TamU-K returned to the training field on Sunday, and with that preparations for the 2013 season are in full force. In addition to the seven players who have already been signed for next season, there are twenty other players training with TamU-K during the winter. Ten of these are returning TamU-K players from last season, and ten are new to the club.

These players are now fighting for a spot on the 2013 roster, and it will be interesting to see who all will make the team. In addition to these 27 players, two as of yet unnamed players will join winter training in the next couple months, so it seems clear that there is going to be cuts sometime along the line. Tough choices for the coaching staff I’m sure.

And as for the coaching staff, the club has announced that Sami Kriikkula will act as an assistant coach to head coach Mika Suonsyrjä, in addition to his on-field duties. This is a great addition, and it’s great to see Sami’s commitment to the cause.

The selections for winter training means that at least twelve players who got playing time with TamU-K last season are not going to make the first team next season. Hopefully many of these will stay with the club, playing with the second team or standing with the supporters. Regardless, I wish everybody good luck in their future endeavors. Everybody played an important role in the history of Tampere United.

Below is the full list of players in winter training. For new players their former club and league level as well as positions are mentioned. Notably there is one player who played in the third tier and three who played in the fourth tier last season. This is significant considering that we will play in the sixth tier (Vitonen) next season. Reports from the training field on Sunday say that the new players looked very good, and that the whole training group seemed highly motivated. This is a good start, but obviously there is a long way to go.

1. Lauri Heittola (DF/MF)
2. Retu Harju (MF)
3. Ahmed Lakra (DF/MF)
4. Alaa Adeeb (DF)
5. Ilkka Innola (GK)
6. Sami Kriikkula (DF)
7. Mika Suonsyrjä (DF/MF)
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8. Tomi Lahtinen (MF/FW)
9. Martti Pelttari (MF)
10. Kemal Dedic (MF/FW)
11. Adnan Omerovic (FW)
12. Henry Friman (GK/FW)
13. Joonas Niemelä (DF/MF)
14. Mika Oksanen (DF/MF)
15. Youcef Chemlal (MF/FW)
16. Mohammed El-Harrak (MF)
17. Nawar Karikuss (MF)
18. Matti Kauppinen (Ilves U-20, FW)
19. Repe Ahonen (TPV U-20, MF/FW)
20. Hans Koivu (FC Potku, sixth tier, DF/MF/FW)
21. Jacin Dakkaki (Vierasjoukkue, fifth tier, FW)
22. Juha Kumara (LaPro, sixth tier, DF/MF)
23. Vesa Suonsyrjä (FC Melody, sixth tier, DF)
24. Anssi Saiha (Musan Salama, fourth tier, MF)
25. Andrea Milanti (FC Tigers, fourth tier, MF/FW)
26. Ville Pakkala (SJK reserves, fourth tier, FW)
27. Jesse Vuorinen (TPV, third tier, DF/MF)