Tampere have a fight on their hands

The 2002 Finnish season starts on Sunday with reigning champions Tampere United FC expecting a tough challenge from HJK Helsinki, FC Haka and Myllykosken Pallo-47.

Kanerva hopes for 20th title
HJK were denied the 2001 championship last autumn on the final day of the season when they only managed a 1-1 draw against FC Haka. They head into the new season with former Haka coach Keith Armstrong in charge, but will have to do without last season's top scorer Paulus Roiha who has moved to FC Utrecht in the Nehtherlands. However, HJK have been boosted by the return of Mika Kottila from Trelleborgs FF and assistant coach Markku Kanerva is particularly keen for the side to finish top of the pile as he looks to win his 20th Finnish title.

So near last season
"It was so close last season that we simply can not have any other target than victory," Kanerva said. "We have lost a couple of players, but our younger players have shown very good form in pre-season matches. We still have power in the squad and Kottila gives us a valuable option up front. Last season our problem was that we drew too many games. This season we have to be able to turn tight matches to victories."

Huttunen leads Haka
Haka won three titles from 1998 to 2000 under Armstrong, whose former assistant Olli Huttunen has now taken the reins at the Valkeakoski club. "Maybe the most significant thing is that the number of foreign players in the squad has decreased," Huttunen said. "We got back Harri Ylönen from SK Brann and Sami Ristilä from MyPa. Last season was a disappointing one and we intend to come back this season."

Malinen aims for top spot
MyPa head coach Juha Malinen believes that the club is progressing and is now in a position to challenge for major honours. MyPa had a four-year plan which aimed for a championship triumph in 2001 and third place was not as high as Malinen and his squad expected last season. This season there is belief and expectation that the Anjalankoski side will achieve more. "A top three place is not enough for us any more," Malinen said. "I have nothing else in my mind but the championship."

Repeat unlikely for Tampere
Reigning champions Tampere, who created a major upset in 2001, start the season without Veikkausliga top scorer Antti Pohja, who switched to Hammarby IF FF over the winter. Tampere head coach Ari Hjelm believes his side will be able to compete for a place in the top four, but the majority of pundits believe that a successful title defence is very unlikely.

Newcomers keep low profile
The two promoted clubs, FF Jaro and FC Hämeenlinna, have kept a low profile ahead of the new season. Both clubs would be happy to achieve a place in the top eight, while FC Jazz are expected to join them in the battle to aviod relegation. FC Lahti, AC Allianssi, KuPS Kuopio and VPS Vaasa are expected to be in contention for the top eight, while FC Inter Turku are hoping to challenge the top clubs for a European qualification place.