Hartberg

Hartberg had both disappointing ends to the regular season and to the play-offs, with the Blues playing decent football but ending up missing out on Europe. Tough financial situation due to COVID meant that the main summer signings made were free agents and young players only on loan from top clubs. Also Hartberg were badly affected by 2 COVID outbreaks in their ranks early in the season and this led to only 2 wins achieved in the first 11 rounds (D5 L4). However, the amount of draws registered was enough to keep the Blues well above the struggling sides. Tadic struggled for form all season and he was major disappointment in attack. However, smart moves in the winter saw Horvat and Flecker joining the squad to become very important players in the second half of the campaign. Hartberg moved into the top 6 after 4 wins in late February and March, with the Blues knowing that home win over St. Polten in the last round of the regular season guarantees them Play-off I football. However, goal conceded deep in stoppage time saw this game ending 3:3 and Hartberg had to settle for the second play-off group. There they remained unbeaten at home (W3 D2) and this was enough to see them top Play-off II and host Austria Vienna for the final showdown before the Europa League play-off against Wolfsberger. Unfortunately in this vital match Hartberg played arguably their worst football and 0:3 loss ended their season in disappointment. Coach Schopp is unlikely to receive much more money for transfers this summer, especially after Hartberg missed out on Europe, so he will again have to be creative and look at some free agents and youngsters.

Player of the Season: Tobias Kainz