Roy Hodgson reinforced his attacking options during the January 2008 transfer window with the acquisition of Erik Nevland, the striker agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal from Dutch side FC Groningen.
Boasting an impressive career goals tally, Nevland’s striking pedigree was quickly evident during the climax to the 2007-08 season when his two strikes against Reading and Birmingham fired Fulham towards the safety zone.
Healthy competition in attack meant that his opportunities to shine were few and far between early on last season, but the striker impressed whenever called upon as a substitute. In particular, he set up Andy Johnson for the winner during Fulham's Third Round FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday, and grabbed a brace as a second-half substitute against Portsmouth in late January.
The Norwegian's impressive energy levels, sharp turn of pace and instinctive finishing have won him many admirers at the Cottage and when an injury to Andy Johnson towards the end of 2008-09 season handed Nevland a place in the starting line-up, the 31-year-old took his chance well, putting in a number of strong performances as the campaign drew to a close.
Nevland's chances have been few and far between this season but when called upon the striker has performed admirably and highlighted his scoring pedigree recently with the opening goal during Fulham's FA Cup Fourth Round win over Accrington Stanley.