Hermann Hreidarsson Bio Send To Friend  

Herman Hreidarsson secured his Premier League future following the relegation of Charlton Athletic in May 2007, exercising a clause in his contract to move to Portsmouth with whom he signed a two year deal.

Ahead of the 2008/09 season Hreidarsson had established himself in the Pompey side that won the FA Cup, appearing 36 times for the Fratton Park club.

The experienced Icelandic international enjoyed a fairytale climb up the divisions after at one stage gracing the palatial surroundings of Griffin Park, the home of Brentford.

But he began his career in England with Crystal Palace after being signed from IBV Vestmann. However, he was signed by the Bees for £750,000 in September 1998 after he had played just 46 games for the Eagles.

The fee was a record for the Third Division in which the Bees played.

He was then snapped up by Wimbledon in a deal worth £2.5million in October 1999.

Hreidarsson was unable to help prevent the Dons being relegated from the top flight in 1999/2000, and a £4.5million move saw him become newly-promoted Ipswich Town's record signing.

His speed and knack for timely interceptions make him more than able to deal with most opponents, while some manic dashes upfield - usually involving going round several players - keep the fans entertained.

Ipswich finished fifth in the club's first season back among the elite, but 12 months later there was a complete reversal of fortunes and they were relegated.

With relegation comes the inevitable sell-off of the stars, but Hreidarsson turned down a move to newly promoted West Brom at the start of the 2002/03 campaign - reportedly due to the Baggies offering him vastly reduced wages.

The Iceland international did, however, move on at the end of March 2003, to Charlton Athletic. He signed a three-and-a-half year contract, with the Addicks paying £800,000, plus a further £100,000 if they were not relegated in the 2003/04 season.

Hreidarsson played 128 games for Ipswich Town.

Inventively nicknamed 'The Hermannator', Hreidarsson proved to be a rock for Charlton after making his debut in a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Manchester City. He would miss only five games in his debut season.

He was a virtual ever-present throughout his four years at The Valley until the Addicks dropped out of the Premiership in 2007. The defender played 150 games for Charlton, scoring four goals.

Hreidarsson signed for Portsmouth ahead of interest from Reading.