Football Season Guide

They won the division below last season and were thus promoted to the Bundesliga. They are not newbies at this level, having spent many years in the Bundesliga throughout the 2000s. Their last appearance at this level was just a few years ago. Due to a limited budget and lack of quality for this level, they've had to take chances in the transfer market. Their marquee signing pre-season with South African midfielder Maart, who is unproven at this level. That in itself sets something of a precedent for future signings - Azkune and Mutandwa were also rather optimistically signed despite having zero knowledge/experience of the Bundesliga. Cleverly, the club added some very experienced heads that do know this league well. Defender Scherzer, recruited from Wolfsberger AC, and midfielder Wernitznig, retcruited from relegated Austria Klagenfurt, are going to be really important if this team is to indeed avoid relegation. Maart is going to have to hit the ground running too, familiar or not. They've also loaned Kiedl from Sturm Graz, which could be a big boost to their attack - he's got a lot to offer but found opportunities hard to come by at his parent club due to an over-saturated talent pool. In other words, SV Ried look like they've done everything they can to give themselves a fighting chance of survival, bringing in experienced heads, unknown players, and most of all, grafters. Losing talented Wohlmuth pre-season wasn't ideal; he contributed a lot at both ends. Striker Eza moved on too; unsurprising as he looked too good for that level sometimes. Other than that though, they didn't really lose anyone of note so it's not as bad as it could have been. They should be able to start their campaign quite well with most players in their squad still there from last season, and at least half of the newcomers requiring little introduction. Their lack of quality is going to be an issue but they might have enough fight and experience to avoid the drop if they avoid injuries to key players.