Shaaban closer to Hammarby

Apparently, not all are feasting on traditional foods and sweets during the holidays.

Today a Swedish newspaper says that Hammarby and National Team goalkeeper Rami Shaaban has agreed upon a 4-year contract. The personal details are settled between Hammarby and the 32-year old, and all that remain are the transfer between the two clubs. Sources to the newspaper says that Fredrikstad ask 5 million Swedish Krona (roughly about $750.000) and that Hammarby's first bid was rejected.

It remains now to see whether or not Hammarby can "put their money where their mouth is". Some cash may be available when the international transfer period starts on January 1. Hammarby attacker Paulinho Guará and right midfielder Erkan Zengin are the hottest prospects to be sold.

Unforgettable Match Days - Abroad Part 1

In 2004, I went to Milan with some friends to see the last match of the season between Milan and Roma. For most of the season, Roma had been at the top of the table, but as the last match drew near Milan had closed the gap and could now decide the season at home. Thousands of Romanisti had travelled from Rome to Milan for this Match-Of-The-Season.

Since we had bought our tickets on-line, we had to go to a box office outside San Siro to retrieve our tickets. Only problem was that the office was just where the Romanisti landed with their buses. “Crap”, I thought, but we gotta have the tickets! As the Roma supporters appeared, it was obvious that they had not come in peace. In fact, they were in the business of war-waging, truly aggressive Djingis Khan-style. After two minutes the whole area outside San Siro looked more like a scene from Omaha Beach at Normandie than something else. The Italian Carabinieri, not exactly known for their reluctance to use force, immediately applied tear-gas. The Romanisti answered with throwing bottles, Bengal lights and other stuff at the police. At the same time, Milanese Ultras prepared an assault on the Romanisti, they charged, and there was chaos.

To retrieve the damn tickets, I had to run through all of this. I leaved my friends at a safe place, and advanced slowly. The air was dense with smoke from Bengals and the tear gas stung in the eyes and nose. Eventually I got my tickets, but it took some time because I had to advance slowly and with caution.

Once inside the arena, the atmosphere was electric. The Milanisti drew first blood as Shevchenko scored after just 2 minutes. Even though the match was intense throughout the 90+ minutes, Roma never managed to recover. However, the match was interrupted several times as the Roma supporters threw Bengals on to the field and on the surrounding stands. Milan supporters threw stuff back at the Romanisti, but eventually the match ended with Milan as victors. A match day I will never forget.

Charlie Davies scored for his U.S.A.

In the sunday clash between China U-23 and U.S.A U-23, Charlie Davies managed to score once as the match ended in a draw. U.S. Soccer site have this to say about Charlie's goal:

"An attempted through ball in the U.S. half by the Chinese was intercepted by Wynne, who deftly first-timed a pass to Robbie Finley. The striker alertly sprung Charlie Davies on a through ball down the right flank, and the speedy forward outran his defender to close in on goal one v. one. With the ‘keeper frozen, Davies calmly slotted a low shot to the far post."

I'd like to congratulate Charlie Davies, as it seems that his form is continually strong after the season has ended. The host of the U.S. squad will also go to the 2008 Olympics in China, if U.S. qualifies.

Hammarby players represent their National Teams

On Thursday, Charlie Davies participated in the training cap between U.S. U-23 and China U-23. The match ended 0-0, and Charlie Davies played until the 88^th minute. According to reports from people that watched the game, Davies put up a stable performance.

Yesterday Louay Chanko, defensive midfielder, was appointed to participate in the Swedish National Team training caps in January. Sweden will play against Costa Rica and U.S.A. in the North American tour. We congratulate Chanko, he’s well worth this opportunity. In fact, it’s a big mystery why he hasn’t been appointed earlier…

New goalkeeper has signed for Hammarby

On Wednesday, Hammarby signed 29-year old goalkeeper Kristoffer "Poppen" Björklund from newly relegated Brommapojkarna. Kristoffer played for Hammarby in his youth, and has now signed a 2-year contract.

Although Hammarby has signed Björklund, there's no doubt that Hammarby is still on the hunt for a true starter : "We will have a stable and safe goalkeeper situation next year, and that means two new goalkeepers" says Hammarby official Thomas Andersson to www.hammarbyfotboll.se.

Will Rami Shaaban be that longed for keeper? Time will tell.

I'd consider to activate that Adword stuff...

...they say it'd make me rich, er, or at least earn some money. But it's just another way to put up ads on some innocent site, I'm convinced.

I mean, to really earn some money on a semi-pathetic blog like this, I'd have to have thousand of visitors (that also clicked on those damn ads - now who does that anyway? Not anyone I know of...) and right now I average of about 100 viewers per day. Not nearly enough.

Besides, this blog is not about earning money. I work to earn money, this is more for the hell of it rather than cold cash. I've read about blogs being worth this and that much, but really, is there anyone out there that actually makes a livin' on their blogging?

Match days 2008

This schedule is preliminary, and will most likely be changed as the broadcasting companies have said their part. But for now, this is the 2008 match schedule! (Exact kick-off time and location will be added or changed)

Day 1
March 31st: Ljungskile–Hammarby

Day 2
April 7th: Hammarby–Sundsvall

Day 3
April 10th: Gais–Hammarby

Day 4
April 14th: Hammarby–AIK (Derby)

Day 5
April 17th: Hammarby–Helsingborg

Day 6
April 20th: Kalmar–Hammarby

Day 7
April 23rd: Hammarby–Elfsborg

Day 8
April 27th: TFF–Hammarby

Day 9
May 4th: Hammarby–Göteborg

Day 10
May 7th: Djurgården–Hammarby (Derby)

Day 11
May 12th: Hammarby–Gefle

----European Championships 2008 - Brake---

Day 12
July 2nd: Halmstad–Hammarby

Day 13
July 7th: Hammarby–Norrköping

Day 14
July 14th: MFF–Hammarby

Day 15
July 20th: Hammarby–Örebro

Day 16
July 28th: Örebro–Hammarby

Day 17
August 3rd: Hammarby–Ljungskile

Day 18
August 11th: Sundsvall–Hammarby

Day 19
August 14th: Hammarby–Gais

Day 20
August 25th: AIK–Hammarby (Derby)

Day 21
September 1st: HIF–Hammarby

Day 22
September 14th: Hammarby–Kalmar

Day 23
September 25th:Elfsborg–Hammarby

Day 24
September 28th: Hammarby–TFF

Day 25
October 6th: Göteborg–Hammarby

Day 26
October 20th: Hammarby–Djurgården (Derby)

Day 27
October 26th: Gefle–Hammarby

Day 28
October 29th: Hammarby–Halmstad

Day 29
November 2nd: Hammarby–MFF

Day 30
November 9th: Norrköping–Hammarby

Pre-season 2008

It's still 2007, but already the plans are being formed for 2008. The pre-season is important for the team to be in optimal shape when the season starts. This is even more important next year, as the European Championship significantilly shortens the Swedish season.

This page will be updated when new training matches and events are made official. Stay tuned to see the results and dates for Hammarby pre-season 2008! Among other things, Hammarby will go to Los Angeles (which they have done now for a couple of years).

*On 11th December, four training matches has been decided. Whole squad will be rotated, so two matches will be played on each day.

March:
1/3/2008:
Matches against Gröndal and Brage. Time and location to be decided.
8/3/2008:
Matches against Sirius and Falu SK. Time and location to be decided.

Lars Eriksson new Head of Football (Manager)

Hammarby is changing the organizational structure. Last night it became official that former goalkeeper coach Lars Eriksson will assume the position as Head of Football. This is interesting in two aspects; first that Hammarby is shaping the organization towards a more professional sort, second because the new position is not called Manager, as has first been communicated.

His new role means that he is responsible for the sport result towards the Hammarby board. To assist him, he has a team of coaches underneath him, with Head Coach Tony Gustavsson as his closest man. This is also a way to define the areas of responsibility towards the board. Hammarby CEO Henrik Appelqvist will be in charge of business and the economy, whilst Lars Eriksson will be responsible for all sport activities. He will also have clearer economical boundaries to sign new players.

I think this latest change in organization is a way for Hammarby to position themselves with work of the new arena and the challenges that it conveys. It is extremely important to have a very clear organization for the club to be able to cope with the future challenges, both to keep focus on the sporting results and to deliver a great arena.

Hammarby information meeting

On Monday the 10th, Hammarby arranged a meeting for members in Hammarby Football. The purpose was to inform the members of the situation in the club, and has been arranged several times before. Hammarby CEO Henrik Appelqvist held in the meeting, and this is a very short summary of what was said:

Ec Economically, Hammarby has done a bad year. This is a combination of less income from sponsors, the scandals on the terraces in our home matches, which probably has led to even less sponsor income and fewer visitors. Additionally, the attendance on the derby’s has been worse than before.

T The work with the new arena is steadily going forward. Apparently, two proposals is being considered, but economically there are still some questions that need to be investigated.

- Hammarby is doing changes in the organization. See separate article.

Rule of the game - celebrating a goal

Skimmed through the new game rules that just now have been decided by the Swedish Football Association. And there's one rule that have always fascinated me - when they punish a goalscorer for celebrating too much. The whole thing is really silly, especially when you consider that the whole issue have been examined by a number of people on the FA, probably in several meetings. I cannot in my wildest fantasy understand how it's possible to use so much energy to suppress happiness (which is the immediate and fully understandable reaction of a goalscorer).

Here's what the FA has concluded. Don't laugh:

A player will be issued a warning (yellow card) if he when he celebrates a goal:
- Removes his shirt, completely or partly
- Climbs on the fences against the stands
- If he covers his head or face with a mask or a similar object
(Has anybody seen that? I haven't, so post a link to youtube or whereever.)

Now, imagine yourself in the starting lineup of your favorite team. You're a striker, and it's a big game; like a derby or whatever. You score, no, you score the decider in the last shivering seconds of the game. Happy? Ecstatic? Do you really, really wanna celebrate the goal? Ah, now, you can't do that. It's not allowed. Sure, you can run around or jump in a big pile with your team mates, but you can't pull off your shirt, not even partly, and you can sure as hell not climb the fences to the supporters.

I think silly is not the right word for it. It's more than silly, it's utterly ridiculous.

First Match Day of 2008 Season

Yesterday, Swedish Football Association made public the first match day of next season.

Hammarby have to travel across the country to the west coast, where recently promoted Ljungskile will try to stop the Bajen-train.

We do not wish them luck.

The entire first match day:

Ljungskile SK-Hammarby IF
Örebro SK-Trelleborg FF
IFK Norrköping-Djurgårdens IF
Halmstad BK-Gefle IF
AIK-Kalmar FF
Gais-IF Elfsborg
Malmö FF-IFK Göteborg
GIF Sundsvall-Helsingborgs IF

Sweden undressed

Due to work related issues, I'm stuck in a small town in central Sweden. And, to tell you the truth, it's not until you go here that you really get perspective on things. How far from the rest of Europe and the rest of the world Sweden's really located is, I guess, not comprehensible until you're here.

Actually, and this might or might not be interesting for you U.S. readers, I'm now in a part of Sweden where many Swedish emigrants lived before they traveled to the U.S. one way or the other. Descendants now living in Minnesota or New York or wherever have relatives in the next house from here.

Anyway, who cares?

Hammarby is on the hunt for a number one keeper, but it seems like Hammarby is not alone in the chase. Swedish 2006 champions IF Elfsborg have, according to Swedish newspapers, received an offer on their current keeper Johan Wiland from a Romanian club no one ever heard of. Apparently, it's alot of money, and some think that if Wiland will transfer to Romanian Cluj, it's likely that Rami Shaaban is one of the potential targets.

Personally, I think that Shaaban could've transfered to Elfsborg last year, when they were fresh champions and all that. Now, I think it's unlikely. If he'd go to Sweden it's for his son. Now living in Stockholm. Elfsborg's and Hammarby's results this year was comparative, but Hammarby is located in Stockholm and is likely to give him more time with his son, which is why I think that IF he comes to Sweden, he'll go to Hammarby - or another Stockholm club.

Hammarby to reduce arena capacity

Söderstadion, the home ground of Hammarby, got an increase in capacity a couple of years ago, from approximately 11 000 spectators to more than 16 000. But now, it’s written on Hammarby official site, the capacity is going to be reduced until next season. The reason for that is the tragic events during the seasons with supporters throwing coins, firecrackers and other items at the assistant referee (who’s positioned in front of the supporter section). Repeatedly, the matches were paused as the referees evacuated the field. Never was a match aborted, but the interruptions have led to high fines and the relations with media are strained to say the least…

Now, Hammarby is acting. The capacity will be reduced to a mere 13 000, with the most dramatic changes on the stands behind one of the goals. But the supporter section will also be affected, as the rows closest to the field will be removed, pushing the spectators farther away from the assistant referee.

In my opinion, I don’t think these actions will solve any problems. The responsibilities always lie with the individual, and it’s difficult to see how any of this will prevent a moron to do something stupid. The supporters must take collective responsibility, and in the extreme case rear individuals physically. But nevertheless, the reduction of the capacity will surely fire up the discussion, as has already happened on various forums on the Internet.

Analyzing Charlie Davies

When Hammarby signed Charlie Davies for the 2007 season, he was considered by many Hammarby supporters as a huge talent. He had been trying out for Dutch Ajax, had received an offer from MLS League and, most of all, had received praise from Hammarby scout Mikael Hellström as being the best 20-year old he had ever seen on a football field.

Joining Hammarby early 2007, he radiated confidence in interviews with both Swedish newspapers and Hammarby football sites. However, all the time Hammarby coach Tony Gustavsson always stressed that we should consider Charlie to be a very talented youngster but not a ready starter. To make it worse, Charlie played really well in the training matches in the pre-season, showing off much technique and unmatched speed. The result of all this was that most Hammarby supporters and, worse, the Swedish press, had huge expectations on the youngster when the season started.

It was not until the final match of the season, at home against GAIS, that Charlie Davies managed to score for the first time in 2007. He did score in UEFA Intertoto Cup (1-0 against KÍ Klaksvik, Iceland), but everyone’s focus was on the national championship.

Charlie Davies had a rough year. It’s obvious that it’s not easy to go straight from U.S. college football (soccer for U.S. readers) to the highest league in Sweden. The pace is quicker, it’s more physical and most of all it’s more tactical than the perhaps simpler game of the college series. In Boston, Charlie Davies has said, it was easier for him since everyone passed him the ball on the offensive half, giving him the opportunity to challenge the opponents with all his abilities. In Hammarby, there’s much focus on the tactical part of the game, which makes it difficult for a new player to adjust quickly. Especially so if the players is inexperienced and mentally unprepared. Additionally, he received a minor injury at the start of the season, which perhaps threw him off balance.

After the initial shock of not scoring and problems with him not giving 100 percent in the training sessions, Tony Gustavsson saw fit to coach Davies off field. Tony stressed the importance to always deliver 100 % at training sessions and thereby learning the European way of football, both in tactics and mental attitude. Charlie Davies appeared in a number of matches, never scoring, but showing off a pretty nice game. He also did some appearances in Hammarby second Team, where he managed to score and, from all reports, impressed.

Towards the end of the season, it was obvious that Charlie Davies had a totally different attitude towards his own game, the opponents and his teammates. He delivered some assists, but as I said it wasn’t until the final match of the season that everything finally took off for him. Scoring three goals, he was Man of the Match and showed his true potential, whetting everyone’s appetite for the next season.

And now, as you can read in the article here, he’s been called up to U.S. Under 23 for two training caps against China. I think that his chances to appear in next summer’s Olympic Games in China are big, and that’s enormously positive for both himself and Hammarby.

However, to develop his abilities to next season, there are some things that Charlie Davies need to improve. First of all he need to improve his game off ball. Learning to position himself for rebounds and to find space to receive passes from his teammates is a good start. He should then continue on to the finishing, where he’s been too sloppy throughout the season. And lastly, but perhaps the most importantly, he need continue to develop his attitude, to be able to focus on nothing but the next ball touch or finish. If he does all that, I am sure that he will have a fantastic season in 2008, both with Hammarby in Allsvenskan and in U.S. national team.

Charlie Davies travel to China for U23 match

Photo: Dagens Nyheter

Hammarby U.S. striker Charlie Davies (left on picture) will participate in two games for U.S. U23 team versus China in December. He has been called to U.S. training camp held in Home Depot Center in Carson, California, where a total of 22 players will prepare for the away games.

The U.S. Under 23’s are actually the U.S. Olympic team which will play next summer in China. Of 22 players, only 2 are currently positioned in Europe. Except for Charlie Davies, it’s Hannover 96’s Sal Zizzo that will join.

As Hammarby supporter, it’s only good news. Charlie Davies’ confidence should be at top, since he managed to score a hat trick in the final match of the season against GAIS at home. This is another opportunity for Charlie to gain precious experience. If Charlie Davies does a good job in China, it’s likely that he will be considered for the next World Cup, the finest tournament a footballer can participate in.

This will probably give Davies the boost well needed for the dreaded pre-season. Sweden has one of the world’s longest pre-seasons, four months.

Neverending November

Ahh...the waiting! Each day is dragging on, and November seems to be neverending. This is surely the longest month of the year! I swear, the weather's crazy. One day it's 7 celcius, the other day it's 6 below. One day it's snowing, the next it's sunshine. We've had all four seasons cramped into one month of the year. Not bad, if you're the odd sort that like this type of weather...

It's a waiting game now for Hammarby supporters. Everyone is waiting for THE transfer, a goalkeeper that actually lives up to his name. All is hoping for Rami Shaaban, but whether or not he will come to Bajen is hard to tell. We have heard reports of him selling his apartment in Norway (and some other reports that he is bidding on a new one in Stockholm), it's alltogether quite hard to know which rumours are true and untrue. I think it's important for us now to keep our heads cool; after all, Rami is reserve in the National Team and usually those kind of players aim at bigger leagues than Swedish Allsvenskan. The question is, since he's 30+, will he go after the big buck abroad or will he stay in Scandinavia with his family?
...
It's now a little less than 4 months until Allsvenskan starts in late March. Four months!

First step to a new arena

On november 23, the city of Stockholm announced their conclusions from a currently ended investigation. Hammarby is given a green light to build a new arena just south of Globe Arena.

At the same time, Djurgården's plans for a new arena was denied, making supporters to Hammarby joyful all morning.

I stress that the final decision has not yet been taken, but is definately positive that the city is supporting a new arena.

To be continued....

Allsvenskan 2008 - the teams

Next year, Swedish premier division Allsvenskan will expand to a total of 16 teams:

AIK Solna
Djurgården
Elfsborg
GAIS
Gefle
IFK Göteborg
Halmstad BK
Hammarby
Helsingborg
Kalmar FF
Ljungskile
Malmö FF
IFK Norrköping
GIF Sundsvall
Trelleborg FF
Örebro SK

The schedule for the season 2008 can be found here!

Classical Hammarby Moments - Part 1

Initiating a series of articles, we start off with the obvious highlight - our latest, and for a club that has existed 110 years rather surprisingly ONLY victory so far - the 2001 Championship victory.

Before the season started, Hammarby was close to bankruptcy and went through an annual meeting that was in an uproar. All odds against them; some 'experts' even predicted us to be relegated before the season started. But a legendary coach, Mr Sören Cratz, found a recipe that would deliver glory in the end for tens of thousands of Hammarby supporters.

Winning match after match, we find ourselves facing Örgryte IS in the second last round of the season at home. Söderstadion is absolutely sold out, and the masses are both nervous and anxious. Örgryte scored first; after only 8 minutes the ball found it's way past Hammarby legendary goalkeeper Lars Eriksson.

But when 30 minutes had past, striker Andreas Hermansson delivered once again, sending the equalizer in a lob past Örgryte keeper. Half time, and the supporters are optimistic; Hammarby recovered quickly after 0-1. Just 5 minutes into the second half, Hammarby central defender Jonas Stark throws himself, disregarding his own health, and knobs 2-1. Söderstadion explodes in joy and it takes minutes before the match is resumed.

Hammarby is now in full control of the game and in the 72nd minute midfielder Kennedy Bakircioglu (now in AJAX) steals the ball and send it flying behind Örgryte keeper. He sends Hammarby supporters to heaven with his decider. 8 minutes later Örgryte scores 3-2, and the last minutes of the match seemed like hours.

But eventually the referee blows the final whistle, and Söderstadion collapse in ecstasy. I see grown up men crying like babies. Hugging, screaming, some went rampart and didn't know what to do with their bodies. The field got invaded by thousands of spectators, all wanted to hug the players and express their joy. The celebrations at the arena went on, but eventually all spectators walked the short distance to closby south-central part named Södermalm, dense with bars and pubs, and initiated a celebration that lasted for days. Thousands of ordinary people went out of their houses just to experience the festivities, all the pubs and bars were full to maximum. Close by, fans gathered around the statue of Hammarby legend Lennart "Nacka" Skoglund (during his career he played at several clubs in Italy, among them Inter where he is still a saint.). Quietly, people stood close, some crying, some smiling, filling the statue with green and white scarfs and other items.

A week later, Hammarby returned to Stockholm after the final away game, meeting the supporters in Citizens Square. Some say there were 50.000 people there that evening, some say 75.000. I do not know, but when the players entered the stage, the crowd erupted in a massive roar.

That week, from the victory against Örgryte until the final celebration, is one of the best weeks of my life. And I am not alone in that.

Louay Chanko - player of the year 2007!

The visitors at Hammarby official site, www.hammarbyfotboll.se, have cast their votes. And, not surprisingly, Louay Chanko - defensive midfielder - has won the honorable title Player of the Year 2007.

We on RAB congratulate Chanko to a year well played. He has been outstanding, and if the managers of our national team could get their thumbs out of their arseholes, he would surely be playing in tonight's game against Latvia. Definitely one of Allsvenskan's big profiles, we can only hope that he remains in Hammarby for a long time.

New arena - FAQ

What are the plans for a new arena? How will it look, and how many spectators will fit into it? I’ll try to answer these questions here, and more. The sources from my information are various contacts and news articles. All of this is built on the assumption that we will, in fact, build a new arena.

Where will it be built?
The new arena is most likely to be placed just south of the Globe Arena .

For how many?
In the early discussions, the Stockholm municipality wanted to build a massive arena for 55.000 spectators that was supposed to become the new national arena. “Madness,” most people commented, and others said that if it was built it would only be a monument over the founding politicians. Something to show their grandchildren. During all this, Hammarby themselves have always said that they wanted an arena for about 25.000 spectators. That number has now been revised to 30.000, since that is the lower limit for an arena that can be used for a future European Championship or a final in one of the European cups. So, until we know more, we can quite safely assume that the new arena will be built for 30.000 spectators.

Will it be grass, semi-grass or artificial?
We dunno. Stockholm is a mere 1000 kilometers from the polar circle; the climate is not optimal for all-year grass. There are benefits with natural grass, but we will not know for sure until the plans are made official.

Will it have a retractable roof?
Most likely, yes. The upsides with a retractable roof are enourmous; you can have all-year concerts and games.

Won’t it cost much, and if so, how the hell will Hammarby pay for it?
It will cost a lot. The financing will probably consist of a 4-part juncture; Municipality funds, Company funds (i.e. the name of the arena), Hammarby funds (most likely through a beneficial long term loan) and AEG. AEG is currently the owner of 49% of the shares in Hammarby Football Ltd. They are also one of the world’s largest arrangers of concerts. This autumn, AEG Live opened their Scandinavian office to compete with other, already established concert organizers.

What effects will a new arena have on Hammarby?
Well, first of all it will most likely have an enormously positive upside for the economy. The turnover will probably triple the first year, and will most likely continue to grow after that. In a sporting point of view, it cannot be stressed too much how important a new arena will be. Hammarby will be more attractive to potential transfers. To play on a new arena with excellent facilities is something all football players want to do. Higher transfer funds can be allocated to attract even better players, we will probably to compete economically with the largest clubs in Norway and Denmark (which have a more beneficial tax system). Not the least, Hammarby will probably increase sponsor income dramatically, at least initially. Companies will be able to use the facilities for conferences and shows, either when there’s a football match or at some other time. Additionally, Hammarby can sell more attractive seats to sponsors. Today, the attractive seats on our current arena are very limited (either by sight or comfort). Another aspect will be the possibility to attract more and new spectators.

All this sounds really nice. But aren’t there any negative sides to all this?
One thing that supporters are concerned with is the possibility that we will lose “our soul”. We are closely identified with our current arena and the atmosphere that we create during the games. There’s also speculations whether or not the supporter section (today standing) will be moved to behind one of the goals (present time we are located on one of the main sections).

To summarize: There are negative aspects with a new arena, some might say. But the positive upsides are far more than the negative ones, and Hammarby has since long outgrown our current arena. From an economic-, spectator- and sponsor-point-of-view, the plans for a new arena are extremely exciting. Hopefully we will know more before the end of 2007.

A guide to our rivals and why the rivalry exists

The purpose of this article is to give you a sense of what Swedish clubs are our biggest rivals, why we loathe them, and just how much we loathe them. As you will discover, it’s not so much that we despise the clubs as the supporters.

To start off, the rivalry is not unfounded. There are always reasons behind, that is more or less important for each individual. Our largest rivals are undoubtedly the teams from Stockholm; Djurgården and AIK Solna. All 3 clubs have co-existed since the 1800’s, and the rivalry goes way back. Geographically, AIK (and most of their supporters) are located north of the city, whilst the supporters of Djurgården are more evenly distributed between the western, north and north-central parts of Stockholm. The vast majority of Hammarby supporters lives in south-central and southern parts of Stockholm. As always, there are exceptions, but now you have an idea of how the geographical disposition of the respective supporters is.

A second reason for rivalry is how the supporters interact with each other. Again, to generalize, the supporters of Hammarby and AIK are FAIRLY humble. That is, most supporters can to some extent acknowledge if the opponents had a better day and won fairly. Also, they are rather cunning and really know their football. Sporting success always attracts more supporters to a team, but in general Hammarby and AIK supporters attend the matches and stick with their teams no matter what. That is not the case with Djurgården supporters.

Djurgården, by the way, means “Animal Farm” in Swedish, and is often held against Djurgården supporters. They are often called animals or monkeys, which rather sadly and pathetic (if you ask me), is mistaken for racism. What is enormously annoying about Djurgården supporters is that they tend to have no distance at all. When times are bad, you hardly see any Djurgården supporters. But when they are successful on the field, and most of all if they win the league, you cannot move a yard in the city without stumbling over a dumbfounded monkey. They’re irritating to watch from a distance, but it’s not until you get into a conversation with one of them that you really get struck by their ignorance. If Djurgården lose a match, especially a derby, they always find reasons that have absolutely and entirely nothing to do with what actually happened. If it’s not the referee, it’s the height of the grass. It might be the weather, what phase the moon is at or any other silly explanation that you can possibly think of.

Personally, I find the average Djurgården supporter more annoying than the average AIK supporter. We’re splitting hairs here, but I think you get my message.

Apart from Djurgården and AIK, there’s also a more geographical rivalry between Stockholm teams and Gothenburg teams. IFK Göteborg(Gothenburg) is the largest team with most supporters, and they tend to get the most attention from us supporters. Next, you have another rivalry between Stockholm (which is located in central Sweden) and the southern parts named Skåne. Malmö FF and Helsingborg are our largest rivals in that part of the country.

I want to stress that the opinions expressed here are my own, and my own interpretation of the supporter culture in Sweden.

But I do know one thing. Hammarby is the team in my heart, and it’s satisfying to know that I am not alone. In a survey made a couple of years ago by a survey company, Hammarby have the most supporters in Stockholm. That is a statistically established truth.

Hammarby - a short guide to how we play

Traditionally, Hammarby is a team that rather liked to back-heel a ball than to drive it into the stands. We like a football that is attractive, fun to watch but not always very successful. Historically, the supporters have tended to be more wish-washy social democrats than wish-washy conservative right wing. Off course, as society changes, so are the demography of the supporters.

Only one time have Hammarby managed to win the league. And that was quite recently, in 2001. Before that, a classical year in Hammarby is 1982 when we played against IFK Göteborg (Gothenburg) in the finals. We won the first game away but lost at home, and so we were runners-up. Actually, the year 2001 is a historically very important year. In the end of 2000 and early 2001, Hammarby was close to bankruptcy, but via a stormy annual meeting a new board was voted and since then much have changed. We are now economically more solid than before, and have battled in the top of the league more years than not since 2001.

Even today there is still a debate between supporters that remember the old days with nostalgia and supporters that are more in favor of (what is supposed to be) a more modern winning-kind-of-culture. Personally, I think there are more positive upsides with the new organization than negative, but who knows what the future have in its store?

I got a bit off-topic there, but bare with me.

In 2007 this is the starting lineup that, statistically, player by player, started most frequently during the season:

Richard Kingson
-David Johansson-Christian Traoré-Suleyman Sleyman-Gunnar Gunnarsson-
Louay Chanko
-Erkan Zengin-Sebastian Eguren-Haris Laitinen-
-Paulinho Guará-Charlie Davies-

As you can see, the tactics is based on the classical 4-4-2 formation, with a slight adjustment on the central midfield, where Chanko is slightly withdrawn behind Sebastian Eguren. The two central midfielders are the engine on which the team relies on. During 2007, Chanko was extremely successful in his defensive position, by many considered the best in Allsvenskan. The two wingers, Laitinen and Zengin, have been given more freedom offensively, even though none of them can avoid taking defensive responsibility. In the offensive, Guará is the most reliable scorer, and defensively Traoré or Sleyman must be considered to be the most valuable individual.

When playing at home, Hammarby traditionally have been very offensive, at least during the first 15 or 20 minutes. During the last season, however, Hammarby have been using a bit more conservative tactic initially, trying to lure the usually defensive opponents to attack, thereby trying to exploit weaknesses when the opponents loose the ball. That was a long sentence, but I think you know what I mean.

Until next season, Hammarby needs to improve two things dramatically, in my opinion. First, we need to be more decisive when in the offensive part of the field. Far too many opportunities to score have rendered into nothing. Secondly, the away games must be handled more tactically correct, cool if you will. Far too many times the last season we have been punished when being too naive and, again, ineffective.

The current contracted players are, in average, more technical than not. What we have lacked in physical abilities like length, weight and such, we have managed in most games to balance that with a higher technical level than the opponents. Perhaps we need to add some physical players until next season.

Now, if we can sign new players that fit well into the current team (I'm thinking an experienced keeper. At least.) and if we continue to evolve our tactical skills and technical superiority, chances are that we will come out as champions next autumn.

Hammarby to reorganize

Football clubs in Sweden are in general organized in a very traditional kind of way. You have a Chairman and a CEO with a board. Alongside with that structure there is a coach or a trainer, but what is fundamental today is that the coach does not have budget responsibility. That to say, the coach can today merely recommend a potential signing.

Now, says Hammarby Chairman Jan Friedman to Hammarby Official site, there might be a change on the horizon. Hammarby is glancing at the continent where many clubs have a tradition with a Manager, which is responsible for sporting results. In many cases he has own budget responsibility.

The plans for such an essential reorganization is not lurking around the corner, but is more of a long term strategic aim, says Jan Friedman. More prioritized in Hammarby today is to develop the scouting organization which, according to Jan Friedman, is "an underdeveloped part of Swedish football in general, and on long term we believe it (a more developed scouting organization) can generate high revenues."

All in all, I personally think that the plans for a reorganization fits nicely with the plans of a new arena and the organizational demands such a project conveys. It's good news to hear about the plans to develop the scouting organization, too. Today, infact, many foreign clubs have more insight in Swedish clubs and the potential promising young players there, than many of the clubs in the premier league of Sweden. At least, that's my impression.

Rami closer to Hammarby?

Today in a Swedish newspaper, it is implied that Rami Shaaban, the Swedish national reserve, might be heading for Södermalm and Hammarby. On monday he was attending the national team training on Hammarby ground Söderstadion. On a direct question from a reporter to Hammarby official Urban Rybrink whether or not the arena is also the new home ground for Rami Shaaban, Urban replied "You never know", rather secretly, implying that there might be some truth to the rumors.

Shaaban also commented: "I like Stockholm very much, and also my son lives here, who means everything to me. Right now I am focusing on the game against Latvia".

All Hammarby supporters are crossing their fingers that this massive signing will be official soon.

However, most likely we will not hear anything until after wednesday night's final round of the European Championship 2008 qualifiers, which is played in Stockholm against Latvia.

Striker contracted!

Today, Hammarby signed the 23-year old striker Freddy Söderberg.

Born in november 1984, the tall striker says to Hammarby official site that he is very pleased with his new contract: "- I feel great about coming to Hammarby. It is a big club, and it's enormously inspiring to arrive. I feel very positively about the club. All the players welcomed me the first time I was here, and they're all very friendly."

Personally, I think this is a good signing. Hammarby has been in need of a heavy striker during this last season, and hopefully Freddy is the guy we're looking for.

Rumours says: WELCOME TO HAMMARBY!

A new arena - the naked truth

Dramatic title, I know, but I think it's time for the world to know - Hammarby is in desperate need of a new arena!

Our current arena, Söderstadion, was built in 1966. For you young people, that's in the last millenia. In the last millenia, I hear it, we in the western world was busy the first 200 years with battling the Saracens over who had right to possess Jerusalem. Followed by the Dark Ages, we moved into the Industrialized time which is the foundation for our society. 1966 is a long time ago.

Anyway, the discussions of a new arena for Hammarby has been going on for the last 22 years, since 1985. That's when the Globe Arena in Stockholm was built, and at a weak moment some politician promised that we would get an improved arena. Now, politicians never keep their promises, and much frustration has been built up over the last couple of decades.

And now, if the reports have any truth to them, it is finally time! Hammarby will enter an era of prosperity and great wealth. Or at least an era with a fine, modern arena.

In the next couple of days, I will try to outline some details of how this huge project is planned. Stay tuned!

the Silly Season 2008 - rumours!

What players will play for Hammarby in 2008? Steven Gerrard? Ronaldinho? Kaká? Your grandmother?

Here, we will try to summarize the rumours about players that are either on their way to or from the Swedish football club Hammarby. The Rumour Probability figure is highly subjective and is not to be taken seriously. But it’s quite fun. I think.

Changes from time to time will be highlighted in BLUE!

Photo: www.hammarbyfotboll.se

Signing action at Hammarby HQ, to the left Charlie Davies and to the right Hammarby CEO (in the legendary lumber-jack shirt)

Rumours - IN

Rami Shaaban, goalkeeper.
Current club: Fredrikstad, Norway

Rami has been playing for the Norwegian club for some time now. He put up regular performances in Sweden’s National Squad as number two behind Manchester City’s Andreas Isaksson. During 2007, Hammarby played against Fredrikstad in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, where Hammarby managed to win over two games. In Hammarby’s home game at Råsunda Stadium (Solna), Shaaban managed to do some serious goalkeeping. Save shot after shot, he impressed on Hammarby’s audience. And Bajen is searching for a new number one, since we have had great troubles during 2007 to find a goalkeeper worthy of it’s name. However, he is wanted by other European squads. There is one thing that do speak in favor of him going to Hammarby, Rami’s son lives in Stockholm, and word is that he want’s to spend more time with his son.

Now, Swedish newspapers write, Hammarby's first offer was rejected by Fredrikstad and now Hammarby is preparing a new, better offer. Sources say to the newspapers that the probibilites that Shaaban will play for Hammarby next year now are 50%.

Rumour probability: 100% - SIGNED!

Eddie Gustavsson, goalkeeper.
Current club: Lyn, Norway

According to a Swedish newspaper, Eddie is on his way back to a Swedish side and supposedly, Hammarby is the most interested club. “I have had a good dialog with Hammarby for years now, but I have not yet received a contract offer” Eddie commented recently to a Swedish newspaper.

Rumour probability: 0%

David Wikström, goalkeeper
Current club: Västerås SK

A young keeper that has yet to take the final step to become a regular player. Have been on trial with Hammarby, but as I see it he is too inexperienced to be of any interest to Hammarby.

Rumour probability: 0%

Lennart Sandahl, goalkeeper
Current club: IFK Sundsvall

19-year old which have been on trial with Hammarby. To a local newspaper, the youngster has said that he is yet waiting for a response from Hammarby if they are interested. I am doubtful, as Lennart is quite inexperienced.

Rumour probability: 0%

Kristoffer Björklund, goalkeeper
Current club: IF Brommapojkarna
Born and raised in Stockholm, Kristoffer says to a Swedish newspaper today that he has been contacted by Hammarby. It is probable that if he's signed by Hammarby, it's to be a new reserve keeper. In my opinion, no material for a starter.

Rumour probability: 100% - signed!

Johan Oremo, striker
Current club: Gefle IF

In 2007, Johan Oremo was very successful in his club, He scored much, after being signed from a division 3 club. Hammarby is interested and have given Gefle an offer to buy the youngster, but other clubs are also interested. According to a Swedish football site, Hammarby rivals Djurgården has put in the highest bid and are therefore closest to signing Oremo. To be decided. The figure, around 10 million Swedish Krona, is a bit much in my opinion. Hammarby will probably not give more money than that.

On November 22nd, Swedish media report that Oremo and Gefle will take a decision over the next couple of days. Apparently, if you want to believe the media, Djurgården has still put the best offer, but both Hammarby and IFK Göteborg are close behind. It's now up to Oremo himself. Does he want to play in a club with the best supporters of Scandinavia, or will he make a bad choice?

Rumour probability: 0 %

Freddy Söderberg, striker
Current club: IFK Värnamo

Freddy scored 23 times in Swedish third division in 2007. Being quite large and speedy, Hammarby coach Tony Gustavsson obviously has interest in the 23-year old: “He’s a no-nonsense kind of striker, keeping his game simple and straight forward … Obviously he has a sense where the goal is located, otherwise you cannot score 23 times in a Swedish division.” Personally, I’d like to see this striker next year in Hammarby, with the capacity of taking the target-role. He was also on trial in the club for a short period during the autumn.

Rumour probability: 100% - Signed!

Temesgen Berhane, striker

Current club: Västerås SK

Being less straight-forward and more of the technical kind, Temesgen also has been on trial in Hammarby. Personally, I think that we currently have players that play like him, so I don’t find it probable that he receives a contract from Hammarby.

Rumour probability: 0%

Anton Andersson, midfielder
Current club: IFK Luleå

Has been on trial with Hammarby. A 20-year old which scored 16 times and delivered 10 assists during 2007 in Swedish third division. Great potential and Hammarby is interested: “His play and abilities makes him attractive to us”, said Hammarby assistant coach Andreas Pettersson to a Swedish newspaper. Personally, I think him a likely player in Hammarby squad of 2008.

On Wednesday 5th, Anton Andersson will receive an offer from Hammarby in the next couple of days. Aside from Hammarby, newly promoted Gif Sundsvall is also trying to attract the youngster.

Rumour Probability - 0%

Edis Djugumovic, midfielder
Current club: IFK Malmö

Many clubs in Sweden want’s to sign the “new Zlatan”. If he will be contracted with Hammarby? Probably not.

Rumour probability: 0%

DISMISSED RUMOURS:

Johan Dahlin, goalkeeper
Current club: Lyn, Norway

Under-21 regular Johan Dahlin is not satisfied after being number two behind Eddie Gustavsson. Lyn wants to put Johan on loan with another club, but personally I think Hammarby wants to sign a new keeper. One of the most promising Swedish goalkeepers.

Rumour probability: 0%, signed for Trelleborgs FF

the Silly Season 2008 - summary report

Usually around this time until the league starts in March, the rumours about the possible and not-so-possible transfers of players to and from all the clubs in Sweden are never ending. Some are plausible, some are impossible, and even some are outright faulty.

This is a summary of the finalized transfers to and from the club Hammarby.

Changes in BLUE!

Newly contracted players
2007-11-19: Freddy Söderberg, striker
Arrives from the club IFK Värnamo

2007-12-12: Kristoffer Björklund, goalkeeper
Arrives from the club IF Brommapojkarna

2008-01-11: Claudio Dadomo, winger
Arrives as free agent

2008-02-12: Rami Shaaban, goalkeeper
Arrives from the club Fredrikstad, Norway

Released players

Benny Lekström, goalkeeper:
Hammarby has had huge problems in 2007 with goalkeepers that kept getting injured. Although Benny did put in a couple of fantastic performances, he has not been given any new contract in Hammarby.
New club: Not official

Gunnar Thor Gunnarsson, defender:
Icelandic defender Gunnar has been in the club for a couple of years. But after a very promising start he stagnated somewhat during 2007. Therefore, when newly promoted IFK Norrköping wanted to buy the youngster, Hammarby sold him.
New club: IFK Norrköping

Heidar Geir Juliusson, striker
Another young Icelander, Heidar was on loan to Hammarby from Icelandic club Fram during 2007. However, not being able to position himself as a regular starter, his loan will not be renewed.
New club: Fram, Iceland

Joakim Jensen, defender.
Before he came to Hammarby, Joakim Jensen was putting up a great performance in Finnish club HJK Helsinki. In 2005, Hammarby bought him, and through all the years Joakim never really managed to put in a regular performance. Therefore, his contract was not renewed. Rumor has it that he will play in his old club Ljungskile (west coast of Sweden), but nothing is finalized.
New club: Qviding

Toni Nhleko, striker
Only 3 matches from start, the South-African striker never really managed to take a position in Hammarby starting squad. Nhleko and Hammarby has agreed to mutually cancel his contract.
New club: Free agent

First Team

Goalkeepers
1. Rami Shaaban (new!)
24. Erland Hellström (injured)
30. George Moussan
35. Kristoffer Björklund (new!)

Defenders
7. Suleyman Sleyman
2. David Johansson
3. José Monteiro de Macedo
4. Christian Traoré
5. Emil Johansson
13. Isak Dahlin
21. Klebér Saarenpää
25. Fadi Malke
27. Matthias Olsson

Midfielders
6. Louay Chanko
8. Sebastian Eguren
14. Mikkel Jensen
17. Erkan Zengin
18. Haris Laitinen
22. Sebastian Castro-Tello
26. Simon Helg

Strikers
10. Charlie Davies
11. Freddy Söderberg (new!)
19. Paulinho Guará

Allsvenskan - the Premier League of Sweden

Often criticized, the highest league in Sweden is considered by most to be, at best, a mediocre league. The quality of the matches are often low, but at rare occasions the players do surprise the spectators (and themselves) by actually performing quite well.

Allsvenskan is played spring to autumn. During the arctic winter it isn’t possible to play football in Sweden, if you don’t want spectators to freeze to death while watching. Also, frostbites can get pretty ugly when playing in minus 15 degrees celcius. Usually, the league starts sometime in the beginning of April and ends late October.

That is not the case next year, 2008. The reason for that is because Allsvenskan next year (and for the years to come) will contain 16 teams instead of the 14 of today. Also, with the European Championships next summer, the season will be compressed. So 2008 the first matches will be played in March.

Not surprisingly, the best matches are usually between the top squads.

Hammarby is never favorites to win the championship. Being one of the football clubs with the most supporters, it is often criticized in media as well by the fans to not be able to achieve everyone’s expectations. Being a supporter to Hammarby is frustrating, since it is a somewhat odd tradition for Hammarby to play really well and often beat the top clubs. But in the next match against a club which Hammarby surely should beat with 2 or 3 goals, they quite often manage to lose.

The purpose of this site is to present news about the club to the English speaking fans out there, and also to occasionally write something witty and critical about the club. Hopefully you will all enjoy coming back to this site and together we will follow the further adventures of Hammarby Football.