Wolverhampton Wanderers confirmed today that Stale Solbakken will become the club's new manager from July.
The appointment has raised many eyebrows, including those of Wolves' very own Roger Johnson, who has claimed that he has never heard of the 44-year-old Norwegian.
While there is an air of mystery surrounding the new Wolves boss, Sports Mole has decided to profile the former Norway international in order to clear up any confusion over Solbakken's credentials.
Playing career
Solbakken began his career in football, like many managers, on the pitch. The Norwegian midfielder spent the peak of his career in his homeland with HamKam and Lillestrom, where he received the Norwegian midfielder of the year in 1995.
The playmaker experienced a brief stint in England with Wimbledon, but only made six appearances for the Dons, which has caused many to question Solbakken's knowledge of the British game.
After claiming the Danish Superliga championship with both Aalbord BK and Copenhagen, as well as racking up 58 appearances for the Norwegian national team, Solbakken hung up his boots in 2001.
Management
Solbakken began his management career in 2002 with former club HamKam, where he led the second division side to the top flight as well as clinching the award for coach of the year in 2004.
After a brief stint with his boyhood club, Solbakken took over at Copenhagen, where he recorded a successful tenure by winning the Superliga three times as well as acquiring the Royal League trophy and the Danish Cup during his time with the club. Solbakken also experienced Champions League football with the club but failed to progress further than the group stage.
Solbakken's final managerial position before taking the helm at Molineux was at Bundesliga outfit Cologne. However, his stint was less successful than his previous jobs and was sacked in April after less than a year in charge.
