Mjallby AIF: How Swedish club went from turmoil to upsetting elite

“We took control of our costs, we have one of the lowest turnovers in the league, but we also have one of the lowest costs,” Mjallby chief executive Jacob Lennartsson told BBC Sport.

“For every Swedish krona that leaves this club, we ask the question: Is this making us better?

“Football is so much about love and passion, but in the end it’s so important that you have a good economy.”

Mjallby began to focus on developing young players and selling them as a way to survive.

Defender Colin Rosler – son of former Manchester City striker Uwe – was sold for £950,000 just 18 months after joining on a free transfer. Midfielder Nicklas Rojkjaer – described by Aksum as the best player he has ever worked with – joined Danish side Nordsjaelland earlier this month for about £1.4m.

The stars of this season like Gambian forward Abdoulie Manneh, centre-backs Axel Noren and Abdullah Iqbal, and Swedish midfielder Ludwig Malachowski Thorell seem destined for big moves in the future.

Older players like captain Jesper Gustavsson – who played in that decisive final-day game nine years ago – and striker Jacob Bergstrom, both 30, have provided invaluable experience.

Such a strategy appears at odds with challenging for honours, but Lennartsson believes a balance can be found.

“The problem is when you start to win games, players attract bigger clubs. The balance is to make them understand that it’s about what is best for the club,” he said.

“I understand the players’ perspective. At Mjallby they will get a good education and play for one of the best teams in Sweden, but they will not get the best money.

“No player that has ever asked to leave Mjallby stays for a long time afterwards. Maybe a half or full season, but they get their dream move in the end.”

The club is getting stronger year on year. Since 2016, their annual turnover has grown from minus £350,000 to £2.3m, while equity has increased vastly too.