Football Season Guide

Orebro had a comfortable campaign of mid-table last season ending in 9th and, while aspirations have been higher in the past, there isn't many reasons to believe they will be improving majorly on that in the 2017 season. The ambition might be to see European football again at Behrn Arena in the near future, but the truth is that breaking into the top half of the Allsvenskan table this season would be a terrific return for Alexander Axen's team. At the back Orebro look as experienced as ever, with right back Martin Lorentzon the pick of the defenders. Oscar Jansson is a promising goalkeeper who will be first choice. He's only in his mid-twenties and could be one for the future in regards to the Swedish national team. A lot rests on him having a decent 2017 campaign. It will be interesting to see how new signing Johan Martensson fits into the midfield mix at Orebro, with his no nonsense style of play and dedication giving him the potential of being a new fans' favourite at the club. Up front the pick Nigerian attacker Kennedy Igboananike is unproven and could still become flavour of the month or flop of the season, while Michael Omoh was deemed surplus to requirements at Ostersund. Can Axen get the best out of these type of players who have not fired at their previous employers? Victor Skold also had a great introduction for the club last season, and a full injury free season for the Swedish striker could reap rewards. Attacking midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic is a massive loss, having gone to AEK Athens after a fine season at Orebro last season. That creative void has not been filled yet. But while there is plenty of talent in the squad there are doubts whether Orebro will improve on last season or if they will just cement themselves in mid-table at the earliest opportunity. Breaking into the top five or six will remain a pre-season goal, but this will change very quickly if some of the new players fail to live up to their potential or if some of the regular performers suffer a dip in form. Axen knows the drill by now at Orebro. The best players are developed and then sold for profit, leaving the head coach to build his side up and up again. It's a frustrating framework for the fans who want to see the best players stay at their beloved club, but this is how Orebro need to operate to survive in the top tier. And they've done so very well in recent years without ever troubling the big names in the division. The lack of creativity, proven goalscoring and leadership are the question marks that cast a shadow over Orebro this season and, if Axen has the answers to these, then the 2017 season might not be as dull as it is shaping up to be for the club.