Halmstad reward loyal Andersson

Jan Andersson has stepped up to replace Jonas Thern as coach of Halmstads BK, after eight seasons as assistant coach at the club.

Finished ninth
Thern, the former Swedish international, left the club two weeks ago for personal reasons. At the time Halmstad were sixth, but they ended the Allsvenskan season in ninth place - a position which Andersson will hope to improve on next season.

'Six great years'
A former coach of lower division Laholms FK, Andersson said of his experience: "I had six great years at Laholms and the leadership needed here will be pretty much the same. The biggest difference here, of course, is the pressure that comes with coaching a club in the Allsvenskan."

Chairman confident
The 44-year old Andersson believes his inside knowledge of Halmstad will stand him in good stead, a view shared by his chairman, Bengt Sjöholm. He said: "Jan is a coach in the Halmstad BK mould and someone who knows the club very well. We are certain that he'll do a great job."

Lenell sacked
Meanwhile, relegated Enköpings SK have fired the man who guided them into Swedish top flight a year ago, Peter Lenell. The sacked coach said: "I feel empty at the moment but I love the game and will be looking to get involved in it again as soon as possible."