Kalmar looked to be heading towards an inevitable relegation come the midway point of the season, but an inspiring managerial change during the summer break and some great transfers made by the new gaffer saw the Reds achieving survival with a game to spare.
Just two points collected in the opening five rounds and then a four-game losing streak through May seemed to have doomed Kalmar to a relegation very early. Coach Peter Swardh was really unable to pick the right players or formation in the first 12 rounds and logically, come the short summer break, he was sacked. Bergstrand was appointed instead and, after starting his reign with three heavy defeats in a row, in July many were quick to write off Kalmar.
Come round 16 Kalmar were sitting in the bottom two and adrift from those above them, but this was when the team’s fortunes started to change. For this to happen a lot was contributed by the positive summer transfers made by the new gaffer. The signing of strikers Fejzullahu, Hellquist and Romario brought options in attack, while both Ring and Singh immediately landed starting spots in midfield upon arrival. Dyrestam was also a great acquisition and he formed an excellent partnership in the heart of the defence with the most solid player of the team Viktor Elm. All these positive transfers and a bit of luck helped Kalmar to achieve 5 wins in 6 in the summer and just like that come September the Reds looked in strong position.
A run of three draws and a win followed in September and this proved enough for Kalmar to save themselves and even relax a bit in the last few rounds of the season when they felt their job was successfully done.
