TRONDHEIM, Aug 8 (SW) – Norwegian defending champions Rosenborg have appointed Per Mathias Hoegmo as their new coach following the resignation of Per Joar Hansen yesterday.

Rosenborg have won the last 13 domestic leagues but the defending champions have lost all hopes to retain their title this season, after recording one of the worst terms of the club’s last 40 years.

Per Joar Hansen had admitted earlier last week his side had absolutely no chance in clinching a 14th consecutive title, the tactician confirming all his men could do was to try to finish as high as they could in this season's Norwegian table.

But Hansen was dealt by yet another domestic blow, as his side went down 1-2 against Lillestrom yesterday. Alexander Odegaard had opened the score for the hosts with a 34th-minute effort, but two consecutives strikes from Michael Mifsud (61’) and Arild Sundgot (78’) had quickly disrupted Rosenborg and Hansen’s plans, leaving the Scandinavian giants on a poor 8th seat in the table, a massive 13-point gap behind current league leaders Start.

Per Joar Hansen handed his resignation shortly after his side’s latest defeat, leaving Rosenborg only a few days to find a suitable replacement ahead of their Champions league qualifier against Steaua Bucharest (third round first leg on Wednesday).

Today, former Tromso manager and NRK football consultant Per Mathias Hoegmo was officially appointed as Rosenborg’s new manager, with the hopes the experience he gained as Norway Under-21, Tromso and Norwegian women’s team manager helps his new club bounce back.

"The players need something new. We hope this is what is needed to get us back on course,” said a Rosenborg statement on their official website.