that Bakke could leave Brann if a larger club wanted to sign him, which Brann denied. Bakke debuted for Brann on 11 September 2006 against Stabæk. He started the 2007 season playing for Brann 2nd team while returning to full fitness from his injury problems. He experienced an erratic season, making his first full Tippeliga start on 26 June 2007. He scored the winning goal against the club's arch-rivals Rosenborg BK on 11 August 2007. Bakke promised Brann that when he was close to retirement he would finish his career in Norway with the club, playing a further one or two seasons. In the run-up to the 2008 season, Bakke became captain of Brann. On 30 May 2008, Bakke extended his Brann deal to 2010, but with a clause permitting him to re-evaluate his deal if the club decided to lay artificial turf at Brann Stadion. A few weeks later, Brann announced that the club would continue with natural grass as the turf at Brann Stadion for the coming years. Sogndal (2011-2012) Bakke signed a two-year deal with Sogndal in 2011. In November 2012 he retired from active football. International career Bakke made his debut for Norway in a January 1999 friendly against Israel, coming on as a substitute for Egil Østenstad, and earned 26 caps, without scoring any goals. His last international match was a March 2008 friendly against Montenegro, coming on as a substitute for Martin Andresen. Career statistics ¹ includes FA Cup, and Norwegian Football Cup. ² Include Champions League and UEFA Cup. Managerial statistics Updated 18 September 2021 Honours Norway Brann Norwegian Premier League: 2007 Individual Norwegian Football Association Gold Watch – 11 June 2003 References External links Bakke heading for Leeds exit – SkySports.com No Way Bakke For Eirik – SkySports.com Soccerbase stats Guardian Football 1977 births Living people Norwegian footballers Norway international footballers Norway under-21 international footballers Sogndal Fotball players Leeds United F.C. players Aston Villa F.C. players SK Brann players UEFA Euro 2000 players Eliteserien players Premier League players People from Sogndal Expatriate footballers in England Norwegian expatriate footballers Norwegian expatriate sportspeople in England Association football midfielders Sogndal Fotball managers Eliteserien managers Sportspeople from Vestland