Former Premier League-star goes Viking during pandemic
What does an unemployed football manager do in a pandemic? Lars Bohinen has gone Viking and explored the mountains and fjords in the Møre and Romsdal County in Norway.
– I often use Godøya as a starting point for my hikes. The island is not that big, but it is big enough that you can spend a whole day out there. You are close to nature and there are fantastic views, and it is always a highlight when you see eagles, says Lars Bohinen enthusiastically.
The 51-year-old has experienced success as manager for the Norwegian Premier League clubs Sandefjord and Aalesund, but nothing lasts forever in football. In the middle of the pandemic, in the summer of 2020, Bohinen left his coaching job in Aalesund. Since then, he has been without a job.
– The job market in football is almost non-existent due to the pandemic and without a job I´ve had plenty of time available. Instead of sitting at home I´ve chosen to be out in nature. I´ve had many trips both on foot and skis in the Sunnmøre Alps and the Romsdal-region of Norway. There are so many great places to visit in this area.
Captivated the Premier League
Lars Bohinen is not just anyone in a football context. He was heavily involved in qualifying Norway for the World Cup in ´94 and ´98. In Norway he is best remembered for his iconic goals in the qualifiers against the giants Italy and England. He appeared 49 times for the Norwegian national team.
Over the course of eight seasons in the 90's, the elegant midfielder captivated the Premier League fans with his touch, passes and gorgeous goals. In total, the Norwegian played 179 matches for Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Derby.
– I hold the 94-95 season with Nottingham Forest as one of my big career highlights. We surprised everybody and ended up securing a third place in the Premier League. We had just been promoted and we delivered a season that exceeded all expectations. It was a great time and Forest will forever have a big place in my heart, recalls Bohinen who during that season scored a goal against Tottenham that is still talked about in England.