Hailing from Frekhaug,[1] he started his career in IL Kvernbit, and joined Åsane Fotball as a youth player before being drafted into their senior team in 1988.
[2] After the 1995 season, Bjørndal was on a lengthy trial in Viking FK, but picked up an injury at the last moment.
[6] He instead joined FK Haugesund,[7] and enjoyed a spell in the Norwegian Premier League in the seasons 1997 and 1998.
[9][10] He left ahead of the 2000 season to join Danish team Vejle BK,[11] having formerly trialled for Sheffield United.
[16] Bjørndal only stayed for one year, and was hired as assistant coach under Magnus Johansson at Løv-Ham Fotball ahead of the 2005 season.