Football Season Guide

VPS were the second highest-scoring team in 2022 with 52 goals in 27 games and yet they failed to even make Play-off I, or win Play-off II where they finished second 4 points behind Oulu. The main reason for that were the lack of clean sheets. All throughout 2022 VPS saw their defence underperform, with goalkeeper Forsman also having a very poor campaign. That is why not many were surprised when Forsman, centre-back Moses and the injury-prone full-backs Murillo and Sillah left the club in the winter. Much more important departure was that of the very effective in 2022 striker Yengi, who returned to his parent club. Yet to sign a replacement in attack and it seems this season the wonderkid Hudd, turned 18 only in January, will be given much more playing time next to veterans Multanen and Morrissey. Signed 2 new goalkeepers, with the experienced Viscosi expected to become the new number one. Also strengthened the midfield well with both Bashkirov and Salvio quality additions to what is already a large pool of players to pick from. Bashkirov can also play in defence, so the Russian is expected to be used in various positions. The one position where VPS look light is the left-back role. With Sillah gone Engström is the only typical left-back in the squad right now. Overall VPS look solid, despite some remaining question marks regarding their back line. However, with captain Strandvall 36-years-old now, the 2022 top goalscorer Multanen turning 34 a week into the new season and Morrissay 37-years-old there are some concerned how fit all those key players will be.