Dalkurd’s first-ever top-flight season ended with disappointment as it was the 1:2 home defeat in round 29 against Djurgarden that saw Green and Whites dropping in the bottom two from the 14th place that was giving them another chance to save themselves via the survival play-off.
The campaign was challenging from the start with Dalkurd achieving only 1 win in the 11 rounds up until the summer break. Coach Valentic never settled into a clear shape or personnel in these first few months and logically he was sacked in June. The inexperienced 34-year-old manager Sandahl took charge for the rest of the campaign, with Dalkurd also going through a significant change of personnel in the summer months.
As many as 9 players left the club during the summer break, this included the 2 main strikers Buya Turay and Sugita, with the new boss signing 6 replacements to fill the voids.
Under their new coach Dalkurd didn’t improve much, but still 4 points from his first 2 games in charge and narrow wins over Sirius and Trelleborg in rounds 18 and 23 even moved the side outside the bottom three for several weeks.
Tough late schedule saw Dalkurd losing against candidates for Europe in rounds 22, 24, 25 and 27 though and come the end of October the bottom three finish was certain. However, crucial 2:1 home win over Orebro in round 26 and much better goal difference compared to Trelleborg and Brommapojkarna meant that Dalkurd looked in strong position to finish in 14th place and live to fight another day.
Unfortunately the home defeat in the penultimate round proved costly and despite winning their last game Dalkurd no longer controlled their own destiny and they had to accept the quick return to the lower division.
Strand played as right-back, centre-back, right midfielder and right winger during the campaign and just because of that versatility he deserves praise for his personal campaign. Most other players had up and down seasons, or didn’t spend more than half of the campaign at the club, with the only other impressive players being Awad and Tranberg.
