It's time to start a new RBK season, and the first word that strikes me is renewal.

Commentary by rbkweb.com's Åsmund Sjøberg

We have now moved 8 days into 2005, and Rosenborg has headed towards the first training camp of the year. This is the first obvious clue that we have started the preparations for a new season. At the same time the itching starts among the supporters, and we start thinking about what one should do this season, and what one shouldn't. This is one of the great things about football. There are probably as many views as there are supporters, and everyone has an equal right to mean something, and everyone contributes to the great level of attention that football has.

Over to the more subjective part. What do I think that my dear RBK should do this season? Some issues are pretty clear to me.

- Renewal. We have seen it for a number of years: many of RBK's girders through the latest successful years are getting old, when it comes to playing football. Åge Hareide started the renewal process, but left it almost before it had started. Ola By Rise got it served, and was fully aware of the problem, but wasn't given the opportunity to show how he had planned to solve it before this season. Then there is a question as how the new team of coaches will handle it. I think the awareness of this problem is present and aching, but it remains to be seen how it shall be dealt with. The most important issue, in my opinion, is that this area isn't getting neglected. Let the young talents loose, and set tough demands on the veterans.

- New players. Must also be regarded in light of the renewal process. What I want above all is a young, established midfielder as soon as possible. This is crucial from my point of view. After this season, both Roar Strand and Ørjan Berg are likely to end their Rosenborg carreers. Both factors for the success we have experienced. The one that shall fill the gap these two leave behind, will profit from a year in the club when these veterans still are present. Here, I hope that RBK won't sit waiting too long, but will play an active part in the marked, and are willing to pay whatever such a player cost. Andreas Johannson from Swedish club Djurgården is one such player that I hope will be gotten as soon as possible. [Translator's comment: Alas, just sold to English Premiership club Wigan.]

- RBK football of the good old type. Last season had variable performances. Not only when it comes to results, but the gameplay as well. One did perform well too seldom, and when one performed bad, it was much worse than earlier season's bad days. So give us the good old RBK football back. And that, I think we will get. The new team of coaches consists of a fine mix of new powers and old success.

- A great finish for some of the older players that have given us an endless amount of great football experiences for the past 10-15 years.

- A great continuation of RBK's success and dominance here in Norway and in Scandinavia.

- A great start on the renewal process and "the new RBK" that everyone with a black and white heart hopes will give us new moments of joy at Lerkendal for the coming seasons.

Good luck everyone.
Let it be a season marked by success, not easily forgotten.