Central defender Age Hareide was a full Norwegian international when he
was signed by John Bond from Molde FK on October 1st 1981 for a fee of
£10, 000. That 1981/82 season was the first when three points were
awarded for a win and Hareide's debut came as a substitute when he
replaced another newcomer that term, Martin O'Neill, in a goalless draw
with Nottingham Forest some three weeks after signing. He was City's
first ever Norwegian in the ranks and that substitute appearance proved
the first of seven times he would wear the number twelve shirt in his
debut season. Tall and blond, Hareide looked for all the world like the
archetypal Scandinavian and yet despite his international record and
pedigree he never really made the grade at Maine Road.
On top of those
seven substitute appearances in the league, Hareide made a further one
in the League Cup (again replacing O'Neill, this time in a game City won
9-8 on penalties at Stoke), as well as making the starting line-up on
nine occasions. Curiously enough for a defender, he wore five different
numbered shirts during those nine league starts. Age started every one
of the first seven league games of 1982/83, each time at number seven as
Tommy Caton and the manager's son Kevin continued to hold down the
central defenders berths. In the ninth game, City lost 2-1 at Everton, a
game that marked Hareide's final appearance for City, this time at
inside-left.
He remained surplus to requirements for the first team
after that date, continuing to ply his trade in the reserves for the
rest of the season until a transfer to Norwich City on July 7th 1983.
Although he was unable to hold down a regular senior spot at Maine Road
(his career took in 17/8 appearances) he continued to play international
football and won nine Norwegian caps during his time with City. (Ian Penney - author of The Legends of Manchester City)
1970–1975 Hødd 37 (2)
1976–1981 Molde 93 (21)
1981–1982 Manchester City 24 (0)
1982–1984 Norwich City 40 (2)
1984–1987 Molde 72 (10)
Total 266 (35 goals)
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After playing football he managed many teams including:
Molde, Helsingborgs IF, Brøndby, Rosenborg, Norway (2003 - 2008)
Örgryte IS, Viking, Malmö FF.