Martin Andresen
Personal information
Full name	Martin Andresen
Date of birth	2 February 1977 (1977-02-02) (age 32)
Place of birth	Kråkstad, Norway
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Playing position	centre midfield
Club information
Current club	Vålerenga
Number	8
Youth career
	Kråkstad Ski
Senior career1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1995–1996 1997 1998–1999 1999–2000 2000 2001–2004 2003–2004 2005–2007 2008–	Moss Viking Stabæk Wimbledon → Molde (loan) Stabæk → Blackburn (loan) Brann Vålerenga	45 (10) 26 0(8) 52 (16) 14 0(1) 09 0(1) 87 (16) 11 0(0) 64 (11)[1] 026 0(1)
National team2
1995–1998 2001–present	Norway U21 Norway	24 0(4) 41 0(3)
Teams managed
2008–	Vålerenga
1 Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13 November 2007. 2 National team caps and goals correct as of 6 September 2008. * Appearances (Goals)

Martin Andresen (born 2 February 1977 in Kråkstad) is a Norwegian football midfielder.

[edit] Club career

Martin Andresen was a regular on many Norwegian national youth teams while playing for Moss, Viking and Stabæk Fotball from 1995-1999. After the 1999 season, Andresen was sold to Premier League club Wimbledon in a deal worth £1,8 million. But like many of the other Norwegians in the club, his stay became short and unsuccessful. He did however score once against Liverpool.^[2] After a short loan spell at Molde, Andresen returned to his motherclub Stabæk in 2001, where he proved himself to be one of the best central midfielders in Norway.

After a brilliant 2003 season, where Stabæk captured the bronze medals in the Norwegian Premier League, Andresen was loaned out to the Premiership club Blackburn Rovers from February-August 2004, but did not sign a longer deal with the English club. Andresen once again decided to return to Stabæk to save the club from relegation from the Norwegian Premier League, but despite that Andresen played even while injured, Stabæk couldn't save their spot in the highest Norwegian league. Andresen, not willing to play in the Adeccoliga, asked to be sold. Many clubs in Norway were interested in the newly appointed national team captain, but the high price scared many away, including the champions Rosenborg. Vålerenga looked set to capture Andresen just before Christmas 2004, but Brann, with help from local investors signed the midfielder on 23 December 2004.

[edit] Brann

Martin Andresen became the most expensive transfer in Brann history, in a deal worth ca. 15.000.000 NOK (£ 1.310.000). After a disappointing first season, much ruined by injuries, Andresen made it clear that he would be "fit for fight" in 2006. In the pre-season he was appointed captain for Brann, clearly showing his importance for the club on and off the field. In 2006, Brann had their best season opening ever, much thanks to Andresen directing his teammates from his central midfielder position. He has in recent games been captain of the Norwegian national team, playing in central midfield. In 2007 Brann won the Norwegian League, with Andresen as captain. He was described as the most valuable player by many Norwegian pundits. He was also named in the Team of the Year.

[edit] Vålerenga

Andresen was announced as the new head coach of Vålerenga on 6 November 2007 while still under contract with Brann for the remainder of the year. Brann terminated their working relationship with Andresen the day after. He signed a three year long contract with Vålerenga, and thus became the first player/head coach in the Norwegian Premier League since Kjetil Rekdal in 2002.

[edit] International career

He made his debut for Norway in 15 August 2001 friendly match against Turkey and has earned 41 caps since, scoring 3 goals.^[3]

[edit] Private life

Martin Andresen is an heir to the Norwegian furniture manufacturer Skeidar.

He is also a keen bridge player.^[4]. In December 2009 he partnered Tor Helness to win the American Bridge Nationals in San Diego.^[5]

[edit] Honours

[edit] Norway

• Norwegian Premier League: 2007
• Norwegian Cup: 1998

[edit] Individual

• Kniksen of the year: 2003
• Kniksen award: midfielder of the year in 2003
• Norwegian Football Association Gold Watch

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Martin Andresen

• National football team stats

[edit] References