Fulham Ladies captain Marianne Pettersen was nomi-nated for the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year awards last week.

The 26-year-old Norwegian international who has won the World Cup and an Olympic gold medal for her country is the first Fulham player to be nominated for the award a fact Marianne is very proud of.

"It's a great honor to be put forward for such an award and to be compared with some of the best players in the world," she said.

"I am very proud to be the first Fulham player nominated, but I am sure I won't be the last."

Pettersen, who has scored 42 goals for Fulham so far this season, was selected as the third best player in the world by Tonga's national coach Pouli Mafi.

Coaches from around the world were asked to nominate their top three players worldwide over the last year, with five points being awarded for a first place, three points for second and one for third.

The overall award went to American star Mia Hamm, who beat Chinese international Sun Wen and her USA teammate Tiffany Milbrett to claim first place.

Pettersen, who joined Fulham Ladies in January 2001 from Norwegian club side Athene Moss, finished in 43rd place.

Surprise

"A lot of people were surprised I chose to come to Fulham when I could have gone to play in the professional league in America," said Pettersen. "But I have never regretted it.

"The standard of women's football in England is im-proving all the time and I am thoroughly enjoying playing here.

Manager Gaute Haugenes said: "I am delighted for Marianne. The recognition is well deserved because her performances this year have been exceptional.

"She has achieved everything in the game and she sets a great example to all the other players."

Fulham Ladies' next game is on January 6 when they travel to play Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round. They then play Wimbledon on January 9 in a match being played at Carshalton FC.

December 28, 2001 11:30