Sandnes Ulf

Infobox Football club
clubname = Sandnes Ulf


fullname = Sandnes Ulf
nickname = "Ulf"
"Di lyseblå" (The Light Blues)
founded = 1 June 1911, as "Ulf"
ground = Sandnes Idrettspark
Sandnes
capacity = 3,000 (1500 seats)
chairman = flagicon|Norway Pål Morten Borgli
manager = flagicon|Norway Johan Selvig|
flagicon|Norway Asle Andersen
league = Adeccoligaen
season = 2nd Division 2007
position = 1st place
pattern_la1=|pattern_b1=|pattern_ra1=
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pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=_whiteshoulders|pattern_ra2=
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Sandnes Ulf is a Norwegian football club from Sandnes, Rogaland. They currently play in Adeccoligaen, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system. Sandnes Ulf is the biggest football club in Sandnes, but have traditionally been in the shadow of local giants Viking FK and Bryne FK. They play their home matches at Sandnes Idrettspark. The promotion to Adeccoligaen in 2007 sparked renewed enthusiasm around the club, and there are now plans for a new stadium.

History

The club was founded 1 June 1911 as "Ulf". They later became known as "Ulf-Sandnes". After a merger with the now-defunct Sandnes FK in 2004, the club got its current name, "Sandnes Ulf".

The club's latest spell in the Norwegian top division (named "Norgesserien" at that time) lasted from 1937 to 1940. The 1939/1940 season was canceled because of World War Two, and Sandnes Ulf did not participate when the league started again in 1947. They had spells in the second highest division during the 1950s and 1960s, but have mostly been playing in the third and fourth highest divisions in recent history.

Sandnes is the only city among the 10 largest cities in Norway which has not had a team in the top division after World War Two.

One of the club's biggest matches in recent history was the friendly against Leeds United on July 17, 2006. This match was a great opportunity for the players to show their best to the people of Sandnes, who mainly support the local top teams Viking FK and Bryne FK. Leeds won the match 2-1. Kjetil Norland scored an early goal for Sandnes Ulf, but Leeds eventually won the match after goals by Eirik Bakke and Robbie Blake.

In 2007, Sandnes Ulf won promotion to Adeccoligaen, the second highest division in the Norwegian football league system. They won their 2nd division group three points ahead of Stavanger IF. This sparked renewed interest in the club, with increased press coverage and higher attendances at Sandnes Idrettspark.

The teams highest-profile player is Asle Andersen, who signed for the club in March 2006. Andersen, who has experience with Tippeligaen and Adeccoligaen, has becomed a central player for the club. He is also currently the club's assistant coach.

Prior to the 2008 season, the signings of Paul Oyuga and Artur Kotenko brought even more experience from professional football to the club.

tadium

Sandnes Ulf currently play their home matches at Sandnes Idrettspark. The stadium fails to meet requirements for hosting football matches at the two highest levels in Norway, and the club is currently playing there on a special permit from the Football Association of Norway.

Because of this, the club is currently evaluating the possibility of building a new stadium. A number of possible sites have been proposed [ [http://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/sandnes/article640758.ece Hvor vil du ha stadion i Sandnes? ] ] . Staying at Sandnes Idrettpark in its current state is not an option because of the Football Association's regulations.

Current squad

"As of May 4, 2008"

External links

* [http://www.sandnesulf.no Sandnes Ulf's homepage]
* [http://www.ulvane.no Ulvane - Sandnes Ulf Supporter's Club]

Notes