Start lost the plot at the very worst possible time, with four straight defeats putting an end to their Eliteserien existence after just a single season on this occasion. They looked to be on course for a fantastic escape under Kjetil Rekdal, but they were pegged back in the autumn fixtures, with tough defeats against Molde and Rosenborg not helping morale and confidence.
But it was the 4-1 defeat against already relegated Sandefjord that really did the damage, and that will be where the inquest will start. They lost their shape and organisation at the worst possible time, and Rekdal will be completely aggrieved about that.
It couldn't have started much better in Kristiansand as they thumped Tromso 4-1 in the opening game. But they then lost 4-1 at home to Sandefjord and the 6-1 defeat to Valerenga weeks later suggested that they were in huge trouble. Mark Dempsey was not the man for the job and things got better for Start under Rekdal, without that being enough to see them over the line. They conceded over more than three goals on five occasions this season, so defensively they were never really strong enough.
It's a case of what might have been in terms of Kevin Kabran, with the Swedish striker doing superbly when he was fit. Start missed him in the closing stages of the season, and his input might have been the difference in a season where they went down on goal difference. But it's another Swede that gets the player of the season, as Elliot Kack impressed from the left. If they can keep him then Start will surely be too strong for the OBOS ligaen in 2019. But will Rekdal fancy the stint in the division below?
