Football Season Guide

Sarpsborg had a tumultuous and mostly dire last season, just about saving themselves after a late surge of form. They never should have been in such dire position given the quality of the squad they have and it seemed like a logical decision when Geir Bakke stepped down at the end of the season, having done wonders with this small club in the last five years. The new man in charge for the season ahead is Swede Mikael Stahre, who had extensive experience in the Allsvenskan, while also having stints in China and the USA. He uses mostly the same tactical setup as Bakke used to, with two banks of four, but is expected to bring more freshness to a squad that grew stale last season. Sarpsborg signed some interesting players in the close season, with quite a few coming from Sweden as well-known to the new manager. They all have good experience and pedigree and the aim seems to be lifting the overall experience of the squad. However, the Blues from the outskirts of Oslo lost their talisman in the last couple of years in Kristoffer Zachariessen, who was lured by Rosenborg and leaves a gaping hole in midfield. A few other mainstays in Amin Askar, Jon Helge Tveita and Matti Lund Nielen have left as well while Niklas Gunnarsson will be missed at the back too after having a big impact in keeping the team up last season. Sarpsborg seem to have a pretty flexible and interesting squad ahead of the season but the lack of cover at full-back is a worry. Also, the strike force was poor and ineffective last season and currently comprises of a few veterans who are past their best and promising but frustrating youngsters.