Football Season Guide

Halmstads BK return to the Allsvenskan after a one year absence following their relegation in the 2015 season. Jan Jonsson managed to get his side promoted back to the first division on his first go, even if it was via a nervy playoff with Helsingborg. Much of the squad that was relegated two seasons ago has changed, but a core does remain and that will give them a boost despite being the third best side from the Superettan last season. It is especially at the back where the bulk of the remainers are, including club captain Frederik Liverstam, right back Jesper Westerberg and goalkeeper Malkolm Nilsson. Further forward midfielders Alex Henningsson and Simon Silverholt were both part of the squad who were relegated, though now they have more senior roles in the squad. Veteran midfielders Antonio Rojas and Kristoffer Fagerkrantz have both moved on since last term leaving younger players to take over in their critical midfield roles. But Jonsson clearly has faith in his squad from last term with just a trio of players being brought in which includes a couple of young loanees from Danish side Copenhagen. Right winger Nikolai Alho represents the only permanent signing and has been signed as a direct replacement for Fagerkrantz in the same role. Having done well to stabilise the team last year, Jonsson will hope the extra experience of being in the top division will help his side maintain their position this term. HBK have avoided the usual mass signings that many newly promoted sides make in an attempt to bring their squads up to par. Top scorer from last season Alexander Tveter will again lead the line in combination with Fredrik Olsson. A number of young talents including youngest ever Halmstads player Saed Haksabanovic give the team an exciting edge. The big test will of course be facing up to sides which already know how Jonsson’s HBK side like to play and have already taken plenty of points off them in a recent season. The element of surprise has been a useful tool for newly promoted sides in recent years such as in Ostersunds’ success last season in finishing in the top half. Halmstads will of course be happy to simply maintain their place in the league, but the season is long and, though there is optimism now, that could quickly fade away if the club have a poor start to the season.