Brede Hangeland signed for the Whites at a time that was best described as precarious.
In a baptism of fire, Hangeland was thrown in at the deep end and pitched straight into a series of must-win matches as the Club set about its ‘Great Escape’.
And since his move from FC Copenhagen in January 2008, the 28-year-old has become an inspirational figure at the heart of the Whites’ defence and one half of one of the most impressive defensive pairings alongside Aaron Hughes – forging a collaboration built on resilience, equanimity and two astute footballing minds.
Despite his towering frame Hangeland offers somewhat unexpected elegance on the ball and an unflappable demeanour; as comfortable on the ground as he is bounding into aerial combat or shrinking opposition forwards down to size with another timely intervention or last ditch tackle.
Hangeland is now widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in the Barclays Premier League. It is little coincidence that Hangeland’s rise as one of the most highly-regarded defenders in the English top-flight has transpired alongside the Club’s own progression.
On the 27th November 2009 Brede was rewarded with a new deal that will see the Norwegian captain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2013.
Hangeland once again proved integral to Fulham's success during the 2009/10 season, across the Club's Premier League and cup campaigns.
Notably the Norwegian scored the all-important goal against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Donbass Arena which sealed Fulham's win over the 2009 UEFA Cup winners as the Team fought their way to the Final of the competition in Hamburg.
Last season Hangeland was once again at his assured best and scored a number of crucial goals over the course of the campaign. Against Manchester United and Aston Villa the towering Norwegian headed home in the dying seconds of both matches to secure valuable draws for Fulham.
In the penultimate match of the season against Birmingham City at St. Andrews, Hangeland took his goal tally to six for the season with a brace against the Blues that fired into 8th place in the Barclays Premier League.