Lillestrøm SK has lost one of its greatest figures. Frank Grønlund, the club's former captain, chairman and honorary member, has died at the age of 73.
The club confirmed the news in a press release on its website. Grønlund, who was born just 200 metres from Åråsen stadium, spent his entire adult life in service to LSK. He made his first-team debut in 1970 and played 243 matches before retiring after the 1983 season.
A winning career
As a centre-back, Grønlund was a pillar of the team that dominated Norwegian football in the 1970s. He was part of the side that won the league title in 1976, the Double in 1977 and the Norwegian Cup in 1978. In 1981, he was captain when Lillestrøm lifted the cup again after a final victory over Moss. He earned two caps for Norway in 1978.
After his playing career, he moved into leadership roles. Grønlund served on the main board, worked as the club's daily leader for several years and was chairman from 1998 to 2002. In 2003, he was appointed an honorary member, the club's highest honour.
After Tom Lund, Frank Grønlund is the person in LSK I have had the most respect for, says former LSK coach and leader Ivar Hoff.
The club's current daily leader, Robert Lauritsen, remembers a giant. Frank is one of the truly great LSK legends. As a player, captain and leader, he has left a deep mark on the club, says Lauritsen.
A life for the club
In a 2017 interview with the club's website, Grønlund stated his connection was deeply rooted. I was born 200 metres from Åråsen. I have followed the club since I was ten years old. So I got this with my mother's milk, he said.
The news comes as the current Lillestrøm squad prepares for its next Eliteserien match. Following a 3-0 away defeat to Viking last weekend, the team's recent form reads three wins and two losses from its last five.
The club has sent its condolences to Grønlund's family and close relatives. In its tribute, Lillestrøm SK wrote: Thank you for everything, Frank. His decades of service are recorded in the club's statistics and will remain part of LSK's soul.
The report in full is at vg.no
