Facts and history on SK Brann [ the city ]

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HISTORY:

Sportsklubben Brann was founded in Bergen 26. september 1908, by the two men who are considered to be the club’s founders – Christen K. Gran and Birger Gjestland. In the club’s first ten years as a football club, they had already built a name for themselves in norwegian football. The club reached the Cup Final both in 1917 and 1918, unfortunately both ending in defeats. The club also had several norwegian internationals.

In 1917 the club secured themselves a big area suitable for their own stadium just south of Bergen city. Investors and supporters alike backed the club, and on mai 25. 1919, Brann Stadion was reality.

In the 20’s the club won it’s two first major titles, both being the Norwegian FA Cup, first in 1923 then again two years later in 1925. There would be worse times to come for the club. After this decade the club failed to produce new talents, and not until the 60’s the club would have something to cheer about again. With two of Norway’s biggest football profiles on the team, Roald "Kniksen" Jensen (picture) and Rolf Birger "Pesen" Pedersen, the club took their two and only league gold medals in 1962 and 1963.

Brann took another two Cup titles in the 1970’s – in 1972 and 1976, and half century since the last wins. As with the 20’s, worse times again. In the 80’s the club was known as the "elevator-team", as they every other season bounced from the 1. division to the 2. division. But the club should get something to cheer about, as they won the Norwegian Cup in 1982.

In the 90’s, Brann was more known for off-pitch happenings. Conflicts and scandals in the board room, up and down performances on the pitch and money problems. Five coaches were responsible for the first team during the 90’s, and at one point the whole board was replaced. The club did achieve some good results, most noticable a 4. place in 1996, 3. in 1999 and 2. in 1997. The club also reached the Cup final in 1995 and 1999, but lost to arch rivals Rosenborg in both affairs.

The club had their definitive campaign in Europe in the season of 1996/97, when they reached the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Cup-Winners Cup. Before meeting giants Liverpool and going out on aggregate 4-1, the club had already knocked out amongst others PSV Eindhoven from Holland.

In 2000 the club took the 2. place in the league behind dominat Rosenborg, and reached the Qualification Rounds of the Champions League in 2001/2002. Unfortunately the club dream of success in the most lucrative league was short-lived, as Levski Sofia from Bulgaria went through on away goals (0-0, 1-1) in the 2. Qualification Round.

2002 proved to be a real nightmare for the club and the supporters. Having lost several key members of the squad infront of the season, Brann lost out in the early rounds both in the domestic Cup and the UEFA Cup to supposed weaker opposition, as well as a disappointing 12. place in the league. Brann had to play the 3rd placed team from the 1. division, Sandefjord Fotball, over two legs in early november to fight for the right to play in the nation’s top division. After 0-0 away, Brann secured their top-flight status with a 2-1 win at home.

After clearing all depts and releasing head coach Teitur Thordarson after the disappointing 2002 season, Brann’s return to the top started. Former player and coaching rookie Mons Ivar Mjelde became Brann’s new head coach.

And with a new optimism at the club, investors lined up with cash for new players. In 2003 the club finished 6th, and in 2004 the club took a nice bronze medal in the league – but most notable their first major victory in 22 years. Brann won the Norwegian FA Cup 4-1 against FC Lyn Oslo.

Infront of the 2005 season Brann is one of the main challengers for the league trophy with a strong squad and experienced, quality players like Norwegian internationals Martin Andresen (nat’l captain and record signing), Erlend Hanstveit, Raymond Kvisvik, Ragnvald Soma and Bengt Sæternes.

Robbie Winters was Brann’s top scorer in 2004 with 26 goals in 30 matches, and has his countryman Charlie Miller at the club. Austrian international Paul Scharner and Icelandic duo Olafur Örn Bjarnason and Kristjan Örn Sigurdsson also earn their living at Brann. Australian youth international Dylan Macallister is also hoping to make his career in Bergen.

QUICK FACTS:
Address: Postbox 161, 5826 Minde, Bergen, Norway.
Tel./Fax.: +47 55 59 85 00/+47 55 59 85 25.
Official website: www.brann.no.
Founded: 26. september 1908.
Budget 2005: 56 million NOK (€ 6,9 million, £4,7 million as of 28. march 2004).
Club colours: Red and white.
Home Shirt: Red and black from 2005.
Away Shirt: Black and red.

LANDMARKS:
League Championships: 1962, -63.
2. placed: 1975, -97, -00.
3. placed: 1976, -99.
Cup Championships: 1923, -25, -72, -76, -82, -04.
Cup runner-ups: 1917, -18, -50, -78, -87, -88, -95, -99.
Seasons in the top division (since 1963): 35 (out of 43, including 2005).
In the top division since: 1987.
Most matches in a row without defeat: 14 matches, 10. june 2001 – 12. august 2001.
Most league matches without a win: 11 matches, 13. april 1998 – 9. juli 1998.
Most matches: Tore Nordtvedt, 557 apps. (1963-1979).
Most matches in the top division: Tore Nordtvedt, 263 apps.
Most goals: Rolf Birger «Pesen» Pedersen, 132 goals (1957-1972).
Most goals in the top division: Bjørn Tronstad, 57 goals (1974-1982).
Biggest win in the top division: 9-1 vs. Steinkjer, 1978.
Biggest defeat in the top division: 0-10 against Rosenborg, 1996.

STADIUM:
Name: Brann Stadion [ pictures ]
City: Bergen
Capasity: 17500 (12200 seats)
Attendance record: 24800 against Fredrikstad FK (Cup, 1961)
Pitch size: 108 x 68 m
Under soil heating: No
Approved floodlights: Yes

THE CITY:

Bergen is situated at Norway’s west coast, and with it’s 235.423 (pr. January 1. 2003) inhabitants within the city limits it’s the country’s second largest, spread over eight urban districts. Counting the nearby municipalities and suburbs, the total inhabitants is close to 300 000 in the county of Hordaland, which has a total of around 435 000 inhabitants. The city was founded in 1070, by King Olav Kyrre (1050-1093). At that time the city was the capitol of Norway, but lost that status to Oslo in 1299. The city is the dominating point for business and trade in both the county and western Norway. The trade has roots back to the late middle ages during the Hansa-age (German Trading League) until the 16th century. In 1600’s the city was Scandinavia’s largest, with a population of around 15 000. The industry has roots back to the 1800’s. Oil and shipping has been and is still is a big factor in the city’s business and industry.

Sitatued at the west coast, the climate is fairly mild. Although the city has more days with precipitation than sunny days, it rarely falls below zero degrees celcius in winter time in the city. Due to the high humidity sometimes it might feel like it’s colder though. Spring and summer time is mild and pleasant, but then again the chances of rain is likely.

The city has an international airport just outside the city, and the city is also the starting point for the Norwegian Coastal Voyage – also known as the World’s most beautiful voyage. The city is also known as ‘The Gateway to the Fjords’.

The city has many attractions for visitors and probably the most famous is Bryggen – or ‘the wharf’. It was established in the late middles ages (1100’s) by the German Hanseatic League and built in German style. These old wooden structures were placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1980.

Other attractions worth mentioning is the house of world famous composer Edvard Grieg – Troldhaugen, or the views from the two mountains Mt. Fløyen or Mt. Ulriken, both offering spectacular views of the city. The city’s Aquarium has also one of Europe’s most extensive collections of marine fauna. The open air Fish Market close to Bryggen is also worth checking out. The city has many other attractions, as well as the district around is also well worth sightseeing.

The city host many arrangements in the course of a year.The famous ‘Festspillene’ is arranged each year showcasing classical music and also other types of music and arts. Also the Night Jazz Festival is staged in the city. The city is also host for international cultural happenings.

The city has a great nightlife and something for everyone. The city has several bars and pubs, clubs and wine cellars for everyone’s taste. The city has also Norway’s oldest theater – Den Nationale Scene (The National Scene), which was built in 1851. The theater was founded by famous musician Ole Bull and famous writer Henrik Ibsen was one of the first writers and art-directors at the theater.The city was of the city’s chosen to be Europan Cultural City in 2000, which gave the city’s inhabitants and visitors a wide variety of cultural events to enjoy.

The city has several respected educational institutions like the University of Bergen with 17 000 students, Bergen University College with 4500 students and the NHH – Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration with 2800 students.

The newspaper Bergens Tidende have livecam’s from all over the city and the district on their website. Follow the link below to check it out.

Bergens Tidende (Norwegian and English)

Sources and sites worth checking out:
Bergen Guide
Virtual Bergen
Norwegian Coastal Voyage
University of Bergen
University College
Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration
Statistics Norway
Norwegian Tourist Board
Facts about Bergen – Bergen Municipality