Eskilstuna’s first ever top flight campaign finished in bitter disappointment and, despite trying hard to avoid it, the inexperienced players finished in last place. The fact that the team’s first ever top flight win didn’t come until round 15 hinted from very early on that the season will be a disappointing one.
Eskilstuna started the campaign with 4 draws and 8 defeats in the first 12 rounds and logically come the short summer break coach Per Olsson was released and the Board decided to hire the Englishman Jolley instead.
The new gaffer was quick to sign reinforcements in the middle of the park and in defence, despite the difficult campaign Eskilstuna were getting solid contributions in attack from Eddahri and Turay, but the first win actually came in the middle of a poor run of five defeats in six and it didn’t change the situation much.
Jolley eventually saw better displays from his side halfway through his reign and wins over Malmo and Gothenburg in August and September hinted that some chance of survival might be possible. Unfortunately identical 1:1 draws late in the season against the direct rivals Jonkopings and Halmstads didn’t allow Eskilstuna to avoid the wooden spoon.
All campaign saw Eskilstuna experiencing a difficult learning process and, as not many of their players showed that they are quick learners, the season logically ended in disappointment. Still the fans will remember the famous wins that were achieved against the two most successful teams in Sweden and, if Jolley keeps the main core of players, Eskilstuna will be eyeing a quick return to the main stage as they now tasted what it is to be part of Allsvenskan and they will definitely be hungry for more.
