Hong Kong Manager Travel Guide

History
The British founded Hong Kong Football League is the oldest professional league in Asia. It consists of one professional league (which is playable) and three amateur leagues (which are not). As well as the league competitions Hong Kong also has three cup competitions, the FA Cup, Senior Shield and League Cup. The FA cup is open to all clubs in Hong Kong, the other two are reserved for clubs in the First division.

The Hong Kong first division was founded in 1908. In their pre-war history South China won nine titles, which they've added to with an impressive twenty seven league wins since the end of the war and fifteen runners up spots. In recent years perennial bridesmaids Happy Valley (Who've finished as runners up sixteen times) have won the league title four times in the past eight years, the other emerging power house Su Hei have won the title three times in the last five seasons and not finished outside the top two since their first league title in 2001.

Despite having a relatively small league Hong Kong has a fine continental pedigree. Historically punching above their weight, Hong Kong finished in the top five of the Asian Cup three times between 1956 and 1968. However, since 1972 they have failed to qualify.

The 2006/2007 Honk Kong First Division
This season sees an expansion of the league from eight to ten teams by retaining the two who would have been relegated the previous year and promoting the winner and runner-up of the second division. Each team plays each other twice, giving a total of 18 games. Also, it should be noted that teams are separated by the results between each other ahead of the English goal difference parameter. At the end of the season the bottom two teams are relegated. Match day squads can include no more then four foreign players excluding Chinese players, of which they are allowed to field up to three from the six the squad is limited to. Because of the size of Hong Kong, it would not be possible or logical for each team to have their own stadium, so most games are played in either the 40,000 capacity Hong Kong Stadium or the 9,000 capacity Mong Kok Stadium.

One Season Challenges
On an impressive six occasions since World War 2 teams in Hong Kong have completed unbeaten seasons. Interestingly two of those times the team with the unbeaten record has finished runner up! Testament to how important every game is in Honk Kong's short season. A good one season challenge would be to take South China or Happy Valley to their third unbeaten season, or to try to win all four domestic titles.

Mission Impossible
To first help the British founded side Hong Kong Football Club break free from their reputation as a yoyo club. Then mould them into domestic powerhouses; and finally turn them into continental contenders. In doing so make sure to fully exploit HKFC's B, C and under 19 sides!

By Michael Baggs