Goalkeeper rewarded after reaching 167-game landmark
BRAD Friedel has been honoured by Barclays for breaking the record for consecutive Barclays Premier League appearances in the history of the competition.
Aston Villa’s American goalkeeper was presented with a Merit Award by title sponsors Barclays, after surpassing David James’ milestone to reach 167 consecutive Barclays Premier League appearances in the game against Fulham, in which he kept a clean sheet. The run of games started on the opening day of the 2004/05 season when his Blackburn Rovers side entertained West Bromwich Albion at Ewood Park.
Friedel did not miss a Barclays Premier League game between the beginning of the 2004/05 season to the end of the 2007/08 season for Blackburn Rovers, before transferring to Aston Villa in July 2008 where the 37-year-old made a further 13 straight appearances to break the record.
The US keeper has gone on to add to his record haul with further starts for Aston Villa in their wins over Everton and Bolton Wanderers.
Record for consecutive Barclays Premier League appearances:
Brad Friedel - 169* (14 August 2004 – 17 December 2008)
David James – 166 (17 January 2004 – 20 April 2008)
Frank Lampard – 164 (13 October 2001 - 28 December 2005)
*Run still in progress
BARCLAYS MERIT AWARD: BRAD FRIEDEL
Bradley Howard Friedel was born on May 18, 1971 in Lakewood, Ohio, USA
A brief loan spell at Newcastle United in 1994 was followed by stints at Brondby in Denmark (loan), Galatasaray and Columbus Crew. Friedel returned to the Barclays Premier League in 1997 with Liverpool in a £1million deal
In three years at Anfield, Friedel made 25 appearances in all competitions, before moving to Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer, where he made 287 appearances, scoring one goal
Before his retirement from international football in February 2005, Friedel earned 82 caps for the USA in a career spanning 13 years. He played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments
Friedel’s outstanding form for Blackburn Rovers during the 2002/03 season saw him earn a place in the Barclays Premier League team of the year