EB/Streymur (EB/S) (2015 Season Preview)

EB/Streymur (EB/S) (2015 Season Preview)


Founded: 1993 (Merger between Eiðis Bóltfelag, founded in 1913, and Streymur, founded in 1976)
City: Streymnes
Stadium: Við Margáir (1000)

Við Margáir in Streymnes Photo: uefamembers.wordpress.com

E/B Streymur finished in 5th place last season. They have won the Faroe Islands Premier League twice, in 2008 and 2012 as well as four Faroese Cups, in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011. One of the darkest hours in the history of the club came in September of 2014, when one of their star players, Gunnar Zachariasen, a Faroese International, died in a tragic workplace accident. This came as a huge shock to his club and the whole of the Faroe Islands.

Today, their success has been more limited than in recent years, in part because of the departure of some key players. Case in point - René Tórgard, their longtime goalkeeper and former Faroese international, has retired. In addition, the Streymnes-based club have lost 30 year-old winger Hans Pauli Samuelsen who left for defending champons B36. They also must now cope with the loss of Arnbjorn Hansen, their center forward last season.

Their only transfer in was 20 year-old goalkeeper Jákup Höjgaard, who warmed the bench for title holders B36 in the past year. The youngster will hope to beat out Jakup Hansen for the job between the sticks. Despite the loss of so many key players, their squad is greatly strengthened by the presence of Faroese international defender Jónas Tór Naes, who could be key to success this season.

EB/S star Jónas Tór Naes in international action against Northern Ireland. Photo: uefa.com

With their squad vastly different than in previous years, it is difficult to say how EB/S will perform this season. One could argue that with an aging defense and an inexperienced keeper, as well as a lack of a real goal scoring threat, that this squad will struggle. But with good enough performances and a bit of luck, E/B Streymur could be a contender for the Europa League spots or even, if the odds are in their favor, the title.