From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad27 Sep 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad27 Sep 2027
A season average of 7.04 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Ilves know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.
Market27 Sep 2027
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Ilves know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
Back issues
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad20 Sep 2027
The medical room confirms 40 days on the sidelines for Jardell Kanga, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
Squad20 Sep 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Eetu Huuhtanen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad20 Sep 2027
“The easiest signature of my career.” Yiandro Raap and Ilves agree another 5 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market13 Sep 2027
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Squad13 Sep 2027
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Oskari Paavola and Ilves agree another 4 years.
Squad13 Sep 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market6 Sep 2027
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Ilves, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad6 Sep 2027
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Ilves may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Squad6 Sep 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad6 Sep 2027
Matias Rale gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings6 Sep 2027
A mark of 7.88, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.
Player ratings6 Sep 2027
Successful dribbles: 15. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Player ratings30 Aug 2027
Defensive actions: 26, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad30 Aug 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad30 Aug 2027
A season average of 7.04 at an age when most of his year group are still in the youth team. Ilves know what they have, and so, by now, does everybody else.
Player ratings30 Aug 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.23, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Match28 Aug 2027
Three points for Ilves, 1‑0 the final word against KTP in a contest settled by the finer margins.
Player ratings30 Aug 2027
Defensive actions: 17, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad30 Aug 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings30 Aug 2027
Successful dribbles: 14. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad30 Aug 2027
At 19 years old, Rasmus Tuomi became the latest name off the academy production line to be handed a senior shirt.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market23 Aug 2027
HJK come back empty-handed
The bid was some way short and Ilves did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.
Match21 Aug 2027
No end in sight to Ilves's wait for a win
5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Ilves has to find a result from somewhere.
Player ratings23 Aug 2027
Successful dribbles: 25. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad23 Aug 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings23 Aug 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.84, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad23 Aug 2027
The manager makes an example of Fabián Ahumada
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad23 Aug 2027
A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.
Match21 Aug 2027
1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.
Player ratings23 Aug 2027
Shots: 8. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad16 Aug 2027
Goudouss Bamba: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Market16 Aug 2027
“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.
Market16 Aug 2027
The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.
Match14 Aug 2027
The wait goes on for Ilves
4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.
Squad16 Aug 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market16 Aug 2027
The name of Oliver Pettersson has come up in conversations Ilves were not part of. Nothing formal, nothing signed — but nothing about it accidental either.
Player ratings16 Aug 2027
Marked 9.11 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Player ratings16 Aug 2027
Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Player ratings16 Aug 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.28, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Market9 Aug 2027
Teemu Hytönen hands in a written request
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Ilves can pretend not to have heard.
Player ratings9 Aug 2027
Successful dribbles: 29. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad9 Aug 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Eetu Huuhtanen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Match7 Aug 2027
A bad afternoon for Ilves against KuPS
2‑4 to KuPS, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.
Squad9 Aug 2027
The manager makes an example of Anton Popovitch
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Player ratings9 Aug 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.37, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad9 Aug 2027
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Oliver Pettersson and Ilves agree another 4 years.
Squad9 Aug 2027
An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Eetu Huuhtanen knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.
Player ratings9 Aug 2027
Ten men and a goalkeeper behind him, and it still finished in the net. He knew before anybody told him, and nobody at Ilves needed to.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Player ratings2 Aug 2027
Successful dribbles: 28. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad2 Aug 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad2 Aug 2027
He is 21, he is averaging 7.00, and older professionals have started passing to him in the difficult minutes. That last part is the real scouting report.
Market2 Aug 2027
Add another name to the list: VPS have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Faris Krkalić. The answer from Ilves has not changed — yet.
Squad2 Aug 2027
The manager makes an example of Óscar Salinas
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Match31 Jul 2027
HIFK take the points off Ilves
Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market26 Jul 2027
Ilves say no — this time
The offer from HJK for Jardell Kanga was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.
Player ratings26 Jul 2027
Successful dribbles: 28. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Market26 Jul 2027
The paperwork is done: Eetu Huuhtanen joins from Inter Turku in a deal worth $920.0K. Now comes the harder part.
Squad26 Jul 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad26 Jul 2027
The manager makes an example of Otso Virtanen
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Player ratings26 Jul 2027
A mark of 7.88, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.
Player ratings26 Jul 2027
Defensive actions: 16, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad26 Jul 2027
Óscar Salinas knocks on the manager’s door
“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Óscar Salinas trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.
Player ratings26 Jul 2027
Defensive actions: 13. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad19 Jul 2027
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Player ratings19 Jul 2027
Successful dribbles: 25. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Player ratings19 Jul 2027
Defensive actions: 25. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.
Market19 Jul 2027
VPS come back empty-handed
The bid was some way short and Ilves did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.
Squad19 Jul 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings19 Jul 2027
A performance of 8.95 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Match17 Jul 2027
It finished 2‑0, and it was Sauli Väisänen’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Ilves.
Player ratings19 Jul 2027
A performance of 8.38 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Squad19 Jul 2027
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Match7 Jul 2027
The small margins put Ilves out
Out, 0‑1 to Inter Turku, and the long argument about which of the small moments decided it. The league is all there is now, and everybody knows it.
Squad12 Jul 2027
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 7 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Market12 Jul 2027
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Ilves, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad12 Jul 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings12 Jul 2027
Marked 9.32 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Player ratings12 Jul 2027
Defensive actions: 21, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Player ratings12 Jul 2027
A performance of 9.13 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Match10 Jul 2027
Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Lauri Ala-Myllymäki. 2‑0 against SJK, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.
Squad12 Jul 2027
The manager makes an example of Maksim Stjopin
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad5 Jul 2027
There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Player ratings5 Jul 2027
Defensive actions: 25, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Match3 Jul 2027
4 matches without a win for Ilves
The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Ilves are no longer polite ones.
Squad5 Jul 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings5 Jul 2027
Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Player ratings5 Jul 2027
A mark of 7.85, and nobody in the ground would argue with it. He was involved in everything that mattered and most of what did not.
Loan watch5 Jul 2027
“I did not go to HJK to sit and watch. I want to come back to Ilves and fight for my place.” 0 appearances in 21 matches say the rest.
Squad5 Jul 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Match3 Jul 2027
Point won or two lost for Ilves?
Ninety minutes, no goals, and the argument started before the car park emptied: a point gained, or two thrown away against HJK? Both sides of it will still be going on Thursday.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad28 Jun 2027
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 9 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Squad28 Jun 2027
Yiandro Raap: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Player ratings28 Jun 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.81, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad28 Jun 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Goudouss Bamba was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings28 Jun 2027
Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad28 Jun 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad21 Jun 2027
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 8 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Squad21 Jun 2027
Ville Kumpu: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Squad21 Jun 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings21 Jun 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.90, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Match19 Jun 2027
A 1‑1 draw with IFK Mariehamn leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.
Player ratings21 Jun 2027
Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings14 Jun 2027
Successful dribbles: 31. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Market14 Jun 2027
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Ilves, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad14 Jun 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad14 Jun 2027
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Teemu Hytönen, and the manager let it.
Player ratings14 Jun 2027
Marked 8.30 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Match12 Jun 2027
Ilves share the spoils with KTP
A 2‑2 draw with KTP leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.
Squad14 Jun 2027
He wheeled away like a man who had been carrying it for months, because he had. Ilves have their signing off the mark and one press-conference question retired.
Player ratings14 Jun 2027
Shots: 8, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.
Market14 Jun 2027
Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Ilves know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings7 Jun 2027
Successful dribbles: 34. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad7 Jun 2027
The match ball belongs to Teemu Hytönen, whose 3 goals turned a difficult afternoon into a procession.
Squad7 Jun 2027
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Squad7 Jun 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Teemu Hytönen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings7 Jun 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.51, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Match5 Jun 2027
Three points for Ilves, 3‑1 the final word against Inter Turku in a contest settled by the finer margins.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Player ratings31 May 2027
Successful dribbles: 29. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad31 May 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad31 May 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Match29 May 2027
A bad afternoon for Ilves against FF Jaro
0‑1 to FF Jaro, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.
Player ratings31 May 2027
Shots: 7, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.
Market31 May 2027
The name of Tatu Miettunen keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Ilves say nothing, which says plenty.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad24 May 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings24 May 2027
Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Match22 May 2027
Three points for Ilves, 2‑1 the final word against KuPS in a contest settled by the finer margins.
Player ratings24 May 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.60, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Player ratings24 May 2027
Marked 8.46 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Squad24 May 2027
Joona Veteli gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Player ratings17 May 2027
Successful dribbles: 36. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad17 May 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Match15 May 2027
HIFK take the points off Ilves
Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.
Squad17 May 2027
The manager makes an example of Yiandro Raap
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Squad17 May 2027
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Player ratings17 May 2027
Marked 5.32, and generously at that. Nothing came off, and by the end the crowd had stopped expecting it to.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings10 May 2027
Successful dribbles: 39. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad10 May 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad10 May 2027
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Kalle Wallius and Ilves agree another 3 years.
Squad10 May 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings10 May 2027
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 18 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Player ratings10 May 2027
Marked 7.85 on an afternoon he ran from the first whistle to the last. Whatever else went wrong, Ilves had the best player on the pitch.
Loan watch10 May 2027
“I did not go to HJK to sit and watch. I want to come back to Ilves and fight for my place.” 0 appearances in 13 matches say the rest.
Match8 May 2027
Ilves and FC Lahti cancel each other out
Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. FC Lahti came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.
Player ratings10 May 2027
The one thing Teemu Hytönen could not do
Shots: 9, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings3 May 2027
Successful dribbles: 33. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad3 May 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings3 May 2027
Marked 8.72 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Squad3 May 2027
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Match1 May 2027
Ilves share the spoils with VPS
A 2‑2 draw with VPS leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.
Squad3 May 2027
A new face in his position, and Fabián Ahumada suddenly has to win back what he thought he owned. Ilves have promised nothing — clubs rarely do at this stage.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Player ratings26 Apr 2027
Successful dribbles: 37. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad26 Apr 2027
“The easiest signature of my career.” Teemu Hytönen and Ilves agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Player ratings26 Apr 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.16, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Match24 Apr 2027
Ilves get the job done against SJK
A 2‑1 win over SJK, earned rather than given, and the sort of afternoon that sends everyone home talking about next week instead of this one.
Squad26 Apr 2027
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Otso Virtanen, and the manager let it.
Player ratings26 Apr 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.05, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Player ratings19 Apr 2027
Successful dribbles: 22. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad19 Apr 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Match17 Apr 2027
A bad afternoon for Ilves against HJK
3‑4 to HJK, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.
Player ratings19 Apr 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.27, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad19 Apr 2027
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Stanislav Baranov commits to Ilves for another 4 years.
Squad19 Apr 2027
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Tatu Miettunen, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Player ratings12 Apr 2027
Successful dribbles: 35. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad12 Apr 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market12 Apr 2027
The shirt still fits. Nicolás Camerlinckx is back at Ilves, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.
Market12 Apr 2027
Some transfers need a press campaign. This one needed a shirt with the old number on it. Aleksi Granlund is a Ilves player again, and the town has its story of the summer.
Market12 Apr 2027
He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.
Market12 Apr 2027
He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.
Player ratings12 Apr 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.64, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Match10 Apr 2027
RoPS made Ilves work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.
Player ratings12 Apr 2027
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.06, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad5 Apr 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad5 Apr 2027
14 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad5 Apr 2027
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Lauri Ala-Myllymäki, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad29 Mar 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad29 Mar 2027
21 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad29 Mar 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad22 Mar 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Loan watch22 Mar 2027
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Ilves, and 0 appearances in 5 say he has earned the hearing.
Squad22 Mar 2027
Teemu Hytönen knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Ilves, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Loan watch15 Mar 2027
“I am grateful for the games, but I did not become a footballer to be somebody else's spare part.” He wants to be at Ilves, and 0 appearances in 5 say he has earned the hearing.
Squad15 Mar 2027
A year in and the language has not come, the city has not opened up, and he eats alone more often than anybody at Ilves would like to admit. It is showing on Saturdays.
Market15 Mar 2027
The name of Tatu Miettunen keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Ilves say nothing, which says plenty.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Market8 Mar 2027
Ville Kumpu hands in a written request
“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Ilves can pretend not to have heard.
Squad8 Mar 2027
“The easiest signature of my career.” Sauli Väisänen and Ilves agree another 2 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad8 Mar 2027
42 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad1 Mar 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market1 Mar 2027
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Sauli Väisänen’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
Squad1 Mar 2027
A season on the outside for Óscar Salinas
He trains hard, says the right things and goes home to an empty flat. Nobody at Ilves has done anything wrong, which is exactly what makes it so difficult to fix.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad22 Feb 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market22 Feb 2027
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Jardell Kanga’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
Squad22 Feb 2027
Ville Kumpu has had enough of the bench
“I did not come here to warm up in front of people.” He is out of contract eventually, he is old enough to count the weeks, and Ilves will have to give him a reason to stay or an exit.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad15 Feb 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market15 Feb 2027
Ville Kumpu told to find a new club
“They were honest with me, and I would rather know.” Ville Kumpu has been informed he is not in the manager's thinking at Ilves.
Squad15 Feb 2027
Ville Kumpu gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad8 Feb 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market8 Feb 2027
Add another name to the list: HIFK have asked the question everybody in the game has been asking about Oskari Paavola. The answer from Ilves has not changed — yet.
Squad8 Feb 2027
The manager makes an example of Teemu Hytönen
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad1 Feb 2027
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad1 Feb 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad1 Feb 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad25 Jan 2027
15 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Squad25 Jan 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad25 Jan 2027
The medical room confirms 35 days on the sidelines for Elias Tamminen, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad18 Jan 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad18 Jan 2027
“The easiest signature of my career.” Oskari Paavola and Ilves agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad18 Jan 2027
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad11 Jan 2027
Tempers go at Ilves
Teemu Hytönen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad11 Jan 2027
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Faris Krkalić, and the manager let it.
Market11 Jan 2027
The Matias Rale story refuses to die
It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Matias Rale signs something — a contract at Ilves or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad4 Jan 2027
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market4 Jan 2027
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Sauli Väisänen’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
Squad4 Jan 2027
Faris Krkalić knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Ilves, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad28 Dec 2026
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad28 Dec 2026
44 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.
Squad28 Dec 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad21 Dec 2026
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Squad21 Dec 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Market21 Dec 2026
The name of Tatu Miettunen keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Ilves say nothing, which says plenty.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad14 Dec 2026
There were 7 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Match10 Dec 2026
6 matches without a win for Ilves
The run now stands at 6, and the questions being asked around Ilves are no longer polite ones.
Squad14 Dec 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings14 Dec 2026
Marked 8.75 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Squad14 Dec 2026
No place for Óscar Salinas on the big day
He found out with everybody else, an hour before kick-off, from a sheet of paper on a wall. Nobody at Ilves pretended it was anything other than a decision about him.
Match10 Dec 2026
It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.
From our football correspondent
Uneasy
Squad7 Dec 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad7 Dec 2026
Teemu Hytönen knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Ilves, and both men came out saying it was fine.
Market7 Dec 2026
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Sauli Väisänen’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Squad30 Nov 2026
Goudouss Bamba: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Match26 Nov 2026
No end in sight to Ilves's wait for a win
5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Ilves has to find a result from somewhere.
Squad30 Nov 2026
74 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.
Match26 Nov 2026
A bad afternoon for Ilves against Molde
1‑2 to Molde, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.
Squad30 Nov 2026
The manager makes an example of Otso Virtanen
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Player ratings30 Nov 2026
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.65, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad30 Nov 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings30 Nov 2026
Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Market30 Nov 2026
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Jardell Kanga’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad23 Nov 2026
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Ilves may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Squad23 Nov 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad23 Nov 2026
“The easiest signature of my career.” Jesse Kilo and Ilves agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad16 Nov 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad16 Nov 2026
Otso Virtanen joins up with his country. Ilves lose him for the window and would like him back in one piece.
Squad16 Nov 2026
A window away with the national side, and a shirt at Ilves that briefly doubles as an advertisement. A call-up flatters the player and the club that built him in the same breath.
From our football correspondent
Crisis
Squad9 Nov 2026
There were 9 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Squad9 Nov 2026
Fabián Ahumada: that is not what I was promised
“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Ilves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.
Player ratings9 Nov 2026
Successful dribbles: 28. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Match5 Nov 2026
The wait goes on for Ilves
4 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.
Squad9 Nov 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Squad9 Nov 2026
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad2 Nov 2026
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad2 Nov 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Sauli Väisänen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad2 Nov 2026
The manager makes an example of Joona Veteli
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Boardroom26 Oct 2026
Ilves have won it
This is the season the town will measure the next twenty against. The trophy travels home with the squad, and the route through the streets was agreed days ago.
Squad26 Oct 2026
There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Squad26 Oct 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings26 Oct 2026
Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Match22 Oct 2026
Beaten 0‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.
Squad26 Oct 2026
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Matias Rale, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Market19 Oct 2026
The name of Joona Veteli keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Ilves say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad19 Oct 2026
Rudi Vikström asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
Squad19 Oct 2026
He looks like a man who lives here now rather than one who is working here. It took most of a season, and at Ilves the difference is visible from the back of the stand.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad12 Oct 2026
“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.
Squad12 Oct 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad12 Oct 2026
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Goudouss Bamba commits to Ilves for another 5 years.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad5 Oct 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Teemu Hytönen was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad5 Oct 2026
The manager makes an example of Otso Virtanen
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Match1 Oct 2026
FC Copenhagen left with the points after a 0‑1 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.
Squad5 Oct 2026
An error at the back is a moment; an error in goal is a goal. Otso Virtanen knows it, the crowd knew it instantly, and there was nobody behind him to make it anything else.
Player ratings5 Oct 2026
Successful dribbles: 15. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad5 Oct 2026
Teemu Hytönen knocks on the manager's door
“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Ilves, and both men came out saying it was fine.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad28 Sep 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Roope Riski was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Market28 Sep 2026
Matias Rale linked with a move away
The name of Matias Rale keeps appearing in other people's back pages. Ilves say nothing, which says plenty.
Squad28 Sep 2026
Faris Krkalić asks for a word with the manager
“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Squad21 Sep 2026
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Squad21 Sep 2026
Roope Riski in a row with a teammate
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Match17 Sep 2026
Molde take the points off Ilves
Beaten 1‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.
Player ratings21 Sep 2026
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.72, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Player ratings21 Sep 2026
Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
Squad21 Sep 2026
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Roope Riski, and the manager let it.
From our football correspondent
Upbeat
Squad14 Sep 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad14 Sep 2026
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Roberto Siucho, and the manager let it.
Market14 Sep 2026
Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Sauli Väisänen’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.
From our football correspondent
Upbeat
Squad7 Sep 2026
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Market7 Sep 2026
The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Ilves is pretending he will be back in the shirt.
Match5 Sep 2026
Ilves make it 3 in a row
Momentum is a hard thing to buy and an easy thing to lose, and right now Ilves have 3 straight wins of it.
Player ratings7 Sep 2026
A performance of 9.38 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Match5 Sep 2026
IFK Mariehamn made Ilves work for it, but the scoreboard read 2‑1 at the end and the table does not ask how.
Player ratings7 Sep 2026
Marked 8.33 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Player ratings7 Sep 2026
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.32, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Squad7 Sep 2026
Matias Rale gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings7 Sep 2026
Successful dribbles: 16. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.
From our football correspondent
Upbeat
Squad31 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Óscar Salinas was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings31 Aug 2026
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 20 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Player ratings31 Aug 2026
Marked 8.74 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Match29 Aug 2026
It finished 1‑0, and it was Lauri Ala-Myllymäki’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Ilves.
Squad31 Aug 2026
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Player ratings31 Aug 2026
Successful dribbles: 14. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
From our football correspondent
Upbeat
Squad24 Aug 2026
Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 10 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.
Squad24 Aug 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings24 Aug 2026
Marked 8.85 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Player ratings24 Aug 2026
Marked 8.63 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Match22 Aug 2026
Inter Turku made Ilves work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.
Player ratings24 Aug 2026
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 18 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Player ratings24 Aug 2026
Defensive actions: 16, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Squad24 Aug 2026
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Squad24 Aug 2026
He wheeled away like a man who had been carrying it for months, because he had. Ilves have their signing off the mark and one press-conference question retired.
From our football correspondent
Steady
Match15 Aug 2026
The cup run ends for Ilves
1‑1 against FF Jaro, and the road stops here. Cup exits are quick deaths — no second leg, no next week, just the league from now until May.
The terraces17 Aug 2026
The ground has had enough
“We travel everywhere and we get this.” 6 of the 25 senior players heard it walking off, and the ones who did not hear it were not playing.
Squad17 Aug 2026
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Squad17 Aug 2026
“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Otso Virtanen, and the manager let it.
Player ratings17 Aug 2026
Marked 8.50 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.
Squad17 Aug 2026
This league is too small for Roberto Siucho
He is doing things on a Saturday afternoon that nobody around him can answer, which is flattering for about one season and a problem after that. Ilves will not keep him by pretending otherwise.
Market17 Aug 2026
VPS are about to pick up the phone
A conversation is coming this week. Ilves will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.
Squad17 Aug 2026
Otso Virtanen lets one through his hands
A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Triumph
Match8 Aug 2026
No mercy from Ilves
KuPS will want this one forgotten quickly: 4‑0, every duel lost, and a long ride home. Ilves were ruthless in the way good sides are ruthless.
Squad10 Aug 2026
The match ball belongs to Roope Riski, whose 3 goals turned a difficult afternoon into a procession.
Market10 Aug 2026
Jere Riissanen has one foot out of the door
Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Ilves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Tempers go at Ilves
Roope Riski was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.92, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
A performance of 9.26 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
Defensive actions: 20, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.
Market10 Aug 2026
The Teemu Hytönen conversation is coming
Everyone has stopped pretending: Valerenga will make the call about Teemu Hytönen this week. Ilves have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.
Player ratings10 Aug 2026
There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.47, and no argument anywhere in the ground.
From our football correspondent
Triumph
Player ratings3 Aug 2026
Successful dribbles: 24. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.
Market3 Aug 2026
The interest is real enough to have reached print. Ilves have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.
Squad3 Aug 2026
“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Roope Riski and Ilves agree another 2 years.
Squad3 Aug 2026
Roope Riski in a row with a teammate
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Ilves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Player ratings3 Aug 2026
Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 22 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.
Match1 Aug 2026
It finished 2‑0, and it was Roope Riski’s afternoon: on the scoresheet when it mattered, and the reason the points belong to Ilves.
Player ratings3 Aug 2026
A performance of 8.65 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.
Squad3 Aug 2026
The manager makes an example of Kalle Wallius
“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.
Market3 Aug 2026
24 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.