Hernesniemi missing for MyPa
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Article summary
Myllykosken Pallo-47 begin their bid for the Finnish first division title without the experienced Mika Hernesniemi.
Article body
Myllykosken Pallo-47 will begin the Finnish season on 15 May without experienced midfield player Mika Hernesniemi.
Thigh problems
Hernesniemi, 30, has suffered from thigh problems throughout the pre-season period and will undergo an operation on Thursday, ruling him out for at least a month.
Second last season
Mypa were second last season behind HJK Helsinki, but despite the loss of Hernesniemi, MyPa head coach Juha Malinen is hopeful they can go one better and can claim a first league title ahead of the opener against newcomers FC KooTeePee.
Championship aim
"A couple of weeks ago things looked rather worrying," he said. "Now several players have returned to training ground and we will definitely be ready for the first match in Kotka. Our only aim in the domestic season is to win the championship. And that aim stands despite the injury problems."