Brakstad and Moss go their separate ways
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
Article summary
Erik Brakstad has had his contract with Moss FK officially rescinded.
Article body
Tangen takes over
The Norwegian Tippeliga side have had a poor start to their domestic campaign, currently lying second from bottom in the table, and the board have decided that captain Rune Tangen is the man to help stave off the relegation threat.
Amicable parting
The Norwegian football coaches' association had leapt to Brakstad's defence for the way in which he had been treated but the ongoing saga now seems to have reached a conclusion as the two sides have agreed to go their different ways. "The reason is the difficult situation the club's in, and the fact that both sides wanted the relationship to come to an end," said the club in a statement signed by both Brakstad and Moss president Knut Evensen.
Johnsen future a doubt
The future of Erland Johnsen, who had been Brakstad's assistant, remains uncertain. The former Chelsea FC central defender had also been suspended but the club have been quick to discount the theory that the two are the sole culprits for the run of poor results. "In hindsight the club regret suspending them on the back on claims of breach of contract," the press release read.
Super start
Newly appointed player-coach Tangen got his managerial career off to the perfect start as Moss beat Bryne FK and is keen to continue in his new role. "I'm enjoying it, and the last few years have strengthened my belief that I want to stay in the game after I quit playing. The three weeks as coach have just made me more determined," he said.