Can Shanghai Shenhua turn scandal into Super League glory?

So the “will they, won’t they and when on Earth will it be if they do” saga surrounding the Chinese Super League season caused by the match fixing scandal has finally been resolved, with games set to kick off this weekend.

Hope springs eternal in the hearts of soccer fans and for those of Shanghai Shenhua 2010 is a blank page on which to write a glorious chapter of sporting history.

In time-honored tradition, the most passionate fans position themselves behind the goal. Know as the Lan Mo or Blue Devils they are one of the largest and most vocal supporter groups in the country.

If you’re left asking, “The Shanghai who?” Then you’re missing out one of the best home teams Shanghai’s got. Brush up on your Shanghai Shenhua knowledge here before you hit the stands.

Shanghai Shenhua: The past and the present

Lunched in 1993 there is a something of the always-the-bridesmaid-never-the-bride about Shenhua (having been league runner-up eight times in 13 years) and last year they weren’t even flower girls, finishing fifth. They did win league titles in 1995 and 2003 and the cup in 1998, but by you can barely make those trophies out behind the cobwebs gathering in the cabinet.

The big news in the off-season was the appointment of Bosnian Croat Miroslav Blazevic as Shenhua’s new head coach. He led Croatia to third place at the 1998 World Cup but, at the ripe old age of 75, does he still have the energy for the job? He shrugged off any doubts: "Don't worry about my age. I am an ambitious person and I also have high standards for players,” he responded, before asserting that "some players will have to leave if they can't meet my requirements."

Shanghai Shenhua: The team

Blazevic was not lying. The Shanghai Shenhua may as well have had revolving doors fitted at the training ground with no fewer than 12 players receiving their marching orders and an incredible 14 new ones arriving at the club.

Blazevic’s plan was to “bring in some new players to help the local youngsters develop." They include Cameroonian striker Jean Michel N'Lend, two Brazilians, defender Aderaldo Ferreira André and striker Vicente de Paula Neto, Columbian striker Duvier Riascos, Syrian international defender Ali Diab and Spanish striker Roberto Batres, who scored in his pre-season debut for the club. In terms of local talent they have retained the services of Chinese international midfielder Chen Tao.

Shanghai Shenhua: The fans

In time-honored tradition, the most passionate fans position themselves behind the goal. Known as the Lan Mo or Blue Devils they are one of the largest and most vocal supporter groups in the country. There is little of the violence that blights European stadiums but, as in the rest of the world, much of the chanting uses vulgar vernacular, so it’s a great way to learn some of the more colorful Mandarin and Shanghainese terms. Here "加油!" just won't cut it.

To cheer among them your best bet is to drop laowai Lan Mo Cameron Wilson a line. He runs a fairly informal supporters' group called Shanghai Shenhua Ultras and even organizes trips to big away games.

Shanghai Shenhua: The games

Shenhua are on the road for their first two fixtures, so unless you fancy a trip to Changsha or Nanchang, you’ll have to wait until April 10 when Shenhua host local rivals Hangzhou Lucheng at the Hongkou Stadium.

As for Shenhua’s chances this season, Wilson is skeptical, reflecting on an exodus of talent: “Australian international Mark Milligan, club captain and local hero Du Wei and Vyacheslav Hleb -- our best player last season -- have all left, while the players coming in are an unknown element.”

But, coach Blazevic is confident his newly assembled side can satisfy an expectant city and remains in bullish mood: "Believe me, I can bring the fans what they want. We will win the domestic title.”