As West Ham United confirm the appointment of Linus Kandolin as the Premier League outfit’s new goalkeeping coach, replacing Xavi Valero in the process, the sprawling farewell afforded to him by Elfsborg spoke volumes.
How many other goalkeeping coaches would be waved off with such a lengthy and extremely fond goodbye ringing in his ears?
OK, Xavi Valero was not short of sentiments himself when the long-serving Spaniard brought an end to his seven-year spell at West Ham United in May.
Graham Potter labelled Valero a ‘superb professional’ before seeing the former Wrexham goalkeeper make a speedy return to English football with Premier League champions Liverpool.
Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson, meanwhile, could not speak highly enough of the man who takes Valero’s place on Potter’s coaching staff. A familiar face too, in Linus Kandolin.
Elfsborg release glowing Linus Kandolin tribute as West Ham United land new coach
Kandolin, who worked with Graham Potter at Osterunds between 2015 and 2018, was a big presence in an Elfsborg outfit who finished second in the Swedish Allsvenskan in 2023.
Only the second time they had secured a top-two spot since winning the league thirteen years ago.
Kandolin was credited with honing the talents of Iceland international Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson before his £2.5 million move to Brentford.
West Ham will now be hoping that the 34-year-old, who also coached Sweden’s shot-stoppers at Under-21 level, can make a similar impact on the shot-stoppers at Rush Green.
“Linus has been an extremely appreciated person since he joined us for the 2019 season and has contributed greatly to our success since then,” Andreasson tells Elfsborg’s official website.
“Linus has taken the goalkeeping coach role to another level, as he has also had other tasks in various coaching teams without sacrificing getting our goalkeepers to reach their full potential.
“Since Linus has been among the most competent coaches in his category in Scandinavia, he has had alternatives before but has then chosen to stay. But when the question came from West Ham, Linus wanted to get the chance in the Premier League.
“And based on that, we have found a solution where he is bought out of his contract. This means that Linus will play his last match with us at Boras Arena against Hacken this Sunday.
“Many thanks Linus, good luck and see you later.”
West Ham move a ‘dream’ for former Sweden coach Kandolin
Linus Kandolin admits joining West Ham is a ‘dream’ come true. An opportunity he could not turn down. And one Elfsborg were never likely to deny him.
“Linus is a person that I have gotten to know both as a friend and a football coach over the past year,” adds Oscar Hiljemark, who succeeded Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup-winning tactician Jimmy Thelin as Elfsborg’s head coach.
“Linus is a hard-working colleague and a competent goalkeeper coach that we have had the pleasure of having on our staff and in our organisation.
“Now, we wish him all the best with his new adventure. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and great moments Linus.”
Currently, only days before pre-season begins, West Ham have only two senior goalkeepers at their disposal in Alphonse Areola and veteran back-up Wes Foderingham.
Lukasz Fabianski left the London Stadium as a free agent on July 1st.
Former Arsenal glovesman Fabianski is keen to stay in London and extend his playing career despite turning 40 in April.
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