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Per Frandsen
Per Frandsen
from Wikipedia

Per Frandsen (Danish pronunciation: [ˈpeːɐ̯ ˈfʁan.sn̩]; born 6 February 1970) is a Danish professional football manager and former player who is currently the head coach of Odds Ballklubb in the Norwegian second tier.

Key Information

Most notably, he won the 1994–95 Danish Cup with F.C. Copenhagen, and played 265 league games as a midfielder for Bolton Wanderers in England. Frandsen gained 23 caps for the Denmark national team between 1990 and 2003, and represented his country at the 1992 Summer Olympics and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Biography

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Born in Copenhagen, Frandsen started playing football with local clubs BK Skjold and B 93. He made his senior debut with top-flight club B 1903, debuted for the Danish under-21 national team in April 1989. He was the third best goalscorer of the 1990 Danish 1st Division, and made his national team debut in May 1990. He played three national team games under national manager Richard Møller Nielsen, until his national team career went on a hiatus in September 1991. In November 1990, he was sold to French club Lille OSC, in a Lille club record transfer deal.

Frandsen joined fellow Danish international Jakob Friis-Hansen at Lille, and played four years at the club. While at Lille, he represented Denmark at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where he played full-time in Denmark's three games before elimination. When Lille faced economical difficulties in the summer 1994, Frandsen returned home to Denmark to play for F.C. Copenhagen (FCK). Frandsen stated his intention to only play in Denmark temporarily, and having won the 1995 Danish Cup with FCK, he moved abroad once again in August 1996. He was sold to English club Bolton Wanderers for £1.25 million. Playing in the second tier of English football, he made his debut for the club in a 1–1 draw at Port Vale before scoring his first goal for Bolton in the following game against Manchester City.

He soon earned a reputation as one of the best players in English football playing outside the top-flight FA Premier League championship, and it was assumed that it would only be a matter of time before one of the bigger clubs came in for him. Instead, he helped Bolton win promotion back to the Premier League in the 1996–97 season. Frandsen's national team career was revived in November 1996, when he was recalled by new national manager Bo Johansson, after more than five years of absence from the Danish national team. He was one of the few bright spots of Bolton's second Premier League campaign, which ended in swift relegation back into the Football League. He was included in the Danish squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he was used as a substitute in two games.

In September 1999, Frandsen joined Bolton's league rivals Blackburn Rovers for £1.75 million. The decision was against the wishes of Bolton manager Colin Todd, who subsequently resigned. Frandsen's stay at Ewood Park for Blackburn was far from happy. He failed to settle at the club, and at the end of the season he returned to Bolton for £1.6 million. In his final year at Bolton, the club reached the 2004 League Cup final, though they were beaten 2–1 by Middlesbrough. He played 304 first team games for the club in all competitions, scoring 38 goals in the process. Frandsen left Bolton Wanderers to join Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in June 2004, helping them get promoted to the Premiership, scoring once in the process against Brighton.[2] After playing well in his first time at the club, he received a severe cruciate ligament injury and he decided to retire in January 2005.

After his retirement Frandsen worked as a football agent in Denmark,[3] until he was named new assistant manager at HB Køge in June 2009.[4]

Following the sacking of Tommy Møller Nielsen in the autumn of 2012, he was promoted to manager of the club. He managed the club until June 2014, when he was hired as youth coach of Brøndby IF.[1]

On 22 June 2015, Frandsen was appointed as the new manager of AB.[5] In his first season, he led the club to promotion to the Danish 1st Division. His second season, however, saw the club struggling, and in December 2016 he was sacked, with the club in bottom place in the league.[6]

On 18 June 2017, he was named new manager of Hvidovre IF in the Danish 2nd Divisions.[7] During his time at the club, he managed to lead them from the third tier to promotion to the Danish Superliga in 2023.[8] After eight years as Hvidovre manager, Hvidovre confirmed on 8 May 2025, that Frandsen would leave the club at the end of the season.[9]

Honours

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Per Frandsen (born 6 February 1970) is a Danish professional football manager and former . Born in , he began his playing career with before moving to in in 1990, where he spent four seasons in , making 109 league appearances and scoring 19 goals. Frandsen returned to with from 1994 to 1996, contributing to their victory in 1995 with 31 league appearances and 12 goals during his tenure. He then joined Wanderers in in 1996, amassing 134 appearances and 8 goals across two spells with the team from 1996–1999 and 2000–2004, including helping the club earn promotion to the in 2001. A brief stint at Blackburn Rovers in 1999–2000 followed, where he made 11 Premier League appearances, before ending his playing career at Wigan Athletic in 2004–2005, appearing 9 times in the Championship and scoring once prior to retirement due to injury. Internationally, Frandsen represented Denmark 23 times between 1990 and 2003, scoring no goals, and featured in the 1998 FIFA World Cup (2 matches) as well as the 1992 Summer Olympics (3 matches). After retiring in 2005, Frandsen entered management, beginning with in Denmark's second tier from 2012 to 2014. He later coached Brøndby IF's under-19 team in 2014–2015 and in 2015–2016, before taking charge of in 2017, where he led the club to promotion from the third tier in 2017–2018 and from the second tier to the Superliga in 2022–2023, overseeing 279 matches during an eight-year spell that ended in June 2025. In September 2025, Frandsen was appointed manager of in Norway's OBOS-ligaen (second tier) on a two-year contract.

Early life

Childhood in

Per Frandsen was born on 6 February 1970 in Søborggård, Gladsaxe, a northern suburb of , . He stands at a height of 1.78 meters and spent his early childhood in the region. Frandsen's family included his brother Sören Frandsen, who also became involved in professional football. Growing up in Copenhagen's vibrant community, he was introduced to local sports early on, with football's popularity in the area igniting his passion for the sport. This initial exposure led to his transition into organized youth football at local clubs such as BK Skjold.

Youth football development

Frandsen began his involvement in organized youth football with local Copenhagen club BK Skjold, where he honed his skills in the early stages of his development. He later joined the youth setup of (B 1903), a prominent club in the Danish capital, continuing his progression through competitive youth environments. Supported by his family during his upbringing, Frandsen gained recognition as a promising in Danish youth leagues during the mid-1980s. In 1987, at age 17, he earned a call-up to the under-19 national team, appearing in 5 matches and scoring 11 goals, showcasing his attacking potential from midfield. Frandsen made his first senior appearances with B 1903 in 1988, transitioning from the youth ranks to the squad. He quickly made an impact as a goal-scoring , contributing offensively in his debut professional season of 1988–89 and helping the team in their top-flight campaign.

Club career

Early professional years in Denmark and (1988–1994)

Per Frandsen made his professional debut with (B 1903) in the in 1988, emerging from the club's youth academy as a promising attacking . Over his two seasons with B 1903 from 1988 to 1990, he appeared in 25 league matches and scored 15 goals, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and contributing to the team's efforts in the top flight. In November 1990, Frandsen transferred to in France's for a club-record fee, marking his move abroad to further his development in a more competitive league. Joining fellow Danes Jakob Friis-Hansen, Henrik Nielsen, and Michael Mio, he navigated the challenges of a foreign player quota limit, which restricted opportunities and required quick adaptation to the physical and tactical demands of French football. During his four seasons with from 1990 to 1994, Frandsen made 113 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals, with a season-by-season breakdown in showing 19 matches and 4 goals in 1990–91, 27 matches and 8 goals in 1991–92, 32 matches and 3 goals in 1992–93, and 31 matches and 4 goals in 1993–94. His contributions helped maintain Lille's mid-table stability, as the club finished 6th in 1990–91, 13th in 1991–92, 17th in 1992–93, and 15th in 1993–94. A notable highlight was a high-stakes match against at the , where Frandsen faced winner in front of a packed crowd, exemplifying the intense atmosphere he encountered in French football. Despite the transition's demands as a young player in a new style emphasizing technical precision and endurance, Frandsen established himself as a consistent performer, providing goals and midfield presence for the team.

F.C. Copenhagen and return to Denmark (1994–1996)

After departing Lille OSC amid the club's financial difficulties, Per Frandsen signed with F.C. Copenhagen in the summer of 1994, marking his return to Danish football. His experience abroad in France had enhanced his tactical awareness, allowing him to adapt quickly to the Superliga environment. Over the next two seasons, Frandsen featured prominently as a midfielder for F.C. Copenhagen, appearing in 64 matches across all competitions and contributing 13 goals. His leadership in the midfield was evident in key Superliga fixtures, where he helped orchestrate play and supported the team's push for a strong league standing, finishing eighth in 1994–95 and seventh in 1995–96. Frandsen played a pivotal role in F.C. Copenhagen's triumph in the 1994–95 , starting in the final on 25 May 1995 against (AB). The match ended in a decisive 5–0 victory for F.C. Copenhagen at , securing the club's first major trophy and qualifying them for European competition the following season.

English career with and others (1996–2004)

In August 1996, Per Frandsen transferred to Bolton Wanderers from for a fee of £1.25 million, marking his entry into English football. He debuted in a 1-1 draw against Port Vale on August 17 and scored his first goal for the club in the subsequent home match, a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on August 20, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic midfielder. During the 1996–97 First Division season, Frandsen featured in 41 league appearances, scoring 9 goals, and played a pivotal role in Bolton's promotion to the via the playoffs, including starts in the semi-finals against and the final against Reading, which Bolton won 4–1 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. The following season in the (1997–98), Frandsen remained a mainstay with 38 appearances and 5 goals, but Bolton were relegated on despite reaching the 40-point survival mark. He stayed with the club through their 1998–99 First Division campaign, where Bolton finished fourth and reached the playoff final, only to lose 2–0 to Ipswich Town; Frandsen contributed 13 goals in 46 league games that year. In September 1999, amid Bolton's financial difficulties, Frandsen moved to rivals Rovers for £1.75 million, a transfer that prompted manager Colin Todd's . At Blackburn, he made 31 league appearances and scored 4 goals during the 1999–2000 First Division season, but struggled to settle and returned to in July 2000 for £1.6 million. Reunited with Bolton, Frandsen was instrumental in their 2000–01 promotion back to the , scoring 6 goals in 42 league appearances and featuring in the playoff semi-final victory over Ipswich Town before the 3–0 final win against Preston North End. Over the next three seasons (2001–02 to 2003–04), he helped secure mid-table survival, including a crucial 2–1 win over on the final day of 2002–03, where his long-range strike opened the scoring to ensure Bolton's top-flight status. In total, Frandsen made 304 appearances across all competitions for during his two spells, scoring 36 goals and becoming a fans' favorite for his consistent energy and creativity in midfield. In June 2004, Frandsen joined Wigan Athletic on a free transfer, debuting in a 4–2 win over Nottingham Forest on August 7. He appeared in 9 league matches and scored once during the 2004–05 season, contributing to Wigan's automatic promotion to the as runners-up before a injury forced his retirement at age 35.

International career

Youth and Olympic appearances

Frandsen earned his first call-up to the Denmark under-21 national team in April 1989, shortly after making his senior professional debut with B 1903 in the Danish top flight, where his dynamic midfield play quickly caught the attention of national selectors. Over the subsequent years, he became a regular fixture in the U21 squad, accumulating 21 caps between 1989 and 1992 while demonstrating versatility and tenacity in central and wide midfield roles. During this period, Frandsen scored 8 goals, contributing to Denmark's qualification efforts for the 1992 and underscoring his emergence as a key prospect for the senior national team. Frandsen's strong performances at club level with in further solidified his international standing, leading to his inclusion in 's squad for the in . There, he featured in all three group stage matches, completing the full 90 minutes each time as a right . opened with a 1-1 draw against on 26 , followed by a goalless stalemate with two days later, before suffering a 0-3 defeat to on 30 . With two draws and one loss yielding 2 points, finished fourth in Group D and was eliminated at the group stage.

Senior national team caps

Per Frandsen earned 23 caps for the Denmark senior national team between 1990 and 2003. His debut came on 30 May 1990, as a substitute against in a friendly match, marking the start of a career that saw him transition from youth and Olympic levels to full international duty. Building on his experience with the Danish Olympic team at the , Frandsen became a versatile midfield option under coaches like . Frandsen's international career peaked with his inclusion in Denmark's squad for the in . He appeared as a substitute in two matches during the tournament: entering in the 73rd minute during the 1-0 group stage victory over on 12 June, and again in the 82nd minute of the round-of-16 victory over on 28 June, which Denmark won 4-1. These brief outings highlighted his role as a late-game impact player in Denmark's run to the quarterfinals, though he did not contribute to any goals. Over his senior career, Frandsen scored 0 goals in total for the national team. His final appearance came on 2 April 2003, in a match against , where he substituted in during Denmark's 0-2 home defeat at . This cap, coming at age 33 while playing club football in , reflected the winding down of his international involvement as younger talents emerged in the Danish midfield. Frandsen's senior tenure added depth to a golden era for Danish football, following the Euro 1992 triumph, though he remained on the periphery of major tournament successes.

Managerial career

Assistant and early managerial roles (2009–2016)

Following his retirement from professional football in 2005, Per Frandsen transitioned into coaching by joining as assistant manager in July 2009, shortly after the club's merger and immediate relegation from the . Working under head coach Aurelijus Skarbalius, Frandsen contributed to the team's efforts in the 1st Division during the 2010–11 season, where finished second with 61 points from 30 matches, securing promotion back to the Superliga through a strong offensive record of 58 goals scored. The club was relegated again the following year in the 2011–12 Superliga, finishing 12th with 19 points under Skarbalius and later Tommy Nielsen, to whom Frandsen also served as assistant from October 2011 until September 2012. After Nielsen's dismissal in September 2012, Frandsen was promoted to head manager of in the 1st Division, marking his first senior coaching role. Over 61 matches from September 2012 to June 2014, he achieved 25 wins, 14 draws, and 22 losses, with a points-per-match average of 1.46 and a of +6 (76 scored, 70 conceded). His tenure focused on stabilizing the squad, resulting in mid-table finishes: sixth place in 2012–13 with 44 points from 33 matches and sixth again in 2013–14 with 49 points from 33 matches, though promotion to the Superliga eluded the team both years. In July 2014, Frandsen moved to as manager of the U19 youth team, emphasizing talent development within the club's academy structure for one season until June 2015. He then took over as head manager of () in the 2nd Division from July 2015, guiding the team through 24 matches until his departure in December 2016, with a points-per-match average of 0.71 amid efforts to rebuild the lower-tier side.

Hvidovre IF tenure (2017–2025)

Per Frandsen was appointed as head coach of on 18 June 2017, taking over the club in the (third tier) following his stint at . In his debut season of 2017–18, Frandsen guided Hvidovre to the league title with 11 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in the regular season, securing promotion to the 1st Division (second tier) and establishing early stability through a focus on organized defense and quick transitions. Over the subsequent years in the 1st Division, Frandsen oversaw consistent mid-table finishes, including 10th place in 2018–19 (9 wins, 8 draws, 16 losses) and 9th in both 2019–20 and 2020–21, avoiding relegation battles and building squad depth amid financial constraints. The tenure peaked with playoff successes: a 3rd-place finish in 2021–22 (13 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses in the regular season) positioned the team for promotion contention, followed by a runner-up spot in 2022–23 (13 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses), which earned direct promotion to the Superliga after 26 years away from the top flight. However, challenges emerged in the elite division during 2023–24, where Hvidovre finished 12th and were relegated with only 2 wins, 5 draws, and 15 losses. In the 2024–25 1st Division season, Frandsen led a resurgence, finishing 4th in the regular season before ending 5th in the promotion group with an overall record of 12 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses in 32 matches, failing to secure promotion back to the Superliga. His eight-year tenure concluded mutually by agreement, announced on 8 May 2025, after failing to extend his contract beyond June 2025; Frandsen departed having transformed into a full-time outfit. Overall, he recorded 116 wins, 61 draws, and 102 losses in 279 matches, averaging 1.47 points per game.

Odd BK appointment (2025–present)

On 17 September 2025, Per Frandsen was appointed of Odds Ballklubb (Odd BK), a club competing in the Norwegian OBOS-ligaen, the country's second tier, after leaving his position at earlier that year. He signed a two-year contract running through the end of 2027, with the explicit goal of guiding the team toward promotion to the . Frandsen introduced an offensive and charismatic coaching style, emphasizing high-pressing, ball-possession football designed to foster joy in play, encourage risk-taking without fear of errors, and engage both players and supporters through passionate leadership. His preferred 4-3-3 attacking formation aligned with this approach, drawing on his extensive Danish managerial experience to facilitate adaptation to the Norwegian league's demands. From his appointment through the end of the 2025 OBOS-ligaen season on 8 November 2025, Frandsen oversaw 9 matches, contributing to Odd BK's final 9th-place finish and mid-table stability, though promotion playoffs were not achieved.

Playing style and legacy

Midfield attributes and positions

Per Frandsen primarily operated as a throughout his professional career, demonstrating versatility by shifting between defensive and attacking roles depending on tactical needs. In his early days with B 1903 and , he established himself as a creative , focusing on orchestrating attacks from deeper positions while contributing offensively with precise through balls and forward surges. This foundational role highlighted his technical proficiency and vision, allowing him to dictate tempo in the . Later, during his time at in from 1990 to 1994, Frandsen adapted to a more balanced midfield setup, incorporating defensive responsibilities alongside his creative duties, which honed his ability to cover ground effectively in a physically demanding league. As his career progressed into the English leagues with Wanderers, Frandsen evolved into a quintessential box-to-box , embodying a high-energy style comparable to in terms of relentless drive and team-oriented play. He excelled in transitioning seamlessly from defense to attack, using his stamina to support both phases of play while maintaining composure under pressure. This evolution was evident in the 1996/97 season, where his purposeful strides and technical superiority formed a dynamic partnership in 's midfield, enabling fluid build-up play. Frandsen's adaptability extended to occasional stints at right midfield and even right-back, showcasing his tactical intelligence across 488 club appearances. Among his standout attributes were exceptional passing accuracy and set-piece delivery, which made him a reliable distributor capable of unlocking defenses with weighted passes over varying distances. Frandsen was renowned for his fierce shooting ability with both feet, often unleashing powerful long-range efforts that troubled goalkeepers; notable examples include his debut "exocet missile" strike against Manchester City and other sublime goals during Bolton's promotion campaign. These skills contributed to his impressive scoring record of 72 goals across his career, underscoring his threat from distance and dead-ball situations without compromising his midfield duties. His skilful, never-say-die approach not only boosted team morale but also cemented his reputation as one of Bolton's most consistent performers, with 22 goals in 153 appearances during his initial stint there.

Impact on clubs and Danish football

During his eight-year tenure at Bolton Wanderers, spanning two spells from 1996 to 2004, Per Frandsen earned the affectionate nickname "Great Dane" for his steadfast loyalty and pivotal contributions to the club's ascent in English football. He appeared in 307 matches, scoring 39 goals, and was instrumental in securing promotions to the in the 1996–97 and 2000–01 seasons, while also aiding survival in the top flight during 2002–03 and reaching the 2004 final. Frandsen's impact extended beyond the pitch, cementing him as a fan favorite whose dedication resonated long after his departure; in a interview, he reflected on the unwavering support from supporters, describing the club as his "home" and noting his continued visits where he remains warmly welcomed. His role in a 1996 double signing with fellow Dane Michael Johansen exemplified the growing influx of Danish players to following Denmark's unexpected Euro 1992 victory, helping to popularize Scandinavian talent in the era. In Danish football, Frandsen's transition to management has bridged the player-coach divide, particularly through his emphasis on nurturing emerging talent in . After retiring in 2005, he served as youth coach for Brøndby IF's Under-19 team from 2014 to 2015, where his experience as a former international informed direct mentorship of young prospects. This approach carried into his head coaching roles at , AB, and (2017–2025), fostering a player-centered development model that draws on his Premier League background to guide the next generation in Danish and Norwegian leagues.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Per Frandsen has maintained a private life throughout his career and beyond. By the late , the couple had two young children while residing in during his professional stint with Bolton Wanderers. The 's relocation to in 1996, as part of Frandsen's transfer from , required adjustment, but his wife played a key supportive role in helping him balance the demands of professional football with responsibilities during his Bolton tenure. She accompanied him through the move and subsequent career transitions, providing stability amid the challenges of life abroad. Frandsen has credited much of his personal equilibrium during this period to spending with his , often prioritizing cinema outings and quiet evenings together over social engagements. Following his retirement from playing in 2005, Frandsen and his family returned to , where they have led a low-profile existence centered on home life. The couple resided in a spacious villa in until placing it on the market in 2017, emphasizing their preference for privacy away from public scrutiny. Their two children are now adults. In September 2025, shortly after his appointment at , Frandsen was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains, diagnosed as a blood clot.

Interests outside football

During his time playing in during the , Frandsen frequently engaged in cultural pursuits to unwind, particularly enjoying cinema and outings. In a 1999 , he shared that he liked attending movies and watching musicals, often traveling to for performances such as Blood Brothers and . After retiring from professional playing in 2005, Frandsen has remained active in Danish football-related media, providing commentary and interviews on outlets like TV2 Sport regarding matches and his managerial experiences. For instance, in 2023, he discussed controversial referee decisions affecting his team during a Superliga broadcast appearance. He has also participated in community football events in , contributing to local development programs through his coaching roles at clubs like Brøndby IF's youth academy. Frandsen's leisure activities emphasize family time and travel, with a focus on reconnecting to his roots where he was born and raised. Family remains central to his leisure choices, as evidenced by his descriptions of settling back in with his loved ones after years abroad. He has spoken fondly of returning to familiar areas in for relaxation amid his professional commitments.

Honours

Club achievements

Per Frandsen was part of F.C. Copenhagen's squad that won the 1994–95 , defeating AB 5–0 in the final on 25 May 1995 at . This marked the club's first major trophy since its founding in 1992, with Frandsen featuring in the competition as a key during the season. At Bolton Wanderers, Frandsen contributed to the team's promotion from the to the First Division in the 1996–97 season, finishing as runners-up with 98 points from 46 matches. He made 41 league appearances and scored 7 goals that campaign, helping secure the second-tier spot through consistent midfield performances. Frandsen joined Athletic in June 2004 and played a supporting role in their 2004–05 promotion to the , where the team finished second with 87 points. Over 9 league appearances, he added experience to the midfield as clinched promotion with a 3–1 victory over Reading on 8 May 2005.

International milestones

Per Frandsen earned 23 caps for the in FIFA-recognized matches between 1990 and 2003, without scoring any goals. His debut came on May 30, 1990, in a 1-0 friendly defeat to , marking the start of a career that saw him transition from a promising youth international to a squad member in major tournaments. A significant early milestone was Frandsen's participation in the in , where he represented 's under-23 side as a . He featured in all three group stage matches, playing the full 90 minutes each time against the (a 2-1 loss), the (a 1-1 draw), and (a 1-0 win), as Denmark advanced to the quarter-finals before a 2-1 defeat to . This tournament highlighted his reliability in midfield, contributing to Denmark's competitive showing in their first Olympic appearance since 1988. Frandsen's most prominent international achievement came with his inclusion in Denmark's 22-man squad for the in , under manager Bo Johansson. Although primarily a bench player, he made two substitute appearances: entering in the 73rd minute against (a 1-0 win, 17 minutes played) and the 84th minute against (a 4-1 win, 6 minutes played) in the round of 16, totaling 23 minutes of play. Denmark progressed to the quarter-finals, but Frandsen did not feature in the match against , where the team was eliminated 3-2 after extra time. His involvement underscored his versatility as a squad depth option during Denmark's surprising run to the last eight. Beyond these tournaments, Frandsen's international career included appearances in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, such as his involvement in the 1997 qualification campaign where topped their group. He retired from international duty after a 2003 friendly, having contributed to 's evolution from Olympic participants to contenders.

References

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