Football Season Guide

Gnistan got promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history despite losing the play-off against Mariehamn. The team from Helsinki finished second in the Second Tier. However, the sudden bankruptcy declared by Honka meant that Gnistan were invited to take their spot in the Veikkausliiga. Now the modest side from the capital will celebrate their a hundredth year of existance with their first-ever top-flight campaign. Gnistan had a decent last season – 16 wins, 9 draws and only 2 defeats. Playmaker Joakim Latonen scored some vital goals in 2023. He finished the year with 18 goals and 10 assists to his name so he will be a crucial player. Gnistan already sacked their manager after the lost play-off before they found out they are getting promoted after all. To replace him they chose Jussi Leppälahti, who last year led KTP in the top flight but failed to save them as they finished last. Appointing a manager with such a track record is a bit risky but at least he has experience at Veikkausliiga level. Two underperforming strikers left in the winter, as well as, the main right-back. All had been accordingly replaced and Gnistan are ready to get excited as they start writing history. Adding 3 veteran defenders and 2 very experienced new strikers to the ranks should give Gnistan this much needed know-how when it comes to playing at this level.