The same year, the football branch of the sports club became economic and organisationally independent under its new name L/F Hønefoss Fotball.

Hønefoss got a tough start in their first season in Tippeligaen and lost their first six matches, something that ended in head coach Ole Bjørn Sundgot being fired.

Tom Guldbrandsen immediately took over the job as head coach, Hønefoss won their next match 1–0 away against Stabæk.

In the first match, Hønefoss won the semi-final against Ranheim, but lost the final later on against Fredrikstad, and therefore got relegated to the 1. divisjon.

[3] Source:[4] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.