Rune Stakkeland

Hailing from Sandnes, Stakkeland started his youth career in Sandved IL. He made his debut for Ulf/Sandnes in 1992. Standing at 1.65 metres, his playing style was that of a nimble technician. Coached by Tony Knapp, he made an immediate breakthrough and was wanted by Viking FK just four games into the 1992 season.^[1][2] Stakkeland was skeptical, fearing to "wither away" on the bench, and would wait out his opportunity.^[3]

Two seasons later, ahead of the 1994 season, Stakkeland did make the move to Viking. He was compared to the historical Viking player Isak Arne Refvik.^[4] He made his friendly debut already in November 1993, scoring Viking's sole goal.^[5] Stakkeland made his Eliteserien debut in April against Hamkam.^[6] In his third game, he entered in the 72nd minute, but completely dominated the rest of the game, scoring two goals to put Viking ahead 4–2.^[7]

His youth international debut came in 1994 for Norway U21.^[6] He became a key member of the team during the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, where they would need to qualify to possibly proceed to the 1996 Summer Olympics as well. In the first qualification match against Belarus U21, Stakkeland scored.^[8] Later that year, Stakkeland took part in beating the Netherlands U21 at home.^[9]

Viking was hesitant to renew Stakkeland's one-year contract, to the dismay of the player who lost his motivation to stay in Viking, should a new contract be proposed.^[10] Despite four league goals, Stakkeland's time in Viking was over and he moved south to Bryne FK ahead of the 1995 season.^[11] U21 national team coach Nils Johan Semb was "concerned" that Stakkeland would not play at a high enough level.^[9]

While Stakkeland made his mark during Bryne's pre-season friendly matches,^[12][13] the season was seen as sub-par. After scoring his second goal in September, Stakkeland called Bryne's 1995 campaign "lacklustre". ^[14] Having been wanted by Kongsvinger manager Per Brogeland, Brogeland later assumed the manager position at Lillestrøm SK. That club signed Stakkeland ahead of the 1996 season.^[15] He would play as a right winger.^[16]

A shin injury in 1996 worsened over time, allegedly because of failed surgeries. By 2000, Stakkeland's football career was over.^[17] He took up a multi-year struggle to receive insurance money for occupational injury.^[18] He sought a fee equivalent of ten years of footballer wages.^[19] The Supreme Court ruled against Stakkeland in 2004. He received some compensation, but not the complete desired sum.^[20]

He was nicknamed "Stakki". A devout Christian, Stakkeland was closely associated with Kristen Idrettskontakt.^[21][22] In August 1996, Stakkeland was verbally abused by an opponent on the field for his faith. The incident ended in the opponent apologizing.^[23]

He was married. After his football career endeed, he studied at BI Norwegian Business School.^[24]

Long after his retirement, Stakkeland returned as a hobby player in Bogafjell IL,^[25][26] a local Sandnes club in the Seventh Division. He eventually took up the position as coach, and secured promotion to the 2018 Fourth Division.^[27]