Thórdarson in demand

By Stefán Stefánsson

Two Icelandic clubs are chasing the services of former national coach Gudjón Thórdarson ahead of the 2005 season, while other teams have been bolstering their squads.

Jankovic alternative
Thórdarson has been in talks with both Grindavík, who struggled last term, and Icelandic Cup winners Keflavík. The former have made a formal offer, but Thórdarson is also negotiating with clubs in England and biding his time. Milan Stefan Jankovic, who created the vacancy at Keflavík, will become head coach rather than assistant at Grindavík if Thórdarson turns them down.

Stefánsson stays
Grindavík have already been boosted, though, with the news that captain Óli Stefánsson is to stay. The versatile 28-year-old was set for a move to the capital but has responded to fans' pleas and signed a new three-year contract. Club president Jónas Thórhallsson said: "This is very good for Grindavík because Óli is the key player and the heart of the team."

Snorrason joins champions
Meanwhile, champions FH Hafnarfjördur have recruited Ólafur Páll Snorrason from Fylkir on a two-year deal. The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined Fylkir from England's Bolton Wanderers FC for the 2003 season, has represented Iceland at every junior level.

KR signings
KR Reykjavík, whose two-year reign as title-holders ended in 2004, have acquired Grindavík striker Grétar Ólafur and ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar midfielder Bjarnólfur Lárusson and secured three other players on new contracts. Ólafur, 27, said: "KR are the biggest club in Iceland and I am excited to join them. They are an ambitious club whose mission is to win trophies." Ólafur and Lárusson have penned two-year deals along with stalwart goalkeeper Kristján Finnbogason. Twins Arnar and Bjarki Gunnlaugsson have agreed one-season contracts.

Further moves
Also on the move is 31-year-old Fylkir defender Thórhallur Dan Jóhannesson, who has gone to Fram Reykjavík on a two-season deal. Another defender, Steinthór Gíslason, who was relegated with Víkingur Reykjavík, has rejoined Valur Reykjavík, who won the second division to gain promotion. Valur have further strengthened by adding KR striker Gudmundur Benediktsson and Fylkir goalkeeper Kjartan Sturluson.

Artificial turf
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Iceland is considering installing an artificial surface in the national stadium in Laugardalur after UEFA decided last week to allow such pitches in competition from 2005/06.