Why big Markus had to Hop to it
Norwegian defender puts his faith in old boss
Markus Fjortoft says he couldn’t wait to join David Hopkin at Ayr – after being sold on the Somerset revolution.
The Norwegian centrehalf became the third player to quit Morton for United last week.
And he insists the rush of talent following their old gaffer down the road speaks volumes.
Fjortoft, who joins Cammy Salkeld and Sean McGinty in becoming an Honest Man, told the Post: “I think it says a lot that we all want to come and play for Hoppy.
“He brought me to Morton and immediately started to improve my game.
“He’s someone who simplified things for me and changed my approach to how I was playing.
“And the thing is... he’s walked the walk in football..
“You look at his career and the level he’s played at and you can’t help but have huge respect for him.
“So like all the lads I was gutted when he left Morton.
“We wouldn’t have ended up struggling if he’d stayed but it’s good to get the chance to join up with him again here.”
Fjortoft, 27, added: “He
sold the Ayr project to me and the ambitions he has for the club. I’m ambitious myself and still think I can take another couple of steps up in my career.
“For me, the best way of doing that is to come and play for a manager like Hoppy.”
Fjortoft, whose dad Jan Aage was a goalscoring legend for Norway, admits it’s nice to keep the family tradition going in the game.
He said: “I look at what dad did and use it as an inspiration.
“I might not be able to play in the English Premiership or Bundesliga like he did, but having the guidance in my career has been fantastic.”
Thrilled boss Hopkin said: “Markus is great talent and someone our fans will love.
“He’s got a lot of ability and, along with Sean, will bring that much needed stability to our defence.
“Morton had one of the best defences in the league with them playing in it, so we know we’re getting two good lads in that respect.
“Markus is a boy I was very keen to get and I’m delighted the deal is done.”