Johnsen ready for Strømsgodset
By Håvard Lindheim, 16 October 2006, 10:18
Espen Johnsen has reached agreement with Strømsgodset concerning his personal contract.
Photo: Fotballmagasinet
Last Wednesday it became clear that the team from Drammen will get to borrow Johnsen for the 2007 season, with an option to buy. Now, the player himself has accepted the transfer, Norwegian radio broadcaster Kanal24 reports.
In all likelihood, this means that he has gotten approval to move his medical studies from Trondheim to the University of Oslo.
Johnsen then leaves Lerkendal with the same status as when he arrived in 2001: placed on the bench. For the first two seasons in RBK he was the second choice behind Ari Gautur Arason, but when the Icelander wouldn't sign a new contract in 2003, Johnsen was promoted.
It was to be three years with many ups - especially in Champions League, but a few downs as well. His performances did vary, and at times he showed weaknesses in the field work and with the ball in his feet.
As a result, Rosenborg this winter signed Lars Hirschfeld, who after a short battle got the first keeper spot. This summer, Johnsen was degraded to a third choice after Alexander Lund Hansen. As a result, he'll most likely end with 76 league games for RBK.
In Strømsgodset, Espen Johnsen will replace ex-Rosenborg Thomas André Ødegaard, who ends his carreer after this season.The club is now ready for the premier division, after having played in the 1st division since 2001.
PS! In 1999, Johnsen was the big hero when Start did beat Strømsgodset in the qualification match for the premier division.
