Former Fratton favourite helps new team to first cup triumph for 19 years
A former Pompey favourite has helped end his club’s 19-year wait for cup silverware and steered them into Europe – just four months after arriving as coach.
Erik Huseklepp finally called time on his playing career in January to return to Norwegian club Brann for a third spell.
Having previously been player/assistant coach at FK Fyllingsdalen, passing his Uefa B Licence in the process, the switch represented the chance to enter coaching full-time.
Appointed Brann’s assistant coach under manager Erik Horneland, the duo have subsequently steered the team into second spot in the Eliteserien.
What’s more, they recently also claimed the Norwegian Football Cup for the first time since 2004 – thereby earning European qualification.
It has been an impressive instant impact for Huseklepp, who was a popular figure during his time at Fratton Park more than a decade ago.
Recruited in August 2011 for a reported £1.5m, the Norwegian international netted six times in 28 games, including a stunning flying volley against Blackpool.
However, the Blues’ crippling financial problems dictated he had to be reluctantly loaned to Championship rivals Birmingham in February 2012 – and never played for Pompey again.
Huseklepp was sold to Brann in July 2012 and stayed in Norway for the remainder of his playing days, also featuring for Haugesund, Asane and Fyllingsdalen.
Yet he remains affectionate about his time at Fratton Park and in November returned as part of his stag do, attending the goalless draw against Derby.
Meanwhile, the 38-yearold returned to Brann in January, where he previously totalled 308 appearances and scored 68 goals during two playing spells, albeit this time in a coaching position.
Huseklepp has subsequently enjoyed an eyecatching start working in management, with the club triumphing over Lillestrom in the Norwegian Football Cup (the King’s Cup) in May.
It was their first cup final since 2011 – and the only occasion they’ve won the trophy since 2004. As a consequence, they have qualified for the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.