The question is if Arthur Wingren, John Säwström and the others at Café Olivedal that fateful October day in their wildest fantasies could have imagined what was to unfold as a consequence of forming comrade association XXXIX.
Like IFK Göteborg becoming Swedish champions for the first time, only four years later in 1908.
That an athletic boy from Surte by the name of “Black Filip” Johansson would become the Swedish league’s first goal king between 1924-25 by scoring 39 goals, a record that has yet to be surpassed to this day.
That 52 194 spectators – a Swedish record – would sit on the bleachers at Ullevi on a summer day in 1959 to witness the derby between IFK Göteborg and Örgryte.
That IFK Göteborg one year (1969) would become Swedish champions only to leave the highest series altogether the following year (1970).
That one of the world’s most famous Swedish footballers, Sven-Göran Eriksson, would start his top career as a coach in a blue-white association.
That IFK Göteborg in 1982 would score a hat trick by winning the Swedish Championship, the Swedish Cup, and the UEFA Cup.
That a Swedish club team for the second time in 1987 would win the UEFA Cup.
That a Swedish club team on four occasions in the 90’s would reach the Champions League, thus letting Manchester United and Barcelona fight for the second spot after the clear group winner Blue-white.
That guys like Gunnar Gren, Torbjörn Nilsson, Glenn Hysén, Glenn Strömberg and Thomas Ravelli would grow to become world class players in IFK Göteborg.
That Gunnar Larsson during his 20 years as chairman (1982-2001) would enjoy 10 Swedish Championship gold wins alongside the international victories.
That the first Kamratgården in the Delsjö area would be built in 1961 and be followed up by a more modern and contemporary facility in 2012.
That the most dedicated fans would develop a supporter culture that is the best and most colourful in the country.
That the association would be referred to as “The People’s Team”.
It all started in a café in Olivedal on October 4 1904.
It will continue until the end of time.
Quick facts
Founded: 1904.
Number of Swedish Championships won: 18.
Number of Swedish Cup won: 8.
Number of UEFA Cup won: 2.
Participation in the Champions League: 4 (1992/93, 1994/95, 1995/96, 1996/97).
Most matches played in the Swedish league: Bengt ”Fölet” Berndtsson, 348.
Most goals scored in the Swedish league: Filip ”Svarte–Filip” Johansson, 180.
Most A-team matches played: Mikael Nilsson, 609.
Most A team goals scored: Filip ”Svarte–Filip” Johansson, 333.
