Summer half-time in Sweden....

....whilst the ongoing arguement about a winter break has become an annual talking point in the UK, the Swedes regularly take their break in mid June (to coincide with joviality and drunken philanderings that go on around the Midsummer Festival in this country).

This is the only time of the year that you can expect any pleasant warm weather, although even that has deserted us so far this year.

However, at the break (13 games of the 30 game season) Gothenburg have taken a commanding 5 point lead in the Allsvenskan table, having lost only one game. It's a relief for fans of the west coast club who've had a lean, and somewhat embarassing few seasons, and have consistantly lost out to their arch-rivals AIK of Stockholm.

Norrköping and (Anders Svensson's Elfsborg side) share 2nd /3rd place ahead of last seasons champions Malmö who will have to find some good form if they are to retain their title. Despite recently celebrating his 39th birthday...Anders isn't losing his grip on the midfield spot he's had regularly since returning from his spell with Saints almost 10 years ago.

The race for promotion from " Superettan "(read Championship) looks good for Jönköping South, who lead the division ahead of the northern side Östersunds FK and these two clubs already have a 7 point lead over the 3rd placed side Degefors.

It would be a triumph for Jönköping to get promotion as they haven't played top-tier football in over 40 years. Those travelling Saints fans I met who followed Strachan's post Cup Final tour over here, may recall Jönköping's ground, which is placed on a high plateau outside the town.

Of course lots can happen, and we have often massive reversals of form after summer breaks, both - good and bad - to other sides in past years.

The League games will restart in a few days, and culminate with the onset of the winter snow in November. Brrr....Meanwhile the drizzle is rather un-inviting.

Thanks for the update, David. I was hoping for a better showing from Hammarby, hopefully the second half will be kinder to them.

well David , a little but so important correction to your half time report.

Our old friend Anders , at 39 , is yes still playing BUT, and this is a huge but , he's playing at centre-back for Elfsborg. And doing ok by all accounts.

Bet there's no one on here that could ever have imagined that happening.

Gothenburg are top of the table but fan knows how. They are playing really average but grabbing some fortunate late goals. Not good enough to win it. Malmö will.

Skål David

well David , a little but so important correction to your half time report.

Our old friend Anders , at 39 , is yes still playing BUT, and this is a huge but , he's playing at centre-back for Elfsborg. And doing ok by all accounts.

Bet there's no one on here that could ever have imagined that happening.

 

Gothenburg are top of the table but fan knows how. They are playing really average but grabbing some fortunate late goals. Not good enough to win it. Malmö will.

 

Skål David

thanks for the correction about Anders.

I should have said " kept his starting place " which is still pretty remarkable at that age. Most veterans sit on the bench until the last 20 mins. of a game.

Thanks for the update, David. I was hoping for a better showing from Hammarby, hopefully the second half will be kinder to them.

Think they might feel happy to be able to stay up in their first season back. I worked with a group of Hammarby fans recently and they were really dedicated.