Hungary. The big news this season was the new format of Second Division – instead of two groups, now there was single league of 20 teams. The reasons for reform are obvious: apart from money, the biggest motivation for changes around Europe was the fact that the second level was not doing the job. The class was getting further and further behind the top level, few and mostly former first division clubs aimed for promotion and hardly ever really competitive teams climbed up from second level. Simply, second divisions did not help much for the improvement of most countries football. Reforms, mostly meaning reduction of old leagues, were seen as almost only remedy. Hungary just joined the trend, facing the typical problems. Thus, Second Division was reduced to single league and fewer teams. The top three were promoted, the bottom three – relegated. Still, there was no significant change, for about 7 former first division clubs played here and the rest was mostly hardly heard of small clubs without much means and ambitions. And pretty much as before the reform, the candidates for promotion were expected to be some, if not all, former top league members. Expectations were fulfilled. Almost. Given the make-up of the league, battle for survival involved more teams than the race for promotion. Various infringements – most likely fixing games, or attempts to do so – were getting the upper hand and could not be put under the lid any more, so there were penalties – Siofoki Banyasz had 4 points deducted. At the end, it did not matter much – even with full record, Siofok would be out of the promotional race.
Ganz-MAVAG Vasas SE was the league’s outsider, ending last with 19 points.
Honved Szabo Lajos SE ended 19th with 28 points.
Kecskemeti SC was 18th with 32 points. Just a couple of years back they played in the top league, but now were going down to third division.
Up the table were various survivors – practically unknown outside Hungary small clubs. Like
Bajai SK – 15th with 33 points.
Soproni SK knew better days, but now they 14th with 34 points.
Debreceni Kinizsi was also down – 10th with 37 points.
Hodgep Metripond SE was the best of the ‘unknowns’ – 5th with 43 points. One of their best years ever, but promotion was entirely outside their dreams and abilities.
Siofoki Banysz ended 4th with 43 points. Even with 4 points deducted, they were above the best the rest of the league could offer, but they were not genuine candidate for promotion in the same time. Very likely they tried ‘to help’ themselves to higher place, were caught, punished and gave up. Yet, even they were unable to get back to the top league, this was the best season of the club ever.
Becescsabai Elore Sparatacus accomplished what they desired – 3rd with 51 points. Did not win the championship, but got promoted and that was all that mattered.
Debreceni MVSC also succeeded without much trouble – 2nd with 53 points. Back to first division.
Eger SE was the big news and surprise – a club rarely heard of and unlikely leader, they had fantastic season and won the Second Division championship with 55 points from 23 wins and 9 ties. They lost 6 matches and had 72-40 goal-difference. Bekescsaba outscored them with 92 goals and Debreceni MVSC had better defense, allowing only 37 goals, but who cares? Eger was first and going to play in the top division.