It is obvious why Finland’s most famous players – such as Sami Hyypia, Jari Litmanen and Teemu Pukki – aspired to play in a league as credible as the Premier League.
But what about British involvement in Finland – a nation that had not qualified for a major tournament until Euro 2020 – where ice hockey is typically seen as the biggest sport?
Twelve British players compares to none in the top leagues of Norway and Sweden, with eight each in France and Germany, and four in Spain.
IFK Mariehamn took a chance on Jayden Reid – who left Portsmouth last season after two years without making an appearance due to injury – while fellow winger Imani Lanquedoc is on loan at FC Haka from Fulham.
Luke Plange – who Crystal Palace signed for £1 million from a Derby County side battling relegation from the Championship under Wayne Rooney – has since played Champions League qualifying matches for HJK Helsinki.
HJK made a profit from selling last season’s Veikkausliiga top scorer, Bojan Radulovic, to the Championship, so might the club see an opportunity for more business later down the line?
“I think the clubs here assume that if English professionals are willing to come over, they are going to be decent quality,” said Cicale.
“Finnish football can be a very good platform for exhibiting your abilities – and perhaps if things haven’t gone in such a linear fashion throughout your career – it’s a good opportunity here to show what level you’re still at.”
Grieve’s view is that the Finnish league is a secure working environment for coaches – and it attracts a different type of player.
“It is not 100 mph like an EFL game, the technical level here is higher,” he explained.
“It is way more aggressive and more contact and a ‘free for all’ in Scotland or the lower leagues in England – it’s a different sport in all honesty.
“People who want to try and develop their career and develop a style of play might be more inclined to go somewhere like Finland.”
But Coffey has seen a chance to thrive as an unusual type of footballer in the Veikkausliiga.
“I’ve been kicked and pulled around by men in England, whereas in Sweden and Finland, the lads that I’m playing against are quite young,” he said.
“Technically, they’re very good players, but I feel like I’ve got a bit of an edge in terms of physicality and aggression.
“There are many good players in England, but I just don’t think a lot of them want to make the step or they’re quite comfortable living in England and maybe working and playing part-time,” he added.
