Geir watches Pars

Former Par returns for the cameras of Norwegian television.

Pete Campbell with Nils (Geir's brother in law), Geir, Christer (son), Rognhild (wife) and their very own cameraman from TV Norge

Former Pars goalkeeper, Geir Karlson's returned to East End Park for the first time in almost 32 years and watched the Pars SPL game against Rangers.  He reflected on how he had returned to Norway when Jock Stein failed to make him an offer after an eight week trial at Celtic.

"My wife, Rognhild, and I spent November and December 1972 with Celtic but he never offered me any money.  So the day before Christmas my wife was so homesick that we returned to Norway."

Dunfermline's twinning with Trondheim, the ancient capital of Norway, meant that the Pars travelled to Norway to play a match against his club, Rosenborg Ballklub on 17th May, the National Day 1973.  The 6'4" keeper explained:-

"I made an impression on George Miller who was the manager at that time.  He made me an offer and after the season closed in October in Norway I came here to play with Dunfermline."

 Turning professional with Dunfermline, Geir had to wait three weeks to make his debut against Hibs on 15th December 1973:-

"The weather was very bad that winter so many games were postponed. We didn't win anything, it was a struggle to survive all the time and we survived the first seaon but the season 74-75 the Scottish FA decided to shorten the number of teams in the Premier League from 18 to 10.  We were number 15 and didn't join the new Premier League.

"There was no more money in the game and I went back to play for Valerenga in Oslo. I played four and a half seasons there before I returned to my home town Skien."

Geir Karlsen stayed in Aberdour Road and was at Dunfermline when he played his 25th international match for Norway:-

"It was against Sweden in Gothenburg - I got a gold watch. I must have played five or six international games while I was here in Dunfermline."

The big Norwegian who went on to play a total of 32 internationals has fond memories of Dunfermline and much has changed since he left.  He was impressed by the large stands that complete the stadium but he was deeply disappointed that his favourite shop where he regularly purchased barbecued spare ribs of pork was no longer in Dunfermline High Street.

On hanging up his boots Geir took a degree in Social Work, that led to working with youngsters with drug addiction and now, aged 58,  he works as a Probation Officer for those recently released from prison.

Geir admitted that he always reads the SPL results when he opens his Sunday newspapers.  As we all know, that has not been a pleasant experience this season but hopefully the results will soon start reading better in everyone's language.

The Very Special Norwegian Guest

Geir salutes the McCathie stand