In light of my recent article on the pear-shaped nature of Michael Owen’s move to Manchester United from the player’s perspective, here is my top ten list of the most poorly thought-out and conceived transfers in recent Premier League history.
Now, this isn’t simply another flop article – we can all name which players have been flops in the past. The criteria for inclusion in this illustrious list are moves that lacked either any coherent thought or long-term planning behind them, whether that be from the club’s perspective or the player’s. The sort of moves that look completely pointless from the outset as opposed to ones that failed to live up to their expectations. The sort of transfer that make you question aloud “why on earth has he done that!”
Michael Owen’s move to Man Utd for example, has been beneficial for the club, as they acquired a squad player capable of coming off the bench and making a difference. However, from the player’s point of view, the move that was intended to reignite his England career has all but ended it. Whereas Sergei Rebrov for example, while undoubtedly a flop, you can at least see the thought process behind Tottenham’s move for the player as he was undoubtedly one of Europe’s hottest striking properties at the time. So here are my top ten in no discernable order…
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It was certainly no shock when Ashley Young swapped Villa Park for Old Trafford in the summer for the relatively cheap sum of £17 million. Considering players at the same level or below were going for grossly inflated prices it seemed that Sir Alex Ferguson had pulled off a coup in landing the England winger for such a paltry fee. A blistering start to his Manchester United career, including three goals in four games, has seen people label him as a potential signing of the summer. But at such an early stage in the season is it right to make a statement of that nature?
There is no doubting the impact Young has had at United since he joined from Aston Villa. In my opinion they haven’t had a winger who could play on either flank with such ease since the days of Andrei Kanchelskis. He gives them an option that not many clubs can call on in the top flight with his pace, trickery, shooting and his crossing ability second to none from both sides. There aren’t many wingers who can whip an exquisite ball over like he can with either foot with Arsenal feeling the full force of his powers. Despite the positive opening to his career at Old Trafford I do believe it’s unwise to get carried away just yet.
Ferguson has an exceptional track record of getting the best out of wingers and wide midfielders like Young. Aside from a few glaring blemishes (Jesper Blomqvist anyone?) he has worked wonders with a number of wide men over the years. Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kanchelskis and David Beckham are the prime examples of those who have excelled under the Scot during his 24 years as United boss. He honed their skills from a young age and turned them into world-class players.
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If Young is looking to achieve the same success and push himself into the world-class bracket then Ferguson is the perfect tutor. At 26-years-old you may think that it’s too late for Young to even consider making that step up into the realm of Ronaldo. The Red Devils boss took two or three years to mould him into the world-beater he is today.
The calibre of training on offer at Manchester United is head and shoulders above Aston Villa’s, no disrespect to them, and Young will certainly feel the full benefit of that step up. Practicing and mixing with the likes of Giggs and Wayne Rooney everyday can only better Young’s all round game. Despite his great start he does have some negative facets to his game. At times his crossing can be frustratingly inconsistent which won’t go down well with Rooney or Ferguson. His work rate when Villa didn’t have the ball and penchant to go to ground very easily will also turn those early cheers from the stands into dissatisfied groans. All of these things need to hammered out of the England winger if he is going to make the step up over the next few years as he enters his prime years.
A few years of prowling the Villa Park wings have done him no harm with regular football but he hasn’t had anywhere near the level of coaching Manchester United will give him. It’s only in the last few years that he’s finally broken into the England setup, which you could argue, is rather late for a player of his quality and the fact that the national team continues to obsess over the left side of midfield. The pressure on wingers at Manchester United is also something Young will have to cope with as fans and pundits will always be making comparisons with those who have come and gone. He will have bad games which could affect his confidence, form and send him into a slump. With competition for a place on the flanks in Ferguson’s side, Young will need to perform week in week out.
Ultimately I do think he is a fantastic signing for United and will improve as a player. It’s whether he can actually make that step up and take on the mantle that those have held before him which poses the bigger question. Signing of the summer? I’m not hedging any bets just yet.
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Manchester City ran riot in the second half at Ewood Park scoring four goals and sending the pressure on Blackburn boss Steve Kean up to critical levels.
The Rovers boss could do nothing as his side fell apart after the restart as Roberto Mancini’s men swept them aside to keep their unbeaten start to the season alive after Tuesday’s Champions League nightmare in Munich. Adam Johnson opened the floodgates breaking the deadlock 10 minutes after half time before Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Stevan Savic added three more to the Citizens within touching distance of neighbours United at the Premier League summit. As for the home side they sit a point and a place of the bottom with fans becoming increasingly worried that their team could be playing Championship football this time next season. They certainly played like a second tier side as City quickly got into the rhythm hardly giving their hosts a sniff across the 90 minutes.
With Carlos Tevez’s midweek spat with the club to overshadow preparations for the game Sergio Aguero limping off with a groin injury during the first period Mancini will be delighted with his players as they strolled to yet another high scoring win. In truth they offered little in the first forty five with Mario Balotelli looking the most likely to shooting over the bar before curling the ball narrowly wide. Those two chances sandwiched a marvellous piece of defending from James Milner with the midfielder putting in a superb block to deny Yakubu from opening the scoring.
Thats about as good as it got for Rovers as City came out after the restart intent on going home with all three points in their back pocket. An increase in tempo was too much for the hosts and it was no surprise when Johnson curled a terrific shot into the top corner to give City the lead. That opened the floodgates and Balotelli doubled their advantage three minutes later darting in front of Scott Dann to volley Nasri’s cross past Paul Robinson. The Frenchman, who had earlier replaced injury victim Aguero, then got on the scoresheet himself thumping the ball home via a deflection from Jason Lowe after a swift counter attack. They weren’t finished there with Savic nodding his first goal in City blue with a minute left on the clock to round off yet another impressive win and leave Kean wondering what to do next.
Get over to Goaldash and check your numbers to see what you might have won!
In the face of criticism and adversity, real winners emerge, and that is exactly what Frank Lampard has done this week, responding to being dropped with four goals in two games, and a man of the match performance at a stadium that has served both himself and his club so well in the past.
Both Chelsea fans and players have a special affection towards the Reebok stadium, having sealed two titles there, and through Lampard goals ironically enough. As the fates or rather the fixture list allowed, the game in one of their most successful grounds came at an opportune time, with Chelsea and Lampard needing solid performances to answer their critics.
The only player from a Chelsea perspective who may be a little disappointed today is Petr Cech , who conceded for the first time ever in the Reebok, yet overall it was as good a performance from Chelsea as it was bad from Bolton , who having lost Jussi Jaaskalinen before the match looked in sixes and sevens at the back, with the reserve keeper making error after error.
It was also a good day at the office for former Bolton loanee Daniel Sturridge , who scored twice, and showed his respect for the club who gave him regular games by celebrating minimally for both goals. The in-form Chelsea striker certainly lived up to the glowing assessment made by Owen Coyle before the game, and justified the decision of AVB to start with him up front, leaving another former Bolton player, Nicholas Anelka on the bench.
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In defence, Terry looked as solid as ever, yet question marks remain over David Luiz, who certainly has more than enough quality on the ball – obviously being a Brazilian we would expect nothing less – but still takes more than the necessary risks in a defensive capacity. It has been said more than once that the player may be more comfortable as a holding midfielder than a centre back, yet AVB seems to be set on partnering him with the ever present John Terry at the back.
It will not go unnoticed for Chelsea fans that when their £50 million pound man Torres is suspended, they manage to score five goals and win with swagger, and Torres will be more than a little concerned to see the combination which brought Chelsea so much success in Lampard and Drogba linking up so well today. If this continues, the Spaniard may well see himself relegated to the bench for the huge match against Arsenal when he is finally eligible to play again.
Although they remain rock bottom in the table, things are not as bad as they may seem on paper for Bolton, who have had more than a couple of difficult fixtures recently having played United, Arsenal and Chelsea, and will look to rapidly gain points this month, with a trip to the DW stadium and also a home game against a very shaky Sunderland. It seems vital for Coyle to get Jussi back as soon as possible, with Bogdan looking in no way able to cope with the rigors of the Premier League.
Chelsea and Lampard meanwhile look to have more than answered their critics, and with discipline issues at City and injury woes at Old Trafford, look to be more than back in the race for the title – not that they would have ever counted themselves out of it.
Article courtesy of Rebecca Knight from This is Futbol
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Every season, after 3 or 4 games, fans and journalists alike begin to make judgements on the sort of season teams are going to have. It is the natural inclination of every football supporter.
Yet, all too often those judgements are premature. Take Wolves for example, who began the season with 7 points from their first 3 games. Confidence spread throughout fans and Mick McCarthy was widely praised. Since, they have lost 5 on the bounce and that early season optimism has turned into negativity.
Now, as the nights draw in and after 8 games, a far better judgement of a team’s season so far is possible, with perhaps the happiest of all fans in the Premier League those of Newcastle United. With the departures of Andy Carroll, Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, it was predicted that the club would struggle this season.
However, the club remain unbeaten, beat local rivals Sunderland and look to have well balanced and settled starting 11.
Indeed, the team has remained unchanged for the last 4 league games, a rare occurrence in today’s game so highly reliant on squad rotation. Tim Krul has excelled in goal, while Steven Taylor and captain Fabricio Collocini give the team a solid defensive foundation.
It is in midfield that the team look strongest, a wonderful balance of defence and attack supplied by Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye, with great width being supplied by Gabriel Obertan and Jonas Gutierrez. Up front, the confident duo of Demba Ba and Leon Best have 8 goals between them and look capable of consistently scoring goals for the club.
It is now that Alan Pardew will find out the real strength of the squad, in such a competitive league the modern game is now undoubtedly a squad one and the Newcastle boss will need to give other player’s game time as the season goes on.
Pardew must not become complacent regarding the team’s progress under his management, if he does that progress will stall. The size of the club gives Newcastle a great platform to consistently finish in the upper echelons of the league, something that will be possible if Pardew thinks long term in the next transfer window.
The lack of experience amongst the squad may well catch up with the club as the season progresses, with the fans likely to now expect a top half finish as the bare minimum, a couple of signings in January would not go amiss.
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If Pardew strengthens the squad, while at the same time allowing the likes of Dan Gosling and Danny Guthrie to get game time later in the season, the long term prospects of the football club look very healthy indeed.
Comment below and follow me on Twitter @CamHumphries for cutting edge debate regarding all things sport.
No matter who the manager, or how big or small the club is, it is inevitable that at some point during the season of 38 games, the manager or fans will complain about the fixture list and state it is clearly biased or in favour of their rivals.
Already this season in the Premier League, we have already had Roberto Mancini, manager of league leaders City complain about the fact he feels most of their fixtures after Champions league games are tough away matches, whereas the other three clubs also in Europe’s premier competition do not face such tough matches. Conspiracy he cried.
Mourinho, when he was manger at Chelsea, complained that not only did the FA make it more difficult for English clubs in the Champions league due to being uncooperative when it came to switching fixtures around, but that Arsenal were always afforded more favourable games than Chelsea at key times of the season – Chelsea were treated like the ‘devil’ the Special One said.
Of course, United are often the ones people pick out as having more favourable fixtures than any other Premier League side – home matches on Boxing day and New year, playing a bottom half side on the last day of the season etc. Even so this has not stopped Fergie from having a customary moan about various things fixture related, claiming his team get ‘cheated’ by the supposedly computer generated list, and after the 2009/2010 season stated that ‘I’m not saying what they do down there, but next year we will be sending someone down to see how it happens I can assure you.’ This was before facing 4 games in 16 days when competing for the quadruple.
So how do these fixtures actually come to pass? Is it really a coincidence that on Fergie’s 25th anniversary weekend United play Sunderland – who are not only managed by a former United player and firm favourite of Fergie, but also have what seems to be half the former United squad on their books.
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The FA will tell you that the randomly generated fixture list is most certainly not fixed, with many considerations being taken into place before the fixtures are compiled – for example teams such as City and United will not play home games on the same weekend, not to mention the vast amount of European fixtures than need to be accommodated– yet most fans will feel the fixture list is questionable at times.
It is remarkable how teams who are challenging for the title will often begin their campaign at home or against a promoted side, not to mention the fact the top six often seem to see a remarkable amount of each other firstly around the October / November time and then again in April / May.
How Sky Sports must love the Premier League fixture computer, as for a random little device, it is remarkably lucky when it comes to setting up the fixtures each season for a brilliant run in over key times in the season – not to mention the ‘Super Sunday’ coincidences.
It is not just English fixtures that come under scrutiny however, the Champions League throws up a remarkable amount of ties that seem to be a case of coincidence? I think not. For example – Mourinho going back to Porto straight after leaving for Chelsea, then Chelsea at Inter etc.
The ‘sentimental’ ties always seem to appear, and a betting man would be wise to place their house, wife and kids on the fact that after the debacle of last season, Real and Barca will not draw each other under any circumstances until the final. Funny how it works like that really. Either God has a massive sense of humour or draws for competitions and fixture lists are not as impartial as governing bodies would like to have us believe.
No matter what the fixture, in reality a team of real quality will manage to win the matches put in front of them no matter what, and for a fixture list to be truly random, even more complaints would be levelled at the FA.
Certain factors such as other European fixtures and teams in close proximity playing away on alternative weekends are things that can’t really be ignored – but when does this list stop? The question of to what extent this should be allowed to affect the ‘computer generated fixtures’ is a valid one, and some people I am sure would prefer a completely random list, whereas others would want all considerations factored in.
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Yes teams and managers will always complain that the fixture list is unfair, and whilst the FA would reply with the answer that not everyone can be pleased all the time and it is just luck of the draw, it might be time for the smaller teams to start getting some of this ‘luck!’
Chelsea eased the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas after inflicting Newcastle’s first home defeat of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win at St James’ Park.
Goals from Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge saw off a spirited display from the Magpies who will feel the visitors should have had a man sent off after David Luiz hauled down Demba Ba in the early stages. The Brazilian was shown a yellow card by referee Mike Dean and it proved to be a game changer as the home side struggled to find a way through the Blues back four. Alan Pardew’s men did hit the woodwork three times but also had keeper Tim Krul to thank for a series of impressive saves including Frank Lampards first half penalty. The win was only Chelsea’s fourth in 10 games and saw them leapfrog Newcastle into the Premier League top four to ease the pressure on Villas-Boas’ shoulders. It could have been so different had Luiz been shown a red after bringing down Ba just outside the area as the Senegal striker made tracks for goal. Despite being the last man referee Dean opted to brandish a yellow card much to the displeasure of Pardew and the Geordie public.
From that moment on Chelsea took control and should have been four up by half time had Daniel Sturridge not wasted a host of chances after catching left back Ryan Taylor out of position on more than one occasion with Krul denying him with a series of smart stops. The Dutch goalkeeper would really earn his stripes on 13 minutes diving low to his left to save Frank Lampards penalty after Yohan Cabaye had tripped Sturridge in the area. Still the West London onslaught continued and it was only a matter of time before they took the lead with Drogba meeting Juan Mata’s cross to power the ball past Krul. On the balance of play it was well deserved although Newcastle should have equalised just moments later with Ba seeing his header from Danny Guthrie’s cross hit the post with Petr Cech beaten. They took that momentum into the second period with Shola Ameobi coming on for the ineffective Hatem Ben Arfa and it proved to be an inspired change as they went in search of an equaliser.
Ameobi did well to win a corner that saw Ba meet Cabayes whipped corner with a powerful header only to see the ball bounce agonisingly off the bar before being hacked away as Chelsea went on the counter. Sturridge’s pace saw him stride up field catching the home defence napping before squaring for Ramires who was denied brilliantly by Krul from 10 yards. That halt the home side in their efforts to level the game and Ameobi almost produced a moment of divine brilliance picking the ball up 25-yards from goal before cracking a stunning left foot drive that smashed off the post. Brother Sammy Ameobi was then introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes left and the 19-year-old came within a whisker of restoring parity only to see his volley cleared off the line after Chelsea failed to clear a corner. Those missed chances would prove to be vital as the Blues killed the game off in the last five minutes. Firstly substitute Kalou cooly slotted past Krul after being teed up by Fernando Torres before Sturridge got the goal he deserves cutting in from the right and finishing accurately from the edge of the area.
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Rangers midfielder Steven Davis is set for a return to Aston Villa in January as Alex McLeish looks to strengthen his options going into the second half of the season, according to The Sun.
The Northern Irish international has been a key player for club and country over the past four years but McLeish believes the Glasgow club could accept a cut price £2million bid as their financial situation worsens.
Davis joined Villa as a 16-year-old and enjoyed five years at the club before moving to Fulham for £4million in 2007, but left just 22-appearences later. The 26-year-olds boyhood club, Rangers, then took the midfielder for £3million and he has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the Ibrox club.
McLeish is desperate to strengthen his underachieving Villa side that have won just four games from 15 this season since his arrival in the summer from arch-rivals Birmingham City. The Midlands club have failed to replace the outgoing Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Nigel Reo-Coker from the summer and Davis would be the perfect addition to the lacklustre Villains.
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Fringe players such as Stiliyan Petrov, Carlos Cuellar and Stephen Ireland could be on their way in January as the new Villa boss looks to reshuffle his pack to win over the disapproving Villa fans.
Norwich have signed Leeds United captain Jonny Howson for an undisclosed fee, the club have announced.
The midfielder moves to Carrow Road on a three-and-a-half year contract, and will wear the No.24 shirt for The Canaries.
Howson, an England under-21 international, was the Elland Road outfit’s youngest skipper since Billy Bremner, but his contract with The Championship club was expiring, forcing Simon Grayson to sell.
New boss Paul Lambert is delighted to have brought the prospect to his side, and feels Howson can add something to the Norwich midfield.
“I think he has been brilliant for Leeds – how he has played but also being their captain brings its own demands. It’s a fantastic club, Leeds,” the Scottish coach told the club’s official website.
“I think he can add goals to our midfield, which I think we need, and he can do that. He’ll get better as a player the higher the level he goes up. If he does that and everything goes well, he’ll be a great player for us.”
Howson is over the moon with his move, and is glad to be given the opportunity to play in the English top flight.
“It’s been no secret that my ambition is to play in the Premiership and that’s why we never got round to sorting the contract because we don’t know where Leeds United are going to be.
“I’m going to a great club, they are flying high, doing ever so well, and they have a great team that we’ve been close to here over the past couple of seasons, and they have a great manager as well,” he concluded.
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Howson is currently out of action with a knee injury, but is expected to be available for his new team in coming weeks.
Everton travel to the Midlands looking to bounce back from their defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday by beating mid-table Aston Villa.
Alex McLeish’s side stuttered over the festive period winning only two of their six games and sliding to 13th in their table. Whilst their victory over Bolton in early December was expected their success against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge turned a lot of heads in the top flight with some seeing it as a potential turning point for Villa. However they followed up that performance with defeat against Swansea at Villa Park to maintain their inconsistent form. Their impressive win West London highlighted the capabilities of the Villa squad with Stephen Ireland, in particular, proving to be a shining light over Christmas. The midfielder has endured a tough time since his move from Manchester City at the end of last season but his attitude and performance in recent weeks have been encouraging. Villa will need him to be at his playmaking best as they continue to dream of a European finish to the season. For that to happen they’ll need to improve a home record that has seen them lose five times on their own turf.
David Moyes injury hit squad will be hoping to inflict more misery on Villa supporters by taking a much needed three points back home to Merseyside. Injuries have decimated Everton over the last couple of weeks with key players Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman missing from the trip to the Midlands. Defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday night left the Toffees just outside the top half although their ambitions of European football look all but over after losing in North London. Their inability to covert chances into goals cost them once again at White Hart Lane although supporters will be encouraged by the performance of Landon Donovan. The on-loan American was arguably their star performer against Spurs and will be desperate to open his Everton account soon rather than later with his temporary stay at Goodison Park running out in March. He’ll be determined to ensure the Toffees don’t incur a fourth consecutive defeat at Villa Park as their European dream continues to fade away.
Aston Villa 13th : 23 points
Last six: L W D L L W
Team news: James Collins and Carlos Cuellar are both out along with Emile Heskey but Shay Given could return in goal after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Key Player: Gabriel Agbonlahor
Whilst Villa have struggled to be consistent this season Agbonlahor has managed to maintain his level of performance to become a key player for Alex McLeish’s men. His pace down the flanks could prove useful against an injury hit Everton side.
Everton 11th : 24 points
Last six: L L L W D W D
Team news:
Key Player: Sylvain Distin
With captain Phil Jagielka likely to miss this game defensive responsibitlies will shift over to Distin. The Frenchman has been exception for Everton this season and will need to be at his best to keep out Villa’s attacking threats.
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PREDICTION
Villa have won only three times at home this season but will be spoiling after defeat to Swansea in their last outing. Everton continue to flirt with the top half but their injury hit squad may find two games in the space of 72 hours too much to handle.