It was a tough pre season for all those connected with Suwon FC. After a stunning late season rally under new coach Balonga Kellard they fell short when it mattered the most.
"It was tough to take. Everyone at the club thought we were about to finish off this magical story but unfortunately we fell at the last hurdle. This year will be different though. It has to be."
Redemption is sought after badly in the South Korean city of Suwon after last season's playoff final defeat. As the new season approaches the hunger to put right the wrongs of last season is felt everywhere you go in the city but especially with the manager.
"Expectations have understandably grown and I'm happy they have. When I came to this club we were rock bottom and then within a few weeks we were in the playoff final. The fans saw the change in the team and now they expect promotion. It's our job to give them what they desire.