Swedish football season 2014.

[david in sweden]

For the benefit of those fans who follow the Swedish teams (and those who are interested enough to mail me from time to time.)

 

The season began in earnest sometime before Easter, in order to have a longer break in the short summer ..and be free-(er) around the World Cup... (which of course Sweden isn't in - for once).

Sadly, it started on a bad note on the first day, when the Helsingborg v Djurgården game was postponed after a Djurgården supporter died after a scuffle between opposing fans on way to the ground.

 

The matches were rattled off in quick time and now we have reached game 10. (of the 30 match season). Last year's champs Malmö have set a hot pace and lead the table with only one defeat. Anders Svensson (38 in July) team Elfsborg have picked up after a slow start ....and are in second place, with a revived Kalmar side in third.

 

At the other end of the table recent newcomers (like Brommapojkarna, Gefle and Halmstad are (as expected) struggling to keep themselves above the drop zone.

Being too good for the Allsvenskan (Div.2) ...they can't bridge the talent gap enough to consolidate themselves in the top Division, and yo-yo every other season. A problem in the Eng.Prem.,too)

Overall it's been a pretty boring start with a huge number of drawn games, and some pitifully low attendances. Average gates vary between 1500 - 8000, (depending on the size of the fan base).

 

The highlight of the Allsvenskan - second div. league is the revival of Stockholm's Hammarby club. relegated three years ago they have struggled to kick start their game.

Whilst Stockholm football has suffered at the hands of the west coast sides like; Malmo, Helsingborg and Malmo in recent years. Attendances have dwindled for the two large Stockholm sides, Djurgården and AIK, whereas the " slightly unfashionable " Hammarby club has kept its devoted hard-line fans, and drew a gate of nearly 21,000 for last weekend's game.

presently top of their table, they will be looking for a return to the top flight at the end of the summer.

 

the overall standard of Swedish football has deteriorated in the last 2-3 years, as (like England) some of the established internationals have retired, and the new talent isn't upto par.

Many of the new talents are quickly signed up by Dutch, French and Italian clubs and very few of the current international squad plays domestic football in Sweden.

 

National trainer Hamren has kept his job (despite not qualifying for WC) and recently came in for some strong criticism (from former captain Anders Svensson) for his methods and team selections.

Edited 27 May, 2014 by david in sweden