The new everybody

As the proprietor of Pizzabakeren Grim in Kristiansand, on Norway’s south coast, slides another prepared pizza base onto a rack, perhaps he muses wistfully about a period in his life far removed from that he now inhabits. Fuller in face, certainly, Frank Strandli is instantly recognisable to Leeds fans of a certain age.

Described as the next David Hirst, Strandli was signed by Howard Wilkinson on January 25th 1993 from Norwegian side IK Start for a fee in excess of £300,000. The furore surrounding Eric Cantona’s ill-conceived departure across the Pennines had precipitated a clamour for a suitable replacement, of sorts. A stuttering season by the top flight’s reigning champions also added to the pressure felt by Leeds’ obdurate manager.

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