Uncertain future for Strand
By Håvard Lindheim, 7 June 2004, 11:25
Soon, Roar Strand's contract expires. If the 34-year old shall get a new contract, he must stay fit and avoid injuries.
SOON OVER FOR STRAND? Rune Bratseth turns the back to an injured Roar Strand during a training session. When autumn comes, the Sports Director may do it in a more literal sense too.
Photo: Thomas Myren
The midfield turbo has the latest years been heavily struck by injuries, and has had long breaks due to operations. This winter and spring he has been out constantly. Strand has been available most of the matches in the start of the season, but late May he was again out with a strain injury in his right leg.
This does not bode well for Strand's future carreer. The Rosenborg player with 12 league championships and five cup golds wants to continue playing for two more seasons, but it is no sure thing that the club is interested.
"If Roar shall get his contract renewed, he must stay fit and play matches. For the moment he is injured. We will see how it goes as autumn goes by," Sports Director Rune Bratseth said to rbkweb.com.
Bratseth, who has the renewing of the team in the back of his mind, wants to be kind - but not at all costs.
"We do hope that his injury situation gets better so we can renew the contract. Roar has deserved that. But on the other hand, we cannot throw money out the window," the Sports Director ascertains, with Strand's fee in mind.
Roar Strand is not the sole Bosman player in Rosenborg. Dagfinn Enerly, Odd Inge Olsen and Lars Blixt also has no contract when the season ends.
"None of those three will get their contract renewed," Rune Bratseth confirms to rbkweb.com.
Bratseth explains:
Dagfinn Enerly (32 this December): "Wants to go. Last year he signalled that he wants to return to the Southeast. As a result, we really have not given a renewal any tought.
Odd Inge Olsen (35 this December): "Is not playing matches, and is too old to occupy the bench."
Lars Blixt (28 this October): "Has never managed to play himself into the team. In situations like these, we sooner or later must end the engagement. Some perhaps feel that Lars works well as a defensive backup, but we want to give that role to younger players."
From what rbkweb.com knows, Dagfinn Enerly ends up in Fredrikstad - this summer, or as the season finishes. When it comes to Roar Strand, Odd Inge Olsen and Lars Blixt, they are all determined to end the carreer if they cannot continue in Rosenborg. They thereby share Bent Skammelsrud's view that another club would be too much of a detour.
