Kristiansund supporters will still be rubbing their eyes when looking at the final Eliteserien table as they see their side sit proudly in seventh in the top half of the table. That's ahead of well established sides like Valerenga, Haugesund and Lillestrom. They finished eight points above the drop zone and barring a bit of a jittery start when they were keeping themselves afloat because of some impressive home wins, they were in no relegation danger at all once they started picking up points away on a regular basis. They capped the season off with a great 3-2 win away to Haugesund, and their achievements this season must surely make head coach Christian Michelsen the outstanding candidate for manager of the year. Nothing but relegation was expected ahead of the campaign, but not only were doubters proved wrong, the newly promoted side won many new friends because of their performances.
Early signs suggested this season would be a predictable struggle. Defeats to Molde and Odd in the first two games, without a goal scored, meant Kristiansund were exactly where they were expected to be. Then a shock win against Brann, but the 5-1 thrashing at Sarpsborg meant they couldn't afford to celebrate their sole home win for too long. And they were keeping themselves afloat by winning home games against the likes of Stromsgodset and Haugesund. Michelsen's side had to wait until the early summer before tasting success on the road, but the 4-1 win over Stabaek at Nadderud was worth savouring. The thrilling 3-3 draw against Rosenborg, a game where they were desperately unlucky not to inflict a defeat on the champions, gave them belief that they belonged at the top table. And by picking up points on a regular basis this autumn meant they did more than enough to keep their heads above water. The 4-0 demolition job on Brann in Bergen, and the fantastic grind of the 1-0 win over Molde at Aker Stadion did a lot to preserve their Eliteserien status, and a terrific little five game unbeaten run at the end of the season made survival look so so simple.
It took a while for Daouda Bamba to get going but he has been in tremendous form this autumn, netting seven goals. Benjamin Stokke hit double figures, and Jean Alassane Mendy chipped in too. In goal Sean McDermott proved steady and instilled belief in a battle hardy defence. But the player of the season must be Torgil Gjertsen who scored eight goals in just 12 games. His introduction to the side was breathless and leading the line so well gave others the belief needed to get a string of fine results and performances.
The togetherness of Kristiansund is the story of the Eliteserien season. It was the perfect recipe of how to treat the top tier as a newly promoted side. Play to your strengths, keep things simple and relish the underdog tag. Next season will probably be a more difficult one, with sides not daring to underestimate them again, but for now Michelsen and his side should relish this memorable season while trying their very best not to let it go to waste as the 2018 one approaches.
