Three years ago, Mjällby AIF could be the first team ever in Swedish football to go down three divisions in three seasons. The team fought in the bottom of Division 1 and the adversity affected the entire village.
"The club is not feeling well," Mjällby's sports manager Hans Larsson told SVT News Blekinge in 2016.
Today it sounds different.
During Sunday's away game, Mjällby won 2-1 against Gais and is thus the Superettan's new series leader. Prior to this season, the group's goal was to secure the contract in the Superettan, which has now been achieved. Now you look towards staying at the top to take an all-Swedish place.
- If there is an opportunity to play in Allsvenskan then we should try. But it is no scandal if we do not succeed. We are proud of the guys, says team coach Milos Milojevic.
Despite the association's adversity in recent years, Mjällby's fans have been there for every match. Even during certain training sessions, occasional onlookers appear. For the players, it has always been the supporters who have been the carrot during the fight so as not to roll down the divisions.
- There are many who are passionate about the club. It's in the walls down here, it's football that applies here in Listerland, says team captain David Löfquist.
The municipality of Sölvesborg has long assumed great responsibility for Mjällby AIF. Strandvallen's stands have been renovated and expanded, and the municipality has also financed an artificial turf. The club has long struggled with financial concerns, but Sports Manager Hans Larsson believes the club will be able to afford it if there is new advancement to the country's highest league.
- We still have debts, but it's under control. We will make sure we can afford it, we will do everything we can for our sake, there is nothing wrong with that, ”he says.
In November, it will be decided which teams from the Superettan will be moved up to Allsvenskan. Next match is tomorrow 16:00, also this one at Gamla Ullevi when Mjällby is set against Örgryte IS.