In a surprising turn of events, former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley has bid farewell to Norwegian club Stabaek following a disappointing run of three consecutive defeats. This marks the end of his second stint at the club, which began in September 2023 amidst hopes of turning the team’s fortunes around after relegation to the Norwegian second tier at the end of the 2023 season.
One interesting aspect of Bradley’s tenure at Stabaek was the presence of his son Michael, a former USMNT international, who had joined his coaching staff in October 2023. Despite their combined efforts, Stabaek find themselves in a less than ideal position, currently sitting seventh in the second division and trailing the automatic promotion places by 10 points with seven rounds of matches left in the 2024 campaign.
In a statement regarding Bradley’s departure, the club expressed gratitude for his contributions while acknowledging the need for change. “After a longer period of limited development and varying results, we have, in consultation with Bob, agreed to end the collaboration,” the statement read. “At the same time, we are very grateful for the work and effort Bob has put into the club and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Bradley’s history with Stabaek dates back to his initial appointment in January 2014, where he made history as the first American to manage a club in a European top flight. After leaving in November 2015, he went on to take on roles at Le Havre in France and Swansea City in the Premier League. His return to Stabaek last year came after successful spells in MLS with Los Angeles FC and Toronto FC, showcasing his versatility and experience in different footballing environments.
Despite the recent setback at Stabaek, Bradley’s impact on the club and the players he worked with is undeniable. As he now bids farewell and looks towards the future, the footballing world will be watching closely to see where his next chapter takes him.
