Football Season Guide

SJK had a strong last season. They lost only once in the opening 9 rounds but then in late May their head coach resigned to seek better job opportunity. Scotsman Stevie Greve took over. His record for the rest of the regular season was nothing more than average – 5 wins, 3 draws and 5 defeats. Did just about enough to protect their fourth place in the play-offs. This was enough to give Greve the job permanently. Moreno was the league’s joint top goalscorer in 2024 with his 12 goals but he is no longer in the team. Alenis Vargas was signed to boost the forward options. He is more a natural winger though. It seems Greve is happy to give striker Streng, out on loan for most of 2024, a chance to shine. Also, after his 8 goals in his first year at the club Rasmus Karjalainen is ready to take the role of a main target-man this season. Solid centre-back Tikkanen and the main chance creator last year Hannola are the other two major departures from the off-season. Kelvin Pires made his stay permanent so he will take Tikkanen’s role at the back. In midfield, Elias Mastokangas was brought in and he is seen as someone that can be the main ball handler in the attacking midfielder role. Coach Greve likes to use the flanks a lot. He also made SJK one of the most dangerous teams from set pieces after taking charge. Now with a full pre-season under his belt he will likely emphasise on these two elements even more going forward.