Koetzer

July-August 2033 The start was almost perfect, we won three games at home and managed to save an away draw against the champions after conceding two early goals! This run was unfortunately snapped by Brøndby who lost all four games before this, and the last game seemed to show our real level and how far we are from the top teams I think it's going to be the last season here unless we qualify to Europe again or some miracle happens (like a wonderkid coming through our academy). Islands news Champions League: HB – 1QR win vs Dudelange (2-0, 2-0), 2QR loss vs Qarabag (0-2, 0-0) Europa League: HB – 3QR win vs Shamrock Rovers (3-0, 0-2), 4QR loss vs Olympiacos (0-1, 0-3) Conference League: HB – group stage with Marseille, Brugge and Sheriff Vikingur – 1QR win vs St. Joseph’s (2-0, 5-1), 2QR loss vs Brann (1-3, 1-2) 07 Vestur – 1QR loss vs Neftci (1-1, 1-1 pen) AB – 1QR loss vs Sutjeska (1-3, 0-2) Overall points – 1.625+ (1.750 in 32/33). Second group stage appearance and first ever win in Europa League for HB, still this season is so far worse overall than the previous one (though getting some points from Sheriff can make it better).

Pre-season 2033/34 Transfers in We only signed a promising goalkeeper Magnussen for the U19 team in this window, but also agreed a more important winter transfer – Elias Steinholm will join us on full contract after his loan. Transfers out Sørensen was earning way too much for a backup player and wouldn’t become better at his age, so decided to sell him and give a chance to Kristiansen who returned from loan. And I certainly didn’t expect to receive money for a Lakjuni, who seems to have some potential and valued quite high now but didn’t develop at all, in our reserves or on loan. Finally not predicted last! Not a big increase, but still a sign of our improvement. The first poached player with golden potential, must have been a top prospect for us.

May-June 2033 Unfortunately we missed too many chances against Viborg and maximum we could do later is equalize on points, but still would have finished behind on goal difference. The top group ended in a very tight battle, AGF and København drew a head-to-head game on the last matchday and Nordsjælland could overtake them both but couldn't beat Randers! Squad stats Kallsberg had another great year, becoming our best goalscorer and assistant. Jacobsen wasn’t as good as last season, but still reached 10 goals mark and became our overall record goalscorer. Our defensive trio Hansen-Hermansen-Kosonen were solid as usual, and adding Steinholm on loan was also an improvement (he will stay with us until December, and maybe we’ll sign him for free later). Need to perform better if we want to improve our finances. National team Everyone is fit, and youngster Joensen is selected as promised. I thought Romania would be a stronger team than Northern Ireland, but we totally outplayed them at Torsvollur, scored three in first 16 minutes (their goal also fit between ours) and could get even more convincing win. So I was quite optimistic before the second game, but this time we were destroyed in the first half. Still I didn't hope for winning a game in this group! FIFA ranking – 125th ( 3) U21: 3-0 (A) vs Gibraltar in friendly. U19: 1-0 (A) vs Kosovo in friendly. UEFA club ranking – 47th (=)

Sounds like real Italy

April 2033 A home defeat against Vejle spoiled an overall good month. Viborg retains the top spot, we’ll play against them at home in May but three other games will be on the road so winning the playoff place won't be easy. Youth intake Well, didn’t expect anything else, all these previews mean nothing. Oddmar Jensen can become a replacement for Øregaard eventually, but not more. However, the national team got a potential superstar this year – center-back Heini Joensen from Brøndby, he surely will be selected in the next international round despite being only 15!

February-March 2033 Predictable, but still disappointing start of the year. Though after four defeats we managed to win an away game against Brøndby, and considering their current 5th position, this may be a good sign for European playoffs (we need to win the bottom group before, of course). National team Our new midfielder Kristiansen gets his first callup along with young goalkeeper Hansson (can we produce good outfield players with the same frequency? ), Øregaard is missing with injury. Last minute winner in a friendly and a decent result in Scotland, can be quite happy with this round. FIFA ranking – 128th ( 1) U21: 0-1 (A) vs Lithuania in friendly. U19: 1-1 (A) vs Lithuania, 0-1 (A) vs Liechtenstein in friendlies. U18: 1-3 (A) vs Belgium, 0-3 (N) vs Portugal, 1-3 (N) vs Switzerland in Euro preliminary A – relegated to group B.

Winter 2032/33 Transfers in Elias Steinholm – the second choice national team keeper joins us on loan. Oli Kristiansen – a promising midfielder, sent on loan so far. Transfers out Davidsen lost the first team spot this season and anyway would have left in June, so we just got rid of his wage. Youth preview Another golden generation, though hard to believe in these promises after two previous seasons. The national team got Scotland, Norway, Romania and Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifiers. No sixth team and one of the strongest options from the fourth pot

November 2032 Before the game against Silkeborg we lost Danielsen with injury, and I promoted 16 year-old Ovi Davidsen (signed in August from B68 after we loaned out a backup winger Ragnarsson) to the first team. With 15 minutes to go we were 1-0 behind, I had no other choices than bring him into the game… and he scored twice on his league debut! The league table looks encouraging, but we’ll have an extremely tough schedule in February and March – teams from top four places and Viborg which didn’t give us any chances in three previous games. National team Danielsen is out this time, but Vang is back and fit to play. A narrow defeat in Georgia ended our chances to win this group, still we finished it unbeaten at home even despite Midjord was sent off on 25th minute against Israel! FIFA ranking – 129th ( 1) U21: 1-2 (H) vs Switzerland, 1-3 (H) vs Wales in Euro qualifiers – finished fifth with 9 points. U19: 0-3 (H) vs Belgium, 0-5 (H) vs Germany, 0-3 (H) vs Netherlands in Euro qualifiers A – relegated to group B. U18: 1-0 (N) vs Austria, 0-4 (A) vs France, 3-1 (N) vs Serbia in Euro preliminary A – won the group!

October 2032 The international break helped us to recover from the bad run and get seven points from three remaining games. The cup wasn’t our priority in this situation, and a heavily rotated squad couldn’t cope with Viborg. National team Decided not to make any changes from last month, but Vang had to be replaced after selection due to injury. Our unbeaten run ended in Israel, after drawing the first half we conceded three in last 15 minutes. The game against Belarus was exactly the opposite, we conceded an early penalty, equalized soon and secured a big win in second half! Jacobsen’s hat-trick was especially pleasing, he was struggling to score for the club and needed these goals for confidence. We certainly won’t finish last (Georgia and Belarus have to play each other) and still have a promotion chance (though will need a three-goal win over Israel to overtake them). FIFA ranking – 128th ( 1) U21: 2-2 (H) vs Serbia, 5-0 (A) vs Luxembourg in Euro qualifiers – finished fifth with 9 points. U19: 4-1 (H) vs Gibraltar, 2-2 (H) vs Czech Republic in friendlies. Betrideildin: HB won the title, Vestur seems to become a consistent third force.

September 2032 Awful form in the league with a bit of consolation in the cup against lower league sides. Luckily the bottom two teams struggle to get points at all. National team The key players recovered from injuries and are ready to play official games. We got a tough Nations League group (Israel is the fourth team) so need to try our best to avoid relegation playoffs. And so far we are doing much better than expected! Poul Kallsberg took his August club form to the national team, first assisting to Jacobsen for an equalizer in Belarus and then scoring a hat-trick within 5 minutes against Georgia! This third goal was his 14th overall for the Faroes, which is the new national record. FIFA ranking – 129th ( 2) U21: 0-2 (H) vs Romania, 1-3 (H) vs Netherlands in Euro qualifiers. U19: 3-2 (A) vs Andorra, 1-0 (H) vs Lithuania in friendlies.

July-August 2032 Started with two defeats which felt completely different – disappointing collapse after leading 2-0 against Randers and great second half after conceding three from Midtjylland. August was a much better month, we started getting points in every game, mostly from the predicted lower half teams which should lead to another mid-table season. Though one result clearly stands out – an away win over the defending champions AGF! They lost their manager (Joseba Etxeberria was appointed by Norwegian national team) and Freddie Ljungberg (who resigned from København earlier) is having a disastrous start. Kallsberg won the player of the month award, scoring 4 goals in August. Islands news Champions League: Vikingur – 1QR loss vs Olympiacos (0-3, 0-3) Conference League: Vikingur – 2QR win vs Sliema W. (4-0, 2-0), 3QR loss vs Connah’s Quay (0-2, 1-0) HB – 1QR win vs Trepca’89 (4-0, 2-0), 2QR loss vs Lillestrøm (0-2, 0-1) NSI – 1QR win vs Alashkert (2-1, 2-1), 2QR loss vs Crvena Zvezda (0-3, 0-3) 07 Vestur – 1QR loss vs Vllaznia (1-2, 0-2) Overall points – 1.750 (1.000 in 31/32). A decent season, though Vikingur certainly could do better against the Welsh team.

Pre-season 2032/33 Transfers in Sonni Klein is Øregaard’s backup in the national team and was brought here for the same role, two other players are young prospects. Transfers out Skipanes played over 100 games for us in lower divisions, but wasn’t even a bench player in last two seasons, so I easily let him go. We are sharing the odds with two other teams, that’s already a progress Our fanbase continues growing.

May-June 2032 Injuries ruined the end of season for us, in addition to Jacobsen we lost both starting central midfielders and left winger, all in few days before facing Viborg at home. We still kept the top spot thanks to a previous form, but surely weren't the team that could win the playoff game Squad stats Four players reached the ten goals mark, Kallsberg and Jacobsen were predicted to be the squad leaders, but Vilhelmsen and Mouritsen being so productive is a nice surprise. Spent all our money for another training upgrade, hopefully will recover next season. National team Injuries affected the national squad as well, so more new faces were needed. Two more narrow wins to improve our rankings a bit. FIFA ranking – 131st ( 2) U21: 1-2 (A) vs Latvia, 0-0 (H) vs Sweden in friendlies. U19: 5-0 (A) vs Latvia, 0-2 (A) vs Sweden in friendlies. U18: 0-0 (A) vs Latvia in friendly. UEFA club ranking – 47th ( 1)

April 2032 After saving a draw on the last minutes against Silkeborg we recorded five straight wins (5-0 against AaB is our best result in Superliga so far) and almost secured the playoff spot. The only concern for the rest of season is Jacobsen’s injury, his absence may be crucial for the decisive game. Youth intake Instead of goalkeeper and defenders we got striker Vang and winger Augustinussen as our best players, and they are not going to be superstars anyway.

February-March 2032 Started the new year with a disappointing defeat, but then won three of four remaining games and almost caught the top group. The playoff spot will be most likely contested between us and Viborg, all other teams are already quite far away. National team Several experiments in the squad, as can be expected in a friendly, but all the key players are present. Haitian team is ranked 66th in the world, so defeating them is quite an impressive result for us. FIFA ranking – 133rd ( 2) U21: 2-2 (A) vs Georgia, 3-0 (H) vs Malta in friendlies. U19: 0-0 (A) vs Georgia, 2-1 (H) vs Slovenia in friendlies. U18: 0-2 (N) vs France, 1-1 (N) vs Czech Republic, 1-3 (A) vs Serbia in Euro preliminary A – finished third.

Winter 2031/32 Transfers out There were no incoming transfers, and for some reason Rosenborg needed our third choice goalkeeper. Youth preview Two promising defenders and a goalkeeper, I hope this preview doesn’t lie.

November-December 2031 Jacobsen returned just in time, he scored the winning goal against Midtjylland and equalized in Horsens before the new captain Kosonen gave us a win in stoppage time (dropping points against a team with 12-game losing streak would have been very annoying). We have a chance to qualify for the top group, though do we actually need it? It looks like winning the bottom half is an easier way to Europe and won’t put us against much stronger teams like AGF. National team Fourteen players from the club are selected now, Jacobsen is back and the latest addition was center-back Brian Olsen. Another potential debutant is right winger Mørkøre who became the Faroese league best player despite his club finished 7th. A draw wasn’t enough to finish fourth, still it was quite a decent year for the national team. Meanwhile Eetu Kosonen made his debut for Finland (in a friendly so far, but our hopes to see him in the Faroese team are getting even less realistic). FIFA ranking – 135th (=) U21: 7-0 (H) vs Luxembourg, 0-0 (A) vs Macedonia in Euro qualifiers. U19: 0-0 (N) vs Bosnia, 0-0 (N) vs Iceland, 6-2 (A) vs Azerbaijan in Euro qualifiers B – finished second. U18: 2-1 (N) vs Ukraine, 3-1 (A) vs Romania, 1-2 (N) vs Switzerland in Euro preliminary B – promoted to group A. Betrideildin: the usual title rivals are back on top, and Vikingur overtook HB by the only goal!

October 2031 We played quite well in two first games and had enough chances, but without Jacobsen our attacking line couldn’t finish at all – the only goal was created by two center-backs. Backup striker Mouritsen finally scored twice against AGF, but they are way too strong this season, going for the second straight title. We managed to finish the month with a win, though had to play extra time, and will face AGF again in the quarter-final. In other news, our captain Victor Boje Henriksen suffered a serious injury and decided to retire. He was the only remaining first team member who played in all five divisions (Jannick Poulsen and Ingi Dam are technically still in the team, but only play for reserves now). National team Jacobsen’s injury is a blow, but hopefully young Midjord and returned veteran Thomsen can replace him. Defeated San Marino (though conceding twice is a disappointment) and almost could stop the group leaders Greece, they only scored from a penalty and Kallsberg missed a good chance in the end. FIFA ranking – 135th (=) U21: 1-4 (A) vs Netherlands, 2-2 (A) vs Serbia in Euro qualifiers. U19: 0-1 (A) vs Scotland, 2-1 (H) vs Finland in friendlies.

September 2031 A disappointing result for this schedule, our attack is struggling and it will be even worse as we lost Jacobsen for almost two months At least our second choice squad is doing well against lower league sides in the cup. National team There aren’t any players over 30 in this squad, except a third choice goalkeeper. Winger Ragnarsson from our club and striker Midjord (currently the best Faroese league goalscorer) replaced two last veterans in attack. The first game was quite decent (we conceded the second goal a few minutes before the final whistle), but Austria didn’t leave us any chances. Cyprus overtook us after getting four points from Turkey and San Marino, we'll certainly need to beat them in Nicosia for 4th place. FIFA ranking – 135th (=) U21: 1-2 (H) vs Macedonia, 0-2 (A) vs Romania in Euro qualifiers. U19: 2-2 (H) vs Azerbaijan, 1-0 (H) vs Lithuania in friendlies.

August 2031 Started the month with our first league win (thanks to a lucky deflection on the last minute), but then things went much worse. We were knocked from Europe with two late goals (though should have scored more) and twice lost in the league without many chances to score. This run needed to be snapped, and the schedule was just right for it – a home game against promoted Horsens. Conceded first, missed a lot of chances and almost gave it away in the end, but held the important result. That should have made the next game a bit easier, instead it was a real thriller – we were trailing 1-3 with ten minutes to go, went ultra-attacking and equalized, had a goal disallowed for offside and anyway scored the winner in the next attack after several saves and blocked shots! Two comeback wins let us move to the 7th place, and hopefully with less hectic schedule our form will continue improving. Shamrock lost to Atalanta in the final qualifying round, so we hardly could have a chance to get bigger prize money for the group stage.

July 2031 A nightmare schedule for the start, we played against two top teams of the last season and strong European opponents, but it went better than I expected. After drawing at home with København we had an impressive start in Portugal, scoring in the first attack and fully deserving this win! The return leg at home wasn’t as good, Famalicao had a better second half and we were lucky to concede only once in the end, but kept this score and advanced! Shamrock Rovers will be our next opponents, and that actually gives us quite good chances to go further. We sold over a thousand season tickets for the first time, and the game against København was a sellout. Islands news Champions League: 07 Vestur – 1QR loss vs Qarabag (0-3, 0-3) Conference League: 07 Vestur – 2QR loss vs Lincoln (2-1, 0-3) Vikingur – 1QR win vs Vikingur O. (4-0, 2-1) – what a derby , 2QR loss vs BATE (1-1, 0-1) HB – 1QR loss vs Beitar (1-1, 1-2) AB – 1QR loss vs Larne (0-1, 0-2) Overall points – 1.000 (2.000 in 30/31). The new champions didn't enjoy their European debut, and two more experienced teams had tougher draws (though got some ranking points anyway).

Pre-season 2031/32 Transfers in Lukas Danielsen – was transfer-listed after Vejle relegation, and I decided to spend almost whole transfer budget as he was one of the few Faroese players who could still strengthen our squad (and the only we could afford). Jakup Pauli Poulsen – I had doubts about his buyout in the first half of previous season, but after tactical changes he appeared to be our best RWB option and also can provide cover for the central midfielders. Magnus Clementsen – not a new transfer, spent two years on loan and returned as possible first choice goalkeeper, he really looks better than Davidsen now! Some fringe players left the team, the most notable was Brandur Hendriksson who helped us reach the top division and had 90 international caps, but is already 35 and certainly doesn’t have the ability to play on this level. Still predicted last with the same odds. Seems that our debut European campaign won’t be long. They have a player valued 27-44 million, our whole club is valued 2.2 now

May-June 2031 Four wins in a row, and we won the bottom group! To be honest I didn’t believe that we would overtake Silkeborg, they were eight points ahead with three games to go, but this fluke 90th minute goal hit them too hard. And so we have qualified for the European playoffs against Lyngby, they are a stronger team but probably would have worse morale now and that can be our chance. The early header from Poul Kallsberg remained the only goal in this game despite we had a lot more chances, still the only thing that matters – we won and qualified for the Conference League! Hardly could think about it while sitting bottom in November! Would be funny to meet an actual Faroese team there, but I guess our low rating will put us against some stronger opponents. Squad stats Switching to the back three was key to our good form after the winter break, returned Hermansen formed a great defensive line with Hansen and Kosonen (I hope he would accept Faroese callup eventually, and we can use this trio in the national team as well), Davidsen was still solid in goal (once again selected into the team of the season) and our attack became a lot more creative as well. Jacobsen scored overall 18 goals (his stats here are incorrect as he left us for few days after the loan expired) and Kallsberg acted both as playmaker and finisher. Our expenses increased this season, but we are able to cover them with prize and TV money so far. National team The club didn't notice Øregaard’s absence in the end of season, I hope the national team also won’t be much weaker. Okay, with that club’s playoff game we got a problem in the national team – there was the only day off before playing against Turkey, so had to play without several key players (not that we really had any chances there anyway). However, we could field our strongest eleven against Cyprus, scored twice in the first half and held the lead despite Vang’s sending off with 30 minutes to go! FIFA ranking – 135th ( 3) U21: 6-1 (A) vs Armenia, 0-2 (A) vs Georgia in friendlies. U19: 3-1 (A) vs Armenia, 4-0 (A) vs Macedonia in friendlies. UEFA club ranking – 48th ( 1)

April 2031 We maintained the good form despite our key midfielder Øregaard was out for rest of the season with injury, and now need a single win to be officially safe from relegation. There's still a chance to gain a few more positions and prize money in the last five games. Youth intake We don’t have a really good right-back in our first team, so Aron Simonsen will have a chance to become our starter soon. Also we got a promising (though unambitious) midfielder Christiansen and two wingers – Olsen and Breckmann. It's interesting that in first two intakes we got several Danish players, but this one was fully Faroese. The only (so far) poached player from our academy Hedegaard appeared in Horsens youth team. He actually had no Faroese connection, is unambitious and unlikely to become a good player.

February-March 2031 I opted to change our formation to 5-2-3, and it’s working so far. We lost to Lyngby and missed a win against Vejle with a last minute equalizer, but created enough chances in both games and eventually it should have been converted into good results. This moment came against Midtjylland, three goals in first half and we broke away from the bottom two places! And of course, getting a point from the defending champions was a good sign before the second stage, we shouldn’t get relegated if continue playing like this. Also after receiving second part of the prize money we were able to improve our junior coaching once more. National team Winger Vilhelmsen became 11th player from our club in the national squad. Finally we got a six-team group, San Marino is the team against which we must get six points (and obviously need to score more than just one goal from 33 shots). Turkey, Greece and Cyprus are the other opponents, probably we’ll have a chance against the Cypriots (though they are currently leading with two wins). FIFA ranking – 138th ( 2) U21: 1-1 (H) vs Switzerland, 3-1 (A) vs Azerbaijan in friendlies. U19: 0-2 (A) vs Ukraine in friendly. U18: 0-4 (N) vs Turkey, 1-2 (N) in Spain, 3-3 (A) vs Austria in Euro preliminary A – relegated to group B.