Brede Hangeland has been arguably as important to the Fulham cause as anybody in recent years.
At present his influence may not quite reach the same heights as some of our prominent legends of the past, but he has surely done enough to suggest that in decades to come his name will be held in levelled regard.
The memory of the great Johnny Haynes remains etched in the minds of all those lucky enough to have witnessed the Maestro play, while the contributions of the likes of Tosh Chamberlain, Bobby Robson, Graham Leggat, Fred Callaghan and George Cohen induce words of total admiration from an era in which Whites fans were spoilt for heroes of choice.
In the 1970s the Club had Alan Mullery, Les Barrett, Les Strong and the captivating triumvirate of Bobby Moore, George Best and Rodney Marsh, while the 1980s gave us the estimable Roger Brown, Ray Lewington and all-time record goal scorer Gordon Davies.
Simon Morgan and Sean Farrell gave the Fulham faithful hope during the turbulent early 1990s, and the performances of the likes of Chris Coleman, Lee Clark and Rufus Brevett among others did much to usher in an exciting new millennium.
The goals of Louis Saha encapsulated the first steps of the Noughties, however, it has been a player at the other end of the pitch that has been the embodiment of our recent progression.
Hangeland has been a formidable presence for the Whites ever since he bounded straight into a relegation scrap in January 2008, and since, he has grown to become one of the Premier League’s most accomplished performers.
“I’m not someone who likes to be under the spotlight,” admits Brede. “But of course, it is nice to be well thought of. Ever since I first came in I have just tried to give my best and do all I can to help the team.
“I will have been here for three years this month, and as I have said before, an awful lot has happened in that time. This is a club with great traditions and one that conducts itself in the right way, so I’m very happy to have played my part in helping move things forward.”
With his elegance and unflappable demeanour, not to mention a steely resilience, the captain of Norway, alongside central defensive partner Aaron Hughes, has done much to eradicate a once soft underbelly.
“When you play in England, or to put it more precisely, if you want to be a central defender in the Premier League, you have to stand up to certain challenges,” he explains. “I’m aware that I am comfortable with the ball at my feet, but at the same time, when required I can be physical too.
“I just get on with it, whatever the situation may be. Sometimes teams can give you a bit more time on the ball, which gives me the chance to bring it out from the back and look for a pass. Other times, you don’t get that opportunity.”
At the start of the campaign Hangeland said that he expected the season ahead to be a tight one; a consequence of a number of teams strengthening their squads and looking for their own progression.
What has transpired since has been fascinating with statistics and form seemingly counting for very little this season. As it stands, just five points separate Fulham from seventh-placed Blackburn Rovers.
“It’s just such a competitive league this year – that is evident in every game that is played,” highlights Brede. “It’s difficult to predict how games will go because everyone is capable of beating anyone.
“I believe that’s a good thing - it certainly makes it more exciting. There have been times in the past when people have said that the Premier League was predictable, but that’s not the case now.
“It’s a fine line between a win and defeat. Of course, we would have liked to have more points at this stage, but because of the nature of the league this season it has been difficult.
“People have different ways of looking at it though. I’m not someone who pays too much attention to the league table - for me that time comes at the end of the season. You just have to give your focus to the next game and make sure that the performance is right.”
A player that always leads by example, Hangeland has been an unqualified success on the banks of the Thames. Few read the game with such cool assurance, while fewer still are as effective at both ends of the pitch, the Norwegian contributing three goals so far this term.
“As a defender I am always going to say that first of all it is our job to keep the goals out,” he says with a smile. “But if we can help make a difference in front of our opponents’ goal too then that is great.
“Perhaps this season there has been more of a need, what with the injuries we have had to our forward players, so at times it has been important that some of the defenders chip in with goals.
“I have to admit, though, that I am looking forward to the day that we have all of our strikers back and fighting for a place. We know that will happen very soon, and that bodes well for the rest of the season.”
The repute in which Hangeland is held in SW6 is quite apparent. He is also well thought of outside of Craven Cottage, and the current transfer window serves as another reminder of the respect he now commands.
Fortunately, Hangeland doesn’t let the attention affect him, having grown accustomed to ignoring the endless rounds of transfer gossip that this time of year often brings.
“Speculation is just part of the game," he confirms. “And believe me when I say that I am used to it by now. I’ve said it before, but I am very happy here and want to continue to do all that I can to help this Club.
“To be honest, this transfer window has been a relaxing one for me, my name hasn’t been mentioned that much, which does make a change. But perhaps that means I haven’t been playing very well?!”
Far from it in fact, for Hangeland is as indispensible as ever.