even if the city center is far more charming then it gets credit for. Fitting to the hardnosed, hard working mentality usually attached to people of the region, it is a local company that worked hard for its spot under the sun that associated themselves with the team. Sneijder is your one-stop shop for cutlery and has the full option, from basic stuff for daily use till exquisite sets for… Not sure. Exquisite food? Popular with restaurants and very proud to have been given a ‘royal warrant’.
  
• Spyro Skroya - Owned by notorious highflyer and air monger (watch where this one is going) Markus Nordenstam, Spyro started from a unique premise and a seemingly endless fund: this company is going to give you the resources for your very own personal wind turbine. Cap Nord is in fact known for the windy climate but running a windmill on your roof for private purposes still seems a ludicrous idea. For reasons beyond our understanding, Spyro remains in business and has enough on the side to sponsor the smaller Skroya side to above-mediocrity performances. A feelgood story that is bound to collapse but in the meantimes, the authentic outbursts from Nordenstam are incredibly entertaining.
  
• TimberCo Leindhjatten - TimberCo once started as a logging company but they have far surpassed their original market share. The second generation added a chipping place, the third one a paper company, the fourth one was a bit boring and the current, fifth generation of the Helmsmo family decided to give the demand side of their business an additional push by founding a publishing company. TimberCo now owns quite a few of the more popular magazines, including football storytelling publication Ausputzer. Quite an accomplishment for what remains a family company in small town Leindhjatten and about the same can be said about the local handball club.
  
• Zavelaar Draiewikum - If you want to get dirt-rich, it is not a bad idea to start with the dirt. Valerius van Quaade must own about eighty percent of the human waste removal trucks in the company and that gets you a long way. The man is slightly notorious for his strange and heavy right-wing statements in the press but as long as he slips the previously heavily underfunded Draiewikum side a paycheck, saving them from the impending collapse, it will be given the blind eye. It is quite clear for both sides what they get out of this one. It’s not attractive, it is business and once again, that reflects Zavelaar, your favorite shit remover (because it is the only in Cap Nord you know).

Opening Round

  KLIC Division East      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 MarziPanic Sielhafen     10    8   0   2   282  248  +34    16
2 KLIC Gronring            10    5   2   3   275  259  +16    12
3 Link4 Lydholm            10    5   2   3   267  261   +6    12
4 Akra Swamund             10    5   1   4   259  277  −18    11
5 GenPharm Vilholt         10    4   1   5   274  270   +4     9
6 AquaLive Norreborg       10    0   0  10   250  292  −42     0

  KLIC Division North     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 DV Trucking Melundhavn   10    8   0   2   283  243  +40    16
2 HelloCookie Sandfjell    10    8   0   2   273  238  +35    16
3 Spyro Skroya             10    5   2   3   274  265   +9    12
4 TimberCo Leindhjatten    10    3   1   6   255  273  −18     7
5 SendBank Stennköping     10    3   0   7   248  274  −26     6
6 Metallar Värnoberg       10    1   1   8   259  299  −40     3

  KLIC Division West      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 GreenHorn Noordende      10    6   2   2   267  262   +5    14
2 BasicPhone Huftstad      10    6   1   3   273  239  +34    13
3 Sneijder Bercht          10    5   2   3   256  251   +5    12
4 Jane&Paul Crester        10    5   1   4   261  267   −6    11
5 Zavelaar Draiewikum      10    2   1   7   255  264   −9     5
6 ExtraGas Valognes        10    1   3   6   249  278  −29     5


Final Round

  KLIC Top Tier           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 DV Trucking Melundhavn   10    7   0   3   285  254  +31    14
2 HelloCookie Sandfjell    10    6   0   4   273  259  +14    12
3 GreenHorn Noordende      10    6   0   4   270  263   +7    12
4 MarziPanic Sielhafen     10    4   1   5   273  256  +17     9
5 BasicPhone Huftstad      10    3   2   5   258  272  −14     8
6 KLIC Gronring            10    2   1   7   241  296  −55     5

  KLIC Second Tier        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Spyro Skroya             10    8   1   1   287  246  +41    17
2 TimberCo Leindhjatten    10    5   1   4   257  266   −9    11
3 Sneijder Bercht          10    5   0   5   254  252   +2    10
4 Akra Swamund             10    3   3   4   259  266   −7     9
5 Jane&Paul Crester        10    3   1   6   262  284  −22     7
6 Link4 Lydholm            10    3   0   7   250  255   −5     6

  KLIC Third Tier         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Metallar Värnoberg       10    6   2   2   266  259   +7    14
2 SendBank Stennköping     10    5   2   3   270  255  +15    12
3 Zavelaar Draiewikum      10    5   0   5   271  260  +11    10
4 ExtraGas Valognes        10    4   1   5   273  275   −2     9
5 GenPharm Vilholt         10    3   3   4   262  272  −10     9
6 AquaLive Norreborg       10    3   0   7   264  285  −21     6

[Cap Nord]

Review of Capnordic Athletics Season 2023

Track Series Meeting Winners

01 Melundhavn Opening Meeting       Tiggland Tigers
02 Carbécourt Classic               South Fronterre Collies
03 Bryn Meeting                     Tiggland Tigers
04 Gunsjo Trophy                    West Waaldergouw Walruses
05 Sandfjell Meeting                Arghailgh Aces
06 Barnuff Trophy                   Hoggesann Bobcats
07 Newton Meeting                   Tiggland Tigers
08 Leijendorp Open                  North Fronterre Falcons
09 Summer Classic Isbècque          South Fronterre Collies
10 Halwert Meeting                  Weshshire Wildcats
11 National Meeting Skjerm          North Vennermark Vikings
12 Waalterzee Classic               Tiggland Tigers
13 Autumn Trophy Ringskar           South Fronterre Collies
14 Geusden Meeting                  Arghailgh Aces
15 Season Final Crester             Tiggland Tigers
16 Season Final Sielhafen           Arghailgh Aces

Overall Result

1  Tiggland Tigers
2  Arghailgh Aces
3  West Waaldergouw Walruses
4  South Fronterre Collies
5  Feldberg Lions

Athletes of the Season

Male                      Female
1  Peter Donnelly         1  Marieke Ammerlaan
2  Henning Pedersen       2  Fatma Hicheh
3  Pier Dhaemers          3  Ines Gerge
4  Anker Kramer           4  Alene Simard
5  William de Hoog        5  Aileen Thomson

Event Winners

Event        Track Series Winner        Track Series Best                  National Record
M 100m       Emmerick Pagineau          09 Emmerick Pagineau      10.07    Didier Bamba (‘17)          9.97
M 200m       Sven Lemmens               15 Peter Donnelly         20.34    Didier Bamba (‘18)         20.06
M 400m       Peter Donnelly             10 Peter Donnelly         44.86    Peter Donnelly (‘23)       44.86
M 800m       Siebe Marsman              16 Klas Toftsig         1:45.27    Per Akesson (‘11)        1:44.03
M 1500m      Anker Kramer               12 Anker Kramer         3:34.19    Anker Kramer (‘22)       3:34.01
M Steeple    Rachid El Khannour         11 Johny Moran          8:29.56    Edvald Karbo (‘15)       8:17.87
M 5000m      Henning Pedersen           16 Henning Pedersen    13:21.68    Henning Pedersen (‘23)  13:21.68 
M 10000m     Henning Pedersen           05 Henning Pedersen    27:41.19    Paul van Dam (‘08)      27:36.55
M 4x100m     South Fronterre Collies    16 South Fr. Collies      38.79    Feldberg Lions (‘15)       38.28
M 4x400m     Arghailgh Aces             15 Arghailgh Aces       3:00.40    Weshshire Wildcats (‘21) 2:59.62
M 110mh      Horst Olger Liison         07 Stefan Mollke          13.21    Holger Liison (‘21)        13.16
M 400mh      Pier Dhaemers              14 Pier Dhaemers          48.19    Pier Dhaemers (‘23)        48.19
M Long Jump  Kenisa Bwalya              13 Kenisa Bwalya           8m04    Edouard Valtier (‘02)       8m29
M High Jump  Yves Verdun                11 Yves Verdun             2m23    Tobias Dender (‘12)         2m30
M Triple     Sammi Chedra               16 Joen Larsen            17m06    Joen Larsen (‘23)          17m06
M Pole V     Sebastian Meyers           03 Sebastian Meyers        5m70    Sebastian Meyers (‘20)      5m87
M Shot Put   Erik Olsson                15 Erik Olsson            20m08    Elmo Olsson (‘19)          20m54
M Discus     Phineas Barthy             12 Phineas Barthy         62m15    Jean-Jacques Molly (‘88)   68m80
M Hammer     William de Hoog            15 William de Hoog        74m15    Sven Johannson (‘16)       77m03
M Javelin    Hendrik Busch              14 Marc Schwandt          86m54    Hendrik Busch (‘21)        87m18

W 100m       Marieke Ammerlaan          16 Marieke Ammerlaan      11.08    Claudia Holtz (‘13)        10.99
W 200m       Marieke Ammerlaan          05 Marieke Ammerlaan      22.16    Marieke Ammerlaan (‘23)    22.16
W 400m       Karin Mansson              15 Livine Duprez          51.47    Perine Martial (‘17)       50.09
W 800m       Fatma Hicheh               12 Fatma Hicheh         1:58.16    Fatma Hicheh (‘22)       1:57.52
W 1500m      Danica Bagge               15 Fatma Hicheh         3:57.43    Fatma Hicheh (‘23)       3:57.43
W Steeple    Larina Kjeldgard           08 Martha Polsma        9:51.38    Katrin Claessen (‘12)    9:18.50
W 5000m      Aileen Thomson             15 Aileen Thomson      15:05.42    Carolina Tuft (‘16)     14:49.04
W 10000m     Aileen Thomson             09 Aileen Thomson      31:21.19    Carolina Tuft (‘16)     30:18.35
W 4x100m     West Waaldergouw Walruses  16 West Wa. Walruses      42.54    West Wa. Walruses (‘23)    42.54
W 4x400m     North Fronterre Falcons    04 Tiggland Tigers      3:26.03    Weshshire Wildcats (‘18) 3:23.21
W 100mh      Cynthia Mahez              16 Aneta Nieland          12.56    Cynthia Mahez (‘21)        12.49
W 400mh      Isla Donnelly              14 Isla Donnelly          54.50    Lianne Valdes (‘08)        53.51
W Long Jump  Fiona Marshall             16 Fiona Marshall          6m70    Fiona Marshall (‘19)        6m79
W High Jump  Janneke Pips               11 Mieke Fesler            1m96    Kiki Mersch (‘20)           2m01
W Triple     Fiona Marshall             10 Patty Dembala          14m06    Lin Persson (‘10)          14m40
W Pole V     Alene Simard               03 Alene Simard            4m85    Alene Simared (‘23)         4m85
W Shot Put   Kitty Patrick              15 Kitty Patrick          18m23    Kitty Patrick (‘21)        18m43
W Discus     Ines Gerge                 15 Ines Gerge             66m19    Ines Gerge (‘23)           66m19
W Hammer     Valerie Schilhof           06 Valerie Schilhof       58m15    Patricia O’Donnell (‘04)   63m10
W Javelin    Beau Newell                12 Anke Nilsen            59m35    Helene Akker (‘16)         67m18

X 4x100m     West Waaldergouw Walruses  15 West Wa. Walruses      40.76    West Wa. Walruses (‘23)    40.76
X 4x400m     Arghailgh Aces             06 Arghailgh Aces       3:11.48    Arghailgh Aces (‘23)     3:11.48

[Cap Nord]

Review of Capnordic Swimming Season 2023

Pool Series Meeting Winners

01 Noordende Opening Meeting     SabSeh Sharks
02 Fallwich Open                 Palais Pizza Tornadoes
03 Opsvik Meeting                Elektix Eels
04 Valognes Meeting              SabSeh Sharks
05 Stellarbrough Meeting         dEauVerre Thunderbolts
06 Sielhafen Meeting             Elektix Eels
07 Saint-Loic Meeting            Jobspot Buccaneers
08 Stennköping Meeting           dEauVerre Thunderbolts
09 Drochry Open                  PC4U Piranhas
10 Wulvem Meeting                Elektix Eels
11 Faalnstrup Meeting            Elektix Eels
12 Barelle-sur-l’Isé Meeting     dEauVerre Thunderbolts
13 Avelinge Meeting              Palais Pizza Tornadoes
14 Klokken Meeting               Elektix Eels
15 Season Final Lydholm          Elektix Eels
16 Season Final Noordende        Palais Pizza Tornadoes

Swimmers of the Season

Male

1. Sven-Ake Thorson
Winner 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m medley, 4x100m freestyle

Who else but the driving force behind the Elektix Eels is crowned as the swimmer of the season for the third time in a row. More than ever, Thorson exerted absolute dominance over the shorter distances in freestyle. Appearing on the block for thirty-eight single races, Thorson managed an astonishing thirty-one victories. This includes a complete demonstration on the shortest distance where his last loss now dates back from April 2022. The crown on his work was a further improvement of his national record on the distance to 21.52. Thorson himself makes it no secret that diving below the 21.5 barrier forms his next great challenge in an event where no opponent comes even close. What adds to his aura as the leading figure is his presence in the medley events in which he is always putting in his best efforts. The points won in these made the Eels, built around his trainer Frida Eklund, the victorious force of the year.

2. Bent Hamal
Winner 200m ind. medley, 200m butterfly

The return of the 28-year old Bent Hamal to the top ranks of the swimming pantheon was both the storyline and feelgood story of the season. Having earned the title of Swimmer of the Season in 2017, Hamal fell back to the deepest depths. Demotivation and addiction saw him hit rock-bottom, looking disappointing in 2020 and even disappearing from the scene the year after. But the Piranhas took a chance on him last year and by the season finale, glimpses of his unmistakable talent resurfaced. This season, that talent burst back with weekly improvements and two titles. For the spectators, his duels on the butterfly with Jesper Rahn fueled the spectacle and the tabloids enjoyed his new-found love with weather lady Lisanne Hormo. The statisticians mainly note that he is closing in on the 'unbeatable' medley record of Goran Venkildsen.

3. Linus Eckermann
Winner 800m freestyle

Going by the numbers, the harvest sums to only one national title and that ranks Eckermann in third position. But there is little doubt on the question of the ruler of the longer distances: missing the first six meetings of the season due to injuries, the 'Wechholz Cruiser' returned in style with nine wins in ten on the two long freestyle events. The icing on the cake was evidently reappearing to the good side of fifteen minutes marker on the 1500m and breaking his own national record in Klokken. His dominance, evidenced by a sixth consecutive title might seem smothering at times but simply shows the result of his focus and dedication. When quizzed about his goals, Ecke casually wondered what the longest streak on an individual event was. Seven, at least for two more years.

4. Fik Wommerink
Winner 100m backstroke, 4x100m medley

Nineteen years old and already the man to beat on the one-hundred meters backstroke. In just two seasons, Wommerink evolved into the leader of his favorite event and under the wings of Sven-Ake Thorson, he became a pivotal figure for the triumphant Elektrix Eels. Add to that a series of notable figures and one sees why Wommerink is considered as the future of Capnordic swimming: youngest swimmer to reach ten victories (bar Thorson and Halminen), national U23 record on the two backstroke events and not a single race finished outside the top four across all events. There are still a few good years on Thorson but his successor comes in fast and soon.

5. Christopher Dudley
Winner 200m breaststroke, 4x100m mixed relay

Despite being one of the most consistent swimmers across the last six seasons with the Pool Series, it was his talkativeness and enthusiasm that won Dudley quite a large number of fans. This season, he backed up that support with a first individual title on the breaststroke. Moving teams to the Thunderbolts and their coach Zeke McCallum was considered a risk preseason but it paid off. Under McCallum, Dudley started to limit his number of races and saw his averages improve immediately. Dudley himself mainly points to a change in his swimming hours, calling it ‘a hobby again’ rather than a plight.


Female

1. Marit Nyvold
Winner 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 400m ind. medley

It is difficult to choose between the two leading ladies of the pool but the jury eventually settled on Nyvold and that triumph was earned fair and square. With three individual titles and an unbeaten record in her three appearances in the 1500m, there is little doubt that the 24-year old of Sandfjell remains on top of her discipline. What gives her an edge over Dover is the relative ease with which she pulverized her own record over 800 meters, trimming it back eight seconds. The promise to have an athlete who can not just scale eight minutes and a half but even eight minutes twenty surrounds her. Add to that an insatiable race hunger and making quite an impact for the swimming scene with her presence in newspapers and television, and you have yourself a true star and athlete.

2. Katy Dover
Winner 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 4x100m mixed relay
That means that the queen of the backstroke does not prolong her title of last year. It is now three years since she has last been beaten in either event and some might start to call her dominance suffocating. But it is, most of all, a testimony to the pure class that she brings to the water. Dover, quiet and staying shy of the limelights, often seems to suffer from the comparison with the outgoing Nyvold. Yet within her team, as confirmed by coach McCallum, she is highly rated as a valuable and modest team player. For those who appreciate the physical class and unforgiving consistency of Dover, she will be heavily missed in the upcoming season as she takes fifteen months away from the pool to welcome her first-born. The small sigh of relief by her opponents was swiftly shedded as she promised to return to further improve her national records.

3. Karin van den Achterhoek
Winner 50m freestyle
The ‘Arrow of Avelinge’ bounces back after two years marred with injuries and fatigue. Never has she looked closer to the national record of Denise Mabenga and it appears as if these last four hundredths of a second are just a matter of time. Even to the outsider, it is clear that she is head and shoulders above the opposition when it comes to her start. More than before, she manages to last that incredible start speed to the finish. Getting beaten in her home meeting by Carré formed a small blemish to her season but in the season finale she dominated again. With the retirement of her teammate Bellings, there are talks of dipping her toe into the fierce competition in the 100m freestyle. It is a choice that would be followed up close as it could give a whole new dynamic to the most prestigious of events.

4. Elise Dutordoir
Winner 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle
The winner of said event was, by just two points, Elise Dutordoir of the Tornadoes. Whilst some make it into this top five with the sheer volume of triumphs, Dutordoir only posted three individual wins all season. But with five women swimming north of the iconic fifty-five second marker this season, it is only right to consider it the most hotly contested event in the Series. Even if Walschen and Carolus showed impressive form at times, it was the consistency that won the day for Dutordoir. Still, she arrived at the finals in Noordende having to make up a one-point gap on Simone Walschen. Performing under that pressure, not just with the victory but with an astonishing 53.52, to beat her opponents with lengths showed that she has the potential to truly become the new ruler on this element, one that has been open for contest since the retirement of Anker four years ago.

5. Emma Malmgren
Winner 200m butterfly, 4x100m medley
Thirteen of the fourteen individual events were won by a swimmer over twenty-three, confirming that it is harder than ever to break into the inner circle of top swimmers in our nation. Emma Malmgren forms the exception to the rule under the wings of JobShop Buccaneers’ coach Ege Hilt. The experienced trainer claims that Malmgren is the kind of talent that reminds him of Agatha Lindelof, quite a claim to make. But the teenager lives up to that promise with a title on the backstroke and the opposition note in fear that there is still vast room for improvement on her start. Hilt seems to be orienting ‘Tinkerbell’ Malmgren towards the longer freestyle events, with critics hoping she can pose a challenge to Nyvold in a few years time.

[Cap Nord]

Review of Capnordic Cycling Season 2023

Cap Nord Series Winners

Flèche Ouverture           Cathérine Sardo        Val d'Agro - SuperBex

Omloop van Waaldergouw     Sem Pieterse           Cicletta Cycling Team

Blealoch Circuit           Marcus Smith           dEauverre - Daltonia

Five Days of Weshshire     Levi Bardon            Team PowerUp Re3v
    Stage 1                  Marcus Smith         dEauverre - Daltonia
    Stage 2                  Angélique Bessy      Val d'Agro - SuperBex
    Stage 3 (TT)             Ferdinand Kay        dEauVerre - Daltonia
    Stage 4                  Sem Pieterse         Cicletta Cycling Team
    Stage 5                  Sid Barclay          Betonboer - Funtoo

GP Okkerkyst               Rune Matthissen        Team Puch Airco

Race of the Three Regions  Peter Chesterfield     SendBank - Automarz

Mulders Trophy             Yusuf Cerdiz           Gronewald - WiBo

Valognes-Moringhem         Alan Gundersen         Polsen Trucking

Schaal van der Horst       Pauwel Verhelle        Team Becker's 

Race to the Coast          Vivianne Stellema      Betonboer - Funtoo
    Stage 1 (TT)             Carsten Schpeffing   Gronewald - WiBo
    Stage 2                  Rune Matthissen      Team Puch Airco
    Stage 3                  Vivianne Stellema    Betonboer - Funtoo
    Stage 4                  Levi Bardon          Team PowerUp Re3v
    Stage 5                  Claude Diallo        SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 6                  Sepp Jensen          Polsen Trucking

Rase av de Fire Toppene    Marcus Smith           dEauverre - Daltonia

Cap Nord Tour              Pierrick Duclercq      SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 1                  Rune Matthissen      Team Puch Airco
    Stage 2                  Yusuf Cerdiz         Gronewald - WiBo
    Stage 3 (TT)             Ina Svensson         DeCoTrans - Harbi
    Stage 4                  Rune Matthissen      Team Puch Airco
    Stage 5                  Marshall Bent        SconeVille - Puffers
    Stage 6                  Mone Wielant         SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 7                  Vivianne Stellema    Betonboer - Funtoo
    Stage 8                  Vivianne Stellema    Betonboer - Funtoo
    Stage 9                  Pierrick Duclercq    SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 10                 Ina Svensson         DeCoTrans - Harbi
    Stage 11                 Mikkel Noo           Team PowerUp Re3v
    Stage 12                 Mads Holz            Team Puch Airco
    Stage 13 (TT)            Pierrick Duclercq    SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 14                 Annina Thorp         Team Becker's

Rund um der Arpeler Turm   Sem Pieterse           Cicletta Cycling Team

Wechholzer Rundfahrt       Marcus Smith           dEauverre - Daltonia
    Stage 1                  Sid Barclay          Betonboer - Funtoo
    Stage 2                  Peter Chesterfield   SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 3                  Marcus Smith         dEauverre - Daltonia
    Stage 4                  Rune Matthissen      Team Puch Airco

Finntorp Classic           Jonas Lemmeling        Cicletta Cycling Team

Vaal-Bryn-Vaal             Yusuf Cerdiz           Gronewald - WiBo

National Championships     Annina Thorp           Team Becker's

Route de Fronterre         Pierrick Duclercq      SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 1                  Annina Thorp         Team Becker's
    Stage 2                  Pauwel Verhelle      Team Becker's
    Stage 3                  Sem Pieterse         Cicletta Cycling Team
    Stage 4                  Kévin Deltour        Val d'Agro - SuperBex
    Stage 5                  Pierrick Duclercq    SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 6                  Pierrick Duclercq    SendBank - Automarz
    Stage 7 (TT)             Carsten Schpeffing   Gronewald - WiBo

Skjermer TT                Lou Audoor             Cicletta Cycling Team

[Cap Nord]

Preview of Capnordic Football Season 2024 [Part 1]

This season, we will present to you two different previews. The first one is the analysis of Axl Rasmussen, a reporter for The Economic Courier, a business paper which is renowned for its financial insight and tries to become slightly more streetwise to ensure more people read it. The second one offers the tips and tricks by OlaLaBola11, known at the civil services as Eliane Mbola, who is a popular streamer of the online football game FC Premier Division.

MOBILE-U PREMIER DIVISION

Clachonoch Rovers

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Alisha Sawyer                 24   2024      13
GK  Carrera Kidderminster         20   2022       9
RB  Brian MacLean                 30   2016      14
RB  Clyde Menzies                 26   2019      11
CB  Jake Simpson                  31   2019      12
CB  Anne Williams                 25   2016      11
CB  Nicklas Veldt                 21   2023       9
LB  Deirdre Barnett               27   2019      13
DM  Ileas Lowe                    24   2021      12
DM  Martin Staunt-Anderson  ZWZ   28   2023      14
DM  Phyllis McNeill               23   2021      11
CM  Siobhan Pelham                23   2021      13
CM  Taisiya Pimenova        PYA   18   2024      10
AM  Simon MacParland              35   2009      14
AM  Willem Doornstra              24   2021      11
RA  Alistair Fallon               26   2020      11
ST  Taito Viinanen          SVJ   29   2024      13
LA  Louis Delcroix                29   2022      13

Manager: Zeke Humphries
Stadium: Nyskov Arena (12000 seats)
Also known as: The [Insert Negative Slur] Boys

Axl Rasmussen

Explaining the charm of the Rovers echoes attempts to sell government bonds to day traders. The board of Clachonoch, which has been with them now for decades, stands for steadfast stability and balanced books. In an era where clubs try to resolve their problems with a fast flux of players, they take on the competition with the same back four as they have done seemingly every season. And this merits praise, in a way. It has been ages since Clachonoch had to start the competition with genuine relegation fears and today is not that day either. They make quite a lot of bang for their limited buck and as such have cemented themselves in the middle of the table. A strong core of players that have a warm dedication for old-school gaffer and beloved grandfather Humphries, it all breathes a warm mix of frugal but street smart conservatism. If you lace it with a bit of fan violence, unfortunately.

For this season, we can predict nothing new on the horizon. Young talent McEnroe filled the treasury, as the Rovers used their negotiation position well. From that transfer sum, they could not only afford an accurate replacement in Sawyer, but also a sturdy striker in Viinanen who should improve the tactical flexibility. Clachonoch has a strong recipe, one must say. But some question whether it is adapted to the changed times with international transfer markets. The surprisingly difficult '23 season, which saw them in or near the relegation zone longer than expected, would be a sign in that direction. In terms of what is on the pitch and in the boardroom, the worries seem exaggerated. But a budget growth, finally going over a hundred million, could be welcome: selling the naming rights to Nyskov is one step in the right direction. Yet the training complex is in dire need of improvement and a slightly more ambitious transfer policy becomes a thing. Or else, stability could become standstill in the longer term.

Predicted Finish: 11th

OlaLaBola11

As it always goes, every Clachonoch selection is a carbon copy of the previous one. The charm of the notoriously uncharming club lies in that oysterlike capabilities. From the outset, they hold a reputation as hardened streetfighters and out of possession, there will be nasty faults, unnecessary levels of protest and the most vicious of timewasting. But when given the ball, a different version arises from the ashes. Short passes create a large web in which 'Sicko' MacParland sits as the spider, entangling opposition before sending the vital assisting pass. It does not result in a cartload of goals but as robust as they are, this is not necessary. This peculiar brand of reaction football relies on a quality goalkeeper and Sawyer could be that one if she continues her upward trend from Crester. The defenders seem to have their feet cemented in the grass of the Some Brand Name Arena: MacLean and Barnett did not get younger but make the miles to keep the field wide in possession whilst suffocating the space when the ball is lost.

In front of them Staunt-Anderson needed some time to adjust but is now a stronghold. We are major fans of Pelham and not just for her funny socials: stamina and good feet get you a long way out in football. Football fans can only hope that there sits another great season in Simon MacParland. Sicko is a clown, a joker, but also an incredibly talented player who calls the shots. The only problem is that he stopped running and defends like a wet towel. With the knowledge of that dead weight, it is curious what striking partnership will be picked. Newcomer Viinanen is a powerful danger in the box that can turn anything into a chance but if the Rovers don’t get there, the Savojar will not be of use. I have a soft spot for his industriousness and feet but your speed can’t be waning if you never had any in the first place. And then there is Alastair Fallon who has speed and no idea how to use it. The three of them could be complimentary if it were not for the fact that Humphries tends to employ a 4-4-2. It is a team that can hurt opposition but not every week of the year.

Predicted Finish: 10th

Crester Wanderers

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Aidan Seager            NPH   22   2024      13
GK  Bill O’Malley                 37   2018       8
RB  Pat O’Sullivan                23   2021      13
CB  Eric Hill                     30   2023      11
CB  Jules Vanderdonckt            27   2021      12
CB  Keith Callough                24   2018      11
CB  Alf Green                     26   2019      13
CB  Vladut Tudorache        ANU   27   2024      13
LB  Klaas Sanders                 24   2022      11
DM  Bernard McRae                 31   2017      12
DM  Eileen Pierce                 19   2023      10
CM  Jody Barnes                   20   2023      14
CM  Tim Walters                   24   2020       9
AM  Ebediah Goodman               28   2022      14
AM  Finn Reed                     21   2022      12
ST  Cain McHogan                  26   2024      13
ST  Peter Powell                  29   2023      12
ST  Job van Belle                 27   2020      10

Manager: Lewis Eckleburry
Stadium: St Barbara Grounds (13500 seats) or ‘Old Barbs’
Also known as: The Anvils

Axl Rasmussen

During the first season of their glorious return into the top tier, Crester Wanderers immediately made clear that they were here to stay. Despite only scraping by for the promotion, they managed a few unexpected triumphs and even managed to remain in the top eight for most of the year. The results tailed off a little near moneytime but having been far away from the relegation battle remains a success for any promoted side. What is even more encouraging for the future is the systematic expansion of the club's financial position. New sponsor Earhardt’s, the infamous office supply provider, allowed a doubling in two seasons, putting them on a healthy 110 million going into the new season. A figure that gets supplemented by the outgoing transfer sums of both Sawyer and Conteh, two players who were on the last season of their contract but who have been monetized nonetheless. It is notable how few times the Wanderers were named in transfer debates but still managed to land three quality transfers.

The most intriguing transfer saga and one that perfectly underpins the attraction Crester holds these days, was the one around Cain McHogan. Stuck on the bench with FF, his qualities are well-known among the teams of the second half of the league. Many vied for his hand but Crester made the right fit: playing minutes in a 5-3-2 and the financial base to aim for a top-six in three or four seasons (not our words, but the ones from GM Phil Wallace). One thing that will determine their course for the longer term will be the strategic decisions. Currently, those seem focussed on squad development: keeping the highly appreciated Jody Barnes on board with an improved contract shows willingness to go far there. But there are limits to that growth as long as Crester occupies Old Barbs. In its current state, it is not the stadium befitting a market this size with improving spending power. If regional dominance over Fallwich is the aim, that is what they should look for.

Predicted Finish: 10th

OlaLaBola11

In just two short days of the transfer market, Corinthians No Longer became the most popular Zenith club for Cap Nord. The main reason will probably be the departure of Rohan Williams to Nepharim shores but in the vicinity of Crester, the arrival of Seager might have its impact as well. He arrives in Crester with the uncanny nickname ‘Briefcase Wanker’ but as the city’s blue collar reputation is waning, this might be more affectionate than it sounds. Eckleburry is a low-profile manager but has perfected the five-man defence: the heart has sturdy written all over even if Green and newcomer Tudorache are more quality than expected. Right-back O’Sullivan was a surprise call-up for the Whalers and even if this tells more about the lack of depth in that position, it is a confirmation of her smooth transition to the first tier. Crester employs high wing-backs whose main goal is ‘width’ and not quality. It is not up everyone’s alley, but it does make them dangerous on the fast counterattacks: you never know when Sanders happens to have his one good first touch of the game.

The midfield trio is so carbon copy of the ideals, that it almost feels cartoonish: the grizzled McRae, the sparkly young talent Barnes and the whimsical but brilliant Goodman. You have all seen the prototypes and here they are in the flesh. Last season also demonstrated that it works well as a unit, both in attack with the energetic Barnes as defensively: Ebediah Goodman can run, apparently, if put in the right system. What changes majorly for the Wanderers is how they will turn their opportunities into goals. Without the movement of Conteh up front, they fully opt for two out-and-out strikers. Powell tends to rely on his streetsmart, McHogan on his physique. Neither can be called lazy strikers and they are weapons in the box. But it does limit Crester to throwing the ball in there: we do not see how the wingers can make it that far with that low defensive block. For me, this is a line-up that can work well in the game where they manage to make possession. But when denied of that, there is a high working rate but little creativity. I expect them to stay out of relegation danger but to stagnate a little in terms of results.

Predicted Finish: 12th

Draiewikum Boys

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Siel Leuwert                  31   2013      16
GK  Robin Klauwaert               20   2022      10
RB  Gilliam Sintnikolaas          22   2023      11
RB  Len Hinken              KOR   25   2024      12
CB  Sarah Alleyne           SYL   24   2024      15
CB  Lus Baeck                     35   2016      12
CB  Didde Visser                  23   2019       9
LB  Karel Broodhaers              24   2022      13
DM  Akke Jenson                   26   2020      11
DM  Lewie Myngheer                33   2015      10
CM  Jurrit Dyksma                 29   2017      12
CM  Aukje Spoelstra               25   2019      14
CM  Jelmer Den Boer               22   2022       9
AM  Pieter Paryn                  27   2023      13
AM  Lieuwe Merelsboom             18   2024      11
ST  Benoit Djaozandry       QUE   29   2023      16
ST  Pieter Valentijn              32   2024      14
ST  Tjibbe Opsma                  23   2021      11

Manager: Elias van Dongelen
Stadium: Het Stadspark (7500 seats)
Also known as: Frysco

Axl Rasmussen

We are going into the third season of a club which has been transformed from the core onwards by construction magnate Eelco Wielant. The days of being a cosy, warm club, meagre in success but being broadly seen as ‘sympathetic’ are over and done with. The wide protest against the takeover of Wielant by so-called fans from other clubs took many by surprise. To me, these are the dinosaurs lamenting the passing of time. Our competition has entered a new era, a new phase in which financial security will become crucial to a clubs survival. It is, from his words as well as from his actions, clear that Wielant is not a cowboy who will drag the side to its downfall. To the contrary, his meticulous methodology started to show in every segment of the club. Whilst it is commonly accepted that venture capitalists would be the downfall of our football, it is a shame that a hardworking businessman, who has shown his merit before, gets booed and humiliated. As it fits his status, we can expect Wielant to hit back in due time with successes for his club.

And the Boys might be ready to take a first step already in that process, targeting the lucrative IFCF positions from this season onwards. Selling Luuk Vennema might be a blow in sporting terms, the transfer sum of the young defender makes up for that. The record of four million NS$ makes him the most expensive Capnordic player ever and ballooned the budget to nearly 150 million francs. A fraction of that was used to bring in Sarah Alleyne as the new defence leader, with funds left to secure Pieter Valentijn. At 32, but the story of the Noordende legend does not yet seem wrapped up. It creates a powerful duo up front with Quebecois Djaozandry, not just in play but also due to their marketing value. Draiewikum no longer is the unofficial regional national team which only contains locals: it is becoming a club that can star players with a national impact, giving the brand a whole new vibration. The yellow-and-black could be knocking on the door of the Three Pillars sooner than expected and with no intention to stay outside.

Predicted Finish: 5th

OlaLaBola11

Things are getting turned upside down for the Draiewikum fans but to say that they all of a sudden became exciting would be one step beyond: they remain last season’s number nine who scored less than a goal per game. It is an open question whether Pieter Valentijn will be the man to change that as a lot on this transfer reeks like a status addition rather than a sporting decision. If Valentijn still had that much in him, would Noordende let him go that easily? Fact is that between him and phlegmatic goalgetter Benoit Djaozandry, one is assured of a lot of danger inside the box. But as neither is known as industrious, this will give the other players in this diamond 4-4-2 a lot of tasks on their plate. Djaozandry asked, rather vocally, for a better partner than Opsma and he is damn right about that. But Valentijn might be blocking him more than inspiring him. Every once and a while, more is less.

Even if van Dongelen is a rather dull (yet effective) tactician, one cannot say that the man does not know how to organise a line-up. Of course it helps that there is a looming giant as Leuwert between the posts, a man who in a different league would have left the Boys behind him a long time ago. A new challenge awaits Draiewikums finest as his back four got reshuffled. The (financial) pull of Frysco brought Alleyne and Hinken to our shores. The latter patches up the weaknesses of the haphazard Sintnikolaas, the former should be the carbon copy of Vennema. It is difficult to be assured of that after training camp, but the first images showed a good match between her and veteran Baeck. And still, I am on the cautious side to write Draiewikum into the battle for top five and that is due to the unchanged midfield. Each in their own right, they have their merit but the sum of all parts is nothing more than that. It lacks creativity, so the fans can only hope for a rapid development of Merelsboom to jump up the ranks.

Predicted Finish: 9th

Drochry Academic

aSELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Gareth McCullough             28   2020      12
RB  Athame Caulker          BRE   19   2023      13
CB  Maone Forsyth                 26   2019      11
CB  Callum Hemsworth              27   2022      10
CB  Rowan Marsh                   19   2022       9
LB  Neve Adam                     22   2021      12
LB  Eskuin Nekol            ASG   30   2024      14
DM  Daan Vandeurzen               29   2023      11
CM  Tara Hamilton                 26   2021      13
CM  Dave Pickering                29   2024      12
AM  Steve McLochlan               33   2022      14
AM  Lily-Ann Lowell               25   2021      11
RW  Junior Wilson                 27   2015      11
RW  Billie Valls                  20   2022      11
ST  Rodney Fraser                 29   2020      15
ST  Jamie Kabongo                 18   2021       9
LW  Luna Gray               TLI   22   2024      13
LW  Franck Delcourt               25   2020      10

Manager: Jack Wilson
Stadium: University Ground (11000 seats)
Als known as: The Mortarboards

Axl Rasmussen

Last year, Drochry’s finest escaped relegation with just a game to spare but they appear to be clinging on to the same recipe once more. Was it not famous scientist Robert Twobrick who once said, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”? In that case, both manager Jack Wilson and the board room are ready for the asylum. As is fitting for the finances of the most collegiate team in the league, there is a lack of balance between expenditure and long-term planning. Academic took to the international market, bringing in quality players in Gray and Nekol but did not manage to raise the budget accordingly. Being still south of a hundred million francs and failing to monetize any of their own players, a lot of value is currently stocked in their selection. A choice that can pay off if Athame Caulker, Billie Valls or Neve Adam attracts the attention of a big spender, but the first rumours on solvability issues have surfaced.

In that sense, some of the choices made with regards to incoming players have been heavily criticised by the analysts. While the sentimental option was to bring Dave Pickering home, he lacks the stamina to anchor the team alone and can not compete with the footballing skills of Tara Hamilton. Even more questionable is the late arrival of Eskuin Nekol. The Astograthian will be an evident addition and suits the philosophy of the line-up (high risks, high rewards). But will his addition not cause a loss of value for Neve Adam, who fairly recently was still seen as one of their major assets? In summary, we can predict one thing for sure: Drochry Academic will be on the lips and will once again be a highly entertaining side. Both on the field and off it, they opt for the path less walked. Some would consider that a compliment. I am not one of those.

Predicted Finish: 14th

OlaLaBola11

It is difficult as a genuine football fan to not have a soft spot for the Mortarboards, who understand that football is about entertainment. Yes, that will mean that goalkeeper McCullough will again have a season of picking balls out of his nets and scolding defenders: last season he conceded fourteen more than any opposition. Not a surprise as he tends to be left behind with no more than two mediocre defenders in most cases. The Drochry wingbacks define the unique style of this club: both Caulker and Adam push forward on any occasion, forcing the opposition to fall back. Wilson wanted to further improve this weapon and experienced newcomer Eskuin Nekol will definitely ensure that. On top, it will allow some rotation in the physically most demanding role in this line-up. The main fault of the transfer period, in my view, is not taking on a commanding defensive midfielder. Vandeurzen was tried, tested and found himself swimming in the open space most of the time. There is little evidence that assumes it will be any different for Pickering.

The only reason that the Drochry audience is not completely smitten over Tara Hamilton (physique and cunning) is that they are still infatuated with Steve McLochlan. Many consider ‘the Lochpick’ an acquired taste but his first touch of the ball stands out domestically. He will go down in history as one of the players that would always have been an international if the FA got started earlier. On top of that, he has an excellent connection with star striker Rodney Fraser, whose all energy and no style touch made it all the way to the national team. What makes him so valuable is that he not just converts a lot of chances, but that he also improves the level of those around him. Junior and Delcourt are not that special but can leach off his options. The progress of Billie Valls came a bit to a standstill last season and one can only hope that the stocky winger finds a new start. Newcomer Gray should lift some of the goalscoring duties off Fraser's shoulders but is so far an unfinished product. Drochry is a wildly unbalanced team but if they lean into that the right way, they should be nowhere near the relegation battle this season.

Predicted Finish: 11th

Fallwich United

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Thom McEnroy                  22   2024      14
GK  Suzanne Hartogh               19   2023      10
CB  Baptiste Dortigne             27   2022      13
CB  Thomas Noble                  32   2015      14
CB  Johnny Wilks                  24   2023      13
CB  Cora Varnham            QAD   32   2024      14
CB  Liam Patterson                23   2021      10
DM  Kenneth Breuker               29   2022      15
DM  Marcus Mussa                  23   2020      13
DM  Romain Vendredi               27   2018      11
CM  Llewellyn Robinson            28   2017      12
CM  Steven Bryce                  31   2018      15
CM  Frederick Barry               24   2021      13
RW  Moussa Sangaré                25   2023      15
ST  Reese Mayweather              30   2019      12
ST  Eleonor Cunningham            24   2021      13
LW  Idrissa Conteh                25   2024      13
LW  Alexander Alexorski     AHR   20   2024      10

Manager: Emmett Wynter
Stadium: J. T. Berkley Stadium (15000 seats) or ‘The Berk’
Als known as: The Hoops

Axl Rasmussen

The off-season has not been kind on the (increasing amount of) Fallwich fans. That Daniel Clark was sold was anticipated but that it would be to Sporting Noordende stung a little. Even if he signed the most expensive domestic transfer of the winter, they had hoped to sell him abroad for even more and avoid getting a goal against, from the man who rattled in over twenty in 2023. A more painful affair was to see Pierre Le Vallez, the extravert goalie who had grown into a frontrunner of the squad, depart on a whim when Sielhafen 1.FC called for a replacement of Marzinn. Many United fans had hoped to see ‘their’ goalkeeper grow old with them, disregarding the financial reality that stands between them and the Three Pillars. A third blow was the short but fiery disagreement between Fallwich and VRG, the monitor screen company which had been supporting them for over a decade.

It was a rather personal dispute between John Gilliam, the eccentric owner of Fallwich, and Martin Grisham, the VRG owner, as the latter is also his father-in-law. Or more aptly, former father-in-law. Eventually, things were settled by appointing Jonathan Gilliam, son of, as the new club president. A controversial decision as it will be his first work experience of his kind whilst father Grisham (despite his occasional bad press and needless loud mouth) had his pedigree and the guts of a streetfighter to support his club. The cash splashed by Gilliam Jr. has already earned him quite some criticism. Thom McEnroy definitely is a goalie on the up but coughing up most of the Clark-money seems wasteful. The arrival of Conteh is remarkable for tactical reasons as well as financial: an arrival from the regional opponent is not unseen but looks more as a status symbol than an investment. The international newcomers are question marks and in Varnham's case, expensive ones.

Predicted Finish: 7th

OlaLaBola11

Writing a section on the tactical plans from the Hoops is borderline impossible at this point. Despite having the Challengers Cup just around the corner, Emmett Wynter seems unsure yet of his plan. The laptop coach swears with the 3-5-2 but with the departure of Clark, he no longer has the material to put that on the pitch. Annoying, to say the least, especially with a new boss breathing down your neck who has casually mentioned that a manager is just a passerby in his debut interview. Yikes. Wynter will want some stability right away and that puts pressure on newcomer McEnroy who can do stuff in the box, but has been caught out one on one. Four backs for an assumed three places and that will be needed: Noble is hard as nails but a magnet for yellows, Dortigne does not mind the odd tackle and Wilks is great fun but a tad slow for this level. Newcomer Cora Varnham is said to share that tenacity. It is a nice, hardened quartet as long as you balance out the suspensions.

We do not know what will happen in the midfield but surely it will rely on two pillars. Kenneth Breuker keeps on improving every season, a sturdy midfielder who does more than break down attacks, contrary to the lore. Still the inspiration relies on Bryce who with the years becomes that archetypical slow mastermind. If football is chess, he catches out the opponents playing checkers. But the big question is what Wynter will do in attack with his star goalgetter gone. Fall back deep and let Sangaré and Conteh, two of the fastest men in the league, do the job? Both are extremely useful trump cards in a deck but not in isolation: they require someone in the box to make it happen. Both Mayweather (physical but sometimes a bit crude) as Cunningham (light feet but can be bullied) have shown better results when played with two strikers. And Athearan Alexorski seems to be a back-up on the wing, first of all. There is a lot of capacity in the dressing room of Fallwich, which puts them in the top half of the league. But Wynter will need time and if they want to repeat last year's success, there might be too little of that available.

Predicted Finish: 6th

FC Waalterzee

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Perr Hollmann                 27   2022      13
GK  Maarten Vanderwee             21   2021      10
RB  Eddy Bilot                    33   2016      12
RB  Siebe Willems                 20   2023      11
CB  Lasse Noland                  25   2022      12
CB  Jan-Jaap den Haak             30   2015      13
CB  Chinyemba Bwalya        TSH   20   2024      11
LB  Alexandre Bélliard            26   2023      12
LB  Ine van Melderen              22   2020      10
DM  Dirk Lemmeling                32   2015      15
DM  Jip Corstjens                 27   2019      14
DM  Riadh Mezraoui                19   2023       9
AM  Dennis Schroeten              24   2023      14
AM  Felix Nordmann                24   2024      13
AM  Eugene Parr                   29   2020      12
AM  Stake Lingen                  23   2022      11
ST  Carel Wymeersch               27   2021      14
ST  Rai Anom                PCU   18   2024      10

Manager: Paul Eltink
Stadium: Wagenveld (7300 seats)
Als known as: FCW/The Lighthouse

Axl Rasmussen

Amid youthful newcomers and question marks galore, the Waalterzee fans bless their veteran manager Paul Eltink. In the often swiftly altering world of professional sports where the mores of the day reign, the sturdy presence of the experienced Eltink ensures stability and a house style for Waalterzee. Having overperformed before with them, one senses that Eltink is the man to make the most out of this selection once more. One major advantage for The Lighthouse is the consistency, with only fan favourite Graintfjaller Heikkisson leaving the shores as his loan period wrapped up. He was replaced by Felix Nordmann of cup winner SK Sandfjell which seems to confirm that FCW opts for more of the same. If the rising star can find the same chemistry with maverick Schroeten as his predecessor, one could see a sparkling Waalterzee that parks once more into the top half of the table.

Despite the low number of transfers from the green and white, FC Waalterzee still got in the eye of the storm this winter when they announced the arrival of Chinyemba Bwalya, the Shambian defender who left his national selection during the latest Campionato. His unanticipated signing caused quite a stir in various offices. Firstly, it ensured a few headaches in the administrative departments as a transfer by an unrecognised refugee remained a first in Capnordic history. Secondly, there was the pressure exerted by Bwalya's home country who announced diplomatic measures against this 'defector'. Lastly, the signing also made some waves in the internal structures of Waalterzee. Sources close to the board claim that bringing in the young defender was a pet project by Eltink and president Wiep Meeskens, against the will of some key shareholders. A rare disagreement in one of our most stable clubs but there seem to be more and more small cracks in the wall: will we one day look back and say this was the first major falling out? FCW cannot use the disaccord in the long term as its consistency allows them to thrive on a meagre budget.

Predicted Finish: 9th

OlaLaBola11

Looking at the Waalterzee line-up always gives one a small groundhog day-adjacent sentiment. We have seen it all before so it gets a name of being a bit boring. Still, it is hard to argue with results and those are all in Eltink's favour: 7th, 6th, 4th and 7th over the last four seasons are favourable placings. The same goes for the tactics. We have all seen that 4-2-3-1 before as it is stuck to Eltink's name but considering the list of clubs still getting caught out by it, we will not slay it. Everything starts from the back with Hollmann, who is once again slightly underrated in the game. Heel injury woes chase the goalie and his absences could cost Waalterzee again. Especially as the back four remains a bit… mediocre? There is power and strength, especially with Noland but the summarising words are static and low footballing skills. As awesome as 1m67 Bilot might be, you cannot expect him to be the only footballer in the back.

A vital element in the consistency of Waalterzee has been the midfield duo of Corstjens and Lemmeling. Both have dropped out of their national team position with 'the Lemminator' (sticking to his duties and man) losing his starting spot and his comrade not making the selection at all anymore. Yet they make for one of the hardest partnerships in the league when it comes to holding down more talented opposition. It gives FCW a cutthroat vibe and they are often ranked as an unattractive side. But the last two seasons saw exciting attacking midfielders in Veensma, Heikkisson and Schroeten. Only the latter is left and will unfortunately have to continue without the Graintfjaller juggernaut. Both are amazing when boxed in and thrive on dribbling. As such, it is an open question if he will connect as well with Nordmann who leaves SK after a single season. A more classic playmaker, he had a difficult start but did thrive in the Cup. In this selection, focus from the first day onwards will be needed as the width of the selection is terrifying. Outside of the first eleven, it all depends on youngsters. For example, striker Wymeersch is a stellar man up front: hardworking and an assurance on goals. But being backed up only by a Pemecutan no-name kid shows a major danger. The starting team remains top eight: whether they actually make that depends on the juniors on the bench.

Predicted Finish: 8th

FF Stennköping

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Alma Falck                    31   2012      13
GK  Daniel Yohannes               21   2022      10
RB  Evald Bengtsson               26   2019      12
CB  Espen Lonstad                 27   2022      13
CB  Garrick Rustak          NPH   31   2023      14
CB  Hugo Johannson                23   2021      11
LB  Ethan Porter            MUR   31   2024      13
LB  Kristina Aalund               24   2021      12
DM  Maximilien Bouquet            26   2020      14
DM  Karsten Saller                28   2024      13
DM  Fridrich Melk                 19   2023      10
AM  Jonas Persson                 35   2014      15
AM  Maximilian Dahl               20   2024      12
RW  Inge Torsson                  22   2020      12
RW  Josephine Delcroix            29   2019      11
ST  Harrison Gilchrist      SYL   28   2024      16
ST  Adam Granqvist                20   2022      12
LW  Edouard Longlet               26   2021      13

Manager: Selmer Billing
Stadium: SendBank Arena (22500 seats)
Als known as: Hingstarna

Axl Rasmussen

We all love numbers, in part because you can use them to tell any story you want. It was demonstrated by the ownership of Stennköping FF who proudly pressed on the fact that they have been in the top half of the league for nine years running. An excellent track record at first sight and one that hides that if Vereniging Huftstad would have been arsed to show up for the final game of last season, the FF would have finished 13th. Even if no one expected to become a perennial champion after the surprising title six years ago, these results are far below the expectations of SendBank. Once a local banker, they are now a national force through their aggressive sports marketing and one of the targets was to make their home club break the dominance of the Three Pillars. A project that kicked off ten years ago but a lot of the original successes, growing from the brink of relegation to the top of the table, seems to have completely squandered. SendBank took the firm decision to continue their investments but to shake up the organisation.

The first step came as Grenholm, the man behind the title and almost synonymous to the club, got his marching orders halfway last season and known crisis manager Billing brought in. That he is an intermission is no secret but they remain on the lookout for a new long-term leader. Over the winter, SendBank thanked general manager Helmann and signed Klas Brigen. A daring choice as he is not a local, nor has experience in football, but his days at the helm of the Sandfjeller handball club were noteworthy. The third major name in the rise of the Hingstarna has been star player Jonas Persson. At 35, he remained on board but one of the first acts of Brigen was to sign Maximilian Dahl at all costs. The revelation of Stennköping Atlet darted to the scene like a comet yet has only shown his merit in the Challenger Division. Nonetheless, Brigen decided to spend big, a policy which he kept up for Sylestonian striker Gilchrist and Murphtanian defender Porter. With a 170m φ budget, there was cash to splash. Still, it is a go big or go home season for FF and failure is not an option, from game one onwards.

Predicted Finish: 4th

OlaLaBola11

While it is far more logical to start our previews with the goalkeeper (still the reliant yet slightly dull Alma Falck, don’t worry folks), we are going to kick off in attack for this one because, wow, what happened there? Murad Benkasar, who never connected well with the staff nor dressing room leader Persson, was kindly redirected to the exit: at the time of writing, he had not yet secured a contract elsewhere. Rumours claim that he has let go of his training regime and that the former international might be considering retirement at thirty. The man who had been pushed to the bench on the arrival of Benkasar, Cain McHogan seemed to swoop into the starting eleven again but received more assurances from Crester. On top of that, young gun Villund opted for playing minutes with Start. But if we go by the sideline analysts, the production of the trio combined should be more than replaced by Sylestonian newcomer Harrison Gilchrist. The fans fear his story (seasoned goalscorer coming off a weaker year at the mathematical peak of his skills) echoes the one from Benkasar but if this finisher can find both his touch and his spot in this 4-2-1-3, it could become a major improvement.

4-2-1-3, indeed. Even the arrival of Billing did not shake off the pivotal spot held by Jonas Persson. A notable incoming is Maximilian Dahl, who shows glimpses of the young Persson in his fast moves and ditto vision. While the board foresees a smooth transition between the two, it is an open question how they will deal with it if the downwards curve from Persson continues whilst Dahl bursts to the scene. Followers of the Challenger Division claim it is not if, but when, Dahl will lead FF back up the curve. The organisation from the back is not exciting but guys like Rustak, Londstad and newcomer Ethan Porter should stabilise it all. In front of them, the darling duo Bouquet and Rrezi no longer call the shots with the latter leaving for Lydholm. Even is he is the least exciting of their four transfers, the performance of Karsten Saller might determine the outcome of the season. If the Sandfjell midfielder ensures the balance in the team, proving his former employers wrong to agree so fast on his departure, the Hingstarna will be moving back up the ranks. If not, it might see the wingers too often entangled in defensive duties, Persson stuck in manmarking and Gilchrist on an island. In short, a carbon copy of last season, which they want to avoid at all costs.

Predicted Finish: 7th

Lydholm Forened

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Svend Moller                  27   2021      15
RB  Troels Poulsen                25   2017      15
RB  Sieben Viertel                27   2020      10
CB  Connlaodh MacGofraidh   TIK   19   2024      14
CB  Bengt Gustafsson              33   2013      13
CB  Marit Flock                   28   2018      12
LB  Carolus Alstrom               24   2023      12
LB  Sven Saugstrup                21   2021      11
DM  Mohamed Rrezi                 28   2024      14
DM  Jesper Schmidt                26   2020      11
CM  Andreas Hom                   34   2013      14
CM  Alfred Lund                   25   2023      13
CM  Joe Bonschotten         KOR   24   2023      15
CM  Bjerre Tuft Hansen            18   2024      10
ST  Steffen Puch                  31   2019      14
ST  Aaron Paal                    21   2021      11
ST  Gunvor Tofte                  19   2023      12
ST  Annika Hjerming               24   2018      10

Manager: Lykke Grofelt
Stadium: Noddebaekpark (13000 seats)
Als known as: The Odd Couple

Axl Rasmussen

Last year, Lydholm Forened came agonisingly close to an IFCF position but a difficult closing part of the season saw them end up one point short. A blow for the merger club as the entrance into the Challengers Cup could have given their off-season a whole new atmosphere. Even if they are firmly in the top half of the financial table, ensuring a 140 million francs budget, there were rumours on a new sponsorship deal with the Thin Glue Line Company. Having the chemistry giant on board could have catapulted The Odd Couple further up the ranks and might have assured the financial stability to satisfy the overwhelming expectations. This season is no stranger to that, with the fans expecting no less than a top four spot from this formation. Comparing the expenditure during the winter with their rivals for such an accomplishment, that looks to be out of their reach. The expenditure on Rrezi, who starts the season in the infirmary after an ankle twist, and unknown Tikariotian youngster MacGofraidh appear high risk.

The boardroom of Forened does seem to have other things on their mind, with the stadium matter taking front, stage and centre. The dilapidated Noddebaekpark no longer serves its purpose and Lydholm was quoted in the list of stadiums targeted in the encompassing plan for an upcoming Campionato Esportiva organisation. However, such quotation did not contain a confirmation. Besides, it is highly questioned whether refurbishing would suffice for the outdated concrete monstrosity. Turning the works into a public-private partnership project could have ensured the governmental buy-in, so the long-term impact of the TGL deal falling through cannot be underestimated. It is a shame that the increased stability by the board remains as such lacking in investor back-up. What might swing that around are good results, but Lydholm has a poor track record when it comes to performing under pressure.

Predicted Finish: 8th

OlaLaBola11

Lykke Grofelt, who manages to stay afloat in the often rocky waters near Lydholm, might have a strained relation with the press and the charisma of a refrigerator, but remains one of my favourite tacticians in the league. Under his command, we have seen Forened adapt to the circumstances numerous times. Last year, the course was changed drastically to a 5-3-2 that saw them proliferate over the summer. Still, the plan had an expiration date so it was back to the drawing board for Grofelt. The practice games point to a modern spin on the diamond 4-4-2 which tries to persist the defensive prowess and fast counterattacks of its predecessor, but with less predictability. The foundations work, starting from Svend Moller, who somehow still manages to be underrated after a season that saw him concede less than 0.75 goals per game. That sort of stat always is teamwork, but still it shows a bit of the aura created.

The mix in the back sounds good on paper. Bengt Gustafsson is the least exciting man alive, but highly reliable. Not a technician, but always there. The same seems applicable for newcomer MacGofraidh: at first glance he looks a bit wooden but he is a beast in the duels. The Tikariotian is a serious investment but could be flipped for much more if he puts consistency in his performances. The backs dare to move into space, with international Poulsen leading the way. Having all the ingredients is a fitting description for the midfield as well: the vision of Hom, the miles from Lund and the infiltrations of the highly popular Ko-orenite Bonschotten give this side above average perspectives. Newcomer Rrezi, if fit, could be the man who glues it all together for balance. In a bald take, I could see them cruise into the top four and even challenge for more. But that comes with a major if: if Stefan Puch can keep his mind focussed on the game and his ego out the door. And if upcoming talent Gunvor Tofte can match his energy with improved stats.

Predicted Finish: 4th

Melundhavn Start

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Simon Egils                   34   2023      12
GK  Siebe Greibrokk               21   2024      11
RB  Silas Berg                    25   2018      11
CB  Julie Bakken                  31   2016      13
CB  Iver Askelund                 23   2019      12
CB  Even Myklebust                19   2023       9
LB  Frenkie Michielsens           27   2021      13
DM  Wodan Otterness               36   2013      11
CM  Sid Pelham                    29   2021      13
CM  Mikkel Smestad                26   2020      14
CM  Olaf Gilbert                  27   2020      12
AM  Jenny Nesseth                 22   2023      12
AM  Mia Falla                     25   2021      12
RW  Will Rainbee                  28   2022      13
ST  Gustav Myrrheim               24   2020      12
ST  Klas Villund                  21   2024      12
ST  Tuva Oye                      18   2024       9
LW  Lian Liddell                  25   2024      12

Manager: Erik Knutsen
Stadium: Melundbakken Allee (9300 seats)
Also known as: The Arrows

Axl Rasmussen

After five seasons in the purgatory of the Challenger Division, this is a fresh start in the top tier for Melundhavn's finest. But it is a reappearance on a shoestring budget for the Arrows. Start could initially cling on to their means in the second tier but after two failed attempts for a quick return, cargo flight company and main sponsor Gazelle pulled out. Under new management, a new spirit was found which focussed on bringing in players deemed insufficient for the top tier: hungry players with little negotiation room. Coach Knutsen channelled their desire for revenge, resulting in a slightly surprising promotion. But if they want to complete their redemption arc, they will have to do it themselves.

With the tightest budget of them all, about sixty-five million francs, there was no room for flashy investments. Liddell, Villund and the loaned Greibrokk all arrive in search of playing minutes, having either failed to break into their first eleven or fallen to the wayside. The axis, with Bakken, Smestad and Pelham, remains intact yet the lack of interest for any key player of Start is telling. Survival on the pitch next season will be a notable result in itself. But to ensure a long-term presence, money will need to be generated. Unless Villund or Nesseth has a breakthrough year, this will need to come from other means. The transport hub of the city should offer opportunities. Add to that the potential hinterland in terms of fans and first division football in Melundhavn sounds like a viable project. If they see through these twelve tough months.

Predicted Finish: 16th

OlaLaBola11

If you are looking to play the career mode the way it is meant to be, from zero to hero, then Melundhavn is the one to pick. From plucky outcasts to the Champions League, you love to see it. But it will take a lot of transfers to get there, that is for sure. Some might say that the selection can stand its ground as they held onto the axis that guided them to promotion. But the lack of depth is worrisome beyond comparison. The old saying that two halve goalies don’t make a full one can be quoted: Egils was already out of depth for SK and has aged another two years whilst Greibrokk was easily released by Sandfjell Fotball, never a good sign. The starting four in the back deserves credit, with the clever Bakken and Michielsens, whose shot for more is overdue. They are not the fastest but can play an offside trap. It will withstand pressure, until one of them gets injured or carded. The backup plans are poorly planned, it seems.

To say something nice, the depth in midfield is better and allows rotation. If only there had been some balance. In the second tier, you can use Otterness only when it gets tough but for thirty games in a row, he lacks the stamina. At the same time, there is no proper alternative requiring Sid Pelham to fall back more than suits his profile. The limits of playmaker Mikkel Smestad are unclear: he has vision but sometimes shun the risks. Two options for the roaming midfielder role. I see Knutsen prefer Nesseth over Falla in these circumstances, even if the latter is more artistic. Dilemmas for the striker role as well: Gustav Myrrheim, in all respects the cheap knock-off of his nephew, deserves some credit after last season but with the counterattack winning importance in their style, I can see Klas Villund being the pivotal player and the only one to make double figures. We have seen this last year with Bryn, who stood better in organisation than Start but missed a goalgetter, someone who gets them crosses over the line with his body. You instinctively think of Myrrheim but he looks too slow to make it in the position to feed off Rainbee (fast legs) and Liddell (one-trick pony, but it is a good trick). In summary: plenty of potential pitfalls, will need someone to step up to a next level.

Predicted Finish: 16th

[Cap Nord]

Preview of Capnordic Football Season 2024 [Part 2]

Norreborg 59

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Oxolt-Ulutu Nev         QUS   24   2023      14
RB  Zeb Akintola                  27   2021      13
RB  Benjamin Fiske                21   2020      10
CB  Glenn Pedersen                26   2022      14
CB  John-Frederik Kager           28   2024      13
CB  Lasse Rendahl                 29   2019      13
LB  Bernard Vleugellam            25   2017      13
DM  Jonas Reeman                  26   2023      13
DM  Annie Rye                     28   2020      12
CM  Silke Hammers                 32   2019      14
CM  Benoit Valéry                 24   2024      12
CM  Theodor Mickelsen             20   2022      11
AM  Anders Svendsen               27   2023      13
AM  Jacques Kalahuai    KSK/ARI   27   2024      14
ST  Steffen Larsen                23   2020      12
ST  Elliott Jackson               25   2022      15
ST  Leonora Karlsen               34   2011      11
ST  Filip Hegdahl                 18   2024      10

Manager: Mohammed El-Berrhi
Stadium: The 59 Stadium (12000 seats)
Als known as: The Tangerines yes, we know it makes no sense

Axl Rasmussen

The final day loss on the field of Draiewikum cost Norreborg the top four but the CEdC consolation prize will form a reminder of an astonishing solid season. Staying loyal to his vision on the field and in the meeting rooms, it is now confirmed that El-Berrhi forms the visionary for this club. A firm choice but since his appointment six seasons ago, he has turned a rather dull formation into a team worth watching with an attacking game plan and value for money. Gone are the days when their nickname (after the citrus fruit importer and sponsor Soneira who gave some extra juice to the purple shirt with a gargantuan orange) was the only interesting thing about the 59. The funds remain lower than with their rival Lydholm, but the accounting department of Norreborg might be the happiest in the business. The numbers are green, the cashflow looks healthy and there is a war treasury for if and when the shit hits the fan.

The open question is whether they can consolidate the success to move a little closer to the three pillars. After ending in fourth three seasons ago, they slumped back into ninth. A repeat of that scenario is not unthinkable. During the off-season, El-Berrhi made clear that no one is bigger than the club or at least, not bigger than himself as he crossed swords in the press with star midfielder Gitte Nilsen. The free kick specialist did not come out of her most prolific season but as a key player and fan favourite, she tried to bluff her way to an improved contract extension with some hot takes and a thinly veiled threat to miss training sessions. Four days later, her time with the Tangerines ended. A firm and clear decision but her departure leaves big boots to fill for Kelssekian newcomer Kalahuai who is missing match rhythm. The other newcomers focus on widening the selection, so it will be the man from Aridienne who is left with a lot of pressure to keep the pace up and give Norreborg consistency.

Predicted Finish: 6th

OlaLaBola11

Fans enjoy a visit to The 59 Stadium (even with the strange wall construction behind one of the goals), opposite teams a lot less. Last season, Norreborg got the mix just right to ensure that their attacking ways don't backfire hilariously. This time, they enter the competitions with a selection that seems even more durable, having added a bit of physicality in Valéry and Kager. Neither are players that will put the place on fire but in tough games, they can drag a result over the line and that did not always happen. Who will be the losing party of the transfer of Nilsen remains to be seen and depends on Kalahuai, but his DNA seems to fit in well with the El-Berrhi philosophy: high pressure and quick, recognisable patterns when possession is won. Some clubs thrive on stars, this one is more of a machine where the collective takes front and centre. It requires a specific character from the players, without turning to complacency. A fine line, but this select can walk it.

If not forced to use his feet, Ox is an excellent shot stopper and penalty specialist. The defence is sometimes seen as a bit faceless, although Pedersen deserves more appreciation. The lack of depth on the wing back is a rare weakness of the Tangerines, but Vleugellam and Akintola do give this squad an attacking vibe by taking turns to overlap. What remained unclear during the warm-up games is how El-Berrhi will reshape the midfield as technician Kalahuai does not seem a like-for-like replacement for Nilsen but offers new tactical opportunities. With the current selection, there are a lot of combinations to make. Keep an eye out for the rarely noticed Hammers, the slender conductor, and youngster Mickelsen, quite a talent. What makes this Norreborg such a difficult opponent is that they have sufficient quality in every position and the grit to fight back from each situation. The best personification of that is striker Elliott Jackson. Not a generational talent from the first looks, but he weighs on a defence and scores so consistently, there must be something about him. For some reason, ‘the Jacker’ is not yet an international but if he keeps Norreborg near the top four… Why not?

Predicted Finish: 5th

Sandfjell Fotball

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Roger Belten                  36   2006      13
GK  Joshua Batersbee        KRV   26   2024      15
CB  Lorena Collyer          CDG   30   2023      15
CB  Mark Vestby                   27   2017      13
CB  Ruben Pellenaars              24   2022      14
CB  Albert Hoog                   23   2021      12
CB  Kishi Kensan            SQR   18   2024      11
DM  Steffen Haugen                25   2022      14
DM  Oskar Aastrup                 26   2024      13
CM  Simon Carstensen              20   2021      17
CM  Charles Adams           FVA   20   2024      15
CM  Storm Mohr                    19   2023      12
CM  Villiam Henriks               23   2022      11
AM  Elias Mohr                    21   2021      14
AM  Egge Stavseth                 28   2014      14
AM  Evald Hagbo                   26   2017      12
ST  Till Myrrheim                 26   2016      17
ST  Leon Pikdal                   20   2022      12

Manager: Tinne Sollvoll
Stadium: Feltdistrikt (19000 seats)
Als known as: The Reds/The Canned Tomatoes

Axl Rasmussen

According to some offshore sites, this Sandfjell Fotball is the club with the highest sum of transfer values in the selection. The youth academy is slowly but surely overtaking the infamous Complex from Sporting Noordende as a producer of talents that immediately fit in the house style: fast feet, fast thinking and a belief in the collective. What gives this whole idea an extra dimension is how they decided to lean into the ambition of a young, vibrant squad with the new, international signings, claiming that the domestic market is too saturated to present value for money. The three newcomers arrive with various stories but with one common denominator: significantly lowering the average age of the selection. The most remarkable one is Koronavian goalkeeper Joshua Batersbee who pushes Roger Belten to the bench after a decade and a half with the number one. The club captain officially accepts the reshuffle but the fans will follow Batersbee up close and will call for the return of their beloved veteran on the slightest mistake.

But at only 26, Batersbee is nearly a veteran compared to the other duo that flew into Sandfjell. Squidroidian Kensan is a man for the future but the expectations for Charles Adams are high right away. But can this slender playmaker already replace Bjerkness? The latter left for Tikariot, valued at over three million. As such, his price tag tripled in just one season, an excellent thing and a shining example in the eyes of general manager Wilby. For the future, we can expect more international outgoings. In the plan outlined to the press, Fridtjof Wilby explained that the intention is to overtake Noordende as the richest club of the peninsula in five years time. This should happen without any significant reduction of the competitiveness of the team. Wilby underlined this with the announcement of the prolonged contracts of the Mohr brothers and Simon Carstensen, the engine of the national team that surprisingly reached the final of the Campionato.

Predicted Finish: 2nd

OlaLaBola11

The first of our title candidates and one of the most recognisable clubs in the nation. There might be a significant number of teams playing in red, if they are fresh-faced and seemingly all over the pitch, it's the Reds. The 3-6-1, first employed by De Weerd and further honed by his successor Sollvoll, gets more coverage as the 'benzene' as none of the six in midfield really has a position, but rather moves in a fluid motion based on where the others are going. It is something the youngsters have trained on for years now so it is interesting to see how Flavovespian Adams will adapt to this highly specific battle plan. The man everyone will be looking out for is Simon Carstensen. The youngster played a pivotal role in the Campionato, guiding the Whalers to the final. Some observers call it a small task to bring Sandfjell to silverware after that, but it will require more than that.

A good goalie, for starters. Belten has his merits but bringing in Batersbee seems the right choice for the future. Cassadaiguan Collyer showed herself a key addition last year, organising the back three with an iron fist. Her presence pushed Pellenaars to a new level. There is more than Carstensen in midfield, with skill merchants Storm and Elias Mohr getting a lot of the limelight. Far few people mention Haugen and newcomer Aastrup, two players that can infiltrate but now very well when to time it in a team that looks a bit haphazardly in attack. And that brings us to the man who is always on the move, bringing defenders to tears with his lethal combination of power, stamina and precision in front of goal. Till Myrrheim is a phenomenon in the league, a lock for the first place in the Golden Boot and above all a well-admired fellow. This could be the year that his goals bring in not only personal triumph but also collective rewards: the amount of talent amassed could steamroll the league if the newcomers find their spot easily.

Predicted Finish: Title

Sielhafen 1.FC

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Pierre Le Vallez              32   2024      15
RB  Edmün Dârgâneý          FFD   29   2024      15
CB  Julian Haller                 31   2017      13
CB  Jonathan Peary                27   2020      15
CB  Heidi Rossner                 25   2019      14
CB  Holger Bedl                   34   2016      12
CB  Moritz Niemeyer               21   2021      11
LB  Theodore Bissett              25   2023      16
LB  Isaiah Fredericks             26   2021      12
DM  Carl Worbe                    28   2014      16
CM  Gesa Wierink                  27   2022      14
CM  Ebbe Eisling                  20   2023      11
AM  Hella Veensma                 23   2023      15
AM  Kevin Wollschlager            27   2019      11
RA  Till Klosterdal               22   2020      13
ST  Eberhardt Beirer              31   2018      14
ST  Tiago Ventura           CBZ   18   2024      10
LA  Dieter Scharf                 29   2012      15

Manager: Gerolf Felder
Stadium: Werkstättenstadion (17500 seats)
Als known as: Der Erste/The Dockers

Axl Rasmussen

It was a remarkable quote from the always flamboyant Felder in the run-up to the season. "It would be the first time the FA hands out extra points for playing with kids." For a few years on end now, Der Erste had honed goalkeeper Marzinn into not only their finest talent in years, but also the potential goalkeeper that could win them more silverware. Still, the choice was made to monetize him in the Sylestonian league. His replacement raised even more eyebrows: few doubt the ability of Pierre Le Vallez but the Valognois is known as a strong character on and off the pitch. Between him, Scharf and upcoming star player Veensma, the manager will have quite some man management on his plate. Squad management remains a difficult matter for the one of the Three Pillars that currently seems in the weakest position financially. Not due to a lack of stability, as they have prolonged their two main sponsors for six more years, but due to the combination of their stadium and selection. The two share a few characteristics: stubborn and resilient at the moment, but ageing and with long-term liabilities.

Werkstätten has a very specific style and their robust industrialism of the construction makes it one of the most iconic buildings in the city. But there is no room for expansion as it is crammed between a few blocks of houses, nor does it offer any options to commercialise the limited space available. Whilst it has contributed to the general image of the hardworking blue-collar club, it is an open question whether it still suits the age of internationalisation that our clubs are going through. Similarly, Sielhafen needs to take a look towards the assets in their selection. Bringing in Cabo Azure’s Ventura formed the odd one out of the transfer window. Both Marzinn and Lemarbaix were replaced with older players. The experience of Le Vallez (domestically) and Dârgâneý (internationally) will ensure a solid starting eleven, packed in every department of the game. More importantly, they should be able to bring the football the fans like: pouring blood and sweat in every action, desiring to first die before relenting. But seeing the main talent left, Klosterdal, barred from starting is a sign that these choices miss longevity and could, in the end, turn out detrimental for the club.

Predicted Finish: 3rd

OlaLaBola11

The narrative is currently not working to the advantage of the Dockers. Last season felt like a long slog: the international campaign had more ups than downs, despite the victories over Brinemouth and Inland Peaks. And those midweek matches cost them early in the year, making sure they fell behind a few points on Noordende. In the end, they came short three points for a title, surprisingly ending up in second: a spot they had not held all season long. But then we set aside the bias and notice that no club managed to win as many points after the half-way watermark. It was not with sexy football, but they did not win their title with sexy football either. Felder knows about efficiency and the 5-3-1-1 he will once more serve us this season, will be exactly that. Le Vallez might be 32: it deserves criticism for a winger, but a goalie with his drive and hunger still has a few more good years in him. He openly confirmed that all he desired in his career was to win a title and that this was the club to do it. If knee-high tackles were a punishable crime, all three unforgiving centre-backs would be convicts but now they terrify opposition. Yes, Der Erste leans into their archetype, but they do it with the right people.

If you add to that the impeccable patrolling work from Carl ‘Officer’ Worbe and the aggression from Wierink, you are bound to write them off as a team of breakers rather than creators. But that is where Felder has more up his sleeve. 'Bullett' Bissett might be used as midfielder in the NT, he remains the left-wing for Der Erste and will sprint down his line multiple times per game. Bringing in a similar profile for the opposite side with experienced Farf Dârgâneý gives Sielhafen more options to span the pitch and find the space. This could also go through the feet of Hella Veensma. Her debut since arriving from Waalterzee had some ups and downs but she looks ready to assume the leading role and feed the strikers. Eberhard Beirer seems to lack the physicality of a main striker but is more arduous than given credit for: he keeps the far more elegant Klosterdal on the bench despite the pleas from the fans (and due to tons of goals, with the stats of the youngster lacking). Around Beirer, we find a wandering Scharf who originally seemed shoehorned into that role but who has now been given assurances on his autonomy. The patterns defensively are crystal clear, the attacking ones intentionally vague and the amount of football IQ there makes them highly dangerous.

Predicted Finish: 2nd

SK Sandfjell

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Marius Ludvigsen              24   2021      13
RB  Jack Flores             SNL   22   2024      13
RB  Tuva Bjorne                   35   2018      11
CB  Mitch Livyns                  23   2023      12
CB  Artaxerxes Bowman       LEX   25   2024      13
CB  Tobias Ulland                 27   2021      10
LB  Azra Mohammad                 30   2019      11
LB  Vilde Hegg                    21   2022      10
DM  Emilie Gronseth               22   2020      12
DM  Silje Holst                   31   2011      11
CM  Anders Skogen                 31   2022      14
CM  Marit Andersen                28   2017      13
CM  Ruud van den Dorpel           34   2018      11
AM  Gitte Nilsen                  30   2024      14
ST  Emil Felting                  27   2021      12
ST  Danilo                  ZRH   24   2023      14
ST  Youssouf Bedra                23   2019      11
ST  Magnus Oen                    19   2023       9

Manager: Ilise Hauk
Stadium: SK Arena (8000 seats)
Als known as: The Navy Blues/The Blue Boat

Axl Rasmussen

One season and a half in, the jury remains out on manager Ilise Hauk. That she has a vision on the pitch was backed up with a glorious cup win but some consider her plans to be too ambitious for the selection and possibilities for what is now, without any doubt, Sandfjell's second team. A painful realisation for the blue part of town but a reflection of their financial reality. After years of looking up and matching with their rivals, they have now been pushed aside by Fotball. The result of a lack of long-term positioning from the more mercantilist of the two teams. And it is hard to see the direction within the last transfer window. After a start which resulted in mixed reviews, Felix Nordmann leaves SK behind after just one season. Even if he remained diplomatic in his comments, he referred to a lack of cohesion within the team. It is an observation that will make the position of Hauk even harder to maintain.

The manager brought in three reinforcements of varying stature. South Newlandian Flores brings in with a letter of recommendation from 1830 Cathair, but will a loanee on a trip across the globe show the dedication needed for what could be a battle in the lower sections of the table? Observers were more optimistic on Artaxerxes Bowman, but the SK defence already missed a surplus on refinement. If there is one player who bathes in refinement, it is brand-new marquee player Gitte Nilsen, as she wants to prove that her legs have not gone yet. A bit of everything and potentially, not enough of everything: that is the conclusion often drawn. Young kids these days lean more towards Fotball then SK, with its motley crew of locals and journeymen. But, potentially more damning, their bland image compared with the neighbours: no social media presence, no city marketing, a falling number of season ticket holders and diminishing results. With the wallet of SK, you need to be a fast mover and this club looks increasingly sluggish.

Predicted Finish: 13th

OlaLaBola11

SK Sandfjell takes its first steps into the international footballing scene and that is due to the efforts of Ilise Hauk. The calm and pensive gaffer of the Navy Blues might not always click well with the press, she knows how to make the most of every franc. Said return on investment already brought SK the Cup, a glorious moment in their history and a unique high for the fans. One winter later, they are back in a financial reality that requires them to squeeze the most out of every cent. Replacing the monetized Nordmann with Nilsen is not necessarily a bad move but holds risks: Gitte Nilsen remains a talented free-kick specialist but bringing her in position requires extra metres from everyone else on the pitch. Hauk has a soft spot for a diamond 4-4-2 which could suit Nilsen: but only if everyone else remains loyal to their tasks. If Hauk can nourish the feelings of revenge from her star midfielder, so unceremoniously ousted from Norreborg, she can be worth every penny.

The back four, focussed on organisation, was shored up. Jack Flores showed in the pre-season why he is on the payroll of a far more prestigious club while Bowman quickly clicked with the fans over his relentless style, despite the technical flaws. Gronseth broke into the starting line-up and will immediately function as a key member: if she closes down the gaps, the other midfielders can roam the space. Nilsen will do so with a slow pace but a clear look. The captain's ribbon hangs on the arm of Anders Skogen, who excels in few aspects of the game but has the consistency of a Weshshire cuckoo clock. He is typical of SK's ambitions: too good to consider for relegation but otherwise a tad bland. Still, goals will be needed to keep SK Sandfjell from the relegation spots. Danilo developed into an excellent second striker but cannot carry the club as some wish to: the Zeta Rekan gets the statistics but is a highlight reel player. As such, a lot of pressure on the fine upcoming attacker Bedra. He has the physique to push on the hopeless long balls and get his teammates to follow through. Last year, SK slowly deflated in the competition to (successfully) focus on the Cup. One can wonder which of these two faces they will show this year: a poor start could haunt them all the way till November.

Predicted Finish: 14th

Sporting Noordende

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Anne van Velzen               22   2020      14
GK  Jarne Pelikaan                37   2012      14
RB  Maud Pieterman                26   2016      14
CB  Patrick van Hilvaren          33   2009      16
CB  Jurgen Delpaire               27   2019      13
CB  Britt Macclesfield            25   2021      12
LB  Erik Brymsaeter               29   2023      16
DM  Trevor Barrington             25   2022      15
CM  Janine Velthof                24   2018      14
CM  Gomarus Melchers              28   2021      13
CM  Abdur Rahmaan Heather   EFL   27   2024      15
AM  Charles Terzaghi        TIK   27   2023      17
AM  Mick van Bever                22   2020      13
RA  Piet Leeuwarder               21   2021      13
RW  Gideon Waerwater              19   2023      12
ST  Daniel Clark                  22   2024      15
LW  Qingling Lin            YZH   23   2024      15
LW  Jan Van Dijcke                23   2021      13

Manager: Herbert van Schravenswijk
Stadium: Kanonniersplein (20000 seats)
Als known as: The Royals

Axl Rasmussen

Football has its figures who, when given sufficient time, always show their skill. Van Schravenswijk is part of that clustre and he confirmed that last season. Despite a terrible start and a rocky IFCF run, he guided the Royals to success. With the class of Rohan Williams and the metamorphosis of Tikariotian Charles Terzaghi leading the way on the field, Sporting Noordende reconfirmed their status as the nation's biggest club. Love them or hate them, every football has an often emotional reaction to the title holder. It is an image that is cherished by Noordende who knew that it is this which assures their position in the spotlight. As such, sponsors are keen to link themselves to Cap Nord's strongest football brand: classy, winners, confident, … The marketing sometimes writes itself. And, it must be said, few clubs are as aware of the value of marketing, ranging from the permanent shop at the iconic Vierschaarplein all the way to the eye for detail at the photo shoot. Then again, a budget surpassing 300 million allows for an additional impact.

Not that Sporting feels assured of success. The remarkable first words from Van Schravenswijk the morning after the celebration confirm that: "We are level again with the relegating teams, all at nil points." A characteristic exaggeration but there is truth to it. After a lengthy soap that shed a poor light on both player and management, Sporting saw star forward Rohan Williams depart to the Zenith. From a financial point of view a sensible decision, especially as the player was eager to part ways. But it causes Sporting to have woken up in a different reality. One in which they are not the top dog by default but where the poacher can be poached by international clubs with deeper pockets. The board, spearheaded by Ief Malders, will have to adjust and adapt but the modus operandi still remains the same. Buying the hottest talent of the past twelve months in striker Danny Clark and keeping an eye out for opportunities. With Lin and Heather, the overall level of the selection just turned up another notch.

Predicted Finish: Title

OlaLaBola11

Welcome to a new Sporting Noordende, one without Rohan Williams who could make a valid claim to be Cap Nord's best player at the moment. Without him, an important part of the entertainment value, the tactical plan and the image of the selection walks out the door. Even if Sporting considers themselves as a club as no other, that will force them to start over and reconsider. Unfortunately for the Royals, that is not the only key position which finds itself in a conundrum. Jarne Pelikaan both literally and figuratively dropped the ball on a few key moments last year, promoting Anne van Velzen to the number one position. She’s a talent and that showed when she appeared, but the Noordende born-and-raised is also a bit timid for this role in a strong dressing room with her predecessor still breathing down her neck. Not that the defensive line needs a lot of steering: van Hilvaren and ‘Pencil’ Brymsaeter are internationals, Pieterman should be one and Delpaire is one of those players who will always perform a six: never disappointing. The quality here should ensure that the number of goals against remain low and will keep Noordende in the title battle. (That is, if everyone stays fit because the bench is close to non-existent).

For the other six positions, coach van Schravenswijk vocalised that no one is assured of their spot but Charles Terzaghi. The Tikariotian morphed from a low-scoring winger into a wandering playmaker, in the process making a claim to be one of the very best players in the league. That the 4-3-3 with a tilted triangle was trimmed to suit his skills is part of that story, together with the keen eye of the coach. That plan, which switches between 4-1-2-3 and 4-2-3-1 based on the situation, stays on after the title. In midfield, choices will be heard: there is Barrington and his stamina, the streetwise Velthof, the arduous newcomer Heather, young talent van Bever and Melchers who personifies the style of the house (class but not always fast). Whoever is picked, it will be iron strong. But I don’t believe we can say the same of the attack after the departure of Williams and Valentijn. Press says it is now up to the kids and yes, that is an exaggeration. But also not. Danny Clark played excellently in the Campionato but as a second striker: replacing the strong but slow Valentijn as target man will be tough. On his left-hand side, the duel during preseason seemed to be won by streetwise newcomer Lin, who immediately connected with the fans: something Van Dijcke never really managed to do. On the right, van Schravenswijk puts a lot of faith in youngsters Leeuwarder and Waerwater but it is an open question whether they can already stand the heath of this kitchen. Noordende will be Noordende, a power and one of the Three Pillars but for the title, they will burn their fingers once too many.

Predicted Finish: 3rd

Standard Brouai

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Louise Marchand               34   2016      12
RB  Francis Lemarbaix             26   2024      13
RB  Nigel Parker                  23   2022      11
CB  Abdoulaye Nsacko              24   2024      12
CB  Magalie Rochelle              29   2019      12
CB  Loic Ravaleu                  20   2023       9
LB  Stéphane Boussard             27   2020      13
DM  Jean Knockaert                35   2011      12
DM  Laurens Verclaever            23   2023      11
CM  Thibaut Vandecasteele         31   2016      13
CM  Abdelmajid Mrabet             28   2014      14
CM  Ole Vanhus                    25   2021      12
CM  Alexis Cadoret                19   2023      11
CM  Coralie Rigoreau              34   2008      10
ST  Alan Bentleysson        GRF   22   2024      13
ST  Boussou Kendi                 23   2021      13
ST  Marlène Perlez                27   2018      11
ST  Thierry Bagot                 18   2024       9

Manager: Frédérique Millon
Stadium: Stade Jardin du Curé (9600 seats)
Als known as: Les Prisoniers

Axl Rasmussen

It is rare in the world of professional sports, but Standard Brouai well and truly has a unique business opportunity in front of them. It is a million-franc chance they created for themselves but they will have to kick it against the net as well and this season will be quintessential in that. Olympique Isbècque somehow continues to squander away the fourth biggest fanbase in the nation, their neighbours AS are happy just to be in the Challenger, Cercle just dropped and we will not even start to discuss the poor situation in which Valognois football finds itself. And so, Standard is the sole francophone club in the highest tier, with the realisation that they might have the hinterland of Fronterre all for them for a few more years to come. One could say that Terranville found themselves in the same spot last year but the sympathetic Cémentiers lacked the funds to win their battle against the odds. In the longer term, however, Brouai cannot satisfy themselves simply with ‘staying up’. Equally important as the results on the field will be how they structure themselves outside of that. Can they professionalise at a fast enough pace to use the head start on the local opposition?

Even if the budget is nothing exceptional for a promoted side, there are a few elements which are in the advantage of Brouai. The Stade Jardin du Curé is modest but modern, with office buildings in the wings and room for commercial expansion. The wage scales were healthy enough to not only keep all key players of the successful title team on board, but to add three new starters. One often sees promoted clubs indulge themselves in expensive veterans, but the black-and-white made money available for young, but not inexperienced elements: Nsacko knows about the reality of a relegation fight and Lemarbaix even won a title with Der Erste (before his hip issues). Graintfjaller Bentleysson is less familiar with the league but could be the support striker that brings out the best in Kendi, who scored 19 goals last season. As such, the only thing that stands between Brouai and success could be of their own making. The ambitions ahead of the season were fairly limited, focussing on staying in the league rather than wanting to make a splash in the league and the LBCT. It would be a shame to see them waste such a chance.

Predicted Finish: 15th

OlaLaBola11

Last season, the reigning champion of the Challenger Division sank to the bottom of the league after only four games and despite remaining in touch with the rest of the teams for the bulk of the season, they never really recovered from that. There is little chance that we see Brouai echo the experience of Brouai: rather we could see a carbon copy of the amazing progress of Crester on the books. Last year, they dominated and that same selection now gets a chance to showcase themselves at a bigger stage. A few familiar names shore up a team that looks properly equipped in every section. Only goalie Marchand could be a liability as the fairly short shot stopper debuts in the Premier at the tender age of 34. She does find a good pairing in front of her: Nsacko is a tank while Rochelle, formerly of Olympique, nearly operates as a playmaker. The engine of what usually is a 4-4-2 in the book of Millon can be found in midfield. Vandecasteele is good but our eyes are on Abdelmajid Mrabet. Many top tier clubs have wanted him already but the commanding midfielder stayed loyal to the club where he debuted: you just wish him well based on the story.

That is all nice and dandy but last year showed with some evidence that the only thing that keeps you up are goals. One player who manages to score more than ten can and will be the difference between drama and success and for that, Boussou Kendi was given a rather serious sum of cash (even if more prestigious sides hoped to add him to the selection). It was a notable choice for him to stay but he knows the men around him well now, they should be able to set him up again. Kendi is a bomber who will shoot on goal from every angle but who is not afraid to weigh in on a defence. The match with Perlez, who tried to mimic his old partnership with her rushes, missed a bit of chemistry even if it had its games. As such, Bentleysson joined the forces, a player with more power in the air and the capacity to annoy opposition till the final whistle. All in all, this Standard ticks quite a lot of boxes for a calm season away from danger.

Predicted Finish: 13th

Vereniging Huftstad

SELECTION FOR 2024          NAT  AGE  SINCE  RATING
GK  Gerd Keijzer                  33   2017      12
RB  Seppe Mortier                 26   2021      11
RB  Wouter Locquet                22   2020      12
CB  Anke Klaassen                 28   2023      13
CB  Asante Mbongo                 33   2014      12
LB  Siebe Moersleutel             19   2022      12
LB  Florian Ahlers                28   2020      11
DM  Anouk de Jonghe               30   2018      13
DM  Palle Jonsson                 25   2023      13
DM  Noureddine Hamouche           20   2022      10
LM  Kick Penning                  26   2023      12
RM  Nick James              TJU   35   2024      14
AM  Kees De Reuver                29   2022      13
AM  Johannes Broodboom            26   2016      11
ST  Aiko Hopsma                   23   2023      12
ST  Emilie Lykke                  27   2021      11
ST  Afifa El Khna                 19   2024      11
ST  Kenny Mierink                 23   2021      10

Manager: Klaas Vervaecke
Stadium: Mies van Moerstadion (12500 seats)
Als known as: The Rockets/The Plastics

Axl Rasmussen

The opinions of fans rarely are the right barometer to measure the success and potential of a club. If it were to the supporters of Huftstad, you would already book their trips to the second tier as they are on the brink of war with their owner Peter Dingens. His remediation rounds in the financial household of the club, cutting costs left and right whilst selling off a few key players, were not appreciated. On a few occasions, the animosity surpassed the border of the acceptable with a nightly attack on the house of Dingens as the ultimate lowpoint. The entrepreneur in cranes and lifts seems to have started an impossible task: many would consider selling the club again. However, even if the fans desire to see the backside of their owner, that could spell the end of Vereniging Huftstad. Dingens inherited a shell of a club, with overpaid players, minimal support and a serious lack of incoming revenue streams. The relation between the few fans who stand by the club of the once-aspired-to-be artificial capital and the management had already been detrimental. Dingens is (and was) well aware that only a hard reset, building up the structures from the ground, could give Vereniging Huftstad a new and fresh start.

And for that, he is willing to go far, up to the point where the iconic/horrific club colours are even up for reconsideration. Behind the screens, a lot has been changed with only a handful of staff members still on board since the takeover. Everywhere else, the credo has been ‘fewer people for more impact’. The slimmed marketing department that started the #CapitalVH campaign might not have yet reached all hearts but is emblematic of a fresh wind that runs through the corridors. Vereniging might be at their lowest but there is no feeling that the ground is disappearing from under their feet: it is a steep climb ahead but at last, they seem to have some tools to claw their way back. The same sentiment surrounded the off-season which saw, for the first time in a while, no one pushed out the door for his or her price tag. The same selection that after a positive start managed to keep the team away from the red line now comes back for another round, with two reinforcements that show the way of thinking for Dingens. On the one hand, there is Afifa El Khna, the young pocket rocket from the relegated Cercle, confirming his desire to hone diamonds in-house. On the other hand, there is Tjunian veteran Nick James who is no longer the player he used to be but who can be valuable both in this league as for the youngsters.

Predicted Finish: 12th

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Last year, journalist Claudine Mazerin coined the term ‘net supported’ to indicate how loved a club would be. A Norreborg, with attractive football and little animosity, scores high. Sporting Noordende, as domestic hegemon, gets a lot more hate from all corners of the nation but, on the flipside, has a loyal and large following resulting in quite some ‘net support’. Her thesis was that the club of which the majority of people could agree to see go down would be Vereniging Huftstad. “The Rovers are nationally recognised as cunts but at least they have a following and character. Terranville is far more grey and dull but their hustle against the financial odds gets some respect. But when it comes to Huftstad, apathy is about the most positive sentiment to be associated.” It is a damning condemnation for the project to give the planned city a club that suited its booming population. And to be honest, the sentiment is shared here as we see the club bring limited added value to the line-up. Fortunately for the defensive department, Anke Klaassen progressed well beyond her VV Noordende days as Mbongo is past his best days. Locquet and Moersleutel have the future in them, even if the former stagnated a little but both still have too many mistakes to cement the team.

It is an open question how Vervaecke (kicking off his first job in the highest tier) will handle the midfield puzzle in front of him. During preparatory games, we have seen variations ranging from 4-4-2 over 4-5-1 and even a Christmas tree formation. Whichever the numbers will be, he will need to identify a method to make the best from his two most inspiring players. Newcomer Nick James has an excellent track record as a midfield strategist with Oriannor but can he find a way to link up with Kees De Reuver? The latter is in potential an exquisite playmaker but unfortunately he tends to forget to pack that side of him into his sports bag for the majority of the games. For half the matches, that makes him a dead weight and then we are not even discussing the required manual to keep him in hand in the dressing room. During preseason, it is clear the teammates looked for James to guide the way, especially as de Jonghe nor Jonsson (both valuable in the organisation) are exactly creative elements. There are opportunities there. Where they might be missing, could be in attack. Aiko Hopsma made a decent jump up two tiers but his effort petered off with only two goals in the second half of the season. If they had brought in someone more effective than Lykke, or more oriented than El Khna, or more skilled than Mierink, then this team could stay out of trouble. If. Now, the lack of goalgetter sees them in the danger zone and who will feel bad about that?

Predicted Finish: 15th

CANDICAN CHALLENGER DIVISION

AS Isbècque
After only twelve months, AS Isbècque regained their spot in the Challenger Division. The Cup specialist should have all the weapons on board to stay there, along with the anticipation of two exciting derbies with Olympique.

Barnuff Rangers
In a competition that is always in a state of flux, the Rangers found a healthy middle ground that allows them to remain in the league without challenging for more. More than a decent striker in Percy Derval.

Blue-White Gleburgh
Gleburgh slowly but surely becomes a promotion contender as they start to reap the rewards of their excellent youth academy. With Bullock and Marshall, there are two new ones who look like future top tier elements.

Bryn Boldklub
Losing only twelve games all year is a result which shows that the Bryn was battle hardened enough, but only scoring 15 goals explains the relegation. The lack of new strikers limits the ambition to bounce back swiftly.

Cercle Terranville
After years of clinging on to the top tier, the curtain dropped for Les Cémentiers as they came to a complete standstill. The line-up feels a bit too flat and too old to return anytime soon: it’s time to reinvent themselves.

Excelsior Moringhem
Freshly off the boat that is called the National Division, L’Excel should be an addition to this competition. It’s a side that plays technical football with a group of younger players who stick together. Could become a fixture.

Forbrodring Opsvik
Opsvik chooses for a steady trajectory under coach Hettervik and as such starts the competition as the favourite for promotion. Striker Helmsund stuck around and this assurance on goals might give them the edge in the end.

Kickers Rening
Rening, who back in the day even appeared in the first division, have finally started to claw back up. There is a dedicated fanbase and some local money. All that seems to be missing now are a little thing called decent strikers.

Metallar Varnoberg
In the grand scheme of things, this season was better than anticipated by some pundits. A return to their roots by scoring and conceding least of the league which should allow a return to more than stubborn midtable material.

Noordende VV
Smack dab in the middle of the table, once more. Add to that a calm transfer period for a quiet season with one of the warmest fan bases in their small but charming stadium. Still halfway between a family and a hipster club.

Olympique Isbècque
Some home games with the flares in the stands and the passion on the pitch make Olympique fans dream of a return to greatness. But until they find players who know consistency, there will not be a promotion run.

Porskoggankopp FK
Predicted to fail but the Shepherds had their best season in history. It is still hard to see where they go from here: the wealth is missing to grow further but they kept key players such as Malm and Groeneveld.

Sielhafenspor
A Cinderella story written by Erkol Demirci prolonged the stay of 'Spor in this division but the transfer period did not seem to solve the lack of attacking prowess. Enlisted for another relegation battle, it seems.

Skjerm SK
Why did it not materialise last season for Skjerm? No one really knows but the board chose for the easy option: former SK manager Pettersen is brought in to turn the talents into an eleven that fights for one another.

Stennköping Atlet
Every downside has an upside: Maximilian Dahl, the 19-year old who saved Atlet last year was monetized which keeps their financial head above water. But the squad looks depleted and Dahl's don't come in each season.

SV Leijendorp
De Boeren did exactly what they had hoped to do: get a quiet return season in the Challenger Division and expand their squad with a few bottom-tier players. SV seems to join the large mid-table pack.



SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION WEST

With three relegated sides in their ranks, the often disregarded Western half of the National Division looks tougher than ever. But for one club, this cannot be an excuse. Owner Péraud declared that Valognes Sportive will either be promoted or be sold. Whether that works as a motivational statement remains unclear. It does make all others look like outsiders. Braelowan seems to be back at their level, but in 'the Nat' they are a feared and physical opponent. Within the Stellarbrough boardroom, there was no panic and it has been stated that this drop was no disaster: with their squad they can get back up. And the league already had clubs such as Newton Steelworks, a club that slowly improves each year, and talent trove En Avant. Also look out for the Géants, who will happily battle for the title if only it will form a bother to nemesis Sportive.

Academic Club Bellworth
Advendo Vlamenburg
Braelowan Athletic
Drochry Corinthians
En Avant Barelle-sur-l'Isé
Géants de Valognes
Groene Leeuwen Bercht
Guardiens de Carbécourt
Hand in Hand Wulvem
Hercules Noordende
Newton Steelworks
Peteringham City
Stade Saint-Loic
Stellarbrough Town
Valognes Sportive
Verbroedering Noordende



SUPERSHOP NATIONAL DIVISION EAST

Last season, this league went undecided till the final whistle and there is little reason to assume 2024 will be any different. If we must call a favourite, it might be Jagerfly who saw a potential promotion slip through their fingers in the extra-time of the play-offs but remain a balanced line-up. Others would name Energie Swamund who handled their previous relegation well and showed ambition in the off-season, bringing in the slow but experienced Trude Heipertz. Also in the mix will be Ryntsjerk as they start to harvest from their improved youth academy. The list of outsiders must contain FF Skroya, but they go on without goalscorer El Baouli who departed for Skjerm. Worthy of a second glance are the very physical Avelinge and transferred Racing Bieshout. The latter is part of one of the two derbies of this tier: the Bieshout one is traditional and highly explosive while the Lydholm one proved charming last season.

AmnKam
Bronvalla Black Star
Eintracht Wechholz
Energie Swamund
FF Skroya
Fram Rorsund
Jagerfly Ringskar
Lydholm BK
Racing Bieshout
Sparta Bieshout
Sport Melundhavn
THOR Avelinge
Ungdommer Sandfjell
Wadum Emtex
YB Lydholm
Zwaluwen Ryntsjerk