Norwegian international Jan Ove Pedersen spent just four months at Hartlepool United, but is considered by many people who saw him as perhaps the finest player ever to play for the club. He came to Hartlepool in 1997 on loan from Norwegian top flight outfit Brann Bergen, during the Norwegian winter break. From his first appearance he looked a class above the division and his play during his 20 games for Pools was a joy to watch. Pedersen was capped 17 times by his country, scoring once.