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Randers FC
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Randers FC (Danish pronunciation: [ˈʁɑnɐs]) is a professional football club based in Randers, East Jutland, that plays in the Danish Superliga, the top flight of the Danish football league system. Founded on 1 January 2003, the club builds upon the license of Randers Freja, a former three-time Danish Cup winning team. As of 2022[update] the club had won the Danish Cup twice in its history. Randers plays its matches at the 10,300-capacity Cepheus Park Randers.
Key Information
History
[edit]The club was formed on 1 January 2003, as a collaboration between six local Randers-clubs; Dronningborg Boldklub (founded 1928), Hornbæk Sportsforening (founded 1945), Kristrup Boldklub (founded 1908), Randers Freja (founded 1898), Randers KFUM (founded 1920) and Vorup Frederiksberg Boldklub (founded 1930), continuing Randers Freja's (at the time) 1st division-team.[1]
First years and Cup success
[edit]In the first season as a newly created club, Randers ended in fourth place in the Viasat Sport Division with 51 points. The captain of the Denmark national team which won UEFA Euro 1992, Lars Olsen, was coach of the team. The following year, the team ended in second place with 66 points and was promoted to the country's best league, the SAS Liga.
With only 24 points in 2004–05 season in the SAS Liga, Randers finished in last place. In the 2005–06 season, however, Randers redeemed itself, securing promotion back to the SAS League with 61 points while also winning the Danish Cup with a 1–0 victory over Esbjerg in the final at Parken Stadium on 11 May 2006. Randers was the first team since 1974 who managed to win the Danish Cup although playing in the second-highest league in Denmark.
In mid-2005, the club brought in former Denmark national team midfielder Stig Tøfting on a free transfer, after AGF, his childhood-club, refused to let him play (even for free) due to his violent background with several sentences.[2] Tøfting was appointed Assistant Coach in November 2006.[3]
In the 2006–07 season, Randers finished in eighth place with 38 points, as well as participation in the UEFA Cup the season before, where the club met ÍA of Iceland, FBK Kaunas of Lithuania and major club Fenerbahçe from Turkey.
Before the start of the 2007–08 season, Randers signed former England national team player Colin Todd as its new manager. Randers started the season in great fashion, winning its first four matches (most notably a 5–0 win against Aalborg BK).
In the second half of the 2007–08 season, Randers continued to improve in the Danish league. With new signings Marc Nygaard and Søren Berg, expectations grew as the season progressed, and Randers ultimately finished in sixth place following a 2–1 win against Brøndby IF in the final matchday of the season.
The 2008–09 season started in promising fashion for the club, recording a 3–1 win against the local rivals AGF. Randers continued its solid start with a 1–1 a draw with Copenhagen. In the third round, Randers was to play Brøndby away; the club had never defeated Brøndby away before. Randers won 0–3 following goals from Carsten Fredgaard, Bédi Buval and Tidiane Sane. After the five first rounds, Randers was still undefeated, though at the winter break Randers was placed mid-table.
Up and down years
[edit]On 4 November 2008 Randers announced that former Danish international John "Faxe" Jensen would become its new manager from 1 July following the ending of Colin Todd's contract.[4] Todd, however, expressed his frustration about how Randers had dealt with the situation and openly criticised the club for putting him in a difficult situation.[5][6]
Jensen ended up taking the place as manager six months before schedule due to the club having reached an agreement with the then present manager Todd. Jensen was officially announced new manager on 5 January. He started his time in Randers in great fashion, winning the first league game of the season against local rivals AGF 2–1. However, the club failed to sustain the winning form when they went to draw against Vejle BK and thereafter lost the following three games to the top three sides OB, Copenhagen and BIF. The team's losing streak culminated in a 1–6 to Nordsjælland.
The club, however, responded well to the losing streak and won the next five games, ironically setting a new club winning streak. The season ended with a 3–3 draw away against Danish champions Copenhagen and a fifth-place finish, it highest league rank in club history. Marc Nygaard claimed the golden boot for 16 goals during the season. Morten Nordstrand was later credited for a goal on penalty in the final match, and also had a goal tally of 16, but Nygaard was awarded the title as he was the first to reach the 16 goals.[7]
Randers and Faxe decided that Tøfting was not the right choice as assistant manager, and, on 1 May 2009, the club announced that Tøfting's contract would not be extended. On 2 June, the club announced that two of Jensen's colleagues from the Euro 1992-winning Danish side – Henrik Larsen and Flemming Povlsen – as its new assistant managers; Larsen was named first assistant manager while Povlsen as assistant focused on the club's attack. However, after a catastrophic start to the 2009–10 season with only 2 points earned from 11 league games, Jensen and his assistants were released from their contracts.[8]
Ove Christensen was appointed new head coach for Randers for the remainder of the 2009–10 season.[9] He was given the objective to save Randers from relegation, although Randers was projected to be relegated at the winter break by the media and experts. However, a historic comeback with 16 games without defeat[10] meant that its topflight status was to be decided on the final day of the season. A loss to Brøndby would mean that if AGF won its game against OB, the best team of the spring season would be relegated. OB won 0–3 and Randers lost its first match in the second half of the season 1–3, ensuring Randers kept their top-flight status. Yura Movsisyan was arguably the key in Randers' survival, as he scored 7 goals in 13 games.
When Ove Christensen arrived, he gave the squad an overhaul and nine players were released or sold in the winter break of 2009–10 season. He also made several signings: Anders Egholm from SønderjyskE, Morten Karlsen from Nordsjælland and Søren Jensen on loan from Odd Grenland. Christensen signed a new one-year contract as head coach on 17 May 2010.
In the following season, however, Christensen could not follow up on the success and was fired after a loss to Brøndby. Peter Elstrup and Allan Kuhn were Brough in as caretakers but could not prevent Randers' relegation at the end of the season. Michael Hemmingsen was named new head coach with the first task to bring Randers back to the Superliga. With Hemmingsen as head coach, Randers ended the 2011–12 season in second place in the Danish 1st division, thereby earning promotion back to the Superliga.
League success and Europa League qualification
[edit]
Despite having earned promotion to the Danish Superliga, Hemmingsen was replaced as head coach by former Randers coach Colin Todd, who returned to the club following his coaching spell from 2007 to 2009. Randers did well in its first season after being promoted, ending its 2012–13 league campaign in third place, the club's best ever league finish. The team also reached the final in the Danish Cup, but lost 1–0 to Esbjerg. Nonetheless, the league result meant that Randers was to participate in the UEFA Europa League. It entered the tournament in the third round of qualifying, where it met Rubin Kazan. Randers, however, lost the home match 2–0 and the away match 2–0, thus failing to qualify for the group stage.
During the 2020–21 season, Randers achieved a significant milestone in their history by securing a place in the championship playoffs of the Danish Superliga via a fifth-place finish in the regular season. Moreover, the club claimed victory in the Danish Cup after defeating SønderjyskE 4–0 in the final at Ceres Park in Aarhus, with goals from Erik Marxen, Simon Piesinger, and a brace by Mathias Greve.[11] This triumph earned them the opportunity to participate in European competition in the 2021–22 season. Although they narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA Europa League after losing to Galatasaray in the playoffs, they qualified for the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League group stage.[12] They finished second in their group after competing against AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands, CFR Cluj from Romania, and Jablonec from the Czech Republic. This result secured their progression to the knockout stage, where they faced English powerhouse Leicester City, which included Denmark national team captain Kasper Schmeichel. Despite their best efforts, they were eliminated from the competition, thus concluding their European journey.[13]
Rivals
[edit]Randers' biggest rivals are East Jutland neighbours Aarhus Gymnastikforening.[14]
European record
[edit]During the 2006–07 season, Randers managed to qualify for the UEFA Cup as Danish Cup winners. During the 2009–10 season, the club was invited to participate in the Europa League due to its second place in the Danish league Fair Play ranking – behind 2008–09 champions Copenhagen, which claimed Denmark's UEFA Champions League spot. During the 2010–11 season, the club participated in the Europa League due to its second-place finish in the Danish league Fair Play ranking – behind 2009–10 champions Copenhagen, which again claimed the Champions League spot.
| Season | Competition | Round | Opposition | Home | Away | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07[15] | UEFA Cup | First qualifying round | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2–2 (a) | |
| Second qualifying round | 3–1 | 0–1 | 3–2 | |||
| First round | 0–3 | 1–2 | 1–5 | |||
| 2009–10[16] | UEFA Europa League | First qualifying round | 4–0 | 3–0 | 7–0 | |
| Second qualifying round | 1–1 | 1–0 | 2–1 | |||
| Third qualifying round | 0–4 | 1–0 | 1–4 | |||
| 2010–11[17] | UEFA Europa League | First qualifying round | 6–1 | 1–2 | 7–3 | |
| Second qualifying round | 1–1 | 3–0 | 4–1 | |||
| Third qualifying round | 2–3 | 1–1 | 3–4 | |||
| 2013–14 | UEFA Europa League | Third qualifying round | 1–2 | 0–2 | 1–4 | |
| 2015–16 | UEFA Europa League | First qualifying round | 3–0 | 1–0 | 4–0 | |
| Second qualifying round | 0–0 | 0–1 | 0–1 | |||
| 2021–22 | UEFA Europa League | Play-off round | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2–3 | |
| UEFA Europa Conference League | Group D | 2–2 | 0–1 | 2nd place | ||
| 2–1 | 1–1 | |||||
| 2–2 | 2–2 | |||||
| Knockout round play-offs | 1–3 | 1–4 | 2–7 |
Stadium
[edit]Randers Stadium
[edit]Randers Stadium was founded in 1961. It was built to hold 18,000 spectators and in 1969 a record of 16,500 people attended the UEFA Cup loss against 1. FC Köln.
2012 rebuild
[edit]The stadium was rebuilt in 2012 and renamed AutoC Park with a capacity of 10,300 spectators. It was built by C. F. Møller Architects and is established on the former Randers Stadium site. On 22 September 2015, it was announced that local company BioNutria had bought the name rights of the stadium until 31 October 2018. On 14 November 2018, it was announced that Cepheus group had bought the name rights of the stadium for 3 years.
The new stadium attendance record after the stadium was rebuilt, is 9,947, set against Aarhus GF on 6 October 2019
Supporters
[edit]The largest supporter group is Nordtribunen (i.e. The North Tribune), however there are more factions within the fandom of Randers.
Honours
[edit]- Danish Superliga
- Third place (1): 2012–13
- Danish Cup
- UEFA Fair Play League
- Winners: 2009, 2010
Records
[edit]Most games played: 223
Mads Fenger
Most goals: 41
Ronnie Schwartz
Biggest league win: 5–0 Randers – AAB (in 2007)[18]
Biggest league loss: 1–6 Randers – Nordsjælland (in 2009), SønderjyskE – Randers FC (in 2012)[19]
Highest attendance(home): 11,824 Randers – Brøndby[20]
Longest run without defeat: 16 (29 November 2009 – 5 May 2010)
Longest winning streak: 5 (13 April 2010 – 3 May 2010)
Longest run without a win: 18 (31 May 2009 – 29 November 2009)
Players
[edit]Squad
[edit]- As of 2 February 2026[21]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Youth players in use 2025-26
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Managers
[edit]
Lars Olsen (1 Jan 2003 – 24 January 2007)
Colin Todd (1 July 2007 – 5 January 2009)
John "Faxe" Jensen (5 Jan 2009 – 6 October 2009)
Ove Christensen (7 Oct 2009 – 26 April 2011)
Peter Elstrup (interim) (27 Apr 2011 – 30 June 2011)
Michael Hemmingsen (1 July 2011 – 5 July 2012)
Colin Todd (5 July 2012 – 30 June 2016)
Ólafur Kristjánsson (1 July 2016 – 5 October 2017)
Ricardo Moniz (8 Oct 2017 – 26 January 2018)
Rasmus Bertelsen (26 Jan 2018 – 30 June 2018)
Thomas Thomasberg (1 July 2018 – 23 March 2023)
Rasmus Bertelsen (23 March 2023 – )
Staff
[edit]Management
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Henrik Jørgensen |
| Head of Sales | Morten Hørby Andersen |
| Club Secretary | Jesper Hansen |
| Head of Communications | Kristian Fredslund Andersen |
| Press Officer | Martin Albrechtsen |
| Sales Assistant | Sylvester Hansen |
| Sales Assistant | Anders Hedeager |
| IT & Ticket Coordinator | Michael Møller Højfeldt |
| VIP & Hospitality | Lone Nikolajsen |
Team
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Director of Football | Søren Pedersen |
| Head coach | Rasmus Bertelsen |
| Assistant coach | Ralf Pedersen |
| Youth-Development Coach | Peter Elstrup |
| Goalkeeper coach | Erik Boye |
| Performance manager | Tobias Elstrup |
| Chief team assistant | Peer Kam |
| Team assistant | Ferhat Alici |
| Team assistant | Emil Stanic |
| Team assistant | Lars Pedersen |
| Team assistant | Hans Kirkegaard |
| Medical | Dr. Martin Nielsen |
Shirt sponsors
[edit]2003 – 2005–06: Nike
2006–07 – 2009–10: Umbro
2010–11 – 2012–13: H2O[22]
2013–14 – 2014–15: Warrior[23]
2015–16 – Puma
League statistics
[edit]| Season | Div. | Pos. | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–03 | 1D | 4 | 30 | 15 | 6 | 9 | 65 | 49 | 51 | Fourth round | |
| 2003–04 | 1D | 2 | 30 | 21 | 3 | 6 | 85 | 43 | 66 | Fourth round | Promoted |
| 2004–05 | SL | 12 | 33 | 5 | 9 | 19 | 30 | 64 | 24 | Fourth round | Relegated |
| 2005–06 | 1D | 2 | 30 | 19 | 4 | 7 | 64 | 30 | 61 | Winner | Promoted |
| 2006–07 | SL | 8 | 33 | 10 | 8 | 15 | 41 | 53 | 38 | Quarter-final | UEFA Cup – First round |
| 2007–08 | SL | 6 | 33 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 41 | 33 | 47 | Quarter-final | |
| 2008–09 | SL | 5 | 33 | 11 | 13 | 9 | 52 | 50 | 46 | Fourth round | |
| 2009–10 | SL | 10 | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 37 | 43 | 40 | Fourth round | Europa League – Third qualifying round |
| 2010–11 | SL | 11 | 33 | 6 | 16 | 11 | 41 | 48 | 34 | Semi-finals | Relegated Europa League – Third qualifying round |
| 2011–12 | 1D | 2 | 26 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 38 | 22 | 49 | 3rd round | Promoted |
| 2012–13 | SL | 3 | 33 | 15 | 7 | 11 | 36 | 42 | 52 | Runners-up | |
| 2013–14 | SL | 7 | 33 | 9 | 14 | 10 | 41 | 45 | 41 | 3rd round | Europa League – Third qualifying round |
| 2014–15 | SL | 4 | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 39 | 28 | 52 | Quarter-final | |
| 2015–16 | SL | 6 | 33 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 45 | 43 | 47 | Quarter-final | Europa League – Second qualifying round |
| 2016–17 | SL | 7 | 32 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 33 | 35 | 41 | Quarter-final | Lost in European play-off final |
| 2017–18 | SL | 12 | 32 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 32 | 52 | 30 | Quarter-final | Won relegation play-off second round |
| 2018–19 | SL | 7 | 32 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 35 | 39 | 45 | Third round | Lost in European play-off final |
| 2019–20 | SL | 7 | 26 | 10 | 5 | 11 | 39 | 35 | 35 | Quarter-final | Lost in European play-off quarter-final |
| 2020–21 | SL | 5 | 22 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 31 | 21 | 32 | Winner | |
| 2021–22 | SL | 5 | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 26 | 25 | 33 | Quarter-final | Europa Conference League – Knockout round play-offs |
References
[edit]- ^ "(In Danish)". Randersfc.dk. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ^ Michael Olesen (27 October 2005). "Stig Tøfting til Randers | Sport | DR". Dr.dk. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Randers FC – Stig Tøfting bliver i Randers FC". Randersfc.dk. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Faxe præsenteret i Randers". Bold.dk. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Colin Todd vil fyres". Bold.dk. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Todd skuffet over håndteringen". Bold.dk. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Nordstrand fik sit mål – Fodbold". Sporten.dk. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Randers FC – John Faxe stopper i Randers FC". Randersfc.dk. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Randers FC – Ove Christensen er den nye cheftræner". Randersfc.dk. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "FØR AAB-KAMPEN: VIDSTE DU AT". Randersfc.dk. Retrieved 22 November 2012."FØR AAB-KAMPEN: VIDSTE DU AT". Randersfc.dk. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
- ^ Kjær, Christian (13 May 2021). "Randers ydmyger SønderjyskE og er pokalmester". TV 2 Sport (in Danish). Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "Randers taber til Galatasaray og misser Europa League". TV3 SPORT (in Danish). 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "Historien". Randers FC (in Danish). Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ "Randers-dreng stikker til AGF: - Hader er et stort ord, men jeg kan ikke lide dem" (in Danish). Randers Amtsavis. 6 December 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "UEFA Europa League 2006/07 – History – Randers –". UEFA. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "UEFA Europa League 2009/10 – History – Randers –". UEFA. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "UEFA Europa League 2010/11 – History – Randers –". UEFA. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ [1] Archived 3 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Randers FC". Ligafodbold.dk. Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
- ^ [2] Archived 26 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Holdet" (in Danish). Randers FC. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ "Danish sportswear". H2O Sportswear. Archived from the original on 8 February 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Randers FC". Warrior Football. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- News about Randers FC Archived 21 August 2019 at the Wayback Machine
- Statistics site Archived 17 September 2019 at the Wayback Machine
Randers FC
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early years
Randers FC was established on January 1, 2003, through the merger of six local football clubs from the Randers area: Dronningborg Boldklub (founded 1928), Hornbæk Sportsforening (1945), Kristrup Boldklub (1908), Randers Freja (1898), Randers KFUM (1920), and Vorup Frederiksberg Boldklub (1930).[6] The merger aimed to consolidate resources and create a single professional entity capable of competing at higher levels, building on the Danish Football Union (DBU) license held by Randers Freja, which had a legacy of success including three Danish Cup titles in the mid-20th century.[7] This unification addressed financial challenges faced by the individual clubs and fostered a broader base for talent development and community engagement in the region.[8] The new club entered the Danish 1st Division (second tier) for the latter part of the 2002–03 season and completed its inaugural full campaign in 2003–04, where it finished second with 66 points from 30 matches (21 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses, 85 goals for, 43 against).[9] Under the management of Lars Olsen, the former captain of Denmark's UEFA Euro 1992-winning national team who was appointed as the club's first head coach in January 2003, Randers finished second, earning direct promotion to the Superliga.[10] Key early signings included defensive midfielder Rasmus Hansen from Silkeborg IF, left-back René Carlsen from Vorup FB, and New Zealand centre-back Che Bunce from Drogheda United, bolstering the squad's experience and depth for the competitive second tier.[11] In its debut Superliga season of 2004–05, Randers struggled to adapt and finished 12th with 24 points from 33 matches, leading to relegation back to the 1st Division.[12] Despite the on-field challenges, the club focused on building local support through collaborations with approximately 35 regional amateur clubs for youth development, scouting, and commercial initiatives, which helped establish a foundation for sustained community involvement.[6] Initial infrastructure efforts centered on utilizing the existing Randers Stadium (capacity around 12,000 at the time) while integrating administrative and training resources from the merged entities to support professional operations.[13]Promotion and first cup success
In the 2005–06 season, Randers FC achieved promotion to the Danish Superliga by finishing second in the 1st Division with a record of 19 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses, totaling 61 points and securing an automatic spot in the top flight.[14] The team's offensive prowess was evident, scoring 64 goals while conceding 30, highlighting a balanced squad that capitalized on key victories to clinch the runner-up position behind champions Vejle Boldklub. This success built on the club's recent formation from a merger of local teams, providing a stable foundation for their ascent.[15] Randers FC's Danish Cup run was equally impressive, starting with a dominant 13–0 victory over Sædding/Guldager IF in the third round on 24 August 2005.[16] They advanced past Superliga opponents AGF (2–0 on 14 September) and AC Horsens (2–0 on 12 October, goals by Fabinho and Christian Lundberg), followed by a 3–0 quarterfinal win against BK Frem on 12 March 2006 (goals by Fabinho, Alex da Silva, and Karsten Johansen).[16] The semifinals against AaB ended in a 1–1 aggregate draw (0–0 home, 1–1 away with an own goal by Michael Jakobsen), allowing Randers to progress on away goals.[16] The final on 11 May 2006 at Parken Stadium saw Randers defeat Esbjerg fB 1–0 after extra time, with Karsten Johansen scoring the decisive goal in the 114th minute before 23,825 spectators.[16][17] This double achievement under manager Lars Olsen, who led the club from its inception in 2003 through to 2007, represented Randers FC's first major trophy and marked their breakthrough on the national stage.[18] The cup triumph qualified them for the 2006–07 UEFA Cup first qualifying round, opening the door to European competition for the first time.[16] The season's success solidified the club's identity as a competitive force, boosting fan support and laying the groundwork for sustained Superliga presence.Superliga establishment and mid-table years
Randers FC made their debut in the Danish Superliga during the 2006–07 season after securing promotion as runners-up in the 1st Division the previous year, bolstered by their triumph in the 2005–06 Danish Cup which granted European qualification.[7] The team finished 8th in their inaugural top-flight campaign, accumulating 38 points from 33 matches with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 15 losses, successfully avoiding relegation in a competitive league where the bottom two teams descended directly to the 1st Division.[19] Under manager Lars Olsen, the club established a solid defensive foundation, conceding 53 goals while adapting to the higher level of competition.[20] The following seasons saw Randers consolidate their Superliga presence with mid-table finishes, including 6th place in 2007–08 (47 points) and 5th in 2008–09 (46 points), the latter earning them UEFA Europa League qualification through the fair play ranking.[19] Colin Todd took over as manager in 2007, guiding the team through these stable years until his departure in 2009 after achieving consistent results without major financial backing compared to larger clubs.[21] However, challenges emerged in 2010–11, where Randers ended 11th with just 34 points (6 wins, 16 draws, 11 losses), leading to relegation after finishing in the playoff spots for descent.[19] Relegation prompted an immediate response, as Randers clinched 2nd place in the 2011–12 1st Division with 49 points, earning promotion back to the Superliga via the playoffs under Michael Hemmingsen.[22] The club peaked in 2012–13, securing their best-ever league finish of 3rd with 52 points from 33 matches (14 wins, 10 draws, 9 losses), which qualified them for the UEFA Europa League and highlighted their competitive edge. Subsequent mid-2010s seasons featured steady positioning, such as 4th in 2014–15 (52 points) and 6th in 2015–16 (47 points), though the club navigated managerial transitions including Per-Mathias Høgmo (2009–2011) and later Thomas Thomasberg's return in multiple roles during the decade.[19][20] Financial pressures in the mid-2010s led to strategic player sales to maintain stability, exemplified by the departure of key talents that funded squad rebuilding amid limited revenue streams typical for a mid-tier club. Despite these hurdles, Randers avoided further relegation, finishing 7th in 2016–17 (41 points) and 11th in 2017–18 (30 points), before rebounding to 7th in 2018–19 (45 points) under Thomas Thomasberg's leadership starting in 2018.[19][23] The 2019–20 season ended 8th with 45 points (13 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses), underscoring the club's resilience in establishing a sustainable mid-table presence through the 2010s.[19]2021 cup win and recent seasons
In the 2020–21 Danish Cup, Randers FC secured their second title in club history by defeating SønderjyskE 4–0 in the final on 13 May 2021 at Ceres Park in Aarhus. Goals were scored by Erik Marxen in the 2nd minute from a corner kick, Mathias Greve in the 7th minute, Alhaji Kamara in the 51st minute, and Simon Lund in the 68th minute, marking a dominant performance under manager Thomas Thomasberg.[24][25] The 2021–22 Superliga season saw Randers finish 6th overall with a record of 12 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, accumulating 43 points across 32 matches. As Danish Cup winners, they qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they advanced from Group D in 2nd place before being eliminated in the knockout round playoffs by Leicester City with a 3–1 aggregate defeat. Randers maintained mid-table consistency in the 2022–23 Superliga, ending 6th with 10 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses for 41 points in the 32-game season. The campaign highlighted defensive solidity, conceding just 37 goals, though offensive output was modest at 40 goals scored. The 2023–24 season resulted in a 7th-place finish, again with 10 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses, totaling 41 points. Mohammed Fuseini emerged as the top scorer with 9 goals, contributing significantly to the attack during his loan spell from Sturm Graz. The team showed resilience in the relegation playoff round, securing survival against OB.[26] In the ongoing 2024–25 Superliga season, as of 9 November 2025, Randers sit 9th with 17 points from 14 matches (5 wins, 2 draws, 7 losses). Mohamed Toure leads the scoring with 4 goals, while the team has qualified for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League via league position from the prior season. Notable results include a 2–1 home win over FC Copenhagen in September and a 0–2 home defeat to Midtjylland on 9 November.[27][28] Managerial stability has been a hallmark since Thomas Thomasberg's departure to FC Midtjylland in March 2023, with his long-time assistant Rasmus Bertelsen taking over on 23 March 2023 and leading the club through consistent mid-table finishes. Bertelsen's tenure, extended to 2026, emphasizes youth development and tactical discipline.[29]Stadium and facilities
Cepheus Park Randers
Cepheus Park Randers, located in Randers in East Jutland, Denmark, serves as the home stadium for Randers FC since its reconstruction and opening in 2006 as Randers Stadium.[30][31] The venue was originally constructed in 1961 but underwent a complete rebuild between 2005 and 2006 to meet modern standards for professional football.[30] It was renamed Cepheus Park Randers in 2019 following a naming rights agreement with the local Cepheus Group, which was extended in 2021 through the end of 2026.[32][33] The stadium has a total capacity of 10,300 spectators, including 9,000 seats and 1,300 standing places, all under cover.[31] The pitch measures 102 meters by 65 meters and features a hybrid grass surface (natural grass reinforced with synthetic fibers) as of 2025.[31][34] Owned by Randers Municipality and operated by Randers FC, the facility hosts the club's Danish Superliga matches, domestic cup games, and has occasionally accommodated concerts and other events.[35] It has also served as a venue for Randers FC's European competition fixtures when qualified. Attendance at Cepheus Park Randers peaked at 11,824 during a 2010 Superliga match against Brøndby IF.[35] In the early years following the rebuild, crowds often exceeded 10,000 for key fixtures. For the 2024–25 season, the average home attendance stood at 5,950 across 11 matches, typically ranging between 6,000 and 8,000 supporters per game.[36]Development and expansions
The stadium underwent a significant rebuild in 2012, focusing on the north stand, which had been the only section not renovated during the initial 2006 reconstruction. This upgrade added covered stands to improve spectator comfort during inclement weather, with the overall capacity reaching approximately 12,000 temporarily to accommodate growing attendance demands in the Superliga. The project, costing around 55 million DKK, enhanced facilities including new lounges and skyboxes.[37] Following the 2012 rebuild, several enhancements were implemented to modernize the facility. Philips ArenaVision LED floodlights have been installed, providing 1,200 lux illumination in line with UEFA level B guidelines.[38] Naming rights agreements played a key role in funding these improvements, including the deal with BioNutria from 2016 to 2018 and the current Cepheus partnership since 2019. Earlier names included Essex Park Randers and AutoC Park Randers in the 2000s and early 2010s.[32] In the 2020s, the stadium saw further updates emphasizing environmental responsibility and fan experience. Sustainability measures, such as the transition to a hybrid grass pitch in summer 2025, combined natural grass with synthetic fibers to extend usability and reduce water usage, addressing concerns over full artificial turf's long-term health and environmental impacts.[34][39] These changes have enhanced matchday atmosphere by providing a more consistent playing surface and greener operations, though they required careful planning to meet Superliga requirements. Challenges in this period included adapting to harsh winter weather through reinforced drainage systems and ensuring compliance with league-mandated safety protocols, such as upgraded barriers and accessibility features.[40]Club identity and supporters
Nickname, colors, and badge
Randers FC's nickname, "Hestene" (The Horses), originates from the club's longstanding association with local equestrian traditions and the prominence of a large horse statue in Randers town center that has become a symbol of the area.[41][41] The moniker, adopted since the club's inception in 2003, also reflects the team's aggressive and dynamic playing style, evoking the strength and speed of horses on the pitch.[42] The club's primary colors are sky blue and white, with the home kit featuring distinctive vertical stripes that pay homage to the traditional design of its predecessor, Randers Freja.[43][44] Away kits have varied but frequently incorporate yellow and black combinations, as seen in designs from seasons like 2012 and 2019-20.[45][46] The badge, introduced in January 2003, centers on a stylized blue horse head emblem, symbolizing regional pride through its connection to Randers' equestrian heritage and the aforementioned town statue.[41][41] It was updated in 2015 to refine the horse graphic for a more modern appearance, enhancing its visual clarity and boldness.[42] Minor tweaks followed in 2020 to improve digital compatibility and overall adaptability across media platforms.[42]Supporters and rivalries
Randers FC's fanbase is characterized by a dedicated but modestly sized following, with average home attendances typically ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators in recent Superliga seasons.[47][48] Following the club's historic Danish Cup victory in 2021, attendance figures showed noticeable growth, rising from an average of around 4,150 per home match in the 2019–20 season to approximately 5,880 in 2022–23, reflecting increased local enthusiasm and community engagement.[49][50] The primary supporter group is Nordtribunen, which occupies the north stand at Cepheus Park Randers and serves as the ultras-style core of the fanbase, organizing tifos, displays, and vocal support during matches. Family-oriented sections are also available in the stadium, promoting an inclusive atmosphere for younger supporters alongside the more intense ultras presence. Fan traditions include distinctive chants tied to the club's "Hestene" (The Horses) nickname, such as "Vi er hestene" ("We are the horses"), a rousing anthem sung to energize the crowd and celebrate the team's resilient identity.[51][52] Key rivalries center on regional Jutland derbies, particularly the intense Battle of East Jutland against AGF Aarhus, a matchup fueled by geographic proximity—only about 40 kilometers apart—and competitive history since Randers' formation in 2003, with over 50 encounters marked by passionate local pride.[53][54] Matches against Silkeborg IF also carry significant local tension as fellow East Jutland clubs, contributing to the broader Jutland derby landscape with frequent high-stakes clashes in the Superliga.[55] In the community realm, Randers FC emphasizes youth engagement through programs like Randers FC Junior, which offers football activities and events at Cepheus Park to foster interest among children and integrate them into the club's culture.[56] The club has participated in broader Danish football initiatives promoting inclusivity and anti-discrimination in the 2020s, aligning with league-wide efforts to combat prejudice in supporter environments.Honours and records
Domestic honours
Randers FC has secured two Danish Cup titles, marking their most notable domestic successes. The club's first triumph came in the 2005–06 season, when they defeated Esbjerg fB 1–0 in the final at Parken Stadium after extra time, earning promotion to the Superliga and qualification for European competition. Their second victory occurred in the 2020–21 edition, with a 4–0 win over SønderjyskE in the final, again securing a spot in UEFA competitions and highlighting their resurgence as a competitive force. Additionally, Randers reached the Danish Cup final as runners-up in the 2012–13 season, losing to Esbjerg fB. In the Danish Superliga, Randers FC has yet to claim the league title but achieved their highest finish of third place in the 2012–13 season, during which they also qualified for the championship playoffs. The club has made several playoff appearances, including in the 2012–13 and 2021–22 seasons, where they competed among the top six teams for the title. These performances underscore Randers' consistent mid-table presence since promotion in 2006, with multiple seasons finishing in the upper half of the standings. Prior to their Superliga entry, Randers finished as runners-up in the 2005–06 Danish 1st Division, securing promotion alongside champions Vejle Boldklub. Pre-merger components of the club, such as Randers Freja, contributed to earlier regional successes, though no major national titles from that era are directly attributed to the modern entity. Including an earlier stint in 2004–05, Randers has played 21 seasons in the top flight as of the 2025–26 season. Overall, Randers FC's domestic honours total two Danish Cup wins, reflecting their breakthrough in knockout competitions despite lacking league championships; these achievements have been pivotal in establishing the club as a respected contender in Danish football, with the cup successes providing pathways to European participation.Club records and statistics
Randers FC has competed in the Danish Superliga for 20 seasons since their promotion in 2006, including an earlier appearance in 2004–05, accumulating a league record of 215 wins, 184 draws, and 248 losses as of November 2025 in the 2025–26 season.[19][57] This translates to an overall win percentage of approximately 33% across 647 matches.[19] In terms of goalscoring, the club's all-time leading Superliga scorer is Ronnie Schwartz with 40 goals, followed by Mikael Ishak (34) and Saba Lobjanidze (23).[58][59][60] Marvin Egho, who played for Randers from 2018 to 2022, scored 19 goals over 154 appearances, remaining one of the standout performers.[61] Attendance records highlight fluctuations tied to the club's fortunes and match significance. The highest recorded home attendance in the Superliga was 35,820 during a 2023 match against FC Copenhagen.[62] In contrast, the lowest Superliga home crowd was 250 against OB in 2020, impacted by pandemic restrictions; pre-pandemic lows in the 1st Division era hovered around 1,500 for early matches.[62] For the 2024–25 season, Simen Bolkan Nordli led Randers in goals with 14 in the Superliga, contributing significantly to their mid-table finish.[63] As of November 2025 in the ongoing 2025–26 campaign, early leaders include Daniel Høegh and Florian Danho with 2 goals each across limited fixtures.[64]| Category | Record | Details |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Superliga Wins | 215 | Across 20 seasons (2006–2025)[19][57] |
| Top Superliga Scorer | Ronnie Schwartz (40 goals) | 2009–2014[58][59] |
| Highest Superliga Attendance | 35,820 | vs. FC Copenhagen, 2023[62] |
| 2024–25 Goals Leader | Simen Bolkan Nordli (14) | Superliga only[63] |
European competitions
Qualification and participations
Randers FC first qualified for European competition in the 2006–07 season through their victory in the 2005–06 Danish Cup, earning entry into the UEFA Cup first round as the domestic cup winners. This marked the club's debut in continental football following its formation in 2003. Subsequent qualifications have been influenced by strong domestic league performances, cup successes, and occasional Fair Play rankings, aligning with Denmark's allocation of UEFA spots based on the country's association coefficient. Under UEFA's access list, Danish clubs qualify for European competitions according to their Superliga and Danish Cup finishes, with the exact entry rounds determined by Denmark's ranking (16th in the 2025 coefficient table, granting four spots: one for the Champions League, two for the Europa League, and one for the Conference League). The Superliga champion enters the Champions League second qualifying round, the cup winner enters the Europa League second qualifying round, the league runner-up enters the Europa League first qualifying round or Conference League play-offs depending on adjustments, the third-placed team enters the Conference League play-off round, and the fourth-placed team enters the Conference League second qualifying round. Fair Play entries, though rarer post-2010 reforms, have historically provided additional access for Danish sides demonstrating good conduct. The club's European timeline includes six prior participations, with a seventh in 2025–26. In 2009–10, Randers entered the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round via the Danish league's Fair Play ranking after finishing sixth in the 2008–09 Superliga. They advanced to the third qualifying round before elimination. The following season, 2010–11, saw another Fair Play qualification, granting entry at the third qualifying round.[65] Randers returned in 2013–14 after securing third place in the 2012–13 Superliga, entering the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round under the era's qualification structure for top-four finishers. In 2015–16, a fourth-place finish in the 2014–15 Superliga qualified them for the Europa League second qualifying round, reflecting the additional spot reallocated from the cup winner's higher entry. The 2021–22 season brought entry into the Europa League play-off round as 2020–21 Danish Cup winners, with a loss there leading to a transfer to the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League group stage.[66]| Season | Competition | Entry Round | Qualification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 | UEFA Cup | First round | Danish Cup winners (2005–06) |
| 2009–10 | UEFA Europa League | Second qualifying round | Danish Fair Play ranking |
| 2010–11 | UEFA Europa League | Third qualifying round | Danish Fair Play ranking |
| 2013–14 | UEFA Europa League | Third qualifying round | Superliga 3rd place (2012–13) |
| 2015–16 | UEFA Europa League | Second qualifying round | Superliga 4th place (2014–15) |
| 2021–22 | UEFA Europa League/Conference League | Play-off round | Danish Cup winners (2020–21) |
| 2025–26 | UEFA Conference League | Second qualifying round | Superliga 4th place (2024–25) |
Match record and notable results
Randers FC has participated in UEFA competitions across six seasons since 2006, with a seventh in 2025–26, accumulating a match record of 34 games, with 11 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses. The club has generally struggled to progress deep into tournaments, suffering elimination in qualifying rounds in most campaigns, though they demonstrated resilience in home fixtures, where they achieved a higher points tally compared to away performances.[65][66] The club's most recent prior European involvement came in the 2021–22 season, spanning both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League. After a 1–1 home draw and 1–2 away defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League play-off round, Randers dropped into the Conference League group stage. There, they competed in Group D, securing third place with 7 points from 6 matches (1 win, 4 draws, 1 loss). Standout results included a 2–1 home victory over CFR Cluj—their sole group win—and hard-fought 2–2 draws against both Jablonec (home and away) and AZ Alkmaar (home), alongside a narrow 0–1 away loss to AZ. Progressing to the knockout play-off round as one of the third-placed group teams, Randers faced Leicester City, suffering a 1–4 away loss followed by a 1–3 home defeat, resulting in a 2–7 aggregate elimination.[67] Earlier campaigns highlight sporadic successes in qualifying but consistent early exits. In the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League, Randers won 2 of 6 matches, with victories such as 4–0 over Levadia Tallinn and 3–0 over Videoton, draws 0–0 vs Levadia and 2–2 vs Hamburger SV, and losses 0–1 vs Videoton and 1–3 vs Hamburger SV in the play-off round. The 2010–11 edition saw 2 wins and 1 draw in 4 qualifying games, including progression past ÍBV (2–0 home, 1–0 away), only to be ousted by Fenerbahçe (1–1 home, 0–2 away). Across all European ties, no advancement beyond the group stage or equivalent knockout phase has been achieved.[65][68] Individual contributions have occasionally shone, with forward Stephen Odey netting important goals, such as the leveler in the 2–2 away draw against Jablonec during the 2021–22 group stage. Other scorers like Vito Hammershøj-Mistrati and Mohammed Fuseini also featured prominently in European efforts, though the team has yet to secure progression from any group or playoff stage. No further European participations have occurred between 2021–22 and 2024–25, as domestic finishes did not qualify the club for those seasons. For 2025–26, Randers entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round but were eliminated early, playing 2 matches without advancing.[69][70]Current squad and staff
First-team squad
As of November 2025, Randers FC's first-team squad for the 2025–26 Danish Superliga season comprises 25 players, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents, under the leadership of captain Wessel Dammers, a Dutch centre-back whose contract runs until June 2026. The squad features a mix of nationalities, including 11 Danes and 14 foreigners, with key 2025 summer signings such as Swedish left-back Elias Andersson from Lech Poznań (contract to December 2025), Belgian centre-back Lucas Lissens from Lyngby BK (to June 2028), and Danish goalkeeper Jannich Storch from Lyngby BK (to June 2028), aimed at bolstering defensive stability following a fourth-place finish in the prior season.[71][72]Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper trio provides depth, led by Australian-Italian Paul Izzo as the primary option (number 1, contract to June 2027), supported by veteran Dane Jannich Storch (number 32, to June 2028) and young Dutch-Spanish prospect Mert Demirci (number 22, to June 2027).[71]Defenders
The defensive line, anchored by captain Wessel Dammers (number 4, Netherlands, to June 2026), includes a blend of centre-backs and full-backs for versatility. Notable players are Danish centre-back Daniel Høegh (number 3, to June 2027), Australian centre-back Oliver Jones (number 5, to December 2028), Danish left-back Nikolas Dyhr (number 44, to June 2028), Swedish left-back Elias Andersson (number 23, to December 2025), and Danish right-back Oliver Olsen (number 27, to June 2026), with young Dane Sabil Hansen (number 24, to June 2027) adding pace on the right. Belgian centre-back Lucas Lissens (number 2, to June 2028) was a key 2025 acquisition.[71][72]Midfielders
Midfield options emphasize control and energy, with Danish defensive midfielder André Römer (number 28, to June 2026) providing leadership. The central midfield group features Swedish John Björkengren (number 6, to June 2027), Danish Frederik Lauenborg (number 14, to June 2028), young Senegalese Ousseynou Fall Seck (number 25, to June 2029), and Danish prospects Laurits Pedersen (number 16, to December 2027) and Max Albæk (number 38, to June 2028). Danish right winger Mathias Greve (number 17, to June 2028), a consistent performer from the previous campaign, adds attacking flair from midfield.[71]Forwards
The forward line focuses on pace and finishing, highlighted by Australian-Liberian centre-forward Mohamed Touré (number 7, to June 2028) as a 2025 standout signing. Other key attackers include Jamaican right winger Norman Campbell (number 10, to June 2028), French-Algerian right winger Elies Mahmoud (number 11, to June 2029), Nigerian centre-forward Stephen Odey (number 90, to December 2025), Iraqi-Swedish centre-forward Amin Al-Hamawi (number 9, to June 2029), Australian-Liberian centre-forward Musa Touré (number 19, to June 2028), and young Danish left winger Mike Themsen (number 30, to June 2028).[71][72]| Position | No. | Player | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 1 | Paul Izzo | Australia/Italy | Jun 2027 |
| GK | 32 | Jannich Storch | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| GK | 22 | Mert Demirci | Netherlands/Spain | Jun 2027 |
| DF | 2 | Lucas Lissens | Belgium | Jun 2028 |
| DF | 4 | Wessel Dammers (Captain) | Netherlands | Jun 2026 |
| DF | 5 | Oliver Jones | Australia | Dec 2028 |
| DF | 3 | Daniel Høegh | Denmark | Jun 2027 |
| DF | 44 | Nikolas Dyhr | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| DF | 23 | Elias Andersson | Sweden | Dec 2025 |
| DF | 27 | Oliver Olsen | Denmark | Jun 2026 |
| DF | 24 | Sabil Hansen | Denmark | Jun 2027 |
| MF | 28 | André Römer | Denmark | Jun 2026 |
| MF | 6 | John Björkengren | Sweden | Jun 2027 |
| MF | 16 | Laurits Pedersen | Denmark | Dec 2027 |
| MF | 14 | Frederik Lauenborg | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| MF | 25 | Ousseynou Fall Seck | Senegal | Jun 2029 |
| MF | 38 | Max Albæk | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| FW | 30 | Mike Themsen | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| FW | 10 | Norman Campbell | Jamaica | Jun 2028 |
| FW | 17 | Mathias Greve | Denmark | Jun 2028 |
| FW | 11 | Elies Mahmoud | France/Algeria | Jun 2029 |
| FW | 7 | Mohamed Touré | Australia/Liberia | Jun 2028 |
| FW | 90 | Stephen Odey | Nigeria | Dec 2025 |
| FW | 9 | Amin Al-Hamawi | Iraq/Sweden | Jun 2029 |
| FW | 19 | Musa Touré | Australia/Liberia | Jun 2028 |
