The 2016 campaign proved to be a fantastic Tippeligaen return for Brann who finished second after finishing off the season in style against Sarpsborg 08. Having suffered a humiliating relegation in 2014 in the play-off over two legs against Mjondalen, Brann had to regroup quickly and find their identity again to launch a promotion push. And that push only came in when new head coach Lars Arne Nilsen took charge and, with the same players who failed under Rikard Norling, he managed to galvanise the group and make them a sturdy unit that all of a sudden started to play for each other buying into their new coach's philosophy. The end result is a campaign Brann should be incredibly proud of, as no one expected them to take a silver medal this season. The first hope was to avoid another relegation scrap and those fears evaporated quickly. But few expected them to pip Odd Grenland to the post in terms of finishing as runners-up and for that they need to be commended.
The four games unbeaten run Brann started the season with gave them a platform, and while they were thumped 3-0 at Lerkendal, proving that they had a long long way to go in terms of matching champions Rosenborg, there was no slump as the Bergen side continued to pick up points at regular intervals. Three straight 2-1 victories to end the season propelled them into second and they didn't give Odd Grenland any sort of opportunity to gain the runners-up spot that the Skien side had so carelessly lost sight of once it became clear Rosenborg could not be challenged for the title. Whereas Dag-Eilev Fagermo's side lost their focus and fatigue set in, Brann under Nilsen had no such qualms and the end result is a memorable season and a platform Brann can hope to emulate in years to come. European football at Brann Stadion again is a mouthwatering prospect for an expectant fan base that has been so short changed in recent years that their present success is even more welcome.
Ahead of next season there will be some changes to the squad, but Nilsen will want to hang onto his best players as well as adding the extra ingredients needed to run Rosenborg closer next season. Because while Brann finished second, the Tippeligaen this year is more a case of Rosenborg first - the rest nowhere. It was a procession for the Trondheim side in 2016, and many will hope that next season can become more competitive although few believe this will really happen. For now Brann will be celebrating a welcome return to the Norwegian top flight with an unexpected silver medal. And their long suffering fans deserve every minute of it.
