Brann break mould with Mjelde

SK Brann have appointed former striker Mons Ivar Mjelde as their new coach on a full-time basis.

Replaces Thordarsson
The Bergen club had put Mjedle in temporary charge following Teitur Thordarsson's resignation last month, and had hoped he would work alongside Thordarsson's former assistant, Tor Thodesen. However, Thodesen was reluctant to work under Mjelde and is expected to leave the club.

Limited experience
Brann had also been in discussions with the Leeds United AFC's reserve-team coach Roy Aitken but the former Scottish international opted to remain in England. Mjedle's appointment has surprised some observers and not only because of the limited coaching experience of the 35-year-old, who retired from playing to join Brann's backroom staff two years ago.

Break with tradition
Also, Brann have traditionally not appointed coaches from within. However, officials and players believe Mjelde's knowledge of the club will serve him well. Mjelde said: "I am humble and know there are people out there who literally would have killed to get this job.

'Team leader'
"I will be the boss and have the responsibility, but I cannot do the job alone. I see myself more as a team leader." Mjelde, a former Norwegian international, also played for Sogndal IL, Lillestrøm SK and FK Austria Wien, and was the Tippeliga's top scorer in 1993.

Relegation scare
Brann have one of the largest fan bases in Norway - when things are going well, they attract crowds of up to 15,000 - yet last season they survived relegation narrowly, via the play-offs. However, the future looks brighter now. Brann's financial position is sounder than it has been for some time, meaning Mjedle should be able to recruit new faces. Among the players on trial at the club at present is the former Tromsø IL, AC Milan and SSC Napoli defender Steinar Nilssen.