Andresen angles for glory at Vålerenga

Having lured player-coach Martin Andresen from champions SK Brann, Vålerenga IF hope he can bring some Norwegian title magic with him to Oslo after a drab 2007.

Poor return
A seventh-placed finish in the 2007 league campaign represented a poor return for Vålerenga, who had finished second in 2004 and third in 2006 either side of winning the 2005 title. With the club's famous Klanen supporters – known as the best fans in Norway – demanding improvements, and shipping tycoon John Fredriksen investing plenty of capital, 2008 could be an exciting year in Oslo.

Inspirational captain
Andresen could be crucial to their success. An inspirational team captain as Brann took their first Norwegian title since 1963, Vålerenga are banking on the 30-year-old Norway star to hit the ground running in his new role. "I will give everything on the pitch and will know when it is time to hang up my boots," he said. "I still have playing ambitions at club and international level."

Seismic changes
The new man's arrival has prompted an unprecedented change of personnel at the club, with no fewer than seven new coaches being brought in to assist Andresen along with a number of big-name players. Norway internationals Kristofer Hæstad, Lars Iver Strand and Bengt Sæternes have arrived along with American goalkeeper Troy Perkins and talented young Skeid Fotball striker Mohammed Abdellaoui.

Coaching staff
The new backroom signings are head coach Tor Ole Skullerud, Mike Speight (attacking), David Brocken (defensive), Gjermund Østby (goalkeeping), Andrea Loberto (assistant), Johan Kaggestad (mental and physical) and Truls Hallen (physiotherapist). "With this kind of support I feel ready for the job," said Andresen when his staff was presented.

Wealthy benefactor
Árni Arason, Christian Grindheim, Arnar Førsund, Jan Derek Sørensen, Alexander Mathisen and Thomas Holm have all left the club, and Fredriksen - rated as Norway's richest man - is hoping the new-look side can reclaim the title. Andresen certainly thinks it is possible, saying: "I feel we now have a very strong squad that should be capable of fighting at the right end of the table."