Post by bigfudge on Oct 7, 2014 9:38:59 GMT
First question I have to ask everybody, how did you first get into supporting County and do you remember your first game?
This is a bit of a loaded question really. As a child I followed Moss in Norway and as I got older I got to know a player called Jarkko Wiss who I really wanted to play alongside, sadly before I ever got the chance my playing career was ended by injury when I was on the verge of making their first team. I was still in awe of Jarkko though and really loved the way he played. When I found out he was being sold to an English team I started taking an interest and checking the results every single week.
The first game I watched live was on Norwegian TV, it was in the 2000/01 season against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Sadly County lost 4-0 but I remember Jarkko Wiss played and for a lot of the game County did contain Spurs quite well. My first live game was in 2008 at the famous Wembley Stadium for the play-off final. I brought some friends over for the game, an Arsenal fan and a United fan. We stayed in a hotel inspired by Joseph Fritz! We had a room in the basement that overlooked some machine that let out all the steam from the dishwashers and driers.
As you all know County went on to beat Rochdale 3-2, I had to overcome my fear of flying to get to the game and I'm so glad I did. I also met my first Stopfordian friend on this trip, the wonderful David Martin with whom I have enjoyed several great times with since that day. David and his wonderful family showed me amazing hospitality when inviting a crazy Norwegian dwarf into their home. They even let me stay the night after County had been thumped 5-0 by Preston North End in the League Cup.
Did you know straight away that you would be a County fan for life after that first game?
These questions aren't getting easier! I knew that I would certainly follow County for as long as Jarkko was playing for the club however after watching them on TV and following the scores with real interest on the internet I know that I was in for a lifetime commitment. The way I look at it is that it's like the perfect partner, you can change several times in your life but when you find the right one you know it's the right one and that's how I feel about County. I suppose it became 'true love' at Wembley. It wouldn't be possible for me to change now, it would be like if Jack threw Rose off the boat to save his own life, just not the same.
I love County to death and all the relegation's haven't changed that at all, my bond with the club has only grown stronger over the years as I now have great friends in Stockport. They're all friends for life as we share the same passion. I guess I have Alex Scapens the reporter for the MEN to thank for that since he decided to spend his column inches writing about a crazy Norwegian who spent all his savings travelling on a planes despite having a fear of flying to watch non-league football in another country. Thanks to that article I've been blessed with many great friends who were interested in my story. I guess the article was worth all the attention even though I hate being in the spotlight!
I've displayed all emotions because of County, cheering like a lunatic for goals and throwing things around in a tantrum when we've lost! I remember two particularly bad episodes came after losing to Mansfield 3-1 and North Ferriby 2-1. It all seems worth it now that we seem to be coming out of the financial hardships we were suffering and still have a club to get emotional over. I don't know what I would do without County in my life.
Obviously being from Norway it is unlikely you would have even heard of County, let alone supported them, growing up. Who, if anyone, did you support as a child?
As I said I used to follow Moss but I wasn't really a fan of anyone as such. My Dad is a Spurs fan and tried to get me on board, he got me a scarf but soon gave up on that dream when he found out I'd used the scarf to mop up a coke spill in my bedroom! I was more interested in the details and the players. I was fascinated by how the defenders moved in unison and how the midfielders changed positions anticipating receiving the ball.
I loved attacking football, I was in awe of the 1986 Argentina team and could name every goalscorer for them in the tournament with Burruchaga being my favourite. It was during Italia '90 that I first fell in love with English football and the England national team. My favourite player and still one of my heroes to this day was Chris Waddle, I also loved Gary Lineker as well. My favourite game in the whole tournament was England 3-2 Cameroon, they were two teams who played beautiful football and really wanted to attack each other. Sadly I remember Paul Parker leaving Peter Shilton flat footed in the game against West Germany, whilst Lineker (I think) did equalise for England, we all remember my hero, Waddle, missing a penalty in the shoot-out. I also had a soft spot for Italy as I loved Roberto Baggio's hair!
Do you still follow them at all?
I still support England however I have fallen massively out of love with Argentina since I've been reliably informed by you and other Englishmen that we DON'T like them!
Since you first game to County you've obviously met several other County fans through County Heaven and various Social Networks. Do you feel that since joining County Heaven you have started to enjoy the games a bit more?
I definitely enjoy it more now. In the past I would just go to the game, have a quick pint after and go back to the hotel. Now I always meet up with you and other mates before and after the game which has really helped strengthen my bond with not only the club but also the town in general. I was overwhelmed by the amount of goodwill I got when I first came over after the article was released. At first I was unsure about actually doing the article as I didn't want people to think I was an attention seeker but thankfully everyone seems to have taken it positively and thankfully it has resulted in me having friends for life.
I don't feel on my own anymore when I come to Stockport because people like you and all of my other friends always try to make my time there perfect and always succeed as well. My biggest honour was when I found out that you and your friends named a part of the Prince Albert 'Norway Corner' after we spent one Friday night getting drunk in that corner!
The trips now are incomparable to the trips before joining CH. I can never express my gratitude enough to David for opening his home to me and making me feel truly welcome but County Heaven has really opened new doors to me, I now get a better insight into the day to day running of the club and it's now much easier to follow the matches from Norway thanks to Gazza and Maccy's great updates! Though nothing can beat meeting up with you guys and standing amongst the Blue and White Army singing songs I'd only ever heard enviously before.
As a fellow manager, what do you think of the job Alan Lord is doing at the club? Do you believe he is the right man to take County forward?
Oh wow, that is a tough question that is very hard for me to answer being so far away and only ever actually seeing one game under him live. Alan is definitely doing something right. During the game I did see against Oxford City, even though we won 2-0, I wasn't completely sold on the formation and style of play. I felt we were too narrow and were facing our own goal too much, for me there was too little happening on the wings and we were relying on players creating bits of magic from nothing.
However I will also say that it wasn't necessarily Lordy's fault, it is obvious that the players at the time weren't good enough and I'm sure things have changed now that he has brought in his own players. Obviously I haven't seen any training sessions or matches since then so it's unfair for me to say whether I think he's doing a good job or not but the results speak for themselves and I have to say he must be doing something right! It is beyond doubt that he clearly knows football and he is a great scout. I am glad to see he has been given time to develop his own style. There are too many managers with too little time to really make an impression on the club. I love Lordy because he works his arse off for the club and has done so for many years.
I believe the only two men who could possibly make it work for County in their current situation is Lordy or Jimbo. To be a great manager at non-league level you have to be hard working and a great psychologist and most importantly, you have to make sure the players believe in what you're trying to achieve and I think that Alan ticks all these boxes.
Now it's well known on County Heaven that you are currently in charge of Rolvsoy IF in your native Norway. As someone who used to only coach kids, how did the chance to manage a senior side come about?
Great question! First of all can I please thank everyone on County Heaven for taking a real interest in a small village team in Norway me ad the boys truly appreciate the support we've been given by you guys. I'm kind of in the same boat as Lordy really. I first joined the club 2 years ago as manager of the Youth Team, when I took over the Youth Team had just avoided relegation from Division 2. In my first season the lads really rallied and we managed to actually finish 2nd in the league and get promoted to the Youth Division 1 for the first time in the clubs history. That was noticed and the board actually offered me the chance to manage the first team.
Since then I've had to juggle my time between managing both the first team and the youth team. Me and my staff are very proud of the Youth Team, we've just managed to secure a top 5 spot in Division 1 despite being heavily tipped for relegation and I fully believe that if we are given the backing from the board we can use this youth success to develop Rolvsoy as a club even more and possibly turn it into a promotion for the first team.
Obviously you've had a great first season in senior management. What is the ultimate ambition for you? Is it to be County manager or do you want to manage as high up as possible or perhaps even internationally?
My ambition is simple, to be the best! I spend almost all of my free time studying football and getting ready for the next game, I also study the game in general and aim for the top. Can I actually become the best? Highly unlikely but it won't stop me striving to be better. Every day I work just to get one step closer to my goal. To manage County would be a dream come true but sadly that isn't enough. Managing County is only part of the dream, the other part of the dream is to win with County! I like to think if I had the choice between managing County or City then I'd choose County.
To me it isn't about managing the best club in the world, it's about being the best relative to who you are managing. Of course if someone like Chelsea for example came knocking then it would be very difficult to turn down the chance to challenge for the biggest titles in the world but if I was ever County manager, I would put my heart and soul into the club, like Danny and Jimbo did. I get angry if County lose now, imagine how I'd feel if I was to blame that County had done badly.
Right now, my ambition is to be the best I can for Rolvsoy but of course one day I want to be the best I can for County and be thought of as one of the best they've ever had!
We are now getting a little ahead of ourselves but in an ideal world if you were offered the chance to manage County OR Norway, which would you choose?
Easy, that is like asking if I'd rather spend a night with Jessica Alba or Susan Boyle! Don't get me wrong, I love my country but if I had to choose it would be County every day of the week. I would prefer working with players on a daily basis not just around international breaks. Not to mention that that have huge issues with Norwegian football and would refuse to be held responsible for the Stone Age football that our FA pressures our national managers into playing. That being said even if Norway were a top class side I'd still pick County, there is very little I'd turn down County for.
We've recently read about how you've come to a bit of a disagreement with your board at Rolvsoy. Do you feel that a deal can still be worked out or do you think your future is away from the club?
I still believe that we can work it out. The issue is simply that they offered me a contract which I accepted. The following day they went back on the deal and wanted to renegotiate. It's not a fact that I'm sulking because I'm not earning more money but I believe that a deal is a deal and with all the work I've put in and sleepless nights I've endured and missing a lot of time with my daughter and fiancee, I believe I was worth the money originally offered to me anyway. I am a reasonable man and I understand at this level you can't be in it for the money but I also won't be taken advantage of, I need to survive financially and have bills like everyone else. I was touched to find out the players really want me to stay so I'm sure something can be worked out.
There must be teams starting to take notice of you now after your wonder season with Rolvsoy. Have you had any offers to work higher up the Norwegian football pyramid or even abroad?
I've got a few offers but nothing special and certainly no one abroad. The best offer I received is from Fredrikstad FK which I actually accepted. FFK are actually one of the biggest teams in Norway and I'm very proud to now be involved with them, I get a chance to work with some of the brightest prospects in Scandinavian football. Thankfully FFK are allowing me to do this on a part time basis so I can continue my work at Rolvsoy for the time being. At FFK I won't be managing a team in a league, I will be managing the prospects team at individual tournaments and doing a bit of scouting, similar to the Development Side at County. My first job with FFK will be in February when I will take my set of boys to Riga in Latvia for a pre-season tournament which features Zenit St. Petersburg and Ajax which will be a great experience that I'm really looking forward to.
Anyway enough business talk. As a Norwegian in Stockport (Sounds like a crap film!) you're obviously the talk of the town when you come over. What is your favourite thing about the town or even just England in general?
That sounds like a great film! I'm not sure I'm the talk of the town but there is so much to enjoy! Just going to the pub with you guys is amazing! Of course we've had some adventures as well, sitting in a hotel bar until 5am, singing karaoke in a pub after they've closed and having dinner with the Mayor of Stockport without even realising it were all brilliant experiences. I was honoured when Phil Brennan got me in the players lounge after Rodger Wylde's testimonial and I got to meet some of my County heroes and my footballing hero, Chris Waddle. I would have to say it's the hospitality in general, the friendships and that people, yourself especially, go out of your way to make sure that I'm having a good time. It's not so much what I do in Stockport, it's who I do it with.
When you come over for a County game what is it you look forward to the most? Is it the game or is it the social side (or the cheap Fosters!)?
All of the above mate! The cheap Fosters just enhances the experience! Watching County is what made me come over in the first place and is obviously one of my favourite things to do, the nervousness and excitement of watching the games is just such a unique feeling. As I mentioned before though, the social side brings a whole new dimension to the trips though. I feel like one of you guys, a normal fan meeting up for a pint before the game, that is what I really love. Obviously I have to defend my darts title as well, even if I am rubbish, you guys seem worse!
Obviously you've only ever been to 10-15 County games so it's unfair to ask for your best ever XI so who are the top 5 County players you've ever seen play live?
Another tough question! I think I would have to go with Anthony Pilkington, Liam Dickinson, Michael Rose, Gary Dicker and Tommy Rowe but I think I'll attempt the full XI anyway! I'd have Owain Fon Williams. Johnny Mullins - Gaz Owen - Jim McNulty - Michael Rose. Gary Dicker - Stephen Gleeson - Jarkko Wiss (Technically I have seen him play live!). Anthony Pilkington - Tommy Rowe and Liam Dickinson. Aside from a few players I guess I've just picked the Wembley team.
What was your favourite ever County match?
Easy, Wembley. I was a nervous wreck for for 90 minutes but loved every second of it. Leeds at home in December 2008 was special as it was my first ever game at Edgeley Park, even though we lost the atmosphere was incredible and the game was sold out. The 1-0 win over Newport under Ian Bogie was also special because it was the first time I'd ever seen County win at EP but it has to be Wembley though. One of the best days of my life as a football fan.
As it's becoming a bit of a tradition, we'll wind down with a few fun questions.....
Can you remember the full rant that the Norwegian commentator says when Norway beat England for the first time?
Haha I don't think so but I'll certainly try.....'Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Maggie Thatcher can you hear me? Lord Nelson, Lady Diana, Winston Churchill. Your boys took a hell of a beating, your boys took a hell of a beating. Vi har slått England! Vi er best i verden!' The last part translates as We have beaten England! We are the best in the World. I'm not sure if that is 100% correct but it's what I remember.
You're flying back to Norway and you find out your flight is delayed by 10 hours, which 3 County Heaveners would you pick to spend that time with?
I think I would certainly have to pick you, Phil B and the third one is a tough choice but I'll have to go with Sandy. I'd obviously pick you as my best friend. Phil B because he is a really great guy, a proper County man through and through and he still hasn't signed my book! I went with Sandy in the end because after you he is the first Heavener I ever met and also he constantly makes me laugh on here and in reality. Though I would like to bring all of you if I could, sadly I had to narrow it down to 3.
Would you rather watch County get promoted and have to live in Sweden for a year or watch County remain in the Conference North but get given a house in Stockport?
I would rather see County go up! Even if I have to live with them lot for a year, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for County! In an ideal world I'd love to have a house in Stockport so I could see County play whenever I want AND County going up!
Finally, when are you next coming over for a match?
I'm hoping to come over in my off-season in November. I'm definitely coming in March for our training camp. With having a 1 year old daughter in my life, money isn't exactly spare at the minute but I have been saving up and I think I'm due another trip now, it's been nearly a year!
Thanks alot for having me mate, it's been really fun! I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone on County Heaven for welcoming me into your family and making me feel welcome and for continuing to support me in my first adventures into management. You really are a great group.
Thanks a lot to our good friend Jarkko for agreeing to this, you can follow him personally on Twitter @johnsen_th and you can follow Rolvsoy @rolvsoyif
This is a bit of a loaded question really. As a child I followed Moss in Norway and as I got older I got to know a player called Jarkko Wiss who I really wanted to play alongside, sadly before I ever got the chance my playing career was ended by injury when I was on the verge of making their first team. I was still in awe of Jarkko though and really loved the way he played. When I found out he was being sold to an English team I started taking an interest and checking the results every single week.
The first game I watched live was on Norwegian TV, it was in the 2000/01 season against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Sadly County lost 4-0 but I remember Jarkko Wiss played and for a lot of the game County did contain Spurs quite well. My first live game was in 2008 at the famous Wembley Stadium for the play-off final. I brought some friends over for the game, an Arsenal fan and a United fan. We stayed in a hotel inspired by Joseph Fritz! We had a room in the basement that overlooked some machine that let out all the steam from the dishwashers and driers.
As you all know County went on to beat Rochdale 3-2, I had to overcome my fear of flying to get to the game and I'm so glad I did. I also met my first Stopfordian friend on this trip, the wonderful David Martin with whom I have enjoyed several great times with since that day. David and his wonderful family showed me amazing hospitality when inviting a crazy Norwegian dwarf into their home. They even let me stay the night after County had been thumped 5-0 by Preston North End in the League Cup.
Did you know straight away that you would be a County fan for life after that first game?
These questions aren't getting easier! I knew that I would certainly follow County for as long as Jarkko was playing for the club however after watching them on TV and following the scores with real interest on the internet I know that I was in for a lifetime commitment. The way I look at it is that it's like the perfect partner, you can change several times in your life but when you find the right one you know it's the right one and that's how I feel about County. I suppose it became 'true love' at Wembley. It wouldn't be possible for me to change now, it would be like if Jack threw Rose off the boat to save his own life, just not the same.
I love County to death and all the relegation's haven't changed that at all, my bond with the club has only grown stronger over the years as I now have great friends in Stockport. They're all friends for life as we share the same passion. I guess I have Alex Scapens the reporter for the MEN to thank for that since he decided to spend his column inches writing about a crazy Norwegian who spent all his savings travelling on a planes despite having a fear of flying to watch non-league football in another country. Thanks to that article I've been blessed with many great friends who were interested in my story. I guess the article was worth all the attention even though I hate being in the spotlight!
I've displayed all emotions because of County, cheering like a lunatic for goals and throwing things around in a tantrum when we've lost! I remember two particularly bad episodes came after losing to Mansfield 3-1 and North Ferriby 2-1. It all seems worth it now that we seem to be coming out of the financial hardships we were suffering and still have a club to get emotional over. I don't know what I would do without County in my life.
Obviously being from Norway it is unlikely you would have even heard of County, let alone supported them, growing up. Who, if anyone, did you support as a child?
As I said I used to follow Moss but I wasn't really a fan of anyone as such. My Dad is a Spurs fan and tried to get me on board, he got me a scarf but soon gave up on that dream when he found out I'd used the scarf to mop up a coke spill in my bedroom! I was more interested in the details and the players. I was fascinated by how the defenders moved in unison and how the midfielders changed positions anticipating receiving the ball.
I loved attacking football, I was in awe of the 1986 Argentina team and could name every goalscorer for them in the tournament with Burruchaga being my favourite. It was during Italia '90 that I first fell in love with English football and the England national team. My favourite player and still one of my heroes to this day was Chris Waddle, I also loved Gary Lineker as well. My favourite game in the whole tournament was England 3-2 Cameroon, they were two teams who played beautiful football and really wanted to attack each other. Sadly I remember Paul Parker leaving Peter Shilton flat footed in the game against West Germany, whilst Lineker (I think) did equalise for England, we all remember my hero, Waddle, missing a penalty in the shoot-out. I also had a soft spot for Italy as I loved Roberto Baggio's hair!
Do you still follow them at all?
I still support England however I have fallen massively out of love with Argentina since I've been reliably informed by you and other Englishmen that we DON'T like them!
Since you first game to County you've obviously met several other County fans through County Heaven and various Social Networks. Do you feel that since joining County Heaven you have started to enjoy the games a bit more?
I definitely enjoy it more now. In the past I would just go to the game, have a quick pint after and go back to the hotel. Now I always meet up with you and other mates before and after the game which has really helped strengthen my bond with not only the club but also the town in general. I was overwhelmed by the amount of goodwill I got when I first came over after the article was released. At first I was unsure about actually doing the article as I didn't want people to think I was an attention seeker but thankfully everyone seems to have taken it positively and thankfully it has resulted in me having friends for life.
I don't feel on my own anymore when I come to Stockport because people like you and all of my other friends always try to make my time there perfect and always succeed as well. My biggest honour was when I found out that you and your friends named a part of the Prince Albert 'Norway Corner' after we spent one Friday night getting drunk in that corner!
The trips now are incomparable to the trips before joining CH. I can never express my gratitude enough to David for opening his home to me and making me feel truly welcome but County Heaven has really opened new doors to me, I now get a better insight into the day to day running of the club and it's now much easier to follow the matches from Norway thanks to Gazza and Maccy's great updates! Though nothing can beat meeting up with you guys and standing amongst the Blue and White Army singing songs I'd only ever heard enviously before.
As a fellow manager, what do you think of the job Alan Lord is doing at the club? Do you believe he is the right man to take County forward?
Oh wow, that is a tough question that is very hard for me to answer being so far away and only ever actually seeing one game under him live. Alan is definitely doing something right. During the game I did see against Oxford City, even though we won 2-0, I wasn't completely sold on the formation and style of play. I felt we were too narrow and were facing our own goal too much, for me there was too little happening on the wings and we were relying on players creating bits of magic from nothing.
However I will also say that it wasn't necessarily Lordy's fault, it is obvious that the players at the time weren't good enough and I'm sure things have changed now that he has brought in his own players. Obviously I haven't seen any training sessions or matches since then so it's unfair for me to say whether I think he's doing a good job or not but the results speak for themselves and I have to say he must be doing something right! It is beyond doubt that he clearly knows football and he is a great scout. I am glad to see he has been given time to develop his own style. There are too many managers with too little time to really make an impression on the club. I love Lordy because he works his arse off for the club and has done so for many years.
I believe the only two men who could possibly make it work for County in their current situation is Lordy or Jimbo. To be a great manager at non-league level you have to be hard working and a great psychologist and most importantly, you have to make sure the players believe in what you're trying to achieve and I think that Alan ticks all these boxes.
Now it's well known on County Heaven that you are currently in charge of Rolvsoy IF in your native Norway. As someone who used to only coach kids, how did the chance to manage a senior side come about?
Great question! First of all can I please thank everyone on County Heaven for taking a real interest in a small village team in Norway me ad the boys truly appreciate the support we've been given by you guys. I'm kind of in the same boat as Lordy really. I first joined the club 2 years ago as manager of the Youth Team, when I took over the Youth Team had just avoided relegation from Division 2. In my first season the lads really rallied and we managed to actually finish 2nd in the league and get promoted to the Youth Division 1 for the first time in the clubs history. That was noticed and the board actually offered me the chance to manage the first team.
Since then I've had to juggle my time between managing both the first team and the youth team. Me and my staff are very proud of the Youth Team, we've just managed to secure a top 5 spot in Division 1 despite being heavily tipped for relegation and I fully believe that if we are given the backing from the board we can use this youth success to develop Rolvsoy as a club even more and possibly turn it into a promotion for the first team.
Obviously you've had a great first season in senior management. What is the ultimate ambition for you? Is it to be County manager or do you want to manage as high up as possible or perhaps even internationally?
My ambition is simple, to be the best! I spend almost all of my free time studying football and getting ready for the next game, I also study the game in general and aim for the top. Can I actually become the best? Highly unlikely but it won't stop me striving to be better. Every day I work just to get one step closer to my goal. To manage County would be a dream come true but sadly that isn't enough. Managing County is only part of the dream, the other part of the dream is to win with County! I like to think if I had the choice between managing County or City then I'd choose County.
To me it isn't about managing the best club in the world, it's about being the best relative to who you are managing. Of course if someone like Chelsea for example came knocking then it would be very difficult to turn down the chance to challenge for the biggest titles in the world but if I was ever County manager, I would put my heart and soul into the club, like Danny and Jimbo did. I get angry if County lose now, imagine how I'd feel if I was to blame that County had done badly.
Right now, my ambition is to be the best I can for Rolvsoy but of course one day I want to be the best I can for County and be thought of as one of the best they've ever had!
We are now getting a little ahead of ourselves but in an ideal world if you were offered the chance to manage County OR Norway, which would you choose?
Easy, that is like asking if I'd rather spend a night with Jessica Alba or Susan Boyle! Don't get me wrong, I love my country but if I had to choose it would be County every day of the week. I would prefer working with players on a daily basis not just around international breaks. Not to mention that that have huge issues with Norwegian football and would refuse to be held responsible for the Stone Age football that our FA pressures our national managers into playing. That being said even if Norway were a top class side I'd still pick County, there is very little I'd turn down County for.
We've recently read about how you've come to a bit of a disagreement with your board at Rolvsoy. Do you feel that a deal can still be worked out or do you think your future is away from the club?
I still believe that we can work it out. The issue is simply that they offered me a contract which I accepted. The following day they went back on the deal and wanted to renegotiate. It's not a fact that I'm sulking because I'm not earning more money but I believe that a deal is a deal and with all the work I've put in and sleepless nights I've endured and missing a lot of time with my daughter and fiancee, I believe I was worth the money originally offered to me anyway. I am a reasonable man and I understand at this level you can't be in it for the money but I also won't be taken advantage of, I need to survive financially and have bills like everyone else. I was touched to find out the players really want me to stay so I'm sure something can be worked out.
There must be teams starting to take notice of you now after your wonder season with Rolvsoy. Have you had any offers to work higher up the Norwegian football pyramid or even abroad?
I've got a few offers but nothing special and certainly no one abroad. The best offer I received is from Fredrikstad FK which I actually accepted. FFK are actually one of the biggest teams in Norway and I'm very proud to now be involved with them, I get a chance to work with some of the brightest prospects in Scandinavian football. Thankfully FFK are allowing me to do this on a part time basis so I can continue my work at Rolvsoy for the time being. At FFK I won't be managing a team in a league, I will be managing the prospects team at individual tournaments and doing a bit of scouting, similar to the Development Side at County. My first job with FFK will be in February when I will take my set of boys to Riga in Latvia for a pre-season tournament which features Zenit St. Petersburg and Ajax which will be a great experience that I'm really looking forward to.
Anyway enough business talk. As a Norwegian in Stockport (Sounds like a crap film!) you're obviously the talk of the town when you come over. What is your favourite thing about the town or even just England in general?
That sounds like a great film! I'm not sure I'm the talk of the town but there is so much to enjoy! Just going to the pub with you guys is amazing! Of course we've had some adventures as well, sitting in a hotel bar until 5am, singing karaoke in a pub after they've closed and having dinner with the Mayor of Stockport without even realising it were all brilliant experiences. I was honoured when Phil Brennan got me in the players lounge after Rodger Wylde's testimonial and I got to meet some of my County heroes and my footballing hero, Chris Waddle. I would have to say it's the hospitality in general, the friendships and that people, yourself especially, go out of your way to make sure that I'm having a good time. It's not so much what I do in Stockport, it's who I do it with.
When you come over for a County game what is it you look forward to the most? Is it the game or is it the social side (or the cheap Fosters!)?
All of the above mate! The cheap Fosters just enhances the experience! Watching County is what made me come over in the first place and is obviously one of my favourite things to do, the nervousness and excitement of watching the games is just such a unique feeling. As I mentioned before though, the social side brings a whole new dimension to the trips though. I feel like one of you guys, a normal fan meeting up for a pint before the game, that is what I really love. Obviously I have to defend my darts title as well, even if I am rubbish, you guys seem worse!
Obviously you've only ever been to 10-15 County games so it's unfair to ask for your best ever XI so who are the top 5 County players you've ever seen play live?
Another tough question! I think I would have to go with Anthony Pilkington, Liam Dickinson, Michael Rose, Gary Dicker and Tommy Rowe but I think I'll attempt the full XI anyway! I'd have Owain Fon Williams. Johnny Mullins - Gaz Owen - Jim McNulty - Michael Rose. Gary Dicker - Stephen Gleeson - Jarkko Wiss (Technically I have seen him play live!). Anthony Pilkington - Tommy Rowe and Liam Dickinson. Aside from a few players I guess I've just picked the Wembley team.
What was your favourite ever County match?
Easy, Wembley. I was a nervous wreck for for 90 minutes but loved every second of it. Leeds at home in December 2008 was special as it was my first ever game at Edgeley Park, even though we lost the atmosphere was incredible and the game was sold out. The 1-0 win over Newport under Ian Bogie was also special because it was the first time I'd ever seen County win at EP but it has to be Wembley though. One of the best days of my life as a football fan.
As it's becoming a bit of a tradition, we'll wind down with a few fun questions.....
Can you remember the full rant that the Norwegian commentator says when Norway beat England for the first time?
Haha I don't think so but I'll certainly try.....'Maggie Thatcher, can you hear me? Maggie Thatcher can you hear me? Lord Nelson, Lady Diana, Winston Churchill. Your boys took a hell of a beating, your boys took a hell of a beating. Vi har slått England! Vi er best i verden!' The last part translates as We have beaten England! We are the best in the World. I'm not sure if that is 100% correct but it's what I remember.
You're flying back to Norway and you find out your flight is delayed by 10 hours, which 3 County Heaveners would you pick to spend that time with?
I think I would certainly have to pick you, Phil B and the third one is a tough choice but I'll have to go with Sandy. I'd obviously pick you as my best friend. Phil B because he is a really great guy, a proper County man through and through and he still hasn't signed my book! I went with Sandy in the end because after you he is the first Heavener I ever met and also he constantly makes me laugh on here and in reality. Though I would like to bring all of you if I could, sadly I had to narrow it down to 3.
Would you rather watch County get promoted and have to live in Sweden for a year or watch County remain in the Conference North but get given a house in Stockport?
I would rather see County go up! Even if I have to live with them lot for a year, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for County! In an ideal world I'd love to have a house in Stockport so I could see County play whenever I want AND County going up!
Finally, when are you next coming over for a match?
I'm hoping to come over in my off-season in November. I'm definitely coming in March for our training camp. With having a 1 year old daughter in my life, money isn't exactly spare at the minute but I have been saving up and I think I'm due another trip now, it's been nearly a year!
Thanks alot for having me mate, it's been really fun! I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone on County Heaven for welcoming me into your family and making me feel welcome and for continuing to support me in my first adventures into management. You really are a great group.
Thanks a lot to our good friend Jarkko for agreeing to this, you can follow him personally on Twitter @johnsen_th and you can follow Rolvsoy @rolvsoyif
