In his first season back, he scored 11 goals in 26 games. The next season, he would help Aalesund win promotion to the Norwegian top league for the first time in their history, ending second top goalscorer with 17 goals. The 2003 season was a failure, despite 6 goals for Aarøy, the team finished second last and was relegated.
In his comeback year, he scored 11 goals in 26 games. The following year, he helped Aalesund achieve promotion to the top league of Norway for the first time, finishing as the second-highest scorer with 17 goals. However, the 2003 season was a failure despite Aarøy scoring six goals, and the team ended up last and were relegated.