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Randers FC
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 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

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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

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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

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Randers (right) lining up against Viborg at Cepheus Park Randers

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 Iceland ÍA 1–0 1–2 2–2 (a)
Second qualifying round Lithuania FBK Kaunas 3–1 0–1 3–2
First round Turkey Fenerbahçe 0–3 1–2 1–5
2009–10[16] UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Northern Ireland Linfield 4–0 3–0 7–0
Second qualifying round Lithuania Sūduva 1–1 1–0 2–1
Third qualifying round Germany Hamburger SV 0–4 1–0 1–4
2010–11[17] UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Luxembourg F91 Dudelange 6–1 1–2 7–3
Second qualifying round Slovenia Gorica 1–1 3–0 4–1
Third qualifying round Switzerland Lausanne-Sport 2–3 1–1 3–4
2013–14 UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round Russia Rubin Kazan 1–2 0–2 1–4
2015–16 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Andorra Sant Julià 3–0 1–0 4–0
Second qualifying round Sweden Elfsborg 0–0 0–1 0–1
2021–22 UEFA Europa League Play-off round Turkey Galatasaray 1–1 1–2 2–3
UEFA Europa Conference League Group D Netherlands AZ 2–2 0–1 2nd place
Romania CFR Cluj 2–1 1–1
Czech Republic Jablonec 2–2 2–2
Knockout round play-offs England Leicester City 1–3 1–4 2–7

Stadium

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Randers Stadium

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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]

Records

[edit]

Most games played: 223 Denmark Mads Fenger

Most goals: 41 Denmark 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.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  AUS Paul Izzo
2 DF  BEL Lucas Lissens
3 DF  DEN Daniel Høegh
4 DF  NED Wessel Dammers (captain)
5 DF  AUS Oliver Jones
6 MF  SWE John Björkengren
7 MF  DEN Mike Themsen
8 MF  DEN Laurits Pedersen
9 FW  IRQ Amin Al-Hamawi
10 FW  MAD Warren Caddy
11 MF  FRA Elies Mahmoud
14 MF  DEN Frederik Lauenborg
15 DF  NOR Martin Sjølstad
17 MF  DEN Mathias Greve
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 FW  SYR Noah Shamoun
19 FW  AUS Musa Toure
21 FW  GHA Ernest Agyiri
22 GK  NED Mert Demirci
23 DF  SWE Benjamin Örn
24 DF  DEN Sabil Hansen
25 MF  SEN Ousseynou Fall Seck
28 MF  DEN André Rømer
32 GK  DEN Jannich Storch
33 FW  GHA Cyril Edudzi
38 MF  DEN Max Albæk
44 DF  DEN Nikolas Dyhr
- FW  TOG Thibault Klidjé (on loan from Hibernian)

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.

No. Pos. Nation Player
50 MF  DEN Lasse Mandal
No. Pos. Nation Player
51 GK  DEN Oliver Henriksen

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.

No. Pos. Nation Player
FW  GHA Abdul Hakim Sulemana (at Hillerød until 30 June 2026)

Managers

[edit]

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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Randers FC is a football club based in , East , , founded on 1 January 2003 through the merger of six local clubs to create a stronger competitive entity in Danish football. The club competes in the , the top tier of Danish football, where it has maintained a presence for 15 consecutive seasons as of the 2025–26 season, currently holding a mid-table position as of 2025. Known by the Hestene (), Randers FC plays its home matches at Cepheus Park Randers, a modern stadium with an official capacity of 10,300 spectators. The club's most notable domestic achievements include two victories in the (also known as the Oddset Pokalen), secured in the 2005–06 and 2020–21 seasons, which remain its primary honors to date. In the Superliga, Randers FC has achieved a highest league finish of third place during the 2012–13 campaign, establishing itself as a consistent challenger despite operating on a relatively modest compared to larger Danish clubs. On the European stage, the club has participated in multiple times, including the qualifying rounds in seasons such as 2009–10, 2013–14, and 2015–16, as well as the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage in 2021–22, where it recorded competitive results against teams like Leicester City and . Randers FC emphasizes community involvement and youth development through initiatives like Randers FC Junior, while maintaining a squad that blends experienced Danish players with international talent, reflecting its role as a resilient mid-tier force in Danish football.

History

Formation and early years

Randers FC was established on January 1, 2003, through the merger of six local football clubs from the area: Dronningborg Boldklub (founded 1928), Hornbæk Sportsforening (1945), Kristrup Boldklub (1908), Randers Freja (1898), Randers KFUM (1920), and Vorup Frederiksberg Boldklub (1930). 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. This unification addressed financial challenges faced by the individual clubs and fostered a broader base for talent development and community engagement in the region. The new club entered the (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). Under the management of , 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. Key early signings included defensive midfielder Rasmus Hansen from , left-back René Carlsen from Vorup FB, and centre-back Che Bunce from Drogheda United, bolstering the squad's experience and depth for the competitive second tier. 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. Despite the on-field challenges, the club focused on building local support through collaborations with approximately 35 regional amateur clubs for youth development, , and commercial initiatives, which helped establish a foundation for sustained community involvement. Initial infrastructure efforts centered on utilizing the existing Stadium (capacity around 12,000 at the time) while integrating administrative and training resources from the merged entities to support professional operations.

Promotion and first cup success

In the 2005–06 season, Randers FC achieved promotion to the 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. 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 . This success built on the club's recent formation from a merger of local teams, providing a stable foundation for their ascent. 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. They advanced past Superliga opponents AGF (2–0 on 14 September) and (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). The semifinals against AaB ended in a 1–1 aggregate draw (0–0 home, 1–1 away with an by ), allowing Randers to progress on away goals. The final on 11 May 2006 at saw Randers defeat 1–0 after extra time, with Karsten Johansen scoring the decisive goal in the 114th minute before 23,825 spectators. This double achievement under manager , 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. The cup triumph qualified them for the first qualifying round, opening the door to European competition for the first time. 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 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 which granted European qualification. 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. Under manager , the club established a solid defensive foundation, conceding 53 goals while adapting to the higher level of competition. The following seasons saw 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 qualification through the fair play ranking. 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. However, challenges emerged in 2010–11, where ended 11th with just 34 points (6 wins, 16 draws, 11 losses), leading to relegation after finishing in the playoff spots for descent. 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. 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 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 (2009–2011) and later Thomas Thomasberg's return in multiple roles during the decade. Financial pressures in the mid- 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, 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. 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 .

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 . Goals were scored by Erik Marxen in the 2nd minute from a , Mathias Greve in the 7th minute, in the 51st minute, and Simon Lund in the 68th minute, marking a dominant performance under manager . The 2021–22 Superliga season saw finish 6th overall with a record of 12 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, accumulating 43 points across 32 matches. As 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. 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. 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 in September and a 0–2 home defeat to Midtjylland on 9 November. 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.

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. The venue was originally constructed in 1961 but underwent a complete rebuild between 2005 and 2006 to meet modern standards for professional football. 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. The has a total capacity of 10,300 spectators, including 9,000 seats and 1,300 standing places, all under cover. The pitch measures 102 meters by 65 meters and features a surface (natural grass reinforced with synthetic fibers) as of 2025. Owned by Randers Municipality and operated by Randers FC, the facility hosts the club's matches, domestic cup games, and has occasionally accommodated concerts and other events. 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 . 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.

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 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. 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 level B guidelines. 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 and early . In the 2020s, the stadium saw further updates emphasizing environmental responsibility and fan experience. Sustainability measures, such as the transition to a pitch in summer 2025, combined natural grass with synthetic fibers to extend and reduce water usage, addressing concerns over full artificial turf's long-term health and environmental impacts. 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.

Club identity and supporters

Nickname, colors, and badge

Randers FC's nickname, "Hestene" (), originates from the club's longstanding association with local equestrian traditions and the prominence of a large statue in town center that has become a symbol of the area. The moniker, adopted since the club's inception in , also reflects the team's aggressive and dynamic playing style, evoking the strength and speed of on the pitch. The club's primary colors are and white, with the home kit featuring distinctive vertical stripes that pay homage to the traditional of its predecessor, Freja. Away kits have varied but frequently incorporate yellow and black combinations, as seen in designs from seasons like 2012 and 2019-20. The badge, introduced in January 2003, centers on a stylized blue head , symbolizing regional pride through its connection to ' equestrian heritage and the aforementioned town . It was updated in 2015 to refine the horse graphic for a more modern appearance, enhancing its visual clarity and boldness. Minor tweaks followed in 2020 to improve digital compatibility and overall adaptability across media platforms.

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. 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. The primary supporter group is Nordtribunen, which occupies the north stand at Cepheus Park Randers and serves as the -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 presence. Fan traditions include distinctive chants tied to the club's "Hestene" () nickname, such as "Vi er hestene" ("We are "), a rousing sung to energize the crowd and celebrate the team's resilient identity. Key rivalries center on regional Jutland derbies, particularly the intense Battle of East 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. Matches against also carry significant local tension as fellow East clubs, contributing to the broader derby landscape with frequent high-stakes clashes in the Superliga. In the community realm, Randers FC emphasizes youth engagement through programs like Randers FC Junior, which offers football activities and events at to foster interest among children and integrate them into the club's . The club has participated in broader Danish football initiatives promoting inclusivity and anti-discrimination in the , aligning with league-wide efforts to combat in supporter environments.

Honours and records

Domestic honours

Randers FC has secured two titles, marking their most notable domestic successes. The club's first triumph came in the 2005–06 season, when they defeated 1–0 in the final at 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 and highlighting their resurgence as a competitive force. Additionally, Randers reached the final as runners-up in the 2012–13 season, losing to . In the , 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 ' consistent mid-table presence since promotion in , 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 , securing promotion alongside champions . 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 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 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. This translates to an overall win percentage of approximately 33% across 647 matches. In terms of goalscoring, the club's all-time leading Superliga scorer is Ronnie Schwartz with 40 goals, followed by (34) and Saba Lobjanidze (23). Marvin Egho, who played for from 2018 to 2022, scored 19 goals over 154 appearances, remaining one of the standout performers. 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 . In contrast, the lowest Superliga home crowd was 250 against OB in 2020, impacted by restrictions; pre- lows in the 1st Division era hovered around 1,500 for early matches. For the 2024–25 season, Simen Bolkan Nordli led in goals with 14 in the Superliga, contributing significantly to their mid-table finish. 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.
CategoryRecordDetails
All-Time Superliga Wins215Across 20 seasons (2006–2025)
Top Superliga ScorerRonnie Schwartz (40 goals)2009–2014
Highest Superliga Attendance35,820vs. , 2023
2024–25 Goals LeaderSimen Bolkan Nordli (14)Superliga only

European competitions

Qualification and participations

Randers FC first qualified for European competition in the 2006–07 season through their victory in the 2005–06 , earning entry into the 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 spots based on the country's association coefficient. Under UEFA's access list, Danish clubs qualify for European competitions according to their Superliga and 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, entered the 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. 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.
SeasonCompetitionEntry RoundQualification Method
2006–07UEFA CupFirst roundDanish Cup winners (2005–06)
2009–10UEFA Europa LeagueSecond qualifying roundDanish Fair Play ranking
2010–11UEFA Europa LeagueThird qualifying roundDanish Fair Play ranking
2013–14UEFA Europa LeagueThird qualifying roundSuperliga 3rd place (2012–13)
2015–16UEFA Europa LeagueSecond qualifying roundSuperliga 4th place (2014–15)
2021–22UEFA Europa League/Conference LeaguePlay-off roundDanish Cup winners (2020–21)
2025–26UEFA Conference LeagueSecond qualifying roundSuperliga 4th place (2024–25)

Match record and notable results

Randers FC has participated in 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. The club's most recent prior European involvement came in the 2021–22 season, spanning both the 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 —their sole group win—and hard-fought 2–2 draws against both Jablonec (home and away) and (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. 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. 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 Conference League second qualifying round but were eliminated early, playing 2 matches without advancing.

Current squad and staff

First-team squad

As of November 2025, Randers FC's first-team squad for the 2025–26 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 from (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.

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).

Defenders

The defensive line, anchored by captain Wessel Dammers (number 4, , 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 (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.

Midfielders

Midfield options emphasize control and energy, with Danish defensive 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.

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).
PositionNo.PlayerNationalityContract Expiry
GK1Paul IzzoAustralia/ItalyJun 2027
GK32Jannich StorchDenmarkJun 2028
GK22Mert DemirciNetherlands/SpainJun 2027
DF2Lucas LissensBelgiumJun 2028
DF4Wessel Dammers (Captain)NetherlandsJun 2026
DF5Oliver JonesAustraliaDec 2028
DF3Daniel HøeghDenmarkJun 2027
DF44Nikolas DyhrDenmarkJun 2028
DF23Elias AnderssonSwedenDec 2025
DF27Oliver OlsenDenmarkJun 2026
DF24Sabil HansenDenmarkJun 2027
MF28André RömerDenmarkJun 2026
MF6John BjörkengrenSwedenJun 2027
MF16Laurits PedersenDenmarkDec 2027
MF14Frederik LauenborgDenmarkJun 2028
MF25Ousseynou Fall SeckSenegalJun 2029
MF38Max AlbækDenmarkJun 2028
FW30Mike ThemsenDenmarkJun 2028
FW10Norman CampbellJamaicaJun 2028
FW17Mathias GreveDenmarkJun 2028
FW11Elies MahmoudFrance/AlgeriaJun 2029
FW7Mohamed TouréAustralia/LiberiaJun 2028
FW90Stephen OdeyNigeriaDec 2025
FW9Amin Al-HamawiIraq/SwedenJun 2029
FW19Musa TouréAustralia/LiberiaJun 2028
This roster reflects updates as of November 9, 2025, excluding youth or loaned-out players.

Youth players and

FC's youth , known as the Talentafdelingen, was established in 2003 upon the club's founding as an amalgamation of six local -based teams, including Randers Sportsklub Freja. The focuses on nurturing talents primarily from the region, emphasizing holistic development through structured training programs starting from U9 levels. It maintains affiliations with local schools, such as Vesterbakkeskolen, to support inclusive football initiatives for young players of varying abilities, integrating education with athletic progression. The academy oversees competitive youth teams from U13 to U19, administered under the Randers Freja FC banner, participating in DBU-organized leagues and tournaments. Partnerships with the (DBU) facilitate access to national youth development resources, including coaching certifications and competitive pathways. These collaborations underscore the academy's commitment to professional standards in talent identification and training. In the 2025–26 season, promising U19 prospects include centre-back Emil Bramsen and forward Vincent Gaml, who has emerged as a top goalscorer in youth competitions. Young players like 20-year-old striker Musa Touré, recently integrated into first-team considerations, exemplify the academy's pathway to senior involvement. The system prioritizes promotions from lower age groups, with recent successes including multiple U17-to-senior transitions that bolster the club's depth. Notable academy graduates have made impacts in Danish professional football, such as midfielder Nicolai Poulsen, who debuted for Randers FC and amassed over 150 Superliga appearances across clubs including Aarhus GF. The academy's effectiveness is highlighted by its youth orientation, with under-21 players accounting for 13% of first-team minutes in recent CIES analyses, reflecting strong progression rates.

Management and coaching staff

Rasmus Bertelsen serves as the head coach of Randers FC, having been appointed on March 23, 2023, with his contract running until June 30, 2026. A former assistant coach at the club, Bertelsen favors a 4-4-2 formation in his tactical approach. In the early stages of the 2025–26 season, as of November 2025, his team has recorded 5 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses across 14 matches, yielding a win rate of approximately 36%. The coaching staff supporting Bertelsen includes several assistants focused on tactical and performance aspects. First assistant Ralf Pedersen works closely with the on match preparation and training sessions. Other key assistants comprise Abdirahman, Drachmann, Michael Ravn, and Okan Ataş, the latter joining the team on July 1, 2025, to bolster analytical and development roles. Physical conditioning is overseen by Tobias Elstrup, who manages fitness and recovery programs for the squad. On the technical side, Søren Pedersen holds the position of Director of Football, responsible for player recruitment, contracts, and overall strategic direction since his appointment. The medical team provides essential support for player health, with physiotherapist Jonas Jensen noted for implementing advanced treatments like shockwave therapy to aid recovery. Recent staff adjustments, such as Ataş's addition, reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the backroom team amid the demands of the Superliga and cup competitions.

Sponsorship and kit

Kit suppliers and designs

Randers FC has had several kit suppliers since its formation in 2003. Puma has served as the primary kit manufacturer since the 2015–16 season, providing the club's home, away, and third kits across multiple campaigns. Prior to Puma, the club partnered with from 2013 to 2015, H2O from 2010 to 2013, from 2006 to 2010, and Nike before 2006. The 2025–26 home kit, produced by Puma, features a graphic design in and , reflecting the club's traditional blue-and-white identity derived from its regional roots in , . Launched on July 8, 2025, it maintains the vertical striped pattern iconic to the club while incorporating modern elements for the season. For the 2024–25 season, the away kit by Puma adopts navy and tones, offering a subtle variation on the home palette for alternate matches. Special editions have included a 2021–22 kit in , white, and navy, used during European Conference League participation to honor key fixtures. Kit designs emphasize the club's heritage, with the horse emblem from the often integrated to symbolize local equestrian traditions in the region.

Shirt sponsors and partnerships

Randers FC's primary shirt sponsor is Verdo, a Danish energy company that has held the position since and renewed its agreement in October 2025 to maintain prominent visibility on both kits. This long-term partnership underscores Verdo's role as a top commercial ally, integrating its branding centrally on the front of the team's jerseys across all competitions. The club's main overall sponsor, Sparekassen Kronjylland, a regional , has supported Randers FC since 2006 and extended its deal through the summer of 2029 in December 2024, enhancing its presence on kit elements such as sleeves and training wear to boost local community ties. This upgraded sponsorship reflects the bank's commitment to the club, providing financial stability and additional exposure opportunities beyond matchdays. Cepheus Ejendomme serves as the stadium naming rights partner, rebranding the venue as Cepheus Park Randers since 2019, which includes integrated branding around the ground and contributes to the club's commercial portfolio. Historically, FC secured its first sponsorship in 2004 with Vestjyllands Bank (later Vestjysk Bank), marking the beginning of formalized commercial deals that evolved through partnerships with Forenede Service (2005–2008) and Essex Invest (2008–2009) before Verdo's enduring tenure. These early agreements laid the foundation for post-2021 financial growth, as sponsorship revenues helped stabilize the club amid economic challenges from the , supporting a reported increase to approximately €9.7 million in recent seasons. Sponsorships form a core for Randers FC, with partnerships like those with local firms contributing to an estimated annual commercial income in the range of 10 million DKK, enabling investments in youth development and .

References

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