Football Season Guide

Hammarby were dominant at home last season (W11 D3 L1) but never climbed higher than 4th and eventually finished in 5th place. European involvement disrupted their Allsvenskan campaign. They won the Swedish Cup by defeating BK Hacken and thus qualified for European football. Although only in position for 6 months after he replaced Stefan Billborn, manager Milos Milojevic was sacked and has moved on to Malmo and the lure of the Champions League. He’s been replaced by Aalborg’s young coach, Marti Cifuentes, who took them to 4th in the Danish Superliga. Promising midfielder Amoo has moved to Copenhagen, bringing in a record fee. Regular starters Mohammed, Ousted and Rodic have also departed. Veteran playmaker Paulinho has also returned to his native Brazil. Several young fringe players have gone including Joe Mendes to AIK. Few of note have joined Hammarby and instead a series of steady pros have signed: Nilsson, Kurtulus and Besara. Midfielder Collander and goalkeeper Selin have been acquired for their potential. Returning from loan spells are Widgren, Junior and Bjorklund. Overall, Hammarby’s squad may be a little weaker. A lot depends on new coach Cifuentes and if he can marry their expected strong home form with better form on the road.