Danish Connections

Between BK FREM & Walsall

For clubs separated by more than 600 miles, BK Frem and Walsall F.C. share a surprisingly unique connection. Across different eras, a small group of Danish players and personalities have left their mark at both clubs, creating an unusual footballing link between Copenhagen and the Black Country.

From cult heroes and loan signings to one unforgettable manager, these figures helped build a shared story between Frem and the Saddlers — whether through memorable cup runs at Bescot Stadium, brief appearances in red and white, or careers that unexpectedly crossed paths between Denmark and English football.

At the heart of that connection is former Denmark international Jan Sørensen, whose impact at Walsall during the late 1990s ensured his name would always be remembered by Saddlers supporters. Alongside him, players such as Thomas Thøgersen, Ronnie Ekelund, Mads Timm, Kofi Dakinah and Justin Shaibu all added their own chapters to this unlikely Danish-Walsall football story.

One of the strongest links between BK Frem and Walsall F.C. came through former Denmark international Jan Sørensen, who began his playing career with BK Frem before later becoming Walsall’s first-ever foreign manager in June 1997.

During an eventful 11-month spell at Bescot, Sørensen guided the Saddlers through one of the club’s most memorable cup campaigns. In the FA Cup, Walsall thrashed Macclesfield Town 7–0 away from home in the second round before earning a glamour fourth-round tie against Manchester United F.C. at Old Trafford, where more than 8,000 Walsall supporters travelled to watch despite a 5–1 defeat in front of over 54,000 fans.

The cup excitement continued in the League Cup, with Walsall producing memorable victories over higher-division sides Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United before eventually exiting against West Ham United in the fourth round.

Although his league record stood at 14 wins from 46 matches in the English Second Division, Sørensen’s time at Walsall is fondly remembered for bringing belief, excitement and some unforgettable nights to Bescot Stadium.

Sørensen sadly passed away on 16 February 2024 following a long illness, at the age of 68.

Several other Danish players have also provided links between BK Frem and Bescot Stadium over the years.

Thomas Thøgersen spent five years with BK Frem between 1988 and 1993 before later joining Walsall on loan from Portsmouth in 2001. The midfielder made seven appearances for the Saddlers and scored twice during his short spell in the West Midlands before retiring from football the following year.

Former Ronnie Ekelund arrived at Walsall during the 2000–01 season. Once regarded as one of Denmark’s brightest talents after emerging at Brøndby and later joining Barcelona, Ekelund made nine appearances for the Saddlers during his time at Bescot.

Mads Timm joined Walsall on loan from Manchester United F.C. in 2006. The striker featured 12 times and scored once during his spell with the club as he looked to gain first-team experience away from Old Trafford.

Another Danish connection came through Kofi Dakinah, who made a single appearance for Walsall in 2004. Although his stay was brief, he remains part of the small group of Danish players to have represented the Saddlers.

More recently, Justin Shaibu spent time at Walsall on loan from Brentford in 2018, making 14 appearances during his stint at Bescot. In a fitting modern link between the two clubs, Shaibu is currently with BK Frem at the beginning of Football Manager 2026.

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