Sankala steps up to coach Umeå
Monday, January 19, 2009
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UEFA Women's Cup semi-finalists Umeå IK have appointed former GIF Sundsvall coach Mika Sankala to their helm following the close-season departure of Andrée Jeglertz to another men's side, Djurgårdens IF FF.
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UEFA Women's Cup semi-finalists Umeå IK have appointed Mika Sankala as new coach following the departure of Andrée Jeglertz to men's side Djurgårdens IF FF.
Appointment
Sankala, 44, arrives after departing his role as assistant coach of relegated Allsvenskan club GIF Sundsvall, having previously been in charge between 2006 and 2007, leading them to promotion. Taking his first role in female football, the Finn comes to a club who this year will aim for their fifth straight Swedish title and their third UEFA Women's Cup, as they take on Russia's Zvezda-2005 in late March and early April for a place in their third successive final.
Rebuilding
A club statement read: "With Mika Sankala, the most important piece of the jigsaw is in place for our young and talented team to maintain its place at the top of Swedish football." However, he will have rebuilding to do after the departures of FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Marta and defender Johanna Frisk to Los Angeles Sol as well as the retirement of captain Frida Östberg.
