Following the FA Cup Final triumph against Manchester City back in May, Palace find themselves on the cusp of a first ever UEFA Conference League (play-off) match this Thursday at Selhurst Park.
Albeit, not the competition the club and fans were expecting to be in however, it is exciting. We caught up with Joakim Simensen to find out more about our opponents, their history and more.
TEB: Last term, Fredrikstad FK finished sixth in the Eliteserien on 51 points. How would you describe the season?
JS: Fredrikstad enjoyed a very successful campaign. It was their first year back in Norway’s top flight since 2012. The club has a rich history — nine league titles and twelve Norwegian Cups, although the last league triumph came in 1961 — that sixth place felt well earned.
The club had endured hardship through the mid-80s into the early 2000s, only breaking the cycle with back-to-back promotions in 2001 and 2002. They won the Cup in 2006 and finished as league runners-up in 2008, but were relegated the following season and spent most of the next decade in the second tier.
After slipping down again in 2017, they finally got promoted again in 2023. Last season was built on a rock-solid defence. During the summer, manager Mikkjal Thomassen left for AIK in Sweden. Andreas Hagen — then assistant — took over as caretaker, and his results earned him the job permanently. The campaign culminated in a memorable Norwegian Cup victory in December, with 15,000 Fredrikstad supporters packing the National Arena for a night they would not forget.
TEB: The 2025 season is already underway for Fredrikstad, and the club currently occupies eighth place. How has this campaign been going so far?
JS: It’s been tougher than last year, as many expected. The winter transfer window was busy, headlined by the club-record signing of Estonian international Rocco Shein for about £550k (roughly 7 million NOK). The club’s strategy is to grow finances by investing in young talent to develop and sell. At the same time, they’re trying to evolve a more attractive style of play, which naturally takes time. Defensively, they’ve been less consistent, and the lack of a goalscorer has been noticeable. Still, given the summer departures of key players—Jonathan Fischer (the league’s top goalkeeper) to Metz and centre-back Fallou Fall to the MLS, most supporters seem content with a mid-table position.
TEB: Fredrikstad faced FC Midtjylland in the play-offs for the Europa League but unfortunately fell to defeat. How did the team fare in those matches?
JS: Midtjylland were heavy favourites. Over two matches they managed around eight shots on target and scored five goals. Statistically the tie was fairly even in possession and passing, but Midtjylland’s quality in the final third made the difference and they deserved to advance.
TEB: The transfer window is still open, have any new signings caught your eye or are there any areas of the squad that need to be strengthened?
JS: The club have signed striker Johannes Hummelvoll-Nunez this week from KFUM Oslo. The 28-year-old has five goals in 13 games this season and ten in 27 games last year, plus a handful of assists. I don’t expect further additions before the two games against Palace.
TEB: Are there any wildcards within the Fredrikstad team that could step up and make a big difference against Palace?
JS: Johannes Bjartalid (number 14) is a fan favourite and has several caps for the Faroe Islands. He scored Fredrikstad’s only goal against Midtjylland. Still, I’m not sure any one player can single-handedly turn the tie. This has to be a collective effort.
TEB: Thoughts on the boss Andreas Hagen? Is he the man to take the club forward?
JS: I believe so. He delivered a solid season last year. I think everyone is seeing that the club still has to take some steps both on and off the pitch, but the fans do have faith in Hagen.
TEB: What are your thoughts on Palace and how do you think we will fare in this campaign?
JS: First, I sympathise with Palace supporters missing out on the Europa League. UEFA and CAS have been harsh in your case, especially compared to other clubs and the questionable things they do. That said, I hope you enjoy the Conference League. There are some cool destinations coming up for you in the months ahead.
TEB: Season ambitions for Fredrikstad?
JS: Everyone, supporters, players, the club and sponsors — is savouring this European adventure. The target is a top-four finish to secure European football next season, though I personally remain sceptical that they can quite reach those heights this season. But this European-adventure has been fun for everyone. Understandably we would like to be part of it again, as soon as possible.
TEB: Are there any tips you would recommend to Palace fans who will be attending the away fixture in Norway on 28th August?
JS: Many Palace fans will maybe head to VærsteHangaren, a large warehouse venue used for concerts and events, located just a few hundred metres from the stadium. If you have time, visit Fredrikstad’s Old Town — one of the best-preserved in Norway. Catch the free ferry (10 – 15 minutes).
TEB: Expectations for the two matches against Palace in the UEFA Conference League including final score predictions?
JS: Palace should progress; it’s hard to see otherwise. Expect Fredrikstad to defend in numbers — probably all 11 behind the ball — for 90 minutes at Selhurst Park. If they can somehow bring back a two-goal deficit, they’ll push for an upset on their artificial pitch at home.
Final scores: 4-0 Palace in the first leg, and 2-1 Fredrikstad against a young Palace-team in the return.
