Football Season Guide

Degerfors are back in the top division for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. They finished 2nd in the Superettan 5 points behind Halmstads. Promotion was built on strong home form and they were top scorers with over 2 goals per game. The midfield duo that was a big part of their promotion drive, Lindahl and Ortmark, have departed. The other departures played little part in Degerfors success last season. They are delighted to hang onto their top scorers Bertillson, Dhalstrom and Edvardsen who between them scored 45 goals last season. It will be a big step up for them, but at least scoring potential is there. They have an experienced defence and have done little to strengthen it apart from signing left-back Kralj from the Norwegian league. Most signings have been made in midfield, headed by Tamimi who will shore up that area. Highly experienced Maripuu and youthful Saidi add depth in midfield too. Despite having some prolific scorers, Degerfors still signed the experienced Abraham and Rajamohan. Is it unrealistic for Degerfors to take their free-scoring style into the Allsvenskan? Probably yes, but they should be an interesting team to watch. At least they have not packed their squad with journeymen intent on playing turgid football. Their obvious weakness is that with a few notable exceptions, the squad has little Allsvenskan experience.