Eggen honoured in Norway

Former Rosenborg BK coach Nils Arne Eggen has been awarded the St Olavs order knighthood – the highest honour a Norwegian citizen can receive. 

Charismatic figure
Eggen has been selected for the award in recognition of his tireless work within Norwegian football and for "establishing positive relationships and co-operation". The charismatic retired coach will be handed the award by Gunnar Lysholm, the mayor of Eggen's hometown of Orkdal on the outskirts of Trondheim, on a special gala night in May. Per Ravn Omdal, the president of the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) will be among the special guests in attendance.

Local pride
"Eggen has always been proud of where he came from and pops into our club whenever he has the chance," said Jorodd Asphjell of local club Orkdal IL. "He has done so much for football in this district, and was instrumental in setting up a football education programme at Orkdal primary school."

Brilliant career
Eggen, who is now 61, worked as a professor of history at the University of Oslo before embarking on a football career. He retired last autumn after leading Rosenborg to eleven successive Tippeliga titles and eight successive UEFA Champions League campaigns.