Football Season Guide

Kristiansund

In


Martin Sjölstad (def), Strommen), Sebastian Jarl (def), Sarpsborg)

Out


Lagos Kunga (sp)(att), Ivar Furu (sp(def), Pal Erik Ulvestad (r)(mid), retired), Erlend Sivertsen (sp)(def), Ostersund)

Kristiansund were yet again the team that most punched above their weight last season as they were at one point even in the title race and the battle for the top four before they eventually lost a bit of form in the final month. It was another indication of how good a manager Christian Michelsen is indeed and it is still a bit of a mystery how none of the bigger clubs in the league have managed to lure him yet from KBK, where he is about to start his eighth season at the club. The squad has seen almost no changes compared to the one that finished last season, with the exception of Pål Erik Ulvestad, who retired at the end of last season. No major new additions have been made and Michelesen will rely on the old band of Amdiou Diop, Aliou Coly and Dan Peter Ulvestad to provide solidity across the spine of the team and make them hard to play against. The attacking players somewhat faded last season after a strong run early on but the likes of Bendik Bye and Moses Mbawa bring experience and physical presence that should hold KBK in good stead. Agon Mucolli is a bit more of a wildcard but he also showed glimpses of quality when he settled last season and could become a bit of a breakout star. The squad overall looks pretty balanced, even if lacking a bit of flair in the final third, and should be good enough to secure another very respectable finish in the upper half of the standings.

Target


Have what it takes to push for the top-half finish again.