Football Season Guide

At the end of last season under Mark Dempsey, Djurgarden really appeared to be moving in the right direction with some excellent wins against the better sides in the league. But the English head coach has since moved on meaning Ozcan Melkemichel was brought in after success with AFC Eskilstuna in getting them promoted to the first division. It could be seen as a somewhat risky move as Melkemichel’s only other experience at this level was with a doomed Syrianska side who were relegated with one of the worst records in league history in 2013. The squad left behind from last year’s campaign has not changed too much with a few squad players leaving and two big names arriving. Kim Kallstrom arrives on a free transfer from Grasshoppers Zurich while Jonas Olsson has signed from Premier League side West Bromich Albion. Both of them have plenty of experience to call on but, both being 34, there might be some concerns about fitness. Fitness will also be the keyword for other important members of the squad. Midfielders Haris Radetinac and Kerim Mrabti both failed to complete a match last season for DIF after suffering serious injuries yet they will hope to get back out on the pitch in 2017. A few other aging players will also hope to stay injury free such as goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson and striker Amadou Jawo. The real excitement in this team will be provided by the younger members of the squad such as up and coming striker Tino Kadewere who will have greater responsibility now that both Sam Johnson and Mathias Ranegie have both left the club. Besard Sabovic and Jesper Karlstrom will also both hope to get minutes on the pitch despite some key players featuring in their positions. DIF did really well to climb to 7th last term after their horror start but a similar finish is possible in a competitive mid-table. With a bit of luck in terms of injuries and some performances from their big players, they could even push higher up.