FC Haka explained

Nickname:Haka
Ground:Tehtaan kenttä, Valkeakoski
Capacity:3,516
Clubname:FC Haka
Upright:0.8
Fullname:Valkeakosken Haka
Founded:1934
Chairman:Olli Huttunen
Manager:Andy Smith[1]
League:Veikkausliiga
Season:2023
Position:Veikkausliiga, 9th of 12
Website:http://www.fchaka.fi
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FC Haka, originally Valkeakosken Haka, commonly known as Haka, is a Finnish professional football club based in the industrial town of Valkeakoski. The club was founded in 1934, competing in Finland's premier division of football, Veikkausliiga. It is one of the most successful clubs in Finland, with nine Finnish championships and 12 Finnish Cup wins.

History

Haka has historically had close ties with the paper industry in the Valkeakoski area, and it is still sponsored by UPM Kymmene.

The club was founded as Valkeakosken Haka in 1934. In 1949 it was promoted to Finland's top division Mestaruussarja (now called Veikkausliiga), and in 1955 won the inaugural Finnish Cup.

The 1960s was the most successful era in the club's history, winning both the league and cup three times, including the first double in Finnish football history in 1960. The club was relegated in 1972, but came straight back, and won the double again in 1977.

The club's name was changed to FC Haka in the early 1990s. Haka won the title again 1995, but was relegated the next season. Keith Armstrong was hired as the new coach, and the club came straight back again, winning three straight championships from 1998 to 2000.[2] Goalkeeping legend Olli Huttunen succeeded Armstrong as coach in 2002, and has already led the club to the championship (2004) and two cups (2002 and 2005).

Haka's best performance in UEFA competition was in the 1983–1984 season when they reached the quarterfinals of the Cup Winners' Cup, losing to eventual winners Juventus 0–2 on aggregate. The club has been involved in European competitions every year since 1998, the streak ending in 2008–2009 season.

In the recent years the club's financial situation has deteriorated on two occasions (like many other small market teams in Veikkausliiga). The first one was the 2008–09 season when a group of investors led by local businessman and restaurateur Sedu Koskinen (owner and founder of a nationwide night-club chain) formed FC Haka Oy to help an essentially bankrupt team to finish the season. In 2010 Sedu Koskinen left, after having put around 1 million euros of his own money into the club.

Since then the club's operations have been reformed to make it financial sound or at least not running on deficit. The team, having been one of the most successful and high stature in Finland, had been on run of deficit for several years during the 2000s. At the same time the overall economic situation in the world and also the sponsorship payments from UPM Kymmene diminished. This forced the club to rationalize its operations and adopt a new role as one of the smaller clubs in Finnish top flight football. The current situation at the start of 2012 Finnish football season is described by the current chairman and board members as difficult but stable.

These times of financial struggles have seen the club move from a perennial championship challenger to a team usually poised for relegation. Both 2011 and 2012 the pre-season media predictions have placed the club in the bottom three. Haka finished last in the standings in 2012 and were relegated to the Finnish First Division. The club finally won promotion back to the Veikkausliiga for the 2020 season following a near perfect campaign in the 2019 Ykkönen, where the club only dropped 7 points and finished 19 points ahead of second-place TPS.

Honours

European campaigns

SeasonCompetitionRoundCountryClubScoreAgg.
1961–62European CupFirst roundStandard Liège1–5, v 0–21–7
1963–64European CupPreliminary roundJeunesse d'Esch4–1, v 0–44–5
1964–65European Cup Winners' CupFirst roundSkeid Fotball0–1, v 2–02–1
Second roundAC Torino0–1, v 0–50–6
1966–67European CupFirst roundRSC Anderlecht1–10, v 0–21–12
1970–71European Cup Winners' CupFirst roundCSKA Sofia0–9, v 1–21–11
1977–78UEFA CupFirst roundGórnik Zabrze3–5, v 0–03–5
1978–79European CupFirst roundDynamo Kiev0–1, v 1–31–4
1981–82UEFA CupFirst roundIFK Göteborg2–3, v 0–42–7
1983–84European Cup Winners' CupFirst roundSligo Rovers1–0, v 3–04–0
Second roundHammarby IF1–1, v 2–1(aet)3–2
Quarter-finalsJuventus0–1, v 0–10–2
1986–87European Cup Winners' CupFirst roundFC Torpedo Moscow2–2, v 1–33–5
1989–90European Cup Winners' CupFirst roundFerencvárosi TC1–5, v 1–12–6
1996–97UEFA CupFirst qualifying roundFC Flora Tallinn2–2, v 1–03–2
Second qualifying roundLegia Warszawa0–3, v 1–11–4
1998–99UEFA Cup Winners' CupQualifying roundBangor City2–0, v 1–03–0
First roundPanionios FC0–2, v 1–31–5
1999–2000UEFA Champions LeagueFirst qualifying roundHB Tórshavn1–1, v 6–07–1
Second qualifying roundRangers1–4, v 0–31–7
2000–01UEFA Champions LeagueFirst qualifying roundLinfield1–2, v 1–02–2 (a)
Second qualifying roundInter Bratislava0–0, v 0–1(aet)0–1
2001–02UEFA Champions LeagueFirst qualifying roundValletta FC0–0, v 5–05–0
Second qualifying roundMaccabi Haifa0–1, v 3–0[3] 3–1
Third qualifying roundLiverpool0–5, v 1–41–9
2001–02UEFA CupFirst round1. FC Union Berlin1–1, v 0–31–4
2002UEFA Intertoto CupFirst roundFK Obilić2–1, v 1–13–2
Second roundFulham0–0, v 1–11–1 (a)
2003–04UEFA CupQualifying roundHajduk Split2–1, v 0–12–2 (a)
2004–05UEFA CupFirst qualifying roundEtzella Ettelbruck2–1, v 3–15–2
Second qualifying roundStabæk IF1–3, v 1–32–6
2005–06UEFA Champions LeagueFirst qualifying roundPyunik F.C.1–0, v 2–23–2
Second qualifying roundVålerenga IF0–1, v 1–41–5
2006–07UEFA CupFirst qualifying roundLevadia Tallinn0–2, v 1–01–2
2007–08UEFA CupFirst qualifying roundRhyl1–3, v 2–03–3 (a)
Second qualifying roundFC Midtjylland1–2, v 2–53–7
2008–09UEFA CupFirst qualifying roundCork City2–2, v 4–06–2
Second qualifying roundBrøndby IF0–4, v 0–20–6
2023–24UEFA Europa Conference LeagueFirst qualifying roundCrusaders2–2, v 0–12–3

Divisional movements

Season to season

SeasonLevelDivisionSectionAdministrationPositionMovements
1937Tier 3Maakuntasarja (Second Division)WestFinnish FA (Suomen Pallolitto)Promotion Playoff - Promoted
1938Tier 2 Itä-Länsi-Sarja (Second Division)West League, Northern GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
1939Tier 2 Itä-Länsi-Sarja (Second Division)Western League, Group 3Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
1940-41Tier 2 B-Sarja (Second Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1943-44Tier 2SPL Suomensarja (Second Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4thPromoted
1945Tier 1SPL Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Groub BFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6thRelegated
1945-46Tier 2SPL Suomensarja (Second Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8thRelegation Playoff
1946-47Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division)South GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1947-48Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division)South GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
1948Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division)South GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1949Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division)West GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stPromoted
1950Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1951Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
1952Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7th
1953Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
1954Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1955Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
1956Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)5th
1957Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
1958Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7thRelegation Playoff
1959Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1960Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1961Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1962Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1963Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
1964Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
1965Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1966Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1967Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
1968Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7th
1969Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7th
1970Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1971Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1972Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)12thRelegated
1973Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2ndPromoted
1974Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1975Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)10thRelegation Playoff
1976Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
1977Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1978Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1979Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7thChampionship Group – 6th
1980Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4thChampionship Group – 2nd
1981Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4thChampionship Group – 3rd
1982Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rdChampionship Group – 3rd
1983Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rdChampionship Group – 3rd
1984Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampionship Playoffs – 4th
1985Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
1986Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)5th
1987Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)9th
1988Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6thChampionship Group – 6th
1989Tier 1 Mestaruussarja (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4thChampionship Group – 4th
1990Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8thPlayoffs – QF
1991Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
1992Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
1993Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)10thRelegation Group – 4th
1994Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
1995Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1996Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)11thRelegation Group – 11th – Relegated
1997Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)North GroupFinnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stUpper Group – 1st – Champions – Promoted
1998Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
1999Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampionship Group – 1st – Champions
2000Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
2001Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
2002Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rdUpper Group – 3rd
2003Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
2004Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions
2005Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)4th
2006Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)3rd
2007Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
2008Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
2009Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
2010Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)8th
2011Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)10th
2012Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)12thRelegated
2013Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)2nd
2014Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)5th
2015Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
2016Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)7th
2017Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)6th
2018Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)5th
2019Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)1stChampions – Promoted
2020Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier Division)Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto)10th

[5]

Management and boardroom

Management

As of 15 February 2021[6]

NameRole
Andy SmithHead Coach
Sander GuerreiroCoach
Mikko ManninenCoach
Pauli JussilaGoalkeeping Coach
Alejandro Peris MoraFitness Coach
Janne HannuFitness Coach
Jonna KauppinenTeam Manager
Jari JalavaKit Manager
Juuso NiemenpääDoctor
Kalle MyyräMasseur

Boardroom

As of 15 February 2021[7]

NameRole
Marko LaaksonenChairman
Olli HuttunenCEO

Managers

Notes and References

  1. https://fchaka.fi/uutiset/fc-haka-siirtyy-ulkomaalaiskomentoon-uusi-paavalmentaja-vaikuttunut-fc-hakasta/ FC HAKA SIIRTYY ULKOMAALAISKOMENTOON – UUSI PÄÄVALMENTAJA VAIKUTTUNUT FC HAKASTA!
  2. Web site: English Energy and Nordic Nonsense. Karel Stokkermans. 17 June 2018 . . 3 October 2018 .
  3. The original result of the second leg was a 4-0 victory to Maccabi Haifa, but Haka were awarded a 3–0 walkover victory after it was determined that Haifa had fielded two ineligible players.
  4. News: Finland – Divisional Movements 1930–2009 . 2010 . . 2010-08-17.
  5. Web site: Football Archive - Index of SPL Finnish League Suomen Cup Seasons.
  6. Web site: Hakan edustusjoukkue. FC Haka. fi. 15 February 2021. 22 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191222095351/http://fchaka.fi/?page_id=25. dead.
  7. Web site: Yhteystiedot. FC Haka . fi . 15 February 2021.