Rosenborg and SK Brann Bergen has reached an agreement for a transfer for goalkeeper Ivar Rønningen. Only the signature of the 29-year old is now missing.

This probably comes as a shock to many. RBK Sports Director Rune Bratseth defends the aquisition this way:

"Espen (Johnsen) has a weakness in the problem that he gets some injuries, and that makes us vulnerable. Alexander Lund Hansen is our goalkeeper of the future, but he must go out and play at a highest possible level to get the needed experience," Bratseth says to the club's home pages.

Bratseth praises the 'keeper that at times has been yelled at in Bergen due to mistakes:
"Rønningen is a mature goallie with the needed experience for this level. He can give Espen good matching from day one. At the same time, he is ready and competent to play if neccessary."

faktaboks

Ivar Rønningen Date of birth: 13.02.1975 Place of birth: Lunner Height: 190 cm Weight: 90 kg Position: Goalkeeper Previous clubs: Lunner, Lillestrøm, Walsall (England), Katowice (Polen), Vålerenga, Brann National caps: 1 U21 match for Norge

Brann long hesitated to give Rønningen a renewed contract. A short while ago, he was offered a two-year prolonging. But suddenly RBK entered the scene and offered him a contract that expires after the 2007 season, with better payment - up to EUR 117.000 a year, bonuses included.

"The length of the contract was the final factor for my choice. It shows that I am being wanted. That feeling I have not had in Brann lately. I am very disappointed that they wouldn't give me priority," says Ivar Rønningen to Western Norway newspaper Bergens Tidende.

Rosenborg supposedly pays Brann EUR 88.000 for the goal keeper, who has half a year left of the contract with his current employer.

Rønningen will be ready to play for Rosenborg at July 6th - the day after the selling and buying club meets at Brann stadium. He is prepared to sit on the bench as a back-up for Espen Johnsen.

"No, I have not been promised a regular place on the team. But I am intent on fighting for it," Ivar Rønningen says to Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

RBK Sports Director Rune Bratseth is clear: Rønningen is placed on the bench.

"Yes, we have bought a reserve goalkeeper. It is no question wether Espen Johnsen shall stand. When we buy Ivar Rønningen, it is to ensure good backup and to give Espen competition for his place. We have a tight match schedual, which includes play in the European cups, and as Johnsen has a problem with injuries, we need a good reserve," Bratseth says to Western Norway daily Bergensavisen.