Emilie Joramo has long had her sights set on the Women’s Super League, but she held herself back from pushing for a move over from Scandinavia – until now. I didn’t want to go too early, I wanted to feel ready for it both physically and mentally. Now, everything just felt right.” Brighton had been tracking the Norwegian midfielder for some time and the 24-year-old was aware of their interest.
An encouraging conversation with Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, and good meetings with the club as her contract with Hammarby drew closer to its end meant she was at last ready to join the league she had followed from afar. That time in Sweden with Hammarby, with whom she reached the Europa Cup final last season, and before that in her homeland with Rosenborg who she helped win the Norwegian Cup for the first time in 21 years, was crucial in preparing her for her latest challenge. I didn’t feel ready when I was 21, when I went to Sweden, to come over here.
I felt like I needed to play a bit more, to play every game, that was really important for me.” That Brighton had been aware of her for some time was a boost too. I like to think things through and it has to feel right for me.” For Brighton fans wondering what they are getting, there should be some excitement too. Joramo is fiercely motivated and feels she fits the possession-based style of football that Vidosic wants his team to play.
I can’t do 50, 60, 70, I’m always 100%. I want to play, not just put balls in behind but to keep the ball , play with each other, [build] good relationships with the other players and think several steps ahead. They’ve always been things that I’m good at and I’m always wanting to get better at too.” Brighton and the WSL present a step up.
So, instead of one physio you have five and you need to get to know everyone and get to know which person does which role. That’s always the way it is in a new team, of course, but it’s much bigger here.” Everyone has been very welcoming and her first impressions of training sessions under Vidosic have been positive. This is what Dario wants, so it really fits my ambitions, my values and how I want to play.” She is finding her feet on the pitch, and starting to find them off it.
Joramo’s girlfriend has moved to England with her, which has helped the transition and helps her escape football when needed. It’s so different for me to live by the beach, I’m from the mountains and the woods. This is like a holiday for me, and with the weather as well, it’s been so warm.
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