Patience pays off for Brann

Bergen is recovering from one of the best parties of the century after SK Brann reclaimed the Norwegian title for the first time in 44 years on Monday night.

Second chance
Some 50,000 watched on big screens in Bergen as Brann travelled to Aalesunds BK on Saturday night, looking for the point they needed to make their Norwegian title success a mathematical certainty. They failed, losing 2-1, but got the chance to celebrate two nights later as Stabæk IF, the only side who could still catch them, lost 2-1 at Viking FK to spark celebrations in Bergen.

Pressure released
Brann coach Mons Ivar Mjelde has had his critics, but was hailed as a hero when the gold medal was finally secured. "Some people have said it was not possible for a Bergen club to win the league, because of the pressure. Now we have proved them wrong," said Mjelde, whose side's lack of title success over the last 44 years has mystified many in Norwegian football.

Starting again
The club's faith in Mjelde has been a significant feature in their return to the summit. Brann received a wake up call in 2002, when the club only just avoided relegation. Virtually bankrupt, they were forced to start again from scratch, hiring former player Mjelde as their coach. Investors got behind the side who won the Norwegian Cup under the new coach in 2004.

Late dips
League results, however, were often disappointing with Mjelde's sides showing an alarming tendency toward dramatic dips in form in the closing weeks of the season. However, this time round, there was to be no slip ups, with five straight wins in September and October laying the ground for the club to claim the trophy with two games to spare.

Shared credit
Brann's focus will now shift to the UEFA Cup group stage, where they meet Hamburger SV on Thursday, but Mjelde allowed himself a moment of satisfaction on Monday. "I am one of many that can take credit for this," he said. "I am very happy for all those who have contributed with their hard work. I have to thank the club for the patience that they have shown me and the team."

'Very good job'
Viking coach Uwe Rösler certainly feels Mjelde played his part in the triumph as well. "Some people say it is easy for a coach when he has a strong squad," said the former Manchester City FC star. "But with a squad full of quality players, you have to know how to use the individuals for the good of the team. Mjelde has done a very good job."

Exodus begins
Mjelde's big concern now will be holding his winning side together, with captain Martin Andresen likely to lead an end-of-season exodus. "I came here to win the league," he said amid the celebrations. "That was the most important thing for me. That's why this is so satisfying. I cannot say whether I will stay at Brann. Nothing is settled."