Story of our season, so far…

By: Luka | September 3rd, 2009

This photo sums up our season quite cogently. At times it’s appeared that only Eddie Moussa still possesses the passion, drive, fight and commitment for the shirt which epitomised an Assyriska player. Assyriska was (and, hopefully, still is) renowned for possessing an amalgamation of technically gifted individuals and a collective team spirit, traits allowing us to achieve the unexpected against all odds. On the evidence of this season, perhaps only Stefan Batan, along with Moussa (and, almost by default, our goalkeeper Berglund) can hold their heads high and state with sincerity that they have battled with all their heart for Assyriska and honoured this ethos.

A time for reflection

With only 8 games to go and our promotion prospects precariously poised like the proverbial pigeon perched above a horde of hyenas (pardon my out of control alliteration, for it consumes me), I figure it is a good time to reflect on our season so far.

In the beginning….

Assyriska emerged from the disappointment of 2008 (just missing out on a promotion play-off spot against an Allsvenskan team, despite leading the series for a significant portion) with a sense of enthusiasm and optimism. The notion that 2008 was the foundation for a more solid promotional campaign in 2009 emanated through the club. The squad was (seemingly) strengthened with the acquisitions of Momo Mbye (a young Gambian midfielder), the popular Stefan Batan (on loan from Allsvenskan club Djurgårdens IF), solid goalkeeper Oscar Berglund (Helsingborg) and the inevitable Brazilian or two (who tend to be good most of the time). The only significant departure was left back Alex, but this was negated by the acquisition of Batan. Prima facie, Assyriska had the squad, the infrastructure, the experience from seasons past and most importantly the ambition to take the next step (up) and finally bid farewell to the Superettan.

Things began promisingly

Assyriska started with a 2-1 away win over IFK Olme in the 2nd round of the Swedish Cup. This was followed up with a clinical 3-0 victory over Norkkoping in Sodertalje (yes, match highlights for once).

Inconsistency is the name of the game

Assyriska then wasted no time in showing us how inconsistent they can be, by losing their next 3 matches (although one of them was a 4-2 loss at home to first division side BK Hacken which knocked us out of the Swedish Cup). The resounding 4-0 denigration at the hands of serial Superettan destroyers Mjallby was perhaps the most eye catching (or hair-raising depending on where your allegiances lie). Assyriska then went on to prove to Sweden what an amazingly inconsistent side it can be by winning its next 3 games.

At this point, the strike force of Marcos Ferreira and Xhevdet Llumnica was flourishing, with the team interchanging between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 as Eddie Moussa switched from left wing to forward when it suited his busy schedule of activities (mostly consisting of tearing defenses apart). The season was, by and large, going delightfully to plan. Then came this (read this to elaborate).

After a minor (gigantic) set back

Assyriska resumed inconsistencies, generally winning slightly more games than they were losing and in the meantime was somehow climbing the table rapidly (probably due to everyone else’s poor form).
In the midst of this, around middle to late May, the team underwent some changes. Brazilian striker Marcos Ferreira disappeared from the scene completely, while we made the league interesting by allowing Sundsvall the permanent services of a certain Aziz Corr Nyang to help them challenge us for a promotion place. Not to worry (much), as Tiago Perreira resumed goalscoring duties in the place of Marcos, helping Assyriska to a character-building victory away to Landskrona with a hat-trick (see video below), while we also signed impressive winger Petter Furuseth on loan from Lyn Oslo in place of Aziz. Assyriska then signed unimpressive and out of shape winger Kristoffer Näfver for no apparent reason. Still, we were beginning to look the part. Not even a disappointing 1-0 loss at home to Jonkopings could dampen spirits, as Assyriska continued to build upon its impressive away record, with successive 2-0 victories at Vasby and Falkenbergs.

Things then went a little (very) pear-shaped

Essentially circumstances took a slight turn for the worse and we embarked upon a slippery-slide down the table. Assyriska were in clear second place and along with Mjallby, were looking destined for the Allsvenskan. If you have been following my blog (if not, then take some time out to ask yourself why not) then you will notice that things have since become a little complicated. A certain other team from Sodertalje is quickly gaining ground (cheers to Landskrona for putting an immediate stop to this) and we all of a sudden find ourselves in 5th place. If you want to know what has happened, go back and read through my previous posts (unless you suffer from a heart condition, in which case I’d recommend you give it a miss).

Cue the inevitable calls to fire coach Robert Johansson for seemingly sticking to the same bland tactics and the entire board to be removed for making some poor short-term sporting decisions (all based on hindsight it must be added however). Some senior players such as Dennis Ostlundh have also been accused of lacking hunger and passion for the club, the very hunger and passion which has allowed Assyriska to rise through the divisions and, against the odds, establish itself among the elite. Unfortunately we have seen very little of this aura this season. Instead, it’s been replaced by defensive tactics, grit and Frederik Samuelsson at right back.