Bodø/Glimt lost some key players at the start of the season and were one of the universal picks for relegation before the start of the new season. Yet Kjetil Knutsen managed to mould one of the best teams in the league against all odds and his team deserve all the credit for the campaign they had as a whole.
It all started with a stunning performance and a well-deserved win against three-time champions Rosenborg and the team never let up after that. Amor Layoni and youngster Hakon Evjen were the undoubted revelations of the season as they interchanged in the final three and in attacking midfield positions, coming up with goals and assists aplenty to make up for the lack of a prolific striker. The defence was rock solid for most of the season while the emergence of young full-back Fredrik Bjokan was another major plus.
Everyone expected the Northerners from Glimt to slow down after the great start but they just kept on getting some fine wins, winning six out of seven games in July and August to even temporarily move into the top of the standings.
Yet the loss of striker Geir Herrem and of Layoni at a critical stage of the season, with no real replacements signed, pretty much ended any hopes of being in contention for the title as Molde picked up the form. Glimt did not collapse though and remained pretty tough to beat, losing once in 14 games towards the end of the season. Yet the failure to win enough games meant that they lost pace with the top side and had to battle until the end to make sure of a European slot.
Yet, they completed the job and can look back on a quite brilliant and unforgettable season for a small club that exceeded all expectations. Yet, sadly it is hard to see how Knudsen could sustain that success as Evjen is moving to Dutch side AZ and it remains to be seen what funds will be made available to rebuild and replenish this squad.
