It was an eventful day in BP when the club both presented a new defender, a new assistant coach – and at the same time said goodbye to an important part of this year’s management staff.
Simon Strand ready for BP – routine and character into the backline
BP strengthens the squad with the meritorious full-back Simon Strandwho signed a contract until 2027. The 32-year-old defender comes from Hammarby and has 188 Allsvenskan matches on the account. Strand highlights BP’s young profile and faith in the future as decisive for the move:
“What attracted me to BP was that they have a young and exciting team… I feel like I can come in and contribute a lot of routine and help make the team even better.”
He also describes the club as unexpectedly “familiar” already at first impression, and looks forward with great energy to the start of the Allsvenskan:
“It will be exciting and I think we have a really fun year ahead of us.”
Club director Peter Kleve is equally positive:
“That’s exactly the profile we’ve been looking for… Simon will contribute both on and off the pitch.”
Own thoughts: Unexpected and expected at the same time I feel. Haven’t heard any rumors about it, but it really doesn’t feel strange that the club chooses to bring in Strand. I may not believe in any miracles on the pitch – but a solid player who might make a bigger impression in the dressing room. It will probably be good!
Burim Rexhepi joins – becomes new assistant coach
On the leading side, the men’s team is being strengthened Source Rexhepiwho takes the role of assistant coach together with head coach Ulf Kristiansson. Rexhepi has made a strong name in Hässleholms IF where he has been head coach since 2020 – under his leadership the club went from Division 2 to First Division and last finished fourth as newcomers.
Kleve describes him as one of the country’s most interesting coaching names:
“He has managed to develop many young players… We get a passionate coach who really puts his soul into lifting each player.”
Rexhepi himself seems to have stepped into the BP environment with great energy:
“It feels incredibly fun to be there… I can’t wait for the pre-season to start and get an outlet for all the energy and optimism that is inside me.”
He also highlights that BP’s values, culture and football philosophy were decisive in accepting:
“What BP stands for… attracted me to come here.”
Own thoughts: None I’ve heard of before – but from what I’ve read now, of course it sounds promising. Always difficult to determine how much he will influence BP 2026 – but now we have two coaches with strong experience of working with young people and it is very worthwhile.
Fredrik Landén is leaving – thanks for the effort
At the same time, it is clear that Fredrik Landén leaving the club ahead of next season. Landén expresses gratitude and pride for the year in BP:
“I feel a sense of pride that we achieved the club’s goals… and that I got to be part of the club’s strong position on many levels for the future.”
Peter Kleve also pays tribute to his efforts:
“His solid and hard work… has been very valuable. His willingness to always develop every detail is unique.”
Own thoughts: ??? Was surprised that he goes and becomes an assistant in Mjällby. For me, it raises the most questions about what happened. Is it just because he thinks assisting in Mjällby is a better option for him or has there been some internal strife? Never got too emotionally involved in Landén – so it feels a bit sad but not much more than that.
