Sandnes Ulf
Encyclopedia
Sandnes Ulf is a Norwegian football club from Sandnes
, Rogaland
. They currently play in the Adeccoligaen
, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system
. Sandnes Ulf is the biggest football club in Sandnes
, but has traditionally been in the shadow of regional greats Viking FK and Bryne FK. They play their home matches at Sandnes Idrettspark
. The promotion to the Norwegian First Division in 2007 sparked renewed enthusiasm around the club, and their stadium has recently undergone a major re-construction.
The club was relegated again from the Norwegian First Division at the end of the 2008 season, but re-promoted after the 2009 season. They finished the 2010 season in a relegation spot, but were saved by the relegation of Follo FK, who was forced to withdraw from the league for financial reasons.
On October, 23, 2011 the club reached the promotion to the Norwegian Premier League
and will play the 2012 season at the highest level of the Norwegian football league.
After a merger with the now-defunct Sandnes FK
in 2004, the club got its current name, Sandnes Ulf. Sandnes FK was founded in 1997 as an umbrella club for 11 teams in the Sandnes district, and took over Ulf-Sandnes' place in the Norwegian league system. Ulf-Sandnes, now a feeder club to Sandnes FK, started the 1998 season in the Norwegian Sixth Division, but quickly started moving up the league system. By 2001, Ulf-Sandnes was back in the Norwegian Third Division
. At the same time, Sandnes FK was struggling financially, and had failed to climb any higher than the Norwegian Second Division
. A merger between Sandnes FK and the original Ulf-Sandnes was proposed in 2003. Formally, this went about as an incorporation of Sandnes FK on 9 February 2004 and a name change on 10 February. Ulf-Sandnes took over Sandnes FK's spot in the Norwegian Second Division
under the new name, Sandnes Ulf. The club adopted the original Ulf-Sandnes colors, Sky blue and White
. The club started the 2004 season with nine players from Sandnes FK (plus one who had been loaned out
to Viking) and five players from Ulf-Sandnes, as well as some new players. Two of the best players left for Bryne FK. Kjetil Thulin scored the first two league goals after the merger.
, and Sandnes Ulf did not participate when the league started again in 1947. They had spells on the second highest level during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but have mostly been playing at level three or four in recent history.
One of the club's biggest matches in recent history was the friendly against Leeds United on 17 July 2006. This match was a great opportunity for the players to show their best to the people of Sandnes
, who mainly support the regional top teams Viking FK and Bryne FK. Leeds won the match 2-1. Kjetil Norland scored an early goal for Sandnes Ulf, but Leeds eventually won the match after goals by Eirik Bakke
and Robbie Blake
.
In 2007, Sandnes Ulf won promotion to Adeccoligaen, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system. They won their Second Division group three points ahead of Stavanger IF
. This sparked renewed interest in the club, with increased press coverage and attendances at Sandnes Idrettspark
.
Prior to the 2008 season, the signings of Paul Oyuga
and Artur Kotenko
brought even more experience from professional football to the club.
One of the teams highest-profile players at that time was Asle Andersen, who signed for the club in March 2006. Andersen, who had experience on the two highest levels, became a central player for the club. He is currently the club's manager.
The club finished the 2010 Norwegian First Division Season at a relegation spot. However, Follo FK, a team which had managed to avoid relegation, was forced to withdraw from the league because of financial difficulties, and Sandnes Ulf kept its place in the division.
On October 23, 2011, one hundred years after its formation and one year after it was supposed to be relegated from the Norwegian First Division, Sandnes Ulf gained promotion to the Norwegian Premier League
. Until that date, Sandnes
had been the only city amongst the 10 largest towns and cities in Norway which had not had a team in the top flight after World War Two.
. Until recently, the stadium failed to meet requirements for hosting football matches at the two highest levels in Norway. The club was playing there on a special permit from the Football Association of Norway
.
In 2008, after gaining promotion to the Norwegian First Division, the club evaluated the possibility of building a new stadium. A number of possible sites were been proposed.
Since then, Sandnes Idrettspark
has been upgraded with a new spectator stand and improved facilities for players and match officials. It now meets the requirement of the Football Association of Norway.
Sandnes
is a city and municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Jæren.-History:Sandnes was separated from Høyland as a municipality of its own in 1860, and gained city status the same year...
, Rogaland
Rogaland
is a county in Western Norway, bordering Hordaland, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder. It is the center of the Norwegian petroleum industry, and as a result of this, Rogaland has the lowest unemployment rate of any county in Norway, 1.1%...
. They currently play in the Adeccoligaen
Adeccoligaen
The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen....
, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system
Norwegian football league system
The current national league system administered by the football association is organised as 1-1-4-12, where Tippeligaen is the highest Norwegian level and Adeccoligaen the second highest, followed by four third level and 12 fourth level ....
. Sandnes Ulf is the biggest football club in Sandnes
Sandnes
is a city and municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Jæren.-History:Sandnes was separated from Høyland as a municipality of its own in 1860, and gained city status the same year...
, but has traditionally been in the shadow of regional greats Viking FK and Bryne FK. They play their home matches at Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark is a multi-purpose stadium in Sandnes, Rogaland, Norway. It is currently used mostly for track and field meets and football matches, and is the home ground of Sandnes Ulf. The stadium's capacity is 3850 ....
. The promotion to the Norwegian First Division in 2007 sparked renewed enthusiasm around the club, and their stadium has recently undergone a major re-construction.
The club was relegated again from the Norwegian First Division at the end of the 2008 season, but re-promoted after the 2009 season. They finished the 2010 season in a relegation spot, but were saved by the relegation of Follo FK, who was forced to withdraw from the league for financial reasons.
On October, 23, 2011 the club reached the promotion to the Norwegian Premier League
Norwegian Premier League
Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official...
and will play the 2012 season at the highest level of the Norwegian football league.
Formation
The club was founded 1 June 1911 as Ulf. They later became known as Ulf-Sandnes.After a merger with the now-defunct Sandnes FK
Sandnes FK
Sandnes Fotballklubb was a Norwegian association football club from Sandnes. It existed from late 1997 to early 2004, and was in the end incorporated by Ulf-Sandnes to form Sandnes Ulf...
in 2004, the club got its current name, Sandnes Ulf. Sandnes FK was founded in 1997 as an umbrella club for 11 teams in the Sandnes district, and took over Ulf-Sandnes' place in the Norwegian league system. Ulf-Sandnes, now a feeder club to Sandnes FK, started the 1998 season in the Norwegian Sixth Division, but quickly started moving up the league system. By 2001, Ulf-Sandnes was back in the Norwegian Third Division
Norwegian Third Division
The Norwegian Third Division is the fourth highest division of the men's football league in Norway. Like the rest of the Norwegian football league system, the season runs from spring to autumn, running approximately from April to October...
. At the same time, Sandnes FK was struggling financially, and had failed to climb any higher than the Norwegian Second Division
Norwegian Second Division
The Norwegian Second Division is the third highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2009, the official name of the league has been Fair Play-ligaen....
. A merger between Sandnes FK and the original Ulf-Sandnes was proposed in 2003. Formally, this went about as an incorporation of Sandnes FK on 9 February 2004 and a name change on 10 February. Ulf-Sandnes took over Sandnes FK's spot in the Norwegian Second Division
Norwegian Second Division
The Norwegian Second Division is the third highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2009, the official name of the league has been Fair Play-ligaen....
under the new name, Sandnes Ulf. The club adopted the original Ulf-Sandnes colors, Sky blue and White
White
White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...
. The club started the 2004 season with nine players from Sandnes FK (plus one who had been loaned out
Loan (football)
In sports, a loan involves a particular player being allowed to temporarily play for a club other than the one he is currently contracted to. Loan deals may last from a few weeks to all season-long....
to Viking) and five players from Ulf-Sandnes, as well as some new players. Two of the best players left for Bryne FK. Kjetil Thulin scored the first two league goals after the merger.
History
The club's only spell in the Norwegian top division (named Norgesserien at that time) lasted from 1937 to 1940. The 1939/1940 season was cancelled because of World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and Sandnes Ulf did not participate when the league started again in 1947. They had spells on the second highest level during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but have mostly been playing at level three or four in recent history.
One of the club's biggest matches in recent history was the friendly against Leeds United on 17 July 2006. This match was a great opportunity for the players to show their best to the people of Sandnes
Sandnes
is a city and municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Jæren.-History:Sandnes was separated from Høyland as a municipality of its own in 1860, and gained city status the same year...
, who mainly support the regional top teams Viking FK and Bryne FK. Leeds won the match 2-1. Kjetil Norland scored an early goal for Sandnes Ulf, but Leeds eventually won the match after goals by Eirik Bakke
Eirik Bakke
Eirik Bakke is a Norwegian football player. He plays on the right-hand side or centre of midfield. He currently plays for Sogndal.-Sogndal :Bakke played 99 matches for Sogndal...
and Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake
Robert James "Robbie" Blake is an English footballer, currently playing for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League...
.
In 2007, Sandnes Ulf won promotion to Adeccoligaen, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system. They won their Second Division group three points ahead of Stavanger IF
Stavanger IF Fotball
Stavanger IF Fotball, the football division of Stavanger Idrettsforening, is a football club from Stavanger, Norway. In 2011, they will play in the Third Division, the fourth tier of the Norwegian football league system. In Rogaland, they are simply known as Sif, and few people would refer to them...
. This sparked renewed interest in the club, with increased press coverage and attendances at Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark is a multi-purpose stadium in Sandnes, Rogaland, Norway. It is currently used mostly for track and field meets and football matches, and is the home ground of Sandnes Ulf. The stadium's capacity is 3850 ....
.
Prior to the 2008 season, the signings of Paul Oyuga
Paul Oyuga
Paul Mbuya Oyuga is a Kenyan professional football forward who currently plays for Norwegian team Ålgård FK.He has played club football for AFC Leopards, Connecticut Wolves, Örebro SK, Bryne FK, Sandnes Ulf and Ålgård FK...
and Artur Kotenko
Artur Kotenko
Artur Kotenko is an Estonian footballer, who currently is a free agent.-Career in Estonia:On 24 October 2004, Kotenko scored FC Levadia Tallinn's second goal against JK Viljandi Tulevik in the penultimate round of 2004 Meistriliiga...
brought even more experience from professional football to the club.
One of the teams highest-profile players at that time was Asle Andersen, who signed for the club in March 2006. Andersen, who had experience on the two highest levels, became a central player for the club. He is currently the club's manager.
The club finished the 2010 Norwegian First Division Season at a relegation spot. However, Follo FK, a team which had managed to avoid relegation, was forced to withdraw from the league because of financial difficulties, and Sandnes Ulf kept its place in the division.
On October 23, 2011, one hundred years after its formation and one year after it was supposed to be relegated from the Norwegian First Division, Sandnes Ulf gained promotion to the Norwegian Premier League
Norwegian Premier League
Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official...
. Until that date, Sandnes
Sandnes
is a city and municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Jæren.-History:Sandnes was separated from Høyland as a municipality of its own in 1860, and gained city status the same year...
had been the only city amongst the 10 largest towns and cities in Norway which had not had a team in the top flight after World War Two.
Recent history
("Ulf-Sandnes" until, and including, 2003)| Season | Pos. | Pl. | W | D | L | GS | GA | P | Cup | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 2001 in Norwegian football -Round 1: April 16: Brann - Moss 1-0 Lillestrøm - Bryne 0-0 Lyn - Strømsgodset 2-2 Molde - Bodø/Glimt 4-1 Odd Grenland - Sogndal 3-0 Stabæk - Tromsø 0-3 Viking - Rosenborg 4-3-Round 2: April 22: Bodø/Glimt - Odd Grenland 1-1 Bryne - Stabæk 0-1... |
D2/2 | 12 | 26 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 47 | 56 | 31 | 1st round | Relegated to 3. Division Norwegian Third Division The Norwegian Third Division is the fourth highest division of the men's football league in Norway. Like the rest of the Norwegian football league system, the season runs from spring to autumn, running approximately from April to October... |
| 2002 2002 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 13: Molde - Brann 2-0April 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1April 21: Sogndal - Start 0-0April 28: Vålerenga - Sogndal 2-0August 4: Bodø/Glimt - Sogndal 2-1August 11: Odd Grenland - Vålerenga 1-3August 17: Molde - Rosenborg 1-2... |
D3/13 Norwegian Third Division The Norwegian Third Division is the fourth highest division of the men's football league in Norway. Like the rest of the Norwegian football league system, the season runs from spring to autumn, running approximately from April to October... |
6 | 22 | 10 | 3 | 9 | 42 | 40 | 33 | ||
| 2003 2003 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Rosenborg - Vålerenga 1-0April 13: Lillestrøm - Bodø/Glimt 1-0April 21: Molde - Lillestrøm 4-0August 24: Tromsø - Lillestrøm 2-0August 31: Molde - Bryne 3-2September 14: Vålerenga - Bodø/Glimt 1-1September 21: Stabæk - Tromsø 2-2... |
D3/13 Norwegian Third Division The Norwegian Third Division is the fourth highest division of the men's football league in Norway. Like the rest of the Norwegian football league system, the season runs from spring to autumn, running approximately from April to October... |
1 | 22 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 61 | 25 | 56 | 1st round | Promoted to 2. Division |
| 2004 2004 in Norwegian football -Round 1:April 12: Lillestrøm - Fredrikstad 2-0-Round 3:April 25: Hamarkameratene - Stabæk 0-012 goals: Gylfi Einarsson, Lillestrøm11 goals: Markus Ringberg, Fredrikstad-Round 1:April 12: Aalesund - Haugesund 3-2 3. Fløya 18 10 3 5 47-22 33... |
D2/3 | 8 | 26 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 38 | 47 | 34 | 2nd round | |
| 2005 2005 in Norwegian football Results from Norwegian football in 2005.-Norwegian Premier League :Vålerenga won the 2005 Premier League, while Aalesunds FK and FK Bodø/Glimt were relegated. Molde FK had to play two qualification matches against number Moss in the first division Results from Norwegian football in 2005.-Norwegian... |
D2/3 | 4 | 26 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 57 | 43 | 42 | 2nd round | |
| 2006 2006 in Norwegian football The 2006 season is the 101. season of competitive football in Norway.*Tippeligaen 2006 *Adeccoligaen 2006 *Norwegian Football Cup 2006*Toppserien 2006 -Men's national team:... |
D2/3 | 2 | 26 | 15 | 7 | 4 | 50 | 32 | 52 | 1st round | |
| 2007 2007 in Norwegian football The 2007 season is the 102. season of competitive football in Norway.* Tippeligaen 2007 * Adeccoligaen 2007 * Norwegian Football Cup 2007* Toppserien 2007 -Men's national team:... |
D2/3 | 1 | 26 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 66 | 30 | 55 | 1st round | Promoted to Adeccoligaen Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
| 2008 2008 in Norwegian football The 2008-season is the 103. season of competitive football in Norway.*Tippeligaen 2008 *Adeccoligaen 2008 *Norwegian Football Cup 2008*Toppserien 2008 -Men's national team:... |
AL Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
15 | 30 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 36 | 55 | 25 | 3rd round | Relegated to 2. Division |
| 2009 2009 in Norwegian football The 2009-season is the 104. season of competitive football in Norway.*2009 Tippeligaen *2009 Adeccoligaen *2009 Norwegian Football Cup*2009 Toppserien -Men's national team:... |
D2/3 | 1 | 26 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 88 | 28 | 61 | 2nd round | Promoted to Adeccoligaen Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
| 2010 2010 in Norwegian football The 2010-season is the 105. season of competitive football in Norway.*2010 Tippeligaen *2010 Adeccoligaen *2010 Norwegian Football Cup*2010 Toppserien -Men's national team:... |
AL Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
13 | 28 | 8 | 7 | 13 | 33 | 40 | 31 | 3rd round | Escaped relegation due to the demotion of Follo FK for financial reasons |
| 2011 2011 in Norwegian football The 2011-season is the 106. season of competitive football in Norway.The season began on 18 March 2011 for Tippeligaen, 03 April 2011 for Adeccoligaen, with Fair Play ligaen and 3. Divisjon both starting six days later on 09 April 2011. 2. Divisjon, and 3... |
AL Adeccoligaen The Norwegian First Division is the second highest division of the Norwegian football league system. Since 2005, the official name of the league has been Adeccoligaen.... |
2 | 30 | 18 | 2 | 10 | 58 | 32 | 56 | 3rd round | Promoted to Tippeligaen Tippeligaen Tippeligaen is a Norwegian professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Norwegian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. The league is also unofficially known under its neutral name Eliteserien , although the name has never been official... |
Stadium
Sandnes Ulf currently play their home matches at Sandnes IdrettsparkSandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark is a multi-purpose stadium in Sandnes, Rogaland, Norway. It is currently used mostly for track and field meets and football matches, and is the home ground of Sandnes Ulf. The stadium's capacity is 3850 ....
. Until recently, the stadium failed to meet requirements for hosting football matches at the two highest levels in Norway. The club was playing there on a special permit from the Football Association of Norway
Football Association of Norway
The Football Association of Norway is the governing body of football in Norway. Current FIFA World Champions It was formed in 1902 and organises the men's and women's national teams, as well as the Norwegian Premier League.The team are enjoying their best ever spell thanks to World Player of the...
.
In 2008, after gaining promotion to the Norwegian First Division, the club evaluated the possibility of building a new stadium. A number of possible sites were been proposed.
Since then, Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes Idrettspark is a multi-purpose stadium in Sandnes, Rogaland, Norway. It is currently used mostly for track and field meets and football matches, and is the home ground of Sandnes Ulf. The stadium's capacity is 3850 ....
has been upgraded with a new spectator stand and improved facilities for players and match officials. It now meets the requirement of the Football Association of Norway.