Daniel Kindberg in profile: How he transformed Swedish minnows Östersunds and why he is considering investing in Hartlepool United

Daniel Kindberg, chairman of Swedish side Östersunds, is considering whether to plough money into cash-strapped Hartlepool United.
Daniel Kindberg.Daniel Kindberg.
Daniel Kindberg.

The Mail exclusively broke the news last night that Kindberg is weighing up whether to invest in the National League side.

Pools is up for sale and the threat of administration hangs over the club unless a takeover or fresh investment can be secured.

Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.
Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.
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No official move has yet been made by Kindberg. Here's a closer look at Kindberg and how he has transformed the fortunes of Östersunds.

What is his background?

Kindberg, who grew up in Umeå and Nordingrå in Sweden, heads up the operation at Allsvenskan outfit Östersunds.

Kindberg, a former farmer, also spent 15 years in the Swedish army serving in both Bosnia and the Congo before moving into real estate.

Daniel Kindberg.Daniel Kindberg.
Daniel Kindberg.

Östersunds are taking Europe by storm, how did he manage it?

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Östersunds have enjoyed a meteoric rise. Six years ago they were in Sweden's fourth division, playing in front of less than 500 fans.

Ice hockey, speed skating and cross country skiing are the traditional sports in that part of the world but Östersunds have been making huge waves recently.

Three promotions in five seasons has taken them to the top tier for the first time in their 21-year history.

Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.
Victoria Park, home of Hartlepool United.

The club, which has players from Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana and Iraq, has been gaining notoriety for their remarkable performances in this year’s Europa League.

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The Swedish minnows, managed by Englishman and former York City defender Graham Potter, have made it through to the last 32 of the competition where they face Arsenal.

They’ve already dispatched Hertha Berlin and Galatasaray so far in the continental competition.

Kindberg told CNN Sport: "Many of the players were discarded by their clubs - leftovers that people perceived as not good enough.

Daniel Kindberg.Daniel Kindberg.
Daniel Kindberg.

"But when we put them together, in an environment like ours, they have become fantastic players in Europe.

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"That is something for the billionaire owners around the football world to think a little bit about: 'How can we get more out of the players we pay such substantial salaries?'

"They are thinking 'we cannot develop and we cannot be better.' That's wrong. Players can always be better. They can always be much better."

The methods are at times unorthodox, with players taking part in Culture Academy workshops - including singing and painting sessions - when not training in a bid to boost team spirit and to take them out of their comfort zones.

What about their style of play?

"We want to control the game by having the ball and adjusting to all circumstances around the game," Kindberg told CNN Sport.

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"For six or seven years we have focused on flexibility. Adaptability. That's extremely important; that's what we are. After the whistle it's up to the players. We find solutions."

Why Pools?

It is not known if Kindberg is one of the two overseas investors who have signed non-disclosure agreements.

Kindberg has a lot on his plate but he isn't put off the idea of getting involved at National League Pools

He added: "I know that they have had a tough economical development.

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"They have very passionate fans and that’s very interesting. They were close to advance to the Championship a couple of years ago."

He said: "I’m busy with my job, other projects and Östersunds FK. It’s fun that people contact me about things like this, but right now I have to be very passive in the project if I decide to

invest."

What next?

The Mail has learned that Kindberg could plough his money into cash-strapped Pools as part of a consortium made up of British and Scandinavian moneymen.

But he's yet to commit to Victoria Park investment and has given himself until January 24 to make a decision.

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He told Swedish TV: "If I decide that it sounds interesting then I have to go into a due diligence process and if I decide to go for it then it’s just a case of a pure investment.

"But football is about heart and passion so I haven’t taken a stand about it yet."