December 31st I’d received a fax of possible candidates from Max Shala, I studied the list along with Hasse Borg, who thought it was essential our backup keeper had experience. The one player that really stuck out to me was Magnus Hedman, he’d been out of favour at Chelsea since signing and Hasse commented on the fact he was a model professional with nearly 300 appearances. We decided it was important to get the best possible financial deal for an aging player, so we sent an enquiry to Chelsea’s director of football, Peter Kenyon. He issued us with a quick response and let us know that as Magnus’ contract was due to expire in the summer, we could sign him on a free transfer then. I let Hasse know that I was desperate for a keeper before the start of the season and decided to offer nothing for the player but a contract. Peter Kenyon informed us our offer had been accepted and that Magnus would be allowed to leave if he so wished.
Magnus Hedman
Magnus arrived at Malmo Stadion and commented on how happy he was to be back in his home country. We discussed a deal and to our delight he informed us that he wasn’t looking for a final wage before he decides to hang up his boots. We offered a fair contract, which Magnus didn’t even ponder over, he accepted the contract immediately. I was happy we’d signed a vastly experienced player and hoped his past glory days at Celtic and AIK would inspire our younger keepers, including Jonas Sandqvist who would remain first choice. Hedman was a real gentleman and his professionalism could be seen from a mile away, it was a real coup for us in our quest for honours.
