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Brian Clough started
the adventure 28 years ago, when he agreed to sign defender Einar Jan
Aas from Bayern Munich. Aas played his first game for Nottingham Forest
in January 1981.
The tall defender never managed to build a great career in England. Aas
struggled with several injuries but impressed enough to give Norwegian
footballers a chance to attract English clubs.
Aage Hareide was another pioneer who joined Man City shortly after Aas
joined Forest. Malcolm Allison was in charge at City and Hareide became
one of many strange signings done by Allison.
Hareide moved to Norwich and played in England until 1984 when he
returned to Norwegian football.
Kjetil Osvold and Erland Johnson together with Erik Thorstvedt were also
signed by English clubs during the 80's.
The introduction of Norwegian players in the 80's opened the door for a
new generation of Norwegian players. Norwegian football went from being
totally an amateur game to a proffesional level during the 90's.
The national team progressed and played in the 1994 and 1998 World Cup.
Rosenborg established themselves in the Champions League for many
seasons and this made Norwegians attractive.
Liverpool signed many Norwegians. Bjørnebye, Kvarme, Heggem, Riise,
Kippe and Leonhardsen has played for the Anfield club.
Manchester United bought Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronny Johnsen and Henning
Berg. All of them part of the squad that won the historical 1999 treble.
Wimbledon also had a great colony of Norwegian players and even a
Norwegian manager. Egil Olsen was in charge during the 1999-2000 season.
Reputation has been great. Norwegian players has been good proffesionals
while in England and today players such as John Carew and Brede
Hangeland is among the best in the Premier League.
Norwegian football is a proffesional game today, but they are facing
problems with many imports and not able to give young talent a chance to
develop into proven players and eventually be ready to play at the
highest level in England.
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