Ollie Whyte (FC Haka | Finland)

RR

Miramar Rangers midfielder Ollie Whyte has signed for FC Haka in Finland ... it always felt like he has what it takes to play professionally.

He joins fellow kiwi Logan Rogerson who's there on loan.

📸 @NZPhotomac pic.twitter.com/PR8QgFJqXf

— Jason Pine (@pineynz) January 20, 2022

Hopefully a bit of luck, 3rd time of asking. Portugal, Turkey & now Finland.

And Rogerson has now signed permanently at FC Haka, no longer a HJK loanee.

Feels like this guy has been around forever and a day and now I see he's only turned 22 yesterday - Happy Birthday btw lad 😎

Congratulations on the move. Hopefully he can kick on this time and carve out a decent career over there. It'll be good to have another Kiwi in Rogerson there. Should help him settle into his new club nicely.

And with that, the golden generation of Kiwis picking up  overseas deals rolls on. Long may it continue! 👍

From Flying Kiwis.

"Whyte has signed a 1+1 deal. In other words, a one-year contract with the club having the option of a second year if he goes well. Given the success of Logan Rogerson at the club, coming from a similar pedigree, he’s got a very solid chance of doing exactly that. Although there is a one-month probationary period in the contract which presumably means they can void it within that period if he turns out to be a bit of an Ali Dia. That won’t happen.

Ollie Whyte: “My agent has a good connection with the club. I heard through him what kind of team is being built here and the project sounded very appealing to me. I have really enjoyed my time here already and have been warmly received which has helped me to settle. The club is like a close-knit family, which I find absolutely wonderful. I believe I will offer good organised play to the team, setting things up for both my teammates and myself. We have a young and talented team that plays good football and is hungry for the coming season!”

Makes his debut from the bench for Haka against Honka (great club names) overnight in the Finnish League Cup.

According to report, comes on after 78 minutes, when Haka were chasing the game at 1-0 down. And from the report he assisted for the equalizing goal.

With the changes, the white shirts started to get more pressure on Honga's goal and Whyte was already successful in the goal a few minutes before the handicap hit.

However, the New Zealander was heavily involved in the handicap, as he was giving a corner kick following his own shot, which was played to Laine, who was waiting for the country at 16. The midfielder took a couple of sharp steps toward the center with the ball and fired a terrible bomb into the right rear corner from behind.

- Ollie played a quick corner and the opponent left room to cut in the middle, so I took the tats and fired where I had trained, Laine commented after the match.

Finishes 1-1. No Rogerson in the squad today.

1-1 draw in the Finnish League Cup overnight.

Oli Whyte starting AM after his cameo last week. Logs 67 minutes this week, while Rogerson comes on just before the hour mark for his first appearance of the season.

Screenshot_2022-02-13-19-12-19-11_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg 291.58 KB

Screenshot_2022-02-13-19-12-40-08_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg 430.03 KB

Next assignment is another League Cup match on the 24th v FC Lahti.

FMSQns6WQAIL-wq.jpeg 142.52 KB

Both Kiwis in the starting XI today against FC Lahti.

Currently up 1-0 with about 20 to play after an early own goal from the home side.

Both Rogerson & Whyte subbed off at 69 mins (score 1-0) in a 2-0 win.

This is a preseason comp (League Cup) with games I think played indoors on artificial turf.

Still all good for getting both Kiwis match fit, considering that either maybe required for OFC tourney in a few weeks. I'd say Whyte is a serious shot of a first time call up for the AWs, given who maybe unavailable in midfield for first 2 pool games outside FIFA window dates.

https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/fc-haka/2240

Scores 94th min winner in a 2-1 victory over fellow Veikkausliiga side Ilves in the League Cup. Rogerson with the assist!

Whyte was earlier subbed on at 66 mins, and Rogerson in at 62 mins.
https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/fc-ilves/22386

Yes only pre season Finnish Cup football, but still nice to see both Kiwis contributing to a win.

Whyte has settled in nicely over there by the sounds of it.

Would not be surprised at all if he was named as a bolter for the AW's WCQ side for March either. I think Rogerson will be making that trip too.

Through to the semi finals in the League Cup after that win, with next quarter final matchups to be played over the next week or two.

Didn't Ollie trial with the NIX this year, but not make the cut?

Glad to see him making a good fist of things.

MetalLegNZ

Didn't Ollie trial with the NIX this year, but not make the cut?

Glad to see him making a good fist of things.

Yipe he trialled at the Nix. But Uffie/Gill plumped for Pennington & Pršo over him I guess.

The Finnish top flight would be a few notches below the A League I'm guessing. But good to see Whyte seemingly doing well at his 3rd try overseas (post Portugal & Turkey).

And yeah wouldn't surprise to see him in a large AWs squad, given few midfielders likely unavailable for Fiji & PNG games.

YoungHeart

Whyte has settled in nicely over there by the sounds of it.

Would not be surprised at all if he was named as a bolter for the AW's WCQ side for March either. I think Rogerson will be making that trip too.

Through to the semi finals in the League Cup after that win, with next quarter final matchups to be played over the next week or two.

 
The final of the League Cup is set for the 19th, which is the day after the first qualifier against PNG. If they win the semi, it might make it a bit difficult for them to get released, though the cup allows trialists so it might not be viewed that significantly. A loss in the semi should make it all inconsequential though. 

If they can come down, then this tournament will have been very beneficial in getting competitive minutes in the legs, after we saw a few players a bit rusty vs Jordan. In that case, I’d imagine Whyte  probably plays the Singh role, and Rogerson preferably in a Champness role, outside De Jong maybe.

carlind

YoungHeart

Whyte has settled in nicely over there by the sounds of it.

Would not be surprised at all if he was named as a bolter for the AW's WCQ side for March either. I think Rogerson will be making that trip too.

Through to the semi finals in the League Cup after that win, with next quarter final matchups to be played over the next week or two.

 
The final of the League Cup is set for the 19th, which is the day after the first qualifier against PNG. If they win the semi, it might make it a bit difficult for them to get released, though the cup allows trialists so it might not be viewed that significantly. A loss in the semi should make it all inconsequential though. 

If they can come down, then this tournament will have been very beneficial in getting competitive minutes in the legs, after we saw a few players a bit rusty vs Jordan. In that case, I’d imagine Whyte  probably plays the Singh role, and Rogerson preferably in a Champness role, outside De Jong maybe.

Surely a first appearance for your country, at a WC qualifying event, in a WC year - takes precedence over a pre season club Cup event played on artificial turf indoors.

If Hay does want him, hopefully Haka grant a release.

Today's goal, courtesy Piney. Some nice work from Rogerson.

MAALI ⚽️

Kellossa on 90+3 ja @FCHakaOfficial iskee 🔥

Oliver Whyte ja 2–1 🇳🇿#veikkausliiga #liigacup #HAKAILV pic.twitter.com/V6n5vxZMpe

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) February 26, 2022

Oh and I wonder if De Jong is injured, as hasn't been in an AmaZulu squad for at least 6 weeks. If so a further headache for Hay.

But I can see Rojas & Barba playing the early games in Qatar, if Hay agrees to send them back to Australia after the reinforcements arrive (3rd pool game onwards).

New Veikkausliiga season commences.

Whyte starts & Rogerson on the bench as Haka host IIves.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/04/02/finland/veikkausliiga/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/tampereen-ilves/3746102/

Edit - Haka win 2-1. At 68 mins, same 2-1 scoreline a couple of subs with Whyte going off and Roberson on

Whyte (subbed off at 64 mins) with the start as Haka (4th) lost 0-2 to VPS (9th). Rogerson came on at 64 mins.

Score 0-0 when the 2 Kiwis swapped in & out. 2nd goal conceded 93rd min.

19 yr old Aussie Tete Yengi who was at Newcastle 2 seasons ago, with first goal for VPS.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/05/07/finland/veikkausliiga/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/vaasan-palloseura/3746134/

Good to see Whyte get a start. He may get a callup for the AWs, later this month. Possibly for Howieson.

Rogerson & Whyte both on the bench as Haka (7th), host SJK (11th).
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/05/17/finland/veikkausliiga/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/seinajoen-jalkapallo-kerho/3746145/

Edit - both Kiwis subbed on at 74 mins, with Haka 0-1 down. Home team with a very late 94th min equaliser for a 1-1 draw.

Haka up to 6th.

Suomen Cup tie. Haka travel to 2nd tier KTP.
Rogerson & Whyte both starting.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/05/25/finland/suomen-cup/kotkan-tyovaen-palloilijat/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/3787719/

FTm3JugXsAAMw5H.jpeg 160.48 KB

Rogerson and Whyte both starting this one. Hopefully they can get amongst the goals against a mid-table, third tier team. Build some confidence back up after a pretty lean run in the Veikkausliga.

Damned Subway sponsorship placement too, making me hungry at this time of the morning - one hour from the weekend!

A 4-2 win for Haka, coming back from 0-2 down. Whyte with their 3rd goal.

Rogerson off at 71 mins (score 3-2) & Whyte off at 82 mins (3-2).

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/05/25/finland/suomen-cup/kotkan-tyovaen-palloilijat/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/3787719/

Watching some of the highlights from this game and the standard is not good.

2ndBest

Watching some of the highlights from this game and the standard is not good.

it's a Finnish third tier team, not sure what you expected

mrsmiis

2ndBest

Watching some of the highlights from this game and the standard is not good.

it's a Finnish third tier team, not sure what you expected

KTP play in the 2nd tier. But yeah Finnish top league ain't the best, let alone below that. Just ask Huddo and his drawing pins.

From Flying Kiwis. Whyte goal from Haka's 4-2 Cup win last week. Very nice free kick.

Oliver Whyte (@ollie_whyte) vs. KTP 🎯⁣
⁣
🎥 Ruutu ⁣
⁣#SuomenCup pic.twitter.com/SANw3ZPsKi

— BYYRI (@Byyri) May 25, 2022

FC Haka travel to HJS Akatemia (from Finnish 3rd tier) in a Suomen Cup 6th round tie (last 16).

Whyte starting. Rogerson of course in Doha.

https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/fc-haka/2240

Edit - Whyte off at 78 mins (0-0). Haka score in 86th min for a 1-0 win, to go though to quarter finals. 

MAALI ⚽️@FCHakaOfficial on tullut takaa tasoihin ja painellut ohi!

Stavros Zarokostas ja 2–1 🇬🇷

Lauantain kierros on saanut lentävän lähdön. Kahdessa ottelussa tehty viisi maalia alle puoleen tuntiin 🔥#veikkausliiga #tunnustaväriä #HAKAIFKM pic.twitter.com/H1doCDd7VP

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) June 18, 2022

Oli Whyte (#7) gets in on the action with the assist for Zarokostas. FC Haka 2-1 up heading into H/T.

From Flying Kiwis, Whyte's assist from 2-2 draw on the weekend.

MAALI ⚽️

Peli on Seinäjoella jälleen tasan!@FCHakaOfficial ja Lee Erwin 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
2–2.#veikkausliiga #tunnustaväriä #SJKHAKA pic.twitter.com/glSvve0axu

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) June 22, 2022

Good to see him getting back to back assist in games having seemingly won his starting spot back.

MetalLegNZ

Good to see him getting back to back assist in games having seemingly won his starting spot back.

Whyte came on as a sub in this game. He's had 4 sub appearances and 4 starts.
Rogerson on the other hand has been a locked in starter. But then is his 2nd season at the club (loaned from HJK last season), whilst the first for Whyte.

Whyte will just be happy he's getting real mins, after stints in Portugal and Turkey not working out for him.

Haka (8th) travel to HIFK (last).

Whyte & Rogerson both starting.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/07/09/finland/veikkausliiga/hifk-soccer-helsinki/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/3746176/

Edit - a 2-0 win. Rogerson full game and Whyte off at 61 mins (score 1-0). His replacement with Haka's 2nd goal. Haka up to 6th.

coochiee

Haka (8th) travel to HIFK (last).

Whyte & Rogerson both starting.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/07/09/finland/veikkausliiga/hifk-soccer-helsinki/football-club-haka-valkeakoski/3746176/

Edit - a 2-0 win. Rogerson full game and Whyte off at 61 mins (score 1-0). His replacement with Haka's 2nd goal. Haka up to 6th.

Rogerson set up the first goal with a near post delivery after a good run down the right after turning his man. He also had a goal disallowed in the fifth minute for offside after Whyte clipped a ball to the back post, and managed to get a 'pre-assist' for the second goal when he played Lee Erwin into space.

Rogerson managed to pick up two points in the "Ruutu-tähtipelaajat" (Ruutu [broadcaster] star players) which seems to be an MVP award similar to the Alex Tobin in the A League, with three players picking up 3,2 or 1 points for each game. He is now up to 13th equal in the league on 7 points, though Whyte doesn't appear to have picked up any points this season. Two of his teammates are ahead of Rogerson (both today's goalscorers), with Erwin in third on 14 and Stavros Zarokostas 10th equal on 8. David Browne is 36th equal on four points. Emphasising the small world of football, Erwin only joined in February from St Mirren, where he was, of course, teammates with Alex Greive.

Interestingly, today's opponents, HIFK, are a 'Swedish' club, with the "H" in the acronym being for Helsingfors, the Swedish name for Helsinki. The IFK (roughly pronounced in English “ee-ef-core”) in the name is the same as many in Sweden, namely IFK Göteborg and IFK Värnamo, and it stands for idrottsföreningen kamraterna (sporting society comrades) which is a central organisation method used commonly in Sweden, and occasionally in the neighbouring countries. HIFK were set up by a 15-year-old Swedish student in 1897 and are the oldest IFK in Finland and are traditionally supported by the Swedish-speaking community as opposed to HJK who are their main (Finnish) city rivals. They are not the only IFK in the Veikkausliiga however, as Mariehamn on the Swedish-speaking but Finnish-politically Åland Islands are also in the league. Their logos are almost identical as they both reflect the IFK emblem/symbol.