Crippled by major financial crises Rubin did well to avoid relegation in what was final season in charge for legendary coach Kurban Berdyev before leaving for pastures greener for the second time.
Unable to sign any decent players in the summer and seeing many of those on high wages leaving Rubin had to rely on youth throughout the campaign, but as it is always with the teams managed by Berdyev the great defensively stability helped for points to be generated and keep Rubin out of trouble pretty much all season.
Only 5 times the Tatars conceded more than 1 goal and despite struggling for goals themselves many 1:1 draws and several 1:0 wins here and there proved enough.
The campaign was breakthrough for several of the young players, but none impressed more than 22-year-old centre-back Sorokin. Not only he was integral part of the back line, but he ended up becoming Rubin’s top goalscorer with his 6 goals and his ability to cause havoc from set pieces was key reason why Rubin survived.
With Berdyev gone and no end to the financial problems many worry that next term Rubin will find it much harder to stay out of trouble. That said there are 3 potential buyers of the club and if deal is completed during the summer months and rich new owner takes charge things can change very quickly for the better.
