Solskjaer back with old flame after over-shooting with looker

It’s been a fascinating day for Molde, who re-appointed former manager old Gunnar Solskjaer on a three year contract. The timing of this one is incredible, coming a few days after an international break, which would provide the perfect opportunity for the club to make changes and prepare for the challenges ahead.

After winning the league in 2014, their third Norwegian title in four years, Molde sit 7th with three games remaining. Recent form hasn’t been too bad. They have won each of their last two league games, scoring seven goals, and sit top of their Europa League group after drawing with Ajax. Interim boss, Erling Moe, had steadied the ship. You could argue he exceeded expectations.

Solskjaer won the first two of those titles, but his reputation faded in 2013, when an unknown young Stromdgodset coach stopped him winning three-in-a-row in 2013. He joined Cardiff City in January 2014 but could do nothing to arrest their slip into relegation and was sacked a month into their aimless Championship campaign.

He’s been carrying out various media and youth coaching roles since, waiting on the right job to come along. Molde have been looking for a permanent manager since parting company with Tor Ole Skullerud at the beginning of August. Solskjaer was reportedly their prime target back then but it looks like he’s held off until now, perhaps hoping for a gig in the well-heeled English game.

Apologies for the metaphor, but he dumped his girlfriend for a looker he knew from his student days, but who was way out of his league, so he soon found himself on the shelf. After spending months looking around he’s gone back to his old flame, who had let herself go but has got her act together in recent weeks.

I’m sure they’ll be very happy together. This is your time, Ronny. Beat them.