Tor Røste Fossen (EN)
Tor Røste Fossen (1940–2017) Was a Central Figure in Norwegian Football, Both as a Player and Coach (Photo: NTB Scanpix)
He was a goalkeeper for Rosenborg in the 1960s and early 1970s, winning league titles in 1967 and 1969, and the Norwegian Cup in 1971. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, and in 1975 he was brought to IK Start from Rosenborg.
From 1975 to 1977, he led Start to strong results: a league bronze in 1975 and two fourth-place finishes in 1976 and 1977. He helped establish the club as a top-tier team in Norwegian football and laid the foundation for what is often referred to as Start’s golden era in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under his leadership, Start also reached the cup semifinal in 1975 and the quarterfinals in 1976 and 1977.
After his time at Start, Fossen became head coach of Norway’s men’s national football team from 1978 to 1987. He is perhaps best known for leading Norway to the legendary 2–1 victory over England in 1981—a match immortalized by Bjørge Lillelien’s famous radio commentary.
Tor Røste Fossen passed away on August 7, 2017, at the age of 77. He is remembered as a key contributor to both IK Start and Norwegian football as a whole.
