Bleacher Report - Articles by Bradley King

Gradi to Put Railwaymen Back in Motion

Bradley King — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:40:45 -0400

Lombardy and Cheshire are not two locations that you would necessarily associate with each other. But for Milan-born Dario Gradi, his relationship with Crewe Alexandra has been a traditional love story from the start.

In 1983, Crewe Alexandra were statistically the 91st worst team in the Football League. A long season had just ended with the Railwaymen sat second to bottom of the Fourth Division. In fact, such a lowly position was not a surprise- Crewe were no strangers to languishing in the basement of league football. They were resigned to occupying the status of Football League also-rans forever more.

Peter Morris had taken over for the last six months of the season, but a win ratio of less than one in four couldn’t buy him more time in the hot seat. The board had decided to look in another direction.

Dario Gradi had had a subdued playing career, plying his trade at clubs down the pyramid such as Sutton United and Tooting & Mitcham. It wasn’t until Gradi turned to football coaching that he began to register on most people’s radars.

After several low-key posts, Gradi was appointed as manager of Wimbledon in 1978, immediately guiding them to promotion to the Third Division. They were relegated the following season, but an immediate return to the third tier looked likely as the Dons eased their way through the Fourth Division again.

But Gradi’s successes had not evaded the attention of bigger clubs. First Division Crystal Palace turned to Gradi when they were at a low point. But Gradi couldn’t work his magic, as The Eagles were relegated from the top tier. After a poor start to the following season, Gradi resigned.

After being out of football for over two years, Gradi was handed the unenviable task of transforming Crewe Alexandra football club into a cost-effective and successful outfit.

His reputation bruised after the ill-fated spell in the capital, Gradi had no choice but to succeed at the club. Without any hesitation, Gradi adopted the slow and steady approach to basement division football and, after six seasons of solid improvement, Crewe achieved promotion.

It was a feat that was wildly beyond the dreams of supporters when Gradi had arrived six years previous. It may have taken a while, but there was finally a basis to build on.

A brief encounter back in Division Three was quickly remedied by promotion to Division Two in 1994. After more steady progress, Crewe reached the second tier of English football in 1997.

After fourteen years of hard work from Gradi and his staff, in a journey that had more twists and turns than a B-road, little Crewe had defied all the odds. A dead-end club when he took over, Gradi had transformed the Railwaymen into a fairytale story- everyone’s favourite second team.

But he had not been a wheeler-dealer, scouring the leagues for journeymen looking to pick up a final wage packet before retirement. Instead, Gradi’s focus on youth won him countless admirers.

Dean Ashton, David Platt, Neil Lennon, Danny Murphy and more. The list of graduates from the ‘University’ of Crewe is extensive and remarkable.

Gradi continued in the hotseat until 2007, when he announced he would take up a backseat role at the club in a position that focused on developing youth, a massive 24 years after first joining.

Such commitment and endeavour did not go unnoticed. Indeed, the late Sir Bobby Robson led the plaudits, describing Gradi as ‘honest, diligent and remarkable’ upon his induction to the Football Hall of Fame while Arsene Wenger compared Gradi’s relationship with Crewe to a ‘great marriage’.

Compare the successes of the 1990’s Crewe team with today’s equivalent and the contrast is colossal. Back in the bottom tier of the Football League, Crewe sit in 17^th position below the likes of Macclesfield and Accrington Stanley.

Last week, ex-manager Gudjon Thordarson was relieved of his duties. With the club in such disarray, there was only one man to turn to.

Gradi took to the dugout for last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Rotherham and looks like he’s preparing to be there for the foreseeable future.

“I’m planning on being here for the long term and I think we’ve got a good bunch of lads to work with,” Gradi told Sky Sports.

“If I had inherited that lot when I started here 20-odd years ago I would have been well pleased.”

But what about the hiatus since he last managed the club? Has he lost his touch? Perhaps a stupid question for a man with his track record.

“I feel that I’m a better manager now than I’ve ever been because of that experience,” Gradi said this week.

“I’m still fit and energetic and I couldn’t resist the temptation to come back. I’ve made the right decision.”

After a short break, it’s up to Dario Gradi to rekindle his love affair with Crewe Alexandra Football Club. And few people are likely to bet against Gradi turning their season around. After all, his task is much simpler this time around.

Crewe are only 85^th in the Football League.

Dunne Is Ideal Man For Toffees

Bradley King — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:40:23 -0400

They say that in football you should never go back. The successes and achievements of a bygone era rarely return and are often tainted by revisiting the club where things were once so great.

But if your first spell wasn’t so triumphant, there is nothing to taint. And if you’re about to enter the fourth decade of your life, you just want to play football.

The constant flirting involving Everton’s Joleon Lescott and Manchester City looks set to end in a rendezvous. Lescott had previously asked Everton for a transfer which was flatly refused by manager David Moyes, but in the wake of the club’s 6-1 mauling at the hands of Arsenal, it seems Lescott’s heart is already at Eastlands.

Meanwhile, Richard Dunne waits for his inevitable departure from City. The Republic of Ireland international doesn’t look to be part of Mark Hughes’ new-look, cosmopolitan squad, crammed to the brim with pacey, cultured and dynamic footballers. His future lays elsewhere. Perhaps in his past?

Dunne began his career at Everton, where he burst onto the scene as a teenager. But his time at Goodison wasn’t particularly successful—he was considered as too lumbering and nicknamed "The Honey Monster" for his awkward and clumsy style.

He signed for Manchester City nine years ago for a bargain fee of £3million. Despite being primarily considered as a centre half today, Dunne actually signed for City as a potential candidate for the right back position.

Dunne’s first few years at Maine Road were not the easiest. After manager Joe Royle’s departure in 2003, Kevin Keegan was appointed to replace him. Keegan didn’t fancy Dunne at first, not selecting him for the first team.

He was soon overcome with frustration and resignation. Dunne lost all match fitness, and with it the pace and power that had made his defensive style so recognized. This, coupled with disciplinary troubles at the club, meant that it looked like Dunne’s City career was done.

But as it looked like Dunne had hit the point of no return, Keegan gave him a chance to redeem himself. After placing him on a strict fitness regime, Dunne’s form soon began to pick up.

Over the next few seasons, the Ireland international was a transformed man. He became one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. His solid partnership with the likes of Sylvain Distin was the foundation for City to establish themselves in the highest tier of English football.

Manchester City struggled to pick up any silverware but Dunne was no stranger to personal awards—he was named players’ player of the year for four seasons in a row between 2005 and 2008. Only Stephen Ireland’s blockbuster performances last season prevented Dunne from making it five in a row.

Some players rate him even higher than might be expected. City teammate Micah Richards has compared Richard Dunne to England untouchables John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in terms of ability. And while some may consider that comparison to be hyperbolic, Dunne’s capability to play at the highest level can’t be denied.

Which is why Everton should not hesitate to accept Dunne as a replacement for Lescott. He hits the age of 30 later this month, but that is the age where some defenders can still perform at their peak. He may not be at the standard of a Terry or a Ferdinand, but there are distinctly few quality defenders available at the moment.

Just look at Liverpool. With their current defensive crisis, Rafa Benitez is considering a swoop for Hull’s Michael Turner. After one half decent season in the Premier League, is Turner really worth the money? It can’t be forgotten that Hull conceded more than both Newcastle and Middlesbrough last season. With Benitez hesitant to match Hull’s £10million asking price, Richard Dunne would surely be a more economical and sound purchase.

Everton won’t be the only interested party though. Arsenal are close to securing the signature of Fulham’s Brede Hangeland, which will force Roy Hodgson to find a replacement. Hodgson is an intelligent man and is crafting an impressive outfit in the capital. His targets so far, Damien Duff for one, have been very wise. It wouldn’t surprise me if he would signal an interest in Dunne.

As an outside bet, Aston Villa might consider signing him. The promising Curtis Davies has struggled to settle into the Premier League, and his pace could complement Dunne’s game. In exchange, Dunne could provide the mature head and wisdom to help Davies develop and fulfill his undoubted national team potential.

After an unsuccessful spell at Everton all those years ago, surely Dunne would jump at the chance to go back to Goodison and show how much of a different player he is now.

He’s a better option than Senderos anyway.

Mr. Capello, Wilshere Has Promise but That's All It Is Right Now

Bradley King — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:38:16 -0400

International football has returned to the forefront after England got their World Cup year up and running with a rather uninspiring draw in Holland in midweek. But it was the hype over one player prior to the squad selection that had me astounded.

A successful pre-season campaign has seen Jack Wilshere continue to develop his ever-growing reputation. The young Arsenal protégé broke into the Arsenal first team last season with a handful of impressive performances, most prominently in the League Cup where he became the Gunners’ ace in the pack.

The attacking midfielder quickly became recognised as a nimble, skillful individual, capable of moments of brilliance—the quintessential modern Arsenal player. While being the personification of modern Arsenal may not be something that can be completely equated with success, manager Arsene Wenger’s admiration for Wilshere is enormous.

But he’s not the only coach that holds Wilshere in high regard. England manager Fabio Capello is a keen admirer.

There is nothing wrong with that. But as Capello announced his squad for the fixture against the Oranje, he felt it necessary to publicly single out Wilshere as a possible candidate for a trip to South Africa next summer.

“We have time before we decide if he goes to South Africa,” Capello was quoted on the BBC Sport website.

“It will depend a lot on whether he plays for Arsenal. He’s in the squad for the Under-20s and will go with them to Egypt and that will be very important.”

For me, this was at best a careless, off-the-cuff, and ill thought out comment. At worst it was an idiotic one, with the potential of ruining any medium term international ambitions that Wilshere may harbour.

It has to be remembered that this young man is only 17. He can’t even legally visit his local boozer for a cheeky pint yet and can only just learn to drive*. He hasn’t had a full season of Premier League action—not even half of one. Yet the England manager is talking about a possible involvement in a World Cup, less than 12 months away?

The only result of Capello’s words will be an increased burden on the shoulders of an adolescent. Wilshere will have known deep down anyway that if he continues his good form onto the Premier League stage then he has a chance of making the squad. Talented players know how talented they are.

Of course, Wayne Rooney withstood similar premature praise when he burst onto the scene. But his personality allowed him to deal with the added pressure, and to channel that into a form that could aid his performance. Does Wilshere have the same attitude and tenacity? Well, Wenger thinks so.

"Jack reminds me a bit of Rooney when he started, in his belief and his positive attitude to go forwards,” Wenger pondered.

However, Wenger has urged caution to the media, and others, who continue to repeat his name.

“He has still a lot to learn, relations with other players team-wise, but there are some great basics there.

"But as a manager you do not want a guy to be a star before he has delivered, and maybe here that is more difficult than anywhere else."

Wenger knows more than most about the progression of young players, and these quotes show why. He is a great believer in the fact that players do not become ready for the highest level until the mental side of their game begins to mature—a stage which he says does not occur until between the ages of 18 and 20. At 17, Wenger won’t be rushed by anyone to push Wilshere into regular first team football when he’s not ready.

Wilshere may indeed be special. But the comments of the England manager at such an age must be unnecessary. By next summer Wilshere could have had a season of top flight football under his belt.

Then Mr Capello can show his cards.

*N.B. Not that he has hung around; it took Wilshere just nine hours to pass his test.

English Championship: 09-10 Preview

Bradley King — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:27:44 -0400

Because of my lack of knowledge of League One matters, the Football League season preview continues with The Championship.

The Strugglers

Two out of the three teams from League One have a strong chance of staying up- but Scunthorpe aren’t one of them. They are hardworking, cohesive and organised but the unification of the squad is undermined by its lack of depth. Manager Nigel Adkins has done a fantastic job to get the Iron back into the Championship, but he will have to work further wonders if they are to stay there for another season.

Barnsley have managed to survive three seasons in the Championship while causing minimum damage to it. After securing survival on the final day of last season, Tykes fans will be praying that they won’t be left biting their fingernails in May of next year. However with the loss of key men such as Heinz Muller and Denis Souza, anything but a long battle against relegation is unlikely.

Plymouth were the only side to finish below Barnsley and survive in the last campaign. The club will be hoping that changes in the boardroom coincide with improved performance on the pitch. Argyle scored fewer goals than any of the bottom three last season, and manager Paul Sturrock has looked to address this by drafting in Bradley Wright-Phillips from south coast neighbours Southampton. However, after 22 goals in over 120 games for the Saints, the chances of him improving Plymouth’s goals for column seem low.

After a season which many at Pride Park will want to forget, Derby will be looking to stake a claim for the playoffs in 2010. But a poor run towards the end of last season coupled with the lack of quality brought in could see Derby struggle. Much will depends on how Nigel Clough copes with his first full season of league management.

The Surprise Package

Coventry finished in a safe enough 17^th position last season and will be looking to push on and threaten the top six positions in 2009-10. In Chris Coleman, they have a top class manager who was unlucky to lose his Premiership job at Fulham a couple of years back. His most exciting signing is undoubtedly left winger Michael McIndoe, who has signed from Championship rivals Bristol City. His flair should provide a spark to the side. The squad looks a little light at the minute, but with a couple more bodies Coventry shouldn’t be underestimated.

After being promoted last year, Leicester’s primary aim will be to secure Championship football for next season. However, on the back of a fantastic season for players such as habitual goal scorer Matty Fryatt and promising full back Joe Mattock, Leicester may be looking at a higher finish. Wayne Brown will add solidity to the back four, while at £1.2million, former Doncaster midfielder Richie Wellens could prove to be the heartbeat of the side.

Could this season be the one for another two ex-Premier League sides to return to the Promised Land? Nottingham Forest have a new manager in Billy Davies who worked wonders at Preston and Derby. Davies has overhauled the Forest squad, signing nine players and disposing of fifteen resulting in a much cleaner, trimmed squad. Few would bet against Forest being in the mix come May.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday have been quietly going about their business. The Owls have managed to claw onto Marcus Tudgay despite Burnley’s advances as well as making a few more shrewd buys, including ex-Wolves midfielder Darren Potter. The return of Premier League football to Hillsborough might not be too far away.

The Favourites

Sir Bobby Robson’s recent untimely death prevented him from seeing the Championship unfold this year. However, two of his former teams will be amongst the favourites to take the title.

Tractor boys’ manager Roy Keane has trimmed his squad of the deadwood, and brought in quality such as Damien Delaney from QPR and winger Lee Martin from Manchester United. The back four look solid enough and in Richard Wright, Ipswich have one of the top goalkeepers in the division. David Norris and Colin Healy will feature in a workman-like midfield while in Jonathan Walters, Jon Stead and Pablo Counago, they have three quality strikers. With transfer money still available to spend, Ipswich will certainly become a force to be a reckoned with.

Apart from Ipswich the three promoted teams stand out. The mass exodus from relegated teams that usually happens hasn’t occurred just yet. The pain Middlesbrough will suffer as a result of Stewart Downing’s departure will be cushioned by the continued progress of winger Adam Johnson. Likewise, the temperamental Mido has been ousted in favour of bringing Leroy Lita to the Riverside. There are bound to be more ins and outs, but this is a career defining season for Gareth Southgate- and he is no stranger to pressure.

West Brom are arguably the best placed to regain Premier League status. But with managerial upheaval at The Hawthorns, it will be interesting to see how the squad respond to new manager Roberto Di Matteo. Signing the prolific Simon Cox could prove to be a masterstroke. Cox scored 29 league goals last year and was the top scorer in all four English divisions. Fans will be hoping he can do the same for West Brom in the Championship as he did for Swindon in League One.

Newcastle continue to be in complete disarray. Still without a manager, Chris Hughton continues the duties of the first team for now. With the boardroom also in limbo, transfers are difficult to complete and no new players have been drafted in so far. But if a quality manager can be brought in along with a couple of quality players, there is no reason why the current squad cannot storm this division. They have certainly got the supporters backing.

English League Two: 09-10 Preview

Bradley King — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:51:50 -0400

With the Football League season just a few days away, it's time to preview the coming season.

First up, it's League Two.

The Strugglers

Expect the usual teams to struggle in League Two. Macclesfield and Barnet often struggle to compete at this level but usually manage to avoid the drop. However, this season the division looks tougher than recent years with the promoted teams looking strong, the relegated teams unlikely to struggle and no teams with points deductions to use as a safety net.

Macclesfield have strengthened the side with the signings of experienced heads such as ex-Lincoln duo of Paul Morgan and Nat Brown. Yet Morgan's form is on the descent since it peaked around 2005, and Brown has been playing non-league football with Wrexham for the past year.

Meanwhile, Barnet have failed to significantly improve their squad for the new season, having to recruit a mix of untried youngsters such as Yannick Bolasie and veteran players like ex-Watford midfielder Micah Hyde. They have also lost key players such as Neale Bishop, Michael Leary and Adam Birchall which will make their survival task all the more difficult.

Accrington Stanley's summer has been shaken by the punishments of four former Stanley players after breaching Football League betting rules. That is unlikely to affect the club going into this season, but again the lack of recruitment this summer has only added to the feel of a club that seems to be stagnating. Manager John Coleman and his squad have a long season in store.

The final pick to struggle could well be considered controversial. After almost making the playoffs last season, Dagenham and Redbridge would certainly not be a team that somebody would tip for relegation- certainly not on face value alone. However, the loss of imposing centre half Magnus Okuonghae coupled with continuing speculation about the future of striker Paul Benson, could be massive.

The Surprise Package

For some reason, teams promoted to the Football League do so well in their inaugural season. Burton Albion were convincingly promoted to League Two. During the course of the season, they lost manager Nigel Clough to Derby County, drafting in Roy McFarland to replace him on a temporary basis.

After securing promotion, Burton decided to appoint the unproven Paul Peschisolido as his replacement. Such a young, fresh manager seems to be the catalyst for an optimistic pre-season buzz around the Pirelli Stadium. The high quality signing of ex-Bristol Rovers striker Richard Walker will provide goals, while Paul Boertien and the rumoured arrival of Marc Edworthy should provide stability at the back. A playoff push is more than possible.

For a club that was in the second tier of English football six years ago, Grimsby Town’s fall from grace has been remarkable. However, with manager Mike Newell’s arrival last season came a better quality of football and a renewed sense of buoyancy. Players were actually interested in joining a club in a footballing backwater. Signings such as Adam Proudlock, Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro and Peter Sweeney followed and, despite the Mariners only avoided relegation by one position, this season will undoubtedly bear greater fruits.

Like Grimsby, last season was a disappointing one for Port Vale. But with a new manager—and a very good, experienced one at that in Micky Adams—Vale will almost certainly not find themselves in such disarray this season. Adams has an ability to get the best out of his players and has done some of his best work in the lower leagues, most notably at Brighton.

The Favourites

The club on the lips of everyone this summer has been Notts County. After a les

Signings of the Summer: Barry Ferguson

Bradley King — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:40:44 -0400

Barry Ferguson

Rangers to Birmingham, £1million.

Humans are at their most dangerous when they have something to prove. This is particularly true of athletes. Whether they have suffered injuries, need to justify a price tag, or been criticised for performance, the need to demonstrate that they can still perform is essential.

In the best sportsmen, criticism burns deep in their blood helping to motivate them for the task at hand.

They need to prove they can still handle it at the top.

When Barry Ferguson accompanied international team mate Allan McGregor to a late night-drinking session following Scotland’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Holland, he compromised his position as a senior member of the squad.

When the pair were relegated to the bench for the subsequent match against Iceland, the childish gestures aimed at the gathering media all but sealed their fate—their international future was in tatters.

Stripped of both the Rangers and Scotland captaincies and told he would never play for his country again, Ferguson’s career was in tatters. He issued a public apology but it didn’t make a difference. Humiliated by the relentless press and disowned by the club he supported since a boy, Ferguson’s Rangers career was over.

The irony of the situation was that Rangers manager Walter Smith had ended what he started for Ferguson, after giving him his first appearances as a professional during his first stint as coach at Ibrox. However, it was not until Dick Advocaat was given the manager’s job in 1998 that Ferguson began to establish himself as a first team regular. In that season, he was a vital cog in the Rangers wheel that won the Scottish treble of the Premier League, Scottish Cup and League Cup.

The performances of Ferguson proved so influential that he was given a massive six-year contract the following season. High standards continued to be set by the midfielder into the new millennium, as he won the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award in 2000 and was awarded the Rangers captaincy later that year, fulfilling a childhood dream.

He retained the armband when Alex McLeish became Rangers manager in 2001, leading Rangers to another domestic treble in the 2002-03 season, scoring 18 goals from midfield and securing another Writers' Player of the Year award, as well as the Players' Player of the Year award.

Having won everything that was possible to win in the limited environment of Scotland, Ferguson turned his attention southwards as the bright lights of the English Premier League shone. As a fellow Scot and Rangers man, Graeme Souness was a keen admirer of the talents of Ferguson and had no doubt that he could justify his £7.5million price tag and replicate the form he showed north of the border for Blackburn Rovers.

His spell at Ewood Park lasted just 16 months. While he did show glimpses of the brilliance that had earned him such a lofty reputation, injuries provided unwelcome interruptions from action. His adamant admirer Graeme Souness had left and been replaced as manager by Mark Hughes, who didn’t value him as highly as his predecessor.

Ferguson was missing his boyhood club—and particularly the Old Firm games which set adrenaline pumping so intensely.

After securing a move back to Glasgow, he spoke to BBC Sport about the difference in the Old Firm and Lancashire derbies.

"There were 27,038 at the Reebok and I have to be brutally honest. That's when I looked round and Rangers really started tugging," he said.

"I was brought up dreaming of representing Rangers against Celtic."

It was obvious where Ferguson’s heart and head lay. But his second spell at Rangers did not bring the success that his first did. Despite helping Rangers continue their march to the league title in the second half of the 2004-05 season, the following year saw the club limp to an extremely poor third-place finish.

With Alex McLeish having his contract terminated, the highly-rated Paul Le Guen took the Rangers hot seat. His tenure was a nightmare, and claimed he was undermined by certain individuals inside the club, including Mr. Rangers himself—Barry Ferguson.

The following couple of seasons under Walter Smith provided a return to success though; a UEFA Cup Final appearance in 2008 the apex. However injuries continued to affect him on a regular basis, missing the first four months of the 2008-09 season due to another ankle injury.

Regardless of his juvenile antics on the substitute’s bench earlier this year, Ferguson’s ability cannot be doubted. From the middle of the park, he provides energy, grit, and tenacity which can spread throughout a team. He is the type of player that a player would rather have on his side than on the opposition.

Yes, time is not on his side. At 31, perhaps the legs can’t do what they did five years ago. And in the Premier League, that could be fatal. Is he destined to be remembered simply as an excellent SPL player?

But providing he stays fit, he must surely be worth a gamble. Also, it can’t be ignored that Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has worked with Ferguson before—and got the best out of him. With Birmingham looking to scrap its way to 17th place or above this season, miracles won’t be expected of Ferguson.

In players such as Sebastian Larsson and Keith Fahey, they have the youth alongside Ferguson that can do his running if need be.

There is no guarantee that Ferguson is a shoe-in to start for Birmingham. The likes of Lee Carsley and Lee Bowyer will also be looking to take that role. But as Alex McLeish said after securing Ferguson’s services, Ferguson has "unfinished business in England."

A player with something to prove is a powerful tool.

Signings of the Summer: Joe Hart

Bradley King — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:42:58 -0400

Not much of value can be found in my hometown. The fishing industry that had once been so lucrative for the port of Grimsby is now all but dead. Public transport is falling apart, the stale stench of sweat and urine is all that grants those that dare to ride it.

Even the football club which punched above its weight for years is now as down in the doldrums as the population that rattles around its Blundell Park home.

In 2006, that very stadium was lit up by the brilliance of one Shrewsbury Town player. He was a beacon of confidence in the Shrews goal; claiming every cross that dared threaten the penalty area, pulling off fantastic saves to deny strikers and kicking the ball long distances to set up the counter attack. He did not look like beaten.

The Mariners needed a late penalty to finally get past the inexperienced yet immovable object.

It was obvious to every spectator that day that Joe Hart was destined for much bigger things than the fourth tier of English football. Premiership scouts were already hovering over the youngster, looking to pounce on a future first choice international keeper. In the summer of that year, Manchester City made their move.

Stuart Pearce signed Hart initially as a third choice goalkeeper behind Andreas Isaksson and Nicky Weaver so it made sense for Hart to be loaned out to continue his development. After settling into Manchester life in the first half of the 2006/2007 season, Hart was borrowed first by Tranmere Rovers and then Blackpool.

When Sven-Goran Eriksson replaced Pearce as manager in the summer of 2007, he relegated Isaksson to the bench, giving Hart the opportunity to cement his place in between the posts at Eastlands.

He took Eriksson’s decision in his stride, with a series of excellent Premier League performances paving the way for an international call up and subsequent cap against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008.

With a Premier League starting place assured and a fledgling international career, it looked like everything was on track for Hart to become the country’s top goalkeeper. His good form continued in the back end of the year, but in the January transfer window his place was snatched away.

Despite possessing one of the country’s best, Mark Hughes found it impossible to resist the temptation of drafting in arguably the Premier League’s best goalkeeper, Shay Given. Signed on the cheap at an alleged initial fee of around £6million, few contested the ‘bargain value’ of the buy.

But behind the excitement of the Given deal lay a player who was surely more disappointed and confused than anything.

Here was a player with the world at his feet, or hands as the case may be, who had had his number one position snatched away by no fault of his own. A few days after the transfer was completed, Given himself told the Mirror that it was ‘awkward’ when he first greeted Hart on the training pitch.

While Given picked up at City from where he left off at Newcastle, Joe Hart was relegated to the status of bench warmer for the final five months of the season.

Twelve months prior, Hart was making his international debut. Now he was back in the reserves for his club. He initially talked up his chances of challenging Given for the number one spot, but eventually conceded defeat—at least for now. With the World Cup in South Africa also on the horizon, a move away from the club to secure first team football was needed.

Fresh to the Premier League, new club Birmingham are exactly the type of club that could help Hart reignite his stalling career. A new defence which lacks in top flight experience, 'Brum' are likely to be severely tested by the pace and power of their rivals, giving Hart every chance to impress in goal.

A loan deal will be beneficial for all parties. With the signing of Stuart Taylor, City have adequate cover in the goalkeeper position without having huge potential wasting away on the sidelines, only emerging in the odd League Cup game.

Birmingham were short of a top-class goalkeeper, and Hart provides a commanding presence which will help manage a back line which will undoubtedly need plenty of organising.

For Hart himself, the advantages could be most great. He has a point to prove to his employers and will be raring to show them what they’re missing out on. A successful season in the Midlands may be unlikely to shift Shay Given from the primary keeper spot, but could alert other clubs to his ability. And of course, in June 2010 a seat is up for grabs on the plane to the World Cup in South Africa.

That is a whole different kettle of fish to League Two matches in Grimsby.

Brits Abroad: The Grass Ain't Always Greener on the Other Side

Bradley King — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:57:20 -0400

The British have never travelled well. In between losing their luggage and dictating loudly to European locals, the quintessential Brit arguably moans as much on holiday as at any other time, failing to the embrace the culture of the country in which they find themselves.

So it may not be too much of a surprise that while the stars of other major European nations flock abroad to strut their stuff in pastures new, British footballers have suffered an apparent fear of travelling. Just a handful of them have headed to pastures new.

As former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant becomes the latest to try his hand at football on the mainland, here is a look at players who have left and how successful their stays were.

Stan Collymore

After a dismal spell at Bradford, the ex-Liverpool striker—who was so prolific at Anfield—decided to try his chances at mediocre Spanish side Real Oviedo. Greeted by 1,500 fans at his unveiling, Collymore's arrival represented a new chapter for Ovideo fans—or so they thought.

While former teammate Steve McManaman was performing well at Real Madrid, Collymore struggled with his fitness. Two months and three appearances after signing with the club, Collymore announced his immediate retirement to "explore other career opportunities which were available to him." Dogging perhaps?

VERDICT: FAILURE

Michael Owen

Another former Kop idol, Owen signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2004 for £8million plus Antonio Nunez. But while Owen was top scorer on a regular basis for Liverpool in the Premier League, he struggled to nail down a starting place at the Bernabeu. Owen became a benchwarmer.

But goalscorers can't be kept down for long. Owen soon found his form, despite most of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. He moved on to Newcastle after just one season but not without scoring 18 goals in 41 games, just 15 of which were starts.

VERDICT: RELATIVE SUCCESS

Garry O'Connor

As far as unlikely transfers go, this one must be pretty high up the list. After a successful few seasons at Hibernian, O'Connor was courted by Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow, who offered him what manager Tony Mowbray called a "life-changing" salary.

O'Connor leaped at the opportunity to pick up around £16,000 per week, but like many foreigners who head to Russia, his family failed to settle in their new surroundings. O'Connor's on-pitch performances were affected by this, despite the seven league goals he scored in 33 appearances. He eventually returned to Britain with Birmingham City.

VERDICT: RELATIVE FAILURE

So it may not be all sun, sea, sand and fun for Pennant in Spain. He needs to adjust to a new style of play, a new environment, and expectation levels that will be set high by default as they are for all Brits that head abroad.

Only time will tell if he will be a Beckham or a Collymore.

Real Madrid: The Quest for Supremacy That Is Destined for Failure

Bradley King — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:19:23 -0400

When Florentino Perez was voted in as president of Real Madrid in 2000, the club members also voted in a new style of footballing doctrine. One where at least one world class superstar was tempted to Santiago Bernabeu each summer, regardless of how they would fit into the structure of the team. This era of the ‘galacticos’ ended in 2006 when Perez resigned. But now he is back, looking for a second crack of this elitist philosophy- and looks like he means business.

Perez’s inauguration in 2000 was predominantly down to his promise to the club fans of bringing in Luis Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona that summer. He duly delivered. The worlds greatest player, Zinedine Zidane, joined the revolution in the following year. The third year of the reign of Perez saw Brazilian striker Ronaldo swap Italy for Spain. David Beckham was snapped up from Manchester United in the summer of 2004, sparking a further boom in publicity and sponsorship.

In the first couple of years of the policy it brought success- Real winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League in in Perez’s first three seasons. The team was playing to the tune of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo. All was rosey.

But Perez made several misdemeanours which hurt the progress of his club. He refused to spend big money on ‘defensive players’, preferring to put his faith in mediocre defenders such as Francisco Pavon and Raul Bravo. Claude Makelele was also refused a wage increase for the same reasons, paving the way for his move to Chelsea—a move which coincided with the downfall of the galacticos.

“We will not miss Makélélé. His technique is average, he lacks the speed and skill to take the ball past opponents, and ninety percent of his distribution either goes backwards or sideways….Younger players will arrive who will cause Makélélé to be forgotten,” Perez famously commented at the time of Makelele’s Chelsea transfer.

The truth was that Makelele was the under rated insurance in the Real Madrid team—the linchpin that allowed the likes of Figo and Zidane to roam freely. Indeed as David Beckham joined the side, Zidane summed things up perfectly:

“Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?”

In one observation, one sentence, the world’s greatest footballer of the time had summed up all that was fundamentally wrong with the galacticos era. The lopsided, Hollywood nature of the team meant that substance was replaced with glamour, team cohesion surrendered for individual flair. Performances soon began to go downhill.

Now Perez is trying to do it all again. This second generation of galacticos so far includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Albiol and Benzema-mostly even more attack minded, showy players. Could this hint at a return to the selection of players based on reputation rather than form?

How can a football club accommodate so many top players? Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Raul, Sneijder, Robben, Huntelaar, Higuain, Van der Vaart, Van Nistelrooy etc and perhaps more to follow? Yes, some are bound to leave, but still, so may top players can surely not be given enough pitch time to keep them happy.

The signing of all these players in such a short space of time means that the team will need time to gel. With Real Madrid fans demanding nothing less than the title, there is unlikely to be any time for this. New manager Manuel Pellegrini has been given a thankless task and it would not surprise me if he is disposed of before the season is out.

Perez should learn from the past and concentrate his funds around solid defenders and wily anchormen. The signing of Albiol and links with Maicon and the ‘underpaid’ Ashley Cole show he may have learnt some lessons but he needs to strengthen further.

Otherwise the return of the box office galacticos is set to disappoint audiences worldwide again.

Honduras: The Not-so-Secret Hotbed of Talent

Bradley King — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:07:26 -0400

Some countries have a knack of producing a plethora of quality footballers in a short space of time. In the early 1990s, Balkan countries such as Croatia and Yugoslavia had a so-called ‘golden generation’ of footballers. A decade later, big European clubs scurried to secure the latest Scandinavian talent. But in the past few years, a small Central American country has had some of it’s young stars filter across the Atlantic into the mainstream football world of Europe. That nation is Honduras.

Home to barely eight million people, Honduras has a fraction of the pool of players available to larger countries in it’s region, like Guatemala (13 million) and Mexico (110 million). Yet they have managed to develop a generation of players which have excelled far and beyond the expected level of star players in the past.

Ask the average football fan to name a famous Honduran footballer who played prior to 2005, and they would struggle immensely. Even the most prudent of football followers would struggle with the same question.

They might refer to the moment in the history of the sport that Honduras are famous for. In 1969, a World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador descended into mayhem as fans began to riot. The result was the Salvadorian army launching an offensive against the Honduras, in a conflict which lasted six days and became known as the ‘Football War’.

It is unlikely to become a popular topic of choice on Mastermind any time soon, but there is more 20th century Honduran-related football trivia. The country have qualified for just one World Cup back in 1982, when they managed to frustrate Northern Ireland and the hosts Spain by gaining a point from each game, before a loss to Yugoslavia sent them home at the first hurdle.

Success in the nineties and early noughties has been more hard to come by, but the national team had a successful 2001 Copa America, defeating Brazil en route to the semi-finals.

But the universal recognition of individual players had not existed.

Then came Wigan Athletic and Steve Bruce. In January 2008, the Latics confirmed the signings of Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa. Bruce, who had already worked with Palacios during a loan deal at his previous club Birmingham, had given two young, completely untried players the chance to compete in the Premier League, their only previous experience being at a league in a Central American backwater.

Both Figueroa and Palacios took time to settle but, as the 2008/09 season kicked off, both had found their feet and adjusted to the pace of the English game. Palacios in particular quickly began to establish himself as an energetic and tenacious central midfielder, who was keeping some of the best players in the league under wraps. Heads soon turned- Sir Alex Ferguson one of several parties interested in his services.

Now another international Hendry Thomas has become Roberto Martinez’s first signing at the JJB Stadium. He will certainly look to follow in the footsteps of those that have made their name already.

They aren’t the only Hondurans to spread their wings. David Suazo and Julio Cesar de Leon have both impressed in Italy, the former now plying his trade at Portugese giants Benfica after appearing for Inter Milan in the past couple of seasons.

The experience these players have gained from their European travels is undoubtedly being transferred to the performances of the national team. Honduras currently sit in third place in the qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup, a point above Mexico after beating them 3-1 earlier in the competition. Third place would be enough to head to South Africa next summer.

Maybe then the Hondurans will continue to shock us?

Man United-Michael Owen: Why They Had to Sign Him

Bradley King — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:43 -0400

It is a transfer deal which would have been laughed off by Manchester United fans all over the world if it was predicted 12 months ago.

Manchester United will sign Michael Owen.

A decade ago he was the boy wonder.

Now he is, in many peoples eyes, a washed up ex-England international, blighted by injury. His career was—before today—destined to fizzle out without a lot of fuss, before he retreats to the racecourses and stables of the English countryside for some hippo-logical respite.

Those people might be right. But they might not be.

Manchester United had to sign Michael Owen. This summer United look set to lose not only their narcissistic, hotpants wearing, Paris Hilton bedding winger Cristiano Ronaldo, but are also prepared for the loss of the dogged Carlos Tevez.

Those two players alone contributed 40 goals to the Red Devils title winning season in 2008/2009. Where is Ferguson going to replace that amount of goals from?

He has been linked with the likes of Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero, and completed the signing of Antonio Valencia earlier in the week. But none of these players have the ability to compensate for around a third of United’s total goal tally last season.

Ribery has scored 20 goals from the wing in his two seasons at Bayern Munich—an average return for a playmaking winger. He’s also pledged his future to current employers Bayern Munich. That is, unless the offer to become a Galactico in Spain is extended to him.

Atletico Madrid’s Aguero had a successful La Liga season last time round, scoring 17 league goals. But if he was to make the switch to the northeast of England it would take him time to adjust to the more physically demanding Premier League. That is time that the Champions do not have.

Michael Owen has had an abundance of Premier League experience over the past decade and more, playing almost 300 games for Liverpool and Newcastle. He will take no time to settle in to a massive club like United.

He has constantly scored goals no matter where he plays his football. Contrary to popular belief, even Owen’s scoring record at Newcastle was decent—26 goals in 71 league appearances.

Couple that with his heroics at Liverpool (an amazing 216 games and 157 goals) and throw his 40 international goals into the bargain—it can’t be argued that Owen was capable of scoring 20 goals per season.

And that is the question. Owen was capable of such goalscoring feats: Is he still?

There were moments last season where he showed he could still cut it. There aren’t too many top quality strikers in the current market. Owen was/is undoubtedly one of them.

That is why Manchester United had to take a gamble.

Now, if he can just stay fit…

Premier League: Arsenal '08/'09 Preview

Bradley King — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:15:13 -0400

This season is a defining one in the development of Arsene Wenger’s youthful side. For the past few seasons, after the departures of the influential Patrick Vieira and then the talismanic Thierry Henry, the Gunners have been spared the pressures of a demanding fanbase and expectant media frenzy.

Alternatively, Wenger often offers explanations on his youth philosophies: His illustration of "building a house" concerned with progress in the maturing an adolescent talents is shoved in our faces to distract from the failures of the first team.

We are bombarded with propaganda, from both within and outside the Emirates, reminding us that Arsenal is still a young side, but sure to flourish soon. But not this year, we are told. Maybe next season.

In actual fact, this is the time for the Arsenal to establish themselves as a consistent side. The unreliability of the team is becoming tedious and is threatening to permanently take the limelight away from the undoubted talent within the first-team squad.

Speaking of irregularity in performance levels, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has flapped at his last cross in this country after signing for Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart. Manuel Almunia is likely to continue between the sticks, with the promising Lukas Fabianski as backup.

Though unlikely, Wenger may be tempted to bring another goalkeeper into the side. It is believed he is a great admirer of Juventus stopper Gianluigi Buffon, but Juventus would be sure to demand an astronomical transfer fee if any deal were to be done.

Defensively, on paper Arsenal look very short. They certainly appear lacking a backline fit for Premier League champions. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy are athletic and have enough stamina and pace to last for more than ninety minutes at a time, but their concentration levels were tested last season.

The Swiss duo of Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou look out of place in an Arsenal shirt. Djourou does not seem to have the physique to play centre half, and could perhaps be better suited to a central midfield berth. A case of square pegs in round holes?

Senderos, on the other hand, is a case of a special, undesirably shaped peg in a round hole. He is the complete antithesis of everything the Gunners have offered us on the pitch in the past few years; lacking composure, technique, and looking frankly dopey at times.

Although history tells us Wenger likes a bruiser of a defender in his squad—Igors Stepanovs, Pascal Cygan, et al—so he is likely to stay.

William Gallas’ inadequacies in the captaincy role were highlighted last season, with his sulking on the pitch after the disappointing trip to Birmingham the most telling example. The stand-out performer in the defensive setup at Arsenal is undoubtedly Kolo Toure, who suffered a slight dip in form last season, partly due to being shifted between right back and his preferred centre back position.

A cultured defender would undoubtedly improve the side as a whole, a Sergio Ramos or a Philippe Mexes type defender.

Enough doom and gloom for now.

There is cause for optimism in the centre of the pitch. In Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal have one of the finest players in the world at the moment, and he is certain to continue to his dazzling performances in the heart of the midfield.

Yes, Mathieu Flamini has gone and Alexander Hleb looks set to follow. Nevertheless, Gilberto, Abou Diaby, and Denilson will compensate for the failure to secure a new contract for Flamini and, in Samir Nasri, the Gunners have catered for any potential loss of Hleb with the capture of one of the finest young talents from the continent.

Young, full of pace, and technically superb, the man once tipped as the next Zinedine Zidane had attracted a multitude of interest from around Europe before signing on the dotted line at the Emirates.

In press conferences, Wenger has seemed excited at the prospect of the Frenchman in the Premier League. He will have to learn quickly and surpass the low standards that he and his country set in the European Championships if he is to make an immediate impact. But he may have to be patient, as the likes of Walcott and Rosicky have learnt.

In recent years, Wenger has become an aficionado of the one-up-front system now used by so many Premier League managers. In Van Persie, Walcott, and the much-hyped Carlos Vela, Arsenal have a multitude of players who could be classified as wide forwards. However, they lack old-fashioned centre forwards—someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Last season, Emmanuel Adebayor filled the role, but it looks like he is set to leave after becoming too big for his boots and demanding a massive pay rise. This leaves just two options: long-term injury absentee Eduardo, who had impressed before his horrific injury last season, and the gifted, yet misfiring, Nicklas Bendtner—possibly another player who might have to step up his game if Arsenal are to threaten the best this season.

So who to fill this position?

David Villa looks unlikely to be heading for the Premiership. Mr Wenger has always been a keen admirer of fellow countryman David Trezeguet, and though his best days may be behind him, it may prove to be a shrewd signing.

Could Arsene attempt to snatch Dimitar Berbatov from North London rivals Spurs? Probably not, although he would prove ideal.

So what will it be for Arsenal? Will they finally achieve success or will the promotion of promising youth once again flatter to deceive?

Prediction: Fourth

No Ronaldinho? "Sparky" Can Still Do The Samba

Bradley King — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:29:31 -0400

In the background of a surprisingly entertaining European Championships, Premier League clubs are continuing to inspect the globe for huge, crowd pulling signings.

None more so than new Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, who has been linked to an endless list of players from Jo to Ronaldinho in recent weeks.

But regardless of whether the ostentatious, buck-toothed icon is tempted to Lancashire, the true signing of the summer may arrive not from the Mediterranean coastline—but from just a short hop over the county.

He may not be an entertainer. He may not astonish the home support with unbelievable flicks, rolls, shimmies and jigs. But Christopher Samba could well have a similar impact at Eastlands to when he first arrived in England back in Jan. 2007.

At that time, Hughes’ Blackburn side were short of centre backs—Ryan Nelsen was the only man who could be relied on in the back line. Hughes’ reaction was to enter the hurly-burly of the January transfer window, where managers often live or die by their decisions.

With just a week remaining of the window, Hughes finally got a centre half in. But nobody could have predicted who it was.

Mark Hughes had secured some magnificent dealings in the transfer market in years prior to this. Ryan Nelsen, Aaron Mokoena, Benni McCarthy, Lucas Neill and others had all surpassed expectations in the Premier League. Fans expected a similar unknown face.

Enter six foot, five inch tall Samba. He was an unwanted man at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, stuck rotting in the reserves after making just 20 appearances in three years. Some supporters were sceptical; but most had faith in Hughes’ judgment. Very few of his previous signings had failed to impress.

Samba’s first half-season saw him produce some solid performances at the heart of the Rovers' defence helping them to a top-half spot. Hughes then promoted him to a starting role alongside Nelsen.

It was soon clear to see Samba’s great aerial ability, classy defensive qualities and decent amount of pace. And one of the steals of the season at just £400,000.

It is always nice to see a cheeky bit of flair on show on a football field. But players of commitment and desire, such as Samba, can sometimes surpass all expectations.

Yes, Manchester City already has two very capable defenders in Micah Richards and Richard Dunne, but with the possibility of Dunne leaving the club, Samba may just become one of the signings of the season again.

Euro 2008: Don't Write Off Italy Yet

Bradley King — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:12:17 -0400

Since Italy lost their opening game of the European Championships so convincingly to Holland, their chances of winning the competition have been written off around the world. The Azzurri looked flat and dull, lacking any imagination or youthful exuberance.

The first 11 included nine players over the age of 30. Among them was the very mediocre Antonio Di Natale, a late developer in the game but, it seems, failing to impress at the highest level with the national side.

Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi was another of "Babbo Esercito" (or "Dads Army", whichever you prefer) who disappointed in the game against the Dutch and who, in my opinion, has been overrated throughout his career, lacking any real consistency in his game.

Even one of the younger players in relation to his teammates, Andrea Barzagli, was docile and lacked defensive awareness, receiving massive criticism from the Italian media.

But despite the doom and gloom of the Italian public, the Azzurri may have a few aces up their sleeve.

Coach Roberto Donadoni has several players to turn to. 24 year-old Daniele De Rossi had another excellent season for AS Roma in Serie A, and many were surprised to see him left out of the starting line-up for the Holland game.

Massimo Ambrosini was preferred, but proved ineffectual. In reality, Ambrosini is too similar a player to Gennaro Gattuso. Another 'yard-dog' is not what is needed at the heart of the Italian midfield.

Drafting in De Rossi will add a more composed feel to the Italians when they are in possession of the ball—but he can also stick his foot into a challenge when required.

Former Manchester United target Fabio Quagliarella made his first start in a vital match for the national side against Lithuania, in which he scored two good goals. He was another who was surplus to requirements for Monday’s game.

A strike force of Di Natale and Luca Toni, while possessing much guile and experience, is short of a measure of adventure and innovation. Quagliarella could provide this creativity. Whether Donadoni allows him to do so is a very different matter, with Antonio Cassano seeming his preference.

So do not write Italy off yet. "Babbo Esercito" they may be but, with a little assistance from the younger contingent, they can still emulate the France side of the late nineties and early noughties by following their World Cup dominance with European success, starting with tonight’s game against the stubborn Romanians.

From Boumsong to Balaban: Ten Silly Transfers

Bradley King — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:19:12 -0400

As clubs begin to survey the continent and beyond for new talent, let us consider some of the worst transfer deals that the country has ever seen.

Premiership managers take note.

Or maybe not as the case may be.

10. Massimo Taibi, by Manchester United for £4.5 million

Tipped as the successor to the great Dane Peter Schmeichel in goal by Sir Alex Ferguson, Taibi arrived in Manchester as a virtual unknown to the British public.

In a seasons time and a few blunders later, "The Blind Venetian" returned to Italy through the backdoor after losing his place to Aussie Mark Bosnich.

9. DJ Campbell, by Leicester, £2.1 million

Oh dear, oh dear. What were a Championship club doing signing a player who had hardly proven himself in any level above League One for this amount of money. He will probably score twenty-five goals next season and get them promoted now. Or not.

8. Hugo Viana, by Newcastle United, £8.5m

This Portuguese winger flew into St. James Park being tipped as a huge prospect for the future. He struggled to adapt to life in England and failed to keep up with the physical demands of the game. Due to this, he was shipped out to Sporting on loan before joining Valencia at a loss of £7 million.

7. Francis Jeffers, by Arsenal, £8m

The "fox in the box" that Mr Wenger was after didn’t quite live up to his billing. Laboured through several years in the treatment room at Highbury during which time his international hopes were destroyed and his pace vanished.

Joined Charlton where he never got going, and is now at Sheffield Wednesday.

6. Tore Andre Flo, by Sunderland, £6.75m

Bought to help save the Black Cats from relegation, fans were understandably pessimistic at the signing of Flo, a player who had done so well at Chelsea years earlier but struggled recently north of the border.

Their "panic buy2 fears were correct, as 6 foot 4 inch Flo looked out of shape and out of sorts as Sunderland quickly slid towards the Premiership trapdoor.

5. Kevin Davies, by Blackburn Rovers, £7.5m

Davies gathered many admirers during his time at The Dell, which prompted Blackburn to offer so much for his services. His time at Blackburn was a complete shambles, making only a handful of starts before returning to the south coast in a swap deal for Egil Ostenstad. Exactly.

4. Jean-Alain Boumsong, by Newcastle United, £8m

The big centre half and French international had pace, strength, was strong in the air and had fantastic positional sense. Or so Graeme Souness must have thought after he signed Jean-Alain to form a solid partnership with Titus Shambles Bramble.

In reality, the duo became one of the most hilarious in Premier League history. Bizarrely, Boumsong left the north east for Turin, where he signed for Italian giants Juventus.

3. Chris Sutton, by Chelsea, £10m

After former Premiership champions Rovers were relegated, Chelsea moved quickly to secure the signing of Sutton. An unhappy period followed, and Sutton scored just one goal for the club as he found it hard to adapt to Chelsea’s style of play. Chelsea did though do well to recoup six of the 10 million they paid for him, selling Sutton to Celtic.

2. Bosko Balaban, by Aston Villa, £6m

Having signed from Dinamo Zagreb where he was prolific for several seasons, Balaban never lived up to expectations and was regularly booed by the Villa crowd. In just eight appearances for Villa, the Croatian international failed to score and joined Club Brugge on a free transfer.

1. Corrado Grabbi, by Blackburn Rovers, £6.75m

The Italian striker joined from Ternana where he scored 20 goals in 34 appearances. Grabbi was invisible in most of Blackburn’s games and scored two goals in 30 games, promptly being shipped back to Serie B with Ancona.

Released by AC Bellinzona of the Swiss League recently, he is now a free agent.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Shouldn't Leave Manchester United

Bradley King — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:28:46 -0400

Barely had Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs put the Champions League trophy down when speculation began to increase over the future of their flamboyant talisman.

Real Madrid has been touted as a possible destination for the inspirational winger—100 million pounds the figure that it is suggested will lure him away from Old Trafford.

But Cristiano Ronaldo would be wise to examine the history books before leaving Britain behind for the South of Europe.

Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit joined Barcelona in the late '90s on the back of a successful period while playing for Arsenal. While Overmars was the marginally more impressive of the two, Petit flopped and hopped back over the channel to join Chelsea just a season later.

Another ex-Arsenal star, Nicolas Anelka, swapped Highbury for the Bernabeu at a similar time. His goals for the Gooners had lit up the Premiership, but he could only manage a measly two for Los Blancos and, after a messy exit, "Le Sulk" was considered a massive letdown.

Meanwhile in the northwest of England, a certain Michael Owen was banging in the goals for Liverpool. But a surprise transfer in 2004 saw him join Real Madrid where his goal-scoring instincts were abused, and Owen became an important member of the Real subs bench.

There are countless other examples of useless Premiership exports to La Liga. Arjen Robben, Thierry Henry, and Eidur Gudjonsen all shone in the Premier League, but looked lost or became frozen out in La Liga.

It is unclear why this is, and there are exceptions (David Beckham of course) but it seems that when a top player destined for greatness swaps fish and chips for paella, the vultures are alerted.

Be warned Cristiano.