Football Season Guide

Fredrikstad are back in the big time for a first time since 2012 as one of the country's historically most successful clubs sealed promotion from the OBOS Ligaen quite authoritatively, losing just twice in 30 games and being quite impressive and compact as a unit. They now look to keep up the upward momentum generated from last season and take to the new level with as few bumps as possible. It will be a challenge given the quality of the league overall and the fact that most of the squad members have no real experience in the Eliteserien. That said, Mikkjal Thomassen has quite a tight group that does not concede many, works well as a unit, and has been kept mostly unchanged for the season ahead. Mikail Maden is the one more important loss compared to last year but keeping hold of 11-goal forward Jones Bjartalid is a massive boost. The Red and Whites added some players with good pedigree from top-flight clubs in Erlend Serberg, Morten Bjorlo and Mai Traore while Jeppe Kjaer is a talented, if inconsistent attacking midfielder. There will be some pressure and expectation on Fredrikstad from their passionate fans, who will be looking to relish the return to the big time, but it looks like a fairly well-build and coherent side that should be able to hold their own against the top teams in the country and secure safety.