Nordic Football News

In: Jarkko Värttö, Markus Paatelainen, Ville Koskimaa, Janne Henriksson, Konsta Rasimus

Out: Tero Koskela, Ivan Vargic, Jani Bäckman, Ville Jalasto

Coach: Mika Lehkosuo

Claimed playing budget: €984,000

Egan says: Mika Lehkosuo is widely regarded as the best young Finnish coach, and his Honka side look very strong this year again. In addition to their winter signings, Gambian midfielder Demba Savage and Honka academy product Rasmus Schuller are expected to play a greater first team role and add some youthful vitality to a squad that finished second in league and cup last year. Honka will be strong contenders.

Juha says: Good additions to a squad that was impressive even before the new players joined the team. Honka have the quality, they have a working, established system, and this coming campaign they even have enough depth to cover a decent number of injuries. Provided they do not slip from their way of playing as they have done before, they should end up in the top two. The derbies against HJK should not leave anyone out in the cold.

Fan’s view: Niklas Lundell answers on behalf of Tapiola’s finest.

1. Realistically, how will your team do?

Realistically? Honka’s definitely a title contender, so the team will end their season with a medal hanging around their necks. I hope it’s a golden one.

2. Which teams did you like and dislike most last season?

Liked: The champions played enjoyable football with a fairly young squad, and earned all their success last season. They made second place a much less bitter way to end the season. FC Inter.

3. What was the best moment of last season?

It was either Hakanpää’s winning goal in the 90th minute against Haka at Valkeakoski or Kokko’s 3-3 goal against Tampere United. Those both were goals scored late in the game after a hard fought battle by Keltamustat.

4. What was the worst moment of last season?

The somewhat dubious penalty kick that TamU got just a few minutes after Kokko’s 3-3 goal. Losing to TamU meant that Inter had the next day a chance to secure the title.

5. If your club wasn’t in the football business what other business would it be in?

I’m not sure if I understood the question correctly, but I guess that marketing would be something that Honka could pull off.

6. Who will win Veikkausliiga and who will go down? (Just the names will do)

Honka will win, and RoPS will go down.