Football Season Guide

Stromsgodset endured a frustratingly erratic 2016 season, finishing seventh in the end. They were as low as 13th early in the season and as high as third midway through the season, before it all went wrong again. There was a lot of worry over the health of head coach Bjorn Petter Ingrebretsen, and he eventually had to stand down because of health problems. It was Stromsgodset's worst finish in the league table since their 8th place in 2011. They start their 11th season in the top flight, as Tor Ole Skullerud takes charge of his first full season. He's already had disappointment after taking over from Bjorn Petter Ingebretsen, with cup semi-final defeat to Kongsvinger a warning sign that major change was needed at the end of the season. There are some exciting new signings ahead of the 2017 campaign. Marco Tagbajumi returns in attack,. He had a decent loan spell at the club netting four in ten games back in 2015. Bassel Jradi is back from a loan stint at Lillestrom where he definitely helped their cause in a poor season. Stian Ringstad looks a good acquisition from Braga, with previous Tippeligaen experience representing Lillestrom for seven years. Ringstad only had seven appearances for Braga, and will be desperate to prove himself at still only 25. A lot is expected from Swedish striker Pontus Engblom who was so prolific for Sandnes Ulf last season, despite it not being enough to get them up to Eliteserien faltering in the play-offs. But it was surprising to see a player who scored only three times in 31 appearances for Haugesund net 43 in 56 appearances in the season below. It shows both the gulf in class between the two divisions, and that Engblom deserves a second chance in the top division. It will be interesting to see how he flourishes in such an attacking minded side as Stromsgodset have proved to be in recent seasons. The departure of Mohammed Abu to MLS side Columbus Crew is a huge loss in midfield, and that is still a void that hasn't necessarily been filled sufficiently yet. Bismarck Adjei Boateng has gone to Colorado Rapids and Martin Ronning Ovenstad's blistering performances last season in an average campaign for the club as a whole was rewarded with a transfer to Sturm Graz in Austria. These players have left gaping holes in the middle of the park for Stromsgodset, and that is ultimately where they look well short in challenging the likes of Rosenborg. Stromsgodset should be energised by new coach Tor Ole Skullerud, who himself has a point to prove after his acrimonious sacking at Molde in his second season with the club. It's safe to say Molde have not improved without him in recent seasons, and he will hope to prove himself in Drammen. The brief will be simple - get Marienlyst rocking again and guide Stromsgodset back to the top five at the very least. With the resources available, this shouldn't be too big an ask.