The Finnish Football Show

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/10/20/huuhkajat-match-reports-veikkausliiga-update-haka-relegated/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W & Keke are joined by a couple of guests for a bumper episode. Firstly, Jussi Hartikainen, from Suomen Maajoukkue Kannatajat ry and Football Supporters Europe, comes on to discuss the latest two World Cup Qualifiers for Finland, a 2-1 home win over Lithuania and a 0-4 away defeat to the Netherlands. Jussi also explains about his role and FSE and his involvement in the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Finnish FA and the SMJK supporters group. All three are then joined by KTP fan Sami Lindfors, who shares his experience of the bottom-of-the-table clash between KTP and Haka, which saw Haka relegated and KTP into a playoff with TPS Turku. They also talk through the current situation in the top half, with only 6 points between the top 4 teams and still 5 rounds of games to be played. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:54 Report: Finland 2-1 Lithuania 00:15:12 Report: Netherlands 4-0 Finland 00:30:31 Upcoming fixtures and the extended international break in Sept 2026 00:33:24 Jussi’s work with Football Supporters Europe and the agreement between Palloliitto & SMJK 00:45:12 Relegation cliffhanger. Sami’s bus trip to watch Haka vs KTP  00:56:50 The five way battle at the top of the Mestaruussarja 01:10:55 Eero Markkanen retires ------------------------------------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/10/15/in-conversation-with-salim-yussif/ IN THIS EPISODE... In this episode, Mark W is joined by SJK Seinäjoki defender, Salim Yussif, who talks through his unconventional route to Finland. From a childhood living in a slum in Accra, through teenage years on a football scholarship in the USA, to becoming a regular starter for SJK near the top of the Veikkausliiga. They discuss the challenge of moving countries and making friends, learning how to play Stevie Grieve’s ‘chaos football’ and just what is the Seinäjoki African Community ry. Salim’s a young guy with a long future ahead of him and his eye on a Barcelona shirt (if he’s lucky!) 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:59 Growing up in a slum area of Accra 00:05:47 Vision FC’s partnership with SJK Seinäjoki 00:09:43 Starting life as a #10 then moving to right back 00:12:33 Scholarships to High School and College in USA 00:15:01 Moving to Finland, SJK and adapting to playing Grieveball 00:22:45 About Seinäjoki African Community & attracting international fans to SJK 00:26:34 Salim’s future ambitions ------------------------------------------------------------------ SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/10/06/huuhkajat-world-cup-qualifiers-ilves-fans-bust-up-in-seinajoki/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W and Keke look at the upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the Finland men's national teams, as the Huuhkajat face Lithuania at home before travelling to play the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Finland need as many points as possible to have any hope of qualifying from group G. Finland’s U21s, the Pikkuhuuhkajat, also have two games over the coming week, a secretive friendly against the USA, followed by a U21 Euros qualifier away to Spain. Challenging weeks for both teams Keke also asks Mark to explain why Ilves fans had a BUSt-up in Seinäjoki with an old London double-decker Routemaster… 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:33 Ilves fans’ BUSt-up in Seinäjoki 00:03:36 Huuhkajat squad for the October World Cup Qualifiers 00:18:66 Preview: Finland vs Lithuania 00:24:26 Preview: Netherlands vs Finland 00:33:19 Pikkuhuuhkajat U21 Euro Qualifier 00:34:11 Last-minute change to the Huuhkajat squad ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/09/16/is-finland-heading-backe-to-the-future/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W and Keke again with match reports from Finland's two away games; a 1-0 friendly defeat to Norway, followed by a 3-1 defeat in the World Cup qualifier against Poland. Keke shares tales from his trip to Chorzów, Poland. They revisit the topic of an early episode* to ask if Finland is regressing under Jacob Friis, back to the performances of the Hans Backe era. Finally, they discuss a positive week for Finnish referee, Mohammad Al-Emara, who made his elite international debut in the England-Andorra match at Wembley, before an unprecedented(?) post-match Q&A with the fans, after SJK 3-3 HJK 🤯 * See FFS episode #12: Backe sacke & ‘Crack’. Hans Backe Fired 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:08 Match report: Norway 1-0 Finland 00:13:04 Keke in Chorzów 00:19:46 Match report: Poland 3-1 Finland 00:34:34 Is Finland Going ‘Backe to the Future’ and regressing under Jacob Friis 00:41:11 Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers for the Huuhkajat 00:45:47 Referee Mohammad Al-Emara in action at Wembley & meeting the SJK fans ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/09/09/veikkausliiga-2025-runkosarja-reviewed-by-fans/ IN THIS EPISODE... Producer Mark rounded-up our band of Veikkausliiga fans to record an update to our preview episodes. As the ‘runkosarja’ has now finished and the league table splits in two, we asked each fan to give us an update on their club’s season so far. You will hear each fan's personal report, starting at the bottom of the table and working up, so you’ll hear a change in tone, satisfaction and level of optimism, as the show progresses. Huge thanks from FFS to all the fans for sharing their insights about their club! 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:31 KTP Kotka, Sami 00:07:24 FC Haka, Tuomas 00:11:17 AC Oulu, Tuomas 00:16:10 IFK Mariehamn, Jouni 00:23:01 FF Jaro, Petter 00:26:19 VPS Vaasa, Sebastian 00:33:02 Half-time 00:34:20 IF Gnistan, John 00:40:04 SJK Seinäjoki, Jules 00:43:42 KuPS Kuopio, Jouni 00:47:56 HJK Helsinki, Ally 00:52:06 Ilves, Jamie 00:56:37 Inter Turku, Jussi ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

🎭 Ally Manson’s play “The Inheritors” https://teatteritoivo.net/ohjelmistossa-nyt/the-inheritors/ Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/09/02/huuhkajat-match-previews-veikkausliiga-splits/   IN THIS EPISODE...   Mark W and Keke get back together after a long summer break. They give a brief update on the Veikkausliiga* as the league season splits into the Mestaruussarja and Haastajasarja. Who is in the race to win and who is trembling on the relegation trapdoor? They then focus on upcoming games for the Finland men's national teams, as the Huuhkajat play Norway in a friendly, before facing Poland away in a World Cup qualifier. The U21s, the Pikkuhuuhkajat, also have two games over the coming weekend, both Euro qualifiers against San Marino (home) and Cyprus (away). *  Look out for our full review of the Veikkausliiga season so far, as we hear from fans reviewing their club's performances in the runkosarja. Coming soon. 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:16 Ally’s play “The Inheritors” 00:04:56 The Veikkausliiga splits 00:09:47 Finland’s World Cup qualifiers recap 00:15:31 Huuhkajat squad for September (+ Finns Overseas) 00:36:22 Match preview: Norway vs Finland 00:42:10 Match preview: Poland vs Finland 00:49:04 Keke's off to Poland 00:52:06 Pikkuhuuhkajat U21 matches and squad 00:55:06 Helmarit games coming in October ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/07/14/veikkausliiga-update-first-round-of-european-games/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W & Rasmus get back together during Finland's 2025 summer heatwave and spend another hour discussing the current situation in the Veikkausliiga, which includes a very congested top half led, but not dominated, by Inter Turku. They also consider the first round of European games played, to varying degrees of success, last week by SJK Seinäjoki, KuPS Kuopio, HJK Helsinki & Ilves. 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:58 Helmarit at Euro 2025 (very briefly!) 00:04:31 Inter Turku 00:09:33 Ilves 00:16:30 KuPS Kuopio 00:22:14 HJK Helsinki 00:29:25 SJK Seinäjoki 00:39:43 IF Gnistan 00:43:30 Bottom half of the table 00:44:14 KTP Kotka & AC Oulu 00:50:17 FF Jaro 00:51:51 Suomen Cup semi final fixtures 00:54:04 IFK Mariehamn & VPS Vaasa 01:00:33 FC Haka ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/06/26/200th-episode-of-ffs-with-stevie-grieve/ IN THIS EPISODE... Special episode, this one, as FFS achieves its 200th episode. SJK Seinäjoki Head Coach, Stevie Grieve joined Mark W and Ally to chat about SJK's season so far. They are then joined by occasional contributor, Seppo, who is the middle of a busy summer of international football. They discuss the two World Cup Qualifiers for the Huuhkajat, a 0-2 defeat to Netherlands and a 2-1 victory over Poland. Seppo also shares his experiences travelling to Kosice, Slovakia with the Pikkuhuuhkajat, to watch Finland in the U21 Euro 2025 finals. They finish up witha. preview of the Helmarit's upcoming fixtires in the Women's Euro 2025 finals – finding real reasons to feel optimistic about Finland's chances. Hyvä Suomi 🦉 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:20 Catching up with SJK Seinäjoki Head Coach, Stevie Grieve 00:18:49 Match Report: Finland 0-2 Netherlands 00:28:13 Match Report: Finland 2-1 Poland 00:39:38 Seppo’s story of meeting Head Coach, Jacob Friis 00:42:40 Finland U21’s in Euro 2025 01:00:00 Preview: Finland at the Women’s Euros, 1st game Wed July 3rd ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

New Kit For Finland. Helmarit Nations League Match Reports. Huuhkajat World Cup Qualifier Previews. U21 Euros Preview. Veikkausliiga Update. Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/06/08/national-teams-in-action-veikkausliiga-update/ IN THIS EPISODE... Keke hosts again as Producer Mark is 'otherwise engaged' feeling poorly. He is joined by Ally and Rasmus to look at a very busy spell for Finnish football, starting with launch of an eye-catching new kit for the Finland National teams 😮‍💨🤌 They looked back at the recent Nations League matches for the Helmarit, who just missed out on promotion from Group B3, but who are heading straight into the Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland in July. Next, they preview upcoming Men's World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with the Huuhkajat facing the Netherlands (Sat 7.6.) and Poland (Tue 10.6.) The international segment finishes with a preview of the under-21 Euro 2025, where Finland's 'Pikkuhuuhkajat' will compete. They finish the show with a look at (mostly the top of) the Veikkausliiga, considering the recent performances of Ilves, KuPS Kuopio, HJK Helsinki and Inter Turku – being sure to save a few minutes to smirk and chuckle at SJK Seinäjoki's recent form! When the (SJK supporting) cat is away, the mice will play... 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:45 etc, etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/05/20/ffs-awaydays-travelling-to-finland-for-a-football-fix/ IN THIS EPISODE... Producer Mark gets together with two football fans from England who both travelled to Finland just to watch football. Well that and to try Finnish food. Yes, really! Longtime FFS follower, Joe Parr caught Mark's attention with a shout-out on The Sweeper podcast about his connection to Musan Salama (MuSa), who play in Kakkonen, the Finnish fourt tier. Jonny Hibberd set his sights higher by paying a flying visit to watch KuPS Kuopio in the Veikkausliiga, but it was his mission to to try a local delicacy that first inspired his trip. 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:06 Joe's connection with MuSa and his travels to Pori 00:15:20 Jonny's first trip to Kuopio in search of Kalakukko 00:22:26 How Finns offer a warm wlecome to visitors 00:28:25 Any plans to return to Finland in future? 00:29:30 Travelling to Finland is "not as expensive as expected" 00:31:57 Early rounds of the Suomen Cup ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://x.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/05/01/veikkausliiga-vappu-update/ IN THIS EPISODE... Hyvää vappua kaikille! Mark W & Rasmus get together on the Labour Day holiday and spend an hour mulling over the first month of Veikkausliiga action. All teams have played 4-5 games which is a good point to discuss the front-runners, the chasing pack and those lagging behind. Here why Rasmus descibes HJK Helsink as 'a bit unlucky' as they lose their first three games – to the delight of fans from all the other Veikkausliiga teams 😆 ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/04/15/huuhkajat-and-helmarit-match-reports/ IN THIS EPISODE... Keke and Mark H are 'let loose' on the pod as Producer Mark is either a) skiving or, b) recovering from the three Veikkausliiga preview pods – you decide listener 😉  Mark & Keke look back at Jacob Friis' first competitve games as Huuhkajat head coach. Two matches that saw Finland win 1-0 away to Malta, before drawing away 2-2 with Lithuania. Then they turn their attention to the Helmarit and two more Nations League games, a 0-0 draw at home to Belarus followed by a 3-0 home win over Hungary. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:58 Huuhkajat: Malta 0-1 Finland 00:11:18 Huuhkajat: Lithuania 2-2 Finland 00:25:14 Helmarit: Finland 0-0 Belarus 00:30:55 Helmarit: Finland 3-0 Hungary ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/04/03/veikkausliiga-2025-preview-sjk-jaro-kups-vps/ IN THIS EPISODE... The third and final episode in this series, in which the FFS team present previews for each Veikkausliiga team. In this episode, we hear from Petter Brunell on Jaro, Julian Dawe & Lari Paski on SJK, Jouni Laukkanen on KuPS and Sebastian Pundars on VPS. Producer Mark is now going to have a lie down to prepare for the start of the season 😴 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:05 Julian Dawe & Lari Paski on SJK 00:08:58 Petter Brunell on Jaro 00:19:57 Jouni Laukkanen on KuPS 00:30:03 Sebastian Pundars on VPS ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/04/01/veikkausliiga-2025-preview-ktp-gnistan-inter-turku-ilves/ IN THIS EPISODE... The second episode in a series of shows, in which the FFS team present previews for each Veikkausliiga team. In this episode, we hear from Sami Lindfors on KTP, John Ehrnstén on IF Gnistan, Inter Turku fan Jussi and FFS regulars Jamie and Rasmus discuus their team, Ilves. 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:36 Sami Lindfors on KTP 00:14:25 John Ehrnstén on IF Gnistan 00:22:26 Jussi on Inter Turku 00:30:30 Jamie & Rasmus on Ilves ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/03/30/veikkausliiga-2025-preview-haka-mariehamn-oulu-hjk/ IN THIS EPISODE... This is the first in a series of shows, in which the FFS team present previews for each Veikkausliiga team. In the first episode, we hear from Ally Manson on HJK Helsinki, Johan Lindblom on IFK Mariehamn, Tuomas Komulainen on AC Oulu and Tuomas Vaalta on FC Haka. 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:39 Ally Manson on HJK 00:09:38 Tuomas Vaalta on FC Haka. 00:016:35 Johan Lindblom on IFK Mariehamn 00:33:13 Tuomas Komulainen on AC Oulu ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/03/16/world-cup-qualifier-previews-jacob-friis-first-huuhkajat-squad/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W and Keke with a hastily arranged episode, recorded the day after new Huuhkajat head coach, Jacob Friis, names his first squad. They look for any surprising selections, discuss the positives of continuity and consider the significance of the U21's selecting a strong squad for the Euros in June. They then preview Finland's first two World Cup qualifiers away to Malta and Lithuania, and Keke gets ready for his trip to Ta' Qali (or the National Stadium). Listen out for an update on the FFS schedule for 2025, as Mark tries not to admit he has too many pods on the go! Plus, news on the proposed schedule for FFS (and SJK Supporters Pod) in 2025. 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:42 World Cup qualifying group G 00:07:24 Finland squad to play Malta and Lithuania 00:20:56 Players in Finland’s U21 squad 00:26:22 Previews of the Malta and Lithuania games 00:31:03 Jacob Friis’ coaching team 00:38:47 Keke’s heading off to Malta  00:42:51 Plans for the FFS schedule in 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

In another collaboration with the “Seinäjoki Football Supporters Podcast”, Mark & Jules speak with Ash Civil, Academy Head Coach at SJK Seinäjoki. Ash tells them about his journey from the UK to Finland via USA and Iceland, explains his love of player development, how the pathway from Kuortane Sports High School (Kuortaneen lukio ja urheilulukio or the Kuortane Lukio and Sports Academy) provides players for SJK and gives big RESPECT to the Mini-Klopit. To here the second part of this episode head tohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/58bXnentPXy0Odk2TiZzc5?si=EHDaWT46TL2ohUH-tnV63w and maybe subscribe to this other, FFS-adjacent show!

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2025/02/08/new-huuhkajat-head-coach-liigacup-transfers-finns-overseas-suomen-cup-juuson-kierros/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W, Keke and Rasmus return from the winter hibernation with a round-up of recent events in the world of Finnish football. They start by sharing what they know about new Huuhkajat Head Coach, Jacob Friis, and it turns out they know more than they first thought! 🤓 They give a brief update on the Liigacup and Mark fumes at the thuggish tactics of 'dirty Jaro'.Keke gives the low-down on the exploits of Finnish players overseas and some key transfers, including several Helmarit who have moved to play near to Keke. 😮  Finally, they look forward to round '0' [ZERO] of the Suomen Cup and discuss why it's known as Juuso's Round – only to discover that FFS has TWO members playing in this round of the cup! 🤯 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:40 Rasmus' & Keke's winter activities 00:05:40 Watching football indoors during winter 00:10:24 What we know about Jacob Friis 00:31:09 Upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the Huuhkajat 00:34:25 Liigacup 2025 gets underway 00:44:58 Transfer activity for Finns Overseas 01:03:45 50 games unbeaten for Lukas Hradecky 01:04:45 Helmarit players moving to the English WSL 01:06:45 Suomen Cup round '0' – 'Juuso's Round' ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ

In Conversation with Former SJK Head of Recruitment, Paul Riley Producer Mark & friend-of-the-show Jules also publish an SJK fans pod. This has returned for a 2025 ‘pre-season practice pod’ and an long-planned interview with Paul Riley. He explains how he became SJK Head of Recruitment, how his role (working remotely) works and how he identifies the right new players for Stevie Greve’s young squad. To here the second part of this episode head to https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KlhtWprSU0ay8PYzX4XgU?si=4lFwrx4aRzqzNV74PF2hxg and maybe subscribe to this other, FFS-adjacent show!

Blog: show notes and links https://finnishfootballshow.com/2024/12/07/huuhkajat-nations-league-relegation-rive-sacked-helmarit-and-pikkuhuuhkajat-qualify-for-euro-2025/ IN THIS EPISODE... Mark W and Keke get together to look back at two more defeats and relegation to Nations League C for Finland. This run of 6 defeats was also the final action in Markku 'Rive' Kanerva's distinguished spell as Huuhkajat head coach. Ally sent his thoughts on Finland 0-2 Greece and Mark H, creator of the word Rivelution, explains why "Rive deserves a statue!" Attention then turns to the women's national team, as the Helmarit qualify for Euro 2025 in Switzerland with an aggregate 2-0 victory over Scotland. The men's under-21s, the Pikkuhuuhkajat, add to a busy summer next year, qualifying for their Euro 2025 in Slovakia by trouncing Norway 6-3 on aggregate! 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:44 Huuhkajat Nations League relegation 00:21:19 Markku ‘Rive’ Kanerva sacked 00:33:54 Helmarit qualify for Euro 2025… 00:44:04 …and so do the U21 men, the Pikkuhuuhkajat ------------------------------------------------------------------ FFS MERCH 👕 Apparel, cases, bags, badges https://www.teepublic.com/user/finnish-football-show ☕️ Mugs, stickers https://www.redbubble.com/people/DYWMpodcast/shop SUPPORT THE SHOW 🍺 Buy Us A Beer https://www.buymeacoffee.com/FFSpodcast FEELING SOCIABLE? X / Twitter https://twitter.com/FinnishFtblShow Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/finnishfootballpod.bsky.social Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FinnishFootballShow Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FinnishFootballShow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finnish_football_show/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTkne1peWhgB6NX4H7aEMQ