End of an era for Mjelde and Brann
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Article summary
Twelve months after he helped to end SK Brann's 43-year wait for a Norwegian league title, Mons Ivar Mjelde will quit as head coach of the deposed champions following a run of disappointing results.
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Resignation accepted
The 40-year-old will oversee Brann's remaining three matches of the league season before standing down, 12 months after he led the club to their first championship triumph in 43 years. "Mjelde offered his resignation on Tuesday and the board accepted," said Brann in a statement. "The players also agreed with the decision."
On the slide
Brann's crown has slipped during the last year – the team sit eighth in the Tippeligaen, 19 points behind leaders Stabæk IF – and Monday's 3-2 defeat at Molde FK, where Brann surrendered a two-goal advantage against ten men, was the final straw. Brann reached the UEFA Cup Round of 32 last season, but lost to Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round this term before a penalties defeat by RC Deportivo La Coruña in the first round of the UEFA Cup. Mjelde's achievements in a role he has filled since 2003 also include lifting the Norwegian Cup in 2004.