Tag: SJK Seinäjoki

In Conversation, Podcast Show Notes, VeikkausliigaLeave a comment

Guest host: Pyry Hannola + interview. Recent news. Veikkausliiga Update, August. Suomen Cup semi-finals. Veikkausliiga transfers.

Mark Wiltshear

In this episode, Mark W and Keke are joined by a guest host, SJK Seinäjoki playmaker, Pyry Hannola. Firstly, they discuss some recent news events from the world of Finnish football. Then they interview Pyry about his career to date, from his transfer to Denmark age 16 to his current role, starring for SJK near the top of the Veikkausliiga.

They are then joined by some of the FFS listeners, who give an update on their team and then get Pyry’s perspective on his Veikkausliiga opponents. They discuss the semi-finals of the Suomen Cup. then finish-up with a few prominant transfers to VL teams and a suggestion that you listen to the new, FFS-adjacent, SJK Seinäjoki fan podcast. Continue reading Guest host: Pyry Hannola + interview. Recent news. Veikkausliiga Update, August. Suomen Cup semi-finals. Veikkausliiga transfers.

Kansallinen Liiga, Podcast Show Notes, VeikkausliigaLeave a comment

Stadium Fire At IF Gnistan. Veikkausliiga June-July Review. EIF Ekenäs & KuPS Kuopio Fans. Kansallinenliiga Update. Men’s & Women’s Suomen Cup.

Mark Wiltshear

In this episode, Mark W and Keke are joined by once again by Rasmus Junila, who is becoming a regular recurring guest. They start this episode with a sad topic, the fire last weekend that destroyed the main stand at IF Gnistan’s Mustapekka Areena. They get the inside story from Frans Enala, Head of Communications & Marketing at IF Gnistan.

The team discuss the past month of action in the Veikkausliiga, as SJK and HJK join KuPS at the top of the table. Ally phones in his view of recent action at HJK and KuPS fan, Jouni, shares his thoughts on KuPS’ season so far. They are also joined by another FFS fan, Farid, an EIF Ekenäs fan who also has a soft spot for Gnistan.

There is an update on the current standings in the women’s Kansallinen Liiga. They also look back at recent results in the Men’s and Women’s Suomen Cup, with the women’s quarter-finals and men’s semi-finals to look forward to. Rasmus’ local knowledge of the Tampere scene is tested by news of an alleged betting scandal at Ilves-Kissat in Tampere. Continue reading Stadium Fire At IF Gnistan. Veikkausliiga June-July Review. EIF Ekenäs & KuPS Kuopio Fans. Kansallinenliiga Update. Men’s & Women’s Suomen Cup.

In Conversation, Podcast Show NotesLeave a comment

[Podcast] In Conversation with… Stevie Grieve

Mark Wiltshear

In this episode, Mark W sits down for a one-on-one chat with Stevie Grieve, just recently confirmed officially as the head coach at SJK Seinäjoki.

Stevie talks through his career that started with a job coaching badminton, took in a variety of technical and coaching roles around the world, included hosting his own TV show in India before arrivinga at SJK in early-2023.

We then get into the details of his time in Finland: how did he first connect with SJK Seinäjoki? How did he settle in to Finnish life? What was his biggest surprise about Finland?

We also discuss Stevie’s role at SJK, both in recruitment and coaching? Just what are the principles of ‘Grieveball’? And how well-suited are Finnish players to other leagues overseas (and why)? We conclude by looking at his ambitions both for the club and for himself in the (hopefully, quite distant) future!!

Video & audio production on this episode by Glenn Murray & Sarah Senf.

Continue reading “[Podcast] In Conversation with… Stevie Grieve”
Kansallinen Liiga, Podcast Show Notes, VeikkausliigaLeave a comment

Veikkausliiga May Review. Ilves & Lahti Fans. Kansallinenliiga Update. Suomen Cup 4th Round Results.

Mark Wiltshear

In this episode, Mark W and Ally are joined by Rasmus Junila who works in sports media around the Tampere area. He is also an Ilves fans, so this is the perfect episode for him to join the pod.

The team discuss the past month of action in the Veikkausliiga, as Ilves & KuPS rise to the top of the table and Mark & Ally share their recent matchday expereinces as SJK and HJK fans. They are also joined by another FFS fan, Seppo, to discuss his team, FC Lahti, and their poor start to the season!

There is a good discussion and update on the current standings in the women’s Kansallinen Liiga. They also look back at the 4th round results in the Suomen Cup, look forward to the 5th round draw and discus the benefits of playing the final in the new, smaller Tammela Stadion, rather than the Olympia Stadion. Continue reading Veikkausliiga May Review. Ilves & Lahti Fans. Kansallinenliiga Update. Suomen Cup 4th Round Results.

Huuhkajat, Podcast Show Notes1 Comment

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.

Podcast Show Notes, Veikkausliiga1 Comment

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

Podcast Show NotesLeave a comment

Helmarit Squad Announced for Pinatar Cup. Liigacup Update.

Mark Wiltshear

The Finnish women’s national team, the Helmarit, will be in Pinatar Cup action this week. For those not familiar with the Pinatar Cup, Mark W & Keke give you an explanation, an introduction to the Finland squad and, then, look forward to three games in seven days for the Helmarit.

The groups stage of the Liigacup is nearly over, so they look at recent results, the current league standings, and Mark explains just why he (and all the other SJK fans) feel so agrrrieved about losing to KuPS last weekend. Continue reading Helmarit Squad Announced for Pinatar Cup. Liigacup Update.

Podcast Show NotesLeave a comment

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.

Helmarit, Podcast Show NotesLeave a comment

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.