Nevland committed to Fulham

Erik Nevland has expressed his desire to stay at Fulham after being linked with a return to former club Viking. The Norwegian has had few opportunities to impress since arriving at Craven Cottage in January 2008.

When Erik Nevland answered Roy Hodgson’s call towards the end of January, a duo that once helped steer Viking FK from the brink of relegation, to safety in the Norwegian Premier League, were reunited in an attempt to help plot a similar fate at Fulham. Having already played in England for a brief time with Manchester United earlier in his career, the chance to return to what is arguably the world’s premiere club competition was too much of a lure for Nevland. “It’s the Premier League. It’s the biggest league and the biggest stage to play on and it’s what every player wants.”

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Erik first impressed Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaches by scoring three hat-tricks during a trial at United. For the young Scandinavian, it was too good an opportunity to turn down when United decided to pursue his signature. However, he was fully aware of the challenge that awaited him and that there would be no guarantees of what his future at Old Trafford might hold.

“I scored a hat-trick for the juniors and then the reserves, so I started well when I came over,” says Nevland modestly. “Looking back I have no regrets. It was a great experience for a young lad and it helped turn me into the player I am today. For a young lad from Norway to be able to play for Manchester United, that doesn’t happen every year, so I am pretty proud of that.”

He left England with a lot of memories of happy times in the North West, but there is one that will always stand out. “Scoring at Old Trafford,” Erik answers without hesitation. “I have a lot of fond memories of my time there, like the day they decided to sign me, but scoring in the Cup was a big one for me. There is a lot to look back on with great pride and when I finally call it a day I will look back with pleasure on those times.

“I didn’t go there just assuming that I would play in the Premier League straight away, it was a case of, if I did well then I might get a chance to play in the First Team. I played a few games but not very many, the competition for places made it very difficult. It was really just a chance to test myself.

“I came to learn and I learnt an awful lot, but it got to the stage where you just want to play regularly and as I wasn’t getting that, the chance to move back home and get the games I needed was a good opportunity for me. It gave me the chance to develop more as a player.”

Development and education in the art of striking is something that Erik most certainly received whilst at Old Trafford. He played alongside the immensely successful triumvirate of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, studying their performances, and it was lessons learned from players such as these, allied to his own skills as a striker, that saw him score 97 goals in just over 200 games during eight years with Viking FK and FC Groningen.

NevlandWhen the Premier League came knocking once more in the shape of an offer from Fulham, swapping Groningen’s challenge for European football, with a relegation dogfight was one that Nevland was happy to take. Another factor was the knowledge that former manager, Roy Hodgson, was at the helm at Craven Cottage. “It was obviously very important coming here and knowing Roy already,” he confirms. “I have worked with him before, I knew what I could expect from him, and he knows what he can expect from me.

“He brings a definite sense of organisation to the team. Everyone is in the right place and knows exactly what their job in the team is. He brings the team together and I think a united team is important anytime, but especially so when you’re struggling at the bottom.”

Nevland has gone from being one of the stars at FC Groningen to being one of many at Fulham. However this scenario does not deter his spirit or dim his excitement about the challenge that awaits; if anything the competition for places spurs him on even more to achieve his goals. “There is a lot more competition for places here than there was at [Viking] Stavanger,” reveals Nevland. “Here I am one of the group, whereas at Stavanger I was one of the more recognised players. I am looking forward to the challenge that awaits.

“I hope I can get on a good run of form, be part of the team and do what I can for the team. I think I am a good team player, so any way I can help, I will. I have to get used to the physical side of the game again in England, it’s a bit more than what I have been used to playing in Holland or Norway, but I need to get used to it quickly so I can make an important contribution to the team.”

Much is often made of the lifestyles of footballers in the 21st Century, but for Erik Nevland, the nearest it got to the glitz and glam of a red carpet event was when he was voted Groninger of the Year in December 2007. Nevland’s life is far removed from flashy functions and London hotspots, his day-to-day activities revolve around a young family, as he explains. “I have two kids and we’re expecting a third one soon, so most of my spare time is spent with my kids and my family. I like quiet time and not a lot of fuss. I am a quiet family man really.”

Yet, like any other player, Nevland thrives on the praise and adulation that comes hand-in-hand with a positive result on a Saturday afternoon. Erik was signed to help score the goals that will propel Fulham up the league table and if he can start that on Saturday against Blackburn, then no doubt the Norwegian striker will happily step out of the shadows for a short time to accept the plaudits.