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Norwegian & Rovers Legend - Henning Berg

Henning Berg was the rock in Norway's central defence for more than a decade, appearing in two World Cup campaigns and the 2000 European Championship.

Manchester United had first attempted to sign the then 17-year-old Berg back in 1988. Young Berg was at Old Trafford on a week's trial, but the club could not obtain a work permit for him. Eventually he joined Norwegian side Vaalerenga.

At the World Cup 94, backup player Berg replaced the injured Tore Pedersen and did an excellent job where Norway conceded only a goal. His performances impressed Rovers manager Kenny Dalglish to sign Berg from SK Lillestrom for £423,000 in January 1993.

Henning Berg was made the right-back, and he proved vital to the title challenging team. Blackburn Rovers won the Premiership crown in 1995. Berg became the first Norwegian in history to win the English Premier League.

In 1997, Sir Alex Ferguson ended a nine-year quest to land 28-year-old Berg for £5 millions. He became member of the famous treble winning 1999 side, helping Manchester United to two league titles, one FA Cup, and one UEFA Champions League title. The arrival of Jaap Stam proved deadly to Berg's career at old Trafford.
Graeme Souness brought Henning Berg back from Manchester United for his second spell at Ewood Park. He re-joined Blackburn Rovers initially on 3-months loan and the transfer was made permanent for £1.75 millions in September 2000. Subsequently Rovers secured promotion back to the Premier League. And in the following season he lifted the 2002 League Cup trophy as club captain.

The experienced Norwegian has played a pivotal role at the heart of defence. However he faced competition for starting places in defense along with Craig Short, Martin Taylor, Nissa Johansson, Andy Todd, and Sebastian Pelzer.


His relationship with Souness was strained after disagreeing with the manager's 5-3-2 tactics. The co-captain lost his status as a guaranteed starter in central defence. And in the summer 2003, Henning Berg left Blackburn against his own wishes. He had wanted to stay for another year, the fans wanted him there, the board and the players, too. During a 2-minutes fateful meeting, Souness told Berg that he was no longer needed.

Henning Berg who spoke with a flawless Lancashire accent and won the hearts of the Ewood fans was leaving. So were David Dunn, Garry Flitcroft, Keith Gillespie, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, all whom have left Blackburn Rovers after falling out with Graeme Souness.
 
   
 

Norwegian International Teammates at Blackburn Rovers - Henning Berg and Lars Bohinen


  
  Career Factfile  
     
 

Date of birth: September 1, 1969
Place of Birth: Eidsvoll, Norway

  
           
Years Club Apps  
In the International front, Norwegian manager Egil Rogen Olsen, then considered as the most successful manager in the history of Norwegian football, had made Henning Berg captain of the national team.

On 27 May 2004, the Norwegian captain received a standing ovation at his last international match against Wales. During his twelve years with the national team, Berg became only the second player to earn 100 caps.
  
1988-91 Valerenga 66    
1992-93 Lillestrom 20    
1993-97 Blackburn Rovers 159    
1997-00 Manchester United 66    
2000-03 Blackburn Rovers 91    
2003-04 Glasgow Rangers 20    
           
           

Henning Berg finished his player career at Scottish Glasgow Rangers in Season 2003-04. Rangers achieved second place in the Scottish League.

He was appointed as the manager of Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo for the 2005 season, fulfilling his management dream. Following the departure of Mark Hughes to Manchester City, Henning Berg emerged as an outside candidate for the Blackburn Rovers mangerial post.

Later on in Oct 2008, Henning Berg was appointed manager of Norwegian club Lillestrøm.

 
   
         
         
   
   
   
Ininix.com salutes the great legend - Henning Berg, and wish him success in his career.