Tag: HJK Helsinki

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Veikkausliiga April Review. HJK Helsinki & SJK Seinäjoki. Kansallinenliiga Kicks Off. Suomen Cup 3rd Round. Euro 2025 Qualifiers. Finns Overseas.

Mark Wiltshear

In this episode, Mark W, Keke & Ally are joined by Max from the No Niin It’s Jalkapallo blog. The team discuss the first month of action in the Veikkausliiga, as SJK make a strong start and HJK makes heavy work of their opening schedule. Max then talks us through the start of the women’s Kansallinenliiga, explaining the early rounds of games, league positions and the changes coming to the league in 2024.

They also look briefly at the 3rd round of the Suomen Cup (where the first batch of Veikkausliiga teams join the fun), look back at the recent Euro 2025 Qualifiers for the Helmarit (particularly the impressive 2-1 win over Italy and, finally, Keke runs us through the recent stories about Finnish players in overseas leagues. Continue reading Veikkausliiga April Review. HJK Helsinki & SJK Seinäjoki. Kansallinenliiga Kicks Off. Suomen Cup 3rd Round. Euro 2025 Qualifiers. Finns Overseas.

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Veikkausliiga 2024 Preview

Mark Wiltshear

We cut it fine, but we got this out just in time for the big kick-off on Saturday 6.4.2024.

In this episode, Mark W and Keke get things started, before handing over to some FFS listeners who present their team’s chances in the league this year. Huge thanks to Farid, Max, Ally (you know him), Julian and Jamie – we literally couldn’t have done this without you all! 🙌🏼 Continue reading Veikkausliiga 2024 Preview

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Head coach confusion at HJK & SJK. First Honka, now bankruptcy for HIFK. ⁠Liigacup starts. ⁠FFS in the Suomen Cup draw (kinda). ⁠Upcoming Nations League draw.

Mark Wiltshear

Happy New Year! OK, it’s a little late but, like very sleepy Finnish bears we’ve finally come out of hibernation. FFS!

There hasn’t been too much action on the pitch, bt there’s been plenty off it. In this episode, Mark W, Rich & Keke look at the managerial situation at HJK and SJK and get to teh bottom of why both clubs have substitute head coaches. They also look at the situation at HIFK, who went bankrupt (again), did not renew it’s licence for Ykkösliiga and dropped down to Kolmonen for the 2024 season.

They then look at various cup competitions. The Liigacup gets underway, Ally from the Finnish Football Show will play in the Suomen Cup this year and look forward to the draw for 2024 Nations League on Thursday 8.2. for the Huuhkajat – who still have the Nations League playoff for Euro 2024 to navigate in March! Continue reading Head coach confusion at HJK & SJK. First Honka, now bankruptcy for HIFK. ⁠Liigacup starts. ⁠FFS in the Suomen Cup draw (kinda). ⁠Upcoming Nations League draw.

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Helmarit Match Reports: Finland 6-0 Romania & Slovakia 2-2 Finland. News Update: FC Honka, Liigacup 2024, New SJK Coach. Huuhkajat Euro Playoff & Nations League Draw. HJK’s Final Euro Match.

Mark Wiltshear

Women’s Nations League 2023, Group B2, Games 5 & 6.

Whew, this really is a jam-packed episode, as Mark W and Rich review the final two Women’s Nations League games for Finland’s Helmarit; a dominant 6-0 win over 10-woman Romania and a battling 2-2 draw away in Slovakia. They also look at the potential impact of this campaign on the Euro 2025 qualifying matches in late-2024.

They then look at the Huuhkajat, who not only have the Nations League playoff for Euro 2024, but their next Nations League group will be drawn early next year. Who said football never stops!

The Liigacup 2024 groups have been confirmed, so we look forward to some cold, indoor action starting in January. While in the Veikkausliiga, more dust has settled on FC Honka’s (latest) demise, while a new management team at SJK Seinäjoki prompts an in-depth look at SJK Akatemia in 2023. Continue reading Helmarit Match Reports: Finland 6-0 Romania & Slovakia 2-2 Finland. News Update: FC Honka, Liigacup 2024, New SJK Coach. Huuhkajat Euro Playoff & Nations League Draw. HJK’s Final Euro Match.

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Huuhkajat Preview: Euro2024 Qualifiers – Finland vs Northern Ireland, San Marino vs Finland. Plus HJK in Europa Conference League & Veikkausliiga’s Crisis Clubs.

Mark Wiltshear

Olympia Stadion, Helsinki, 17th Nov 2023 | San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, 20th Nov 2023.

Mark W battled on bravely with a heavy cold, luckily, Ally & Keke joined him to preview the fifth and final round of qualifying fixtures for Euro 2024. Finland’s Huuhkajat host Northern Ireland at home, before travelling, with Keke in tow, over to the principality that is San Marino. They talk through a Finland squad with a few interesting additions and players returning to the squad.

Ally brought us a ringside perspective on HJK Helsinki in Europe, specifically HJK vs Eintract Frankfurt and he fumes about the disallowed goal that could’ve given HJK a share of the points. Rich joined with disappointing news from some Veikkausliiga clubs; financial trouble for Honka and KuPS, harrasment and misconduct at VPS and Inter. It’s a packed show! Continue reading Huuhkajat Preview: Euro2024 Qualifiers – Finland vs Northern Ireland, San Marino vs Finland. Plus HJK in Europa Conference League & Veikkausliiga’s Crisis Clubs.

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Helmarit Match Reports: Finland 3-0 Croatia & Croatia 0-2 Finland. Veikkausliiga Ends. HJK in Europa Conference Action. Managers On The Move.

Mark Wiltshear

Women’s Nations League 2023, Group B2, Games 3 & 4.

Mark W and Keke review the two most recent games for the Finland women’s national team, as the Helmarit steamrollered over Croatia, twice, home and away. A truly dominant home victory (just look at the match stats) was followed up by an equally dominant away performance. All of which leaves Finland on the cusp of winning group B2 and progressing into League A for the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.

They round-up the Veikkausliiga playoffs for the final 2024 Europa Conference League place are now complete. With VPS Vaasa surprising no-one, as they won their final two games against Honka, to secure their return to European action next year. They also throw forward to the remaining games for HJK Helsinki in the 2023 Europa Conference League. Finally, no sooner has the season ended, then the managerial merry-go-round cranks into gear… Continue reading Helmarit Match Reports: Finland 3-0 Croatia & Croatia 0-2 Finland. Veikkausliiga Ends. HJK in Europa Conference Action. Managers On The Move.

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Helmarit Preview: Women’s Nations League – Finland vs Croatia Double-header. Veikkausliiga Finale – HJK Helsinki Crowned Champions (Again!)

Mark Wiltshear

Bolt Arena, Helsinki, 27th Oct 2023 | Sibenik, Croatia, 31st Oct 2023

Mark W and Keke preview the next round of games in the Women’s Nations League, as the Helmarit face a double-header against Croatia. They look at the consistent Finland squad selections, the upcoming opponents Croatia, and make their predictions.

They also look back at the final round of Veikkausliiga games, that saw HJK Helsinki crowned champions (again!) and consider the chances for the competitors of the Europa Conference playoffs; SJK, Honka, Inter, Oulu and VPS! Continue reading Helmarit Preview: Women’s Nations League – Finland vs Croatia Double-header. Veikkausliiga Finale – HJK Helsinki Crowned Champions (Again!)

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[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Veikkausliiga about to split, HJK into Europa Conference, Managerial Changes, Suomen Cup

Mark Wiltshear

We’re fast approaching the business end of the season, when the Veikkausliiga splits into the Mestaruussarja (Champions series) and the Haastajasrja (Challenger series). So Mark W & Rich take a detailed look at the recent Veikkausliiga action, including WTF have they put in the water in Vaasa? And who has tampered with the lasagne in Seinäjoki?

They previously discussed the Finnish clubs in European action and take another look at HJK Helsinki’s annual tour of all three competitions! They also cover the final stages of the Suomen Cup, before ending with a Kekeless round-up of transfers for Finnish players in Finns Overseas.

Continue reading “[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Veikkausliiga about to split, HJK into Europa Conference, Managerial Changes, Suomen Cup”
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[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Champions League, Europa Conference, Veikkausliiga update, Robert Taylor & Leo Messi

Mark Wiltshear

After the recent fun of watching the Huuhkajat score a hatful of goals, the team is back to look at the recent action for the Finnish club sides. Mark W, Keke, Ally & Rich start by looking at the early rounds of European action, with HJK progressing in the Champions League, and KuPS, Haka & Honka in Europa Conference action.

Talk then turns to the domestic scene and Mark & Ally lock horns (gently!) to look forward to the big SJK vs HJK match this coming weekend. The Veikkausliiga discussion includes the consistency of SJK, the indifferent form of KuPS and HJK, the continued progress of AC Oulu and the stunning recent form of VPS Vaasa – 5 wins in 5 🙌🏼

The show ends with Keke’s round-up of Finns overseas which, of course, starts with the impact of Leo Messi at Inter Miami, where Finland’s Robert Taylor’s great form is making Messi look like a star!

Continue reading “[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Champions League, Europa Conference, Veikkausliiga update, Robert Taylor & Leo Messi”
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[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Veikkausliiga Update, SJK Seinäjoki On Top, Suomen Cup Round 4

Mark Wiltshear

The main series of the Veikkausliiga season is now at the 30% stage, so Mark W and Rich focus mostly on that in this episode. Who are the slightly-surprising, new league leaders? Who are already struggling to keep up? And who are striving for mid-table safety?

To answer these questions, they are joined by Ally and listener, Jamie, who talk about their teams, HJK Helskinki and Ilves. They also look at the Suomen Cup now heading into round 5, and Mark W shares his 2023 Suomen Cup experiences; 4 games, 4 home defeats!

Continue reading “[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Veikkausliiga Update, SJK Seinäjoki On Top, Suomen Cup Round 4”