Football Season Guide

An unacceptably poor start to last season proved to be their downfall as their superb second-half-of-the-season form was not enough to mount a serious title challenge. Somewhat ironically though, they proved how low quality the Super League is right now by going from a relegation-threatened team to one that finished in the top three in the same campaign. A more realistic title push seems likely this season. It's not that they've suddenly got right what they've been getting wrong for a few years now, but more that most teams around them are struggling to capitalise upon their situation. In the cold light of day, Young Boys Bern have more individual match-winners than most Super League clubs, and barring another Xherdan Shaqiri masterclass campaign, they'll be in the mixer to win the title because of their lack of genuine opposition. FC Thun's return to the Super League grants them a Bernese derby, which will make things a little harder for them but not monumentally so. They've not made any significant losses whatsoever pre-season, keeping hold of key assets like Fassnacht, Ugrinic, and Monteiro. Indeed, an argument could be made to suggest that they've only strengthened their squad. With Rrudhani returning following a successful loan spell at Luzern, Vriginius's loan spell being turned permanent, Smith really starting to convince in defence, Persson back from his loan spell to replace the departed Abdu Conte, Lindner joining to replace wantaway GK von Ballmoos as understudy to wonderkid Keller, and long-term absentees Janko and Facinet Conte returning, the club can only be described as being far stronger than last season. On top of the above, they made two absolutely brilliant signings with Wuthrich returning to run the show at the heart of their defence (instead of erratic Camara, who left), which they've been lacking for a while now. They also persuaded midfield controller Edmilson Fernandes to join, a signing most Super League clubs could only dream of. Indeed, it's not yet clear who they'll rely upon this season, such is the quality and depth in their squad - youngster Tsimba and returning loanee Golliard have had opportunities to impress pre-season. They seem well-prepared to handle just about any player's departure though, and given the quality and match-winners at their disposal, winning the title looks a very realistic goal for them this season.