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At 27, Huseklepp was entering his prime years and – on paper – was exactly the type of technical forward that Pompey hoped would lead their promotion push back to the Premier League, having splashed a reported £1.5m on the deal.

Huseklepp’s dream move to England quickly became a nightmare

Initially, the signs were very promising – Huseklepp established himself very well, contributing to six goals in 27 Championship appearances. His pace and technicality set him apart in what was becoming an increasingly difficult season for the club – and the fans were loving him.

Portsmouth’s mounting financial crisis would soon overshadow any on-field success, and Huseklepp found himself caught in the crossfire of the club’s administrative chaos.

The breaking point came in February 2012 when Pompey entered administration for the second time in three seasons – resulting in a ten-point deduction that left them hovering just above the relegation zone.

With the club’s bank accounts frozen and creditors circling, Portsmouth were forced to make drastic cost-cutting measures to survive.

Financial turmoil forced Huseklepp’s unwanted departure

Portsmouth’s second entry into administration created a domino effect that would ultimately seal Huseklepp’s fate at Fratton Park.

The club owed approximately £2m to business creditors and a similar amount in unpaid taxes – with fellow sides such as West Brom, Wolves, and Bristol City – among those owed money.

The Norwegian found himself in manager Michael Appleton’s office, being informed that Birmingham City wanted to take him on loan for the remainder of the season.

Huseklepp was not the only casualty of Portsmouth’s financial meltdown though, fellow players Liam Lawrence and Hayden Mullins were also shipped out on loan deals to Cardiff and Reading respectively.