Wednesday 14 September 2011

The Next Generation German



Andre Schurrle is already a landmark footballer. Along with Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze he became the first footballer to appear for the German national team born into a reunified Germany. This historic appearance came in November of 2010, and since then Schurrle's stock has continued to rise.

His first international cap arrived in the same season for which he achieved his most prolific club form to date, scoring 15 goals in 34 appearances for Mainz 05 in the 2010-11 Bundesliga. This tally also meant Schurrle had surpassed Mohamed Zidan's record of 14 goals, hit in 2006-7, as Mainz' highest topflight goalscorer in a single season. His impressive form forced the hand of last year's Bundesliga runners up Bayer Leverkusen, who promptly agreed an 8 million euro fee for the young forward.

Operating predominantly as a second striker or out wide due to his electric pace, Schurrle is an intimidating prospect for opposition defenders when in full flight. To compliment his pace Schurrle possesses a natural dribbling ability, which he utilises at high speed and can also call upon a variety of neat tricks and flicks to beat his man. Despite his tender age, he is 21 in November, his maturity in choosing when to appropriately open his box of tricks is clear to see. Leverkusen's decision to award him the number 9 shirt for the current campaign elicits his wiry frame and height of just over six foot which makes him an even more imposing presence to a full back or central defender.

His ability has quickly been recognised by Germany manager Joachim Low, who has already given Schurrle 8 outings for Die Mannschaft. Schurrle has more than returned the favour by scoring four goals in his 8 caps; netting in the friendly wins against Brazil and Uruguay, but even more importantly in key qualifiers for Euro 2012 against Azerbaijan and Austria respectively.

As of yet he has failed to open his account for new club Leverkusen in 5 appearances, but his undeniable potential is evident and he can also call upon the stage of the Champions League as a springboard for his progression. He started in Leverkusen's first European outing in a left wing role at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, at which I witnessed an impressive debut in the competition. The goals will soon come.
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Monday 29 August 2011

Europeans and MLS, part I



 
Starting with the 1994 World Cup in the United States, football in North America has come out of the wilderness and is beginning to regain its former status. After the North American Soccer League (NASL) folded, there was no top division football in the US or Canada. That all changed in 1996, with kick off in MLS. Since then, MLS has become a target for many major European players. Players such as David Beckham have given the league major marketing potential and a chance to improve the level of play. European players in MLS, or the former NASL for that matter, have had varying impacts on and off the pitch. Spanning two parts, we will look at what the relationship has been between many of these players in MLS and what has their impact has been on and off the pitch. In our second part, we will look at European managers and their time in MLS – focusing primarily on former Dutch internationals Ruud Guilit and Aron Winter.

Some of the best players in the world have played in the NASL and North America at some point. Players such as Pele, Beckenbauer and Best have all plied their trade in North America. With the formation of the MLS in 1996, more Europeans began to come to the league in its initial years. Players such as Roberto Donadoni (New York), Walter Zenga (New England), Lothar Matthaus (New York), Youri Djorkaeff (New York), Stoichov (Chicago, DC) and Mo Johnston (Kansas City) have played in MLS from the leagues inception to around 2006. During these initial 10 years of the leagues existence, the only European players who would come were old and looking for a last pay cheque. Matthaus made 16 appearances for New York, failed to score and overall, did not have much of an impact. Djorkaeff, although scoring 12 goals in 45 appearances, took leave of New York to go to France for ‘urgent family matters’ and was later spotted at a World Cup match. These early players did not have much of an impact on the league, both on and off the pitch. All this would change in 2007, when the most famous footballer of all time joined the LA Galaxy.

When David Beckham joined the Galaxy in 2007, expectations were high. He was supposed to bring new fans to the league and grow football in North America. Looking back in 2011, Beckham has had an up and down career with the Galaxy. His loan spells to AC Milan resulted in an Achilles injury that ruled him out of action for a long time. He had quarrels with current Galaxy captain Landon Donovan about his loan agreements and generally failed to have a large impact on the pitch during the first two years of his five year contract. Off the pitch however, ‘Beckham 23’ shirts sold around North America and the world. When Beckham did play, teams sold out their stadiums, with upwards of 50,000 people going to see Beckham in different markets in MLS. Since then, he has enjoyed on field success with the Galaxy, making the MLS Cup in 2009 and winning the Supporters Shield in 2010.

Beckham can also be seen as a drawing point for many other European stars coming to MLS. With Beckham’s arrival, the Designated Player rule came into effect. The rule allowed for one player on the squad to have their salary over $400,000 a year to be exempt from the salary cap. This meant if a player was making $5 million a year, only $400,000 would count against the cap. This rule has been expanded since 2007 to allow up to three designated players on a team. This rule has allowed players such as Thiery Henry, Torsten Frings, Freddy Ljungberg, Danny Koevermans, Robbie Keane, Eric Hassli and Frank Rost to join the league. Although this fails to account for players such as Abel Xavier (who did not have much success) and Darren Huckerby (who scored many key goals for San Jose) who came to the league and did not have DP status.

So what has the impact of European players been in the MLS? Not that great up until now. While Beckham has enhanced the image of the game in North America and has indirectly helped to bring many high profile European players to the league, it is still a league that is dominated by domestic players and players from South America. Since the leagues inception, no European player has won the MVP award, and only one has ever been a finalist. Many players come over with a ton of hype, such as Mista, and fail miserably. However this trend is beginning to change. Two of the top five scorers in the league are French, Beckham is second in assists, and a Swiss keeper leads the league in saves. This is the beginning of European players making their mark on MLS, with European managers slowly catching up.

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Pilchard's Premiership Predictions!








Remember Paul the psychic Octopus? Well here at Hoof! Football we have our very own psychic sea-dweller, ready to give you his tips for the weekend's fixtures. Introducing Pilchard's Premiership Predictions!!

SATURDAY


Arsenal v Swansea 

Arsene Wenger is the man in the spot light at the moment after suffering a crushing 8-2 defeat at old Trafford on Sunday. He will be looking for his team to bounce back after this poor performance, but with an injury list as long as his coat, it looks like it’s going to be another hard match. It’s not all doom and gloom for Arsenal though as the likes of Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna look certain to return to the team, and the possibility of Abou Diaby playing in his first game since undergoing ankle surgery is surely the boost Wenger is looking for to ensure all three points.

Swansea, like Arsenal, are still searching for that elusive first win, after a heavy defeat at the hands of Man City on the opening day, the Swans have drawn their last two games with stand out performances so far from the Dutch keeper Michael Vorm. However the shot stopper will have to keep up his fantastic performances if he is looking to prevent the likes of Walcott and Van Persie, who have both scored 2 goals in their last 2 games, off the score sheet. Sitting just above the relegation zone, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for his team to capitalise on Arsenal’s weakened side and come away with a win, however beating Arsenal at the Emirates is no small feat, and with a Swansea team yet to score in the Premier league, they will undoubtedly be the underdogs going in to this one.

PREDICTION: 2-0

BOOKIES ODDS:


Everton v Aston Villa

Everton have had a mixed start to the season, although they have three points from six, which isn’t all that bad, their performances have not been what we have come to expect. Their opening day fixture against spurs was cancelled, and in their first game against QPR the toffees were poor, wasting chances on goal and failing to close down eventually led to a 1-0 defeat. Moyes’ men looked to bounce back in their second game against Blackburn, but this never materialised, with youngster Barkley and centre back Jagielka both giving away penalties, which Rovers failed to convert. A soft penalty handed Everton the win. However David Moyes will have worked his players hard in training this week as I’m sure he will want to get a home win under his belt.

With the controversial appointment of Alex McLeish as Aston Villa manager in the summer, the pressure was on to win over the claret and blue faithful and replace the departures of Ashley young and Stewart downing. The midland side are unbeaten so far this season, winning one game and drawing two. This start is a good platform for Alex McLeish to build on, with the defence only conceding one goal and with summer signings such as N’Zogbia looking sharp; it bodes well for the midland side for this fixture at Goodison Park.

PREDICTION: 1-1

BOOKIES ODDS:


Man City v Wigan

Manchester City are looking like real title contenders this season, with emphatic wins over both Swansea and Tottenham. It looks as though Roberto Manchini has put together a world class squad which can challenge for all competitions, and with their perfect start to the campaign they look a formidable prospect for any top flight team. With Edin Dzeko firing on all cylinders having scored 6 goals in 3 premier league matches, Wigan will have to be in inspired form to stop the big Bosnian.

Wigan have had their best start to a season in the Premier League, being unbeaten in three games and sitting in eighth having won once and drawn twice. Wigan’s 2-0 win over QPR last weekend will help give confidence to the Lactics with Franco Di Santo on target to earn three points. Roberto Martinez has done well to keep hold of striker Hugo Rodallega who was linked numerous clubs over the summer, and the Wigan manager will be looking for the Colombian to be on form in this tough fixture and test a Manchester City defence which isn’t entirely convincing.

PREDICTION: 3-0

BOOKIES ODDS:


Stoke v Liverpool

Stoke will approach this game with great belief having successfully qualified for Europe and are unbeaten in all competitions. Tony Pulis has done a great job so far at stoke, building from their promotion to the top flight in 2007-08 season, improving both the defence and attack, he’s added both strength and depth to a team which hopes to compete in all competitions. The Britannia has become a fortress for stoke with many Premier League teams being held to a draw or defeated there, as Chelsea found out on the first day of the season.

Liverpool have started the season well, winning two games and drawing their first against Sunderland. Kenny Dalglish has added to a Liverpool squad which failed to win a place in any European competition last season, and his new signings have hit the ground running with Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing particularly impressing in their first few games. Liverpool will have to play at their best to take anything away from stoke who will have a well earned rest from Thursday night football.

PREDICTION: 1-2

BOOKIES ODDS:


Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland have had a difficult start to the season with two draws and one defeat. Steve Bruce is still looking for a replacement for Darren Bent; however the signings which the Black Cats manager has made over the summer has improved the defence with the likes of Wes Brown standing out in recent matches. Sunderland will be looking for a home win in this fixture and will look to exploit Chelsea’s poor defensive displays so far, possibly utilising Gyans pace to get in behind the blues back four.

Chelsea will also be looking to win this match as recent fixtures haven’t been the most convincing as to their possible title challenge. Their game has not been as fluid as normal and if it wasn’t for Bosingwa then maybe Chelsea would have struggled to get all six points from their last two games, However with new signings Lukaku and Mata both getting pitch time against Norwich, maybe their title challenge is about to begin. I believe Chelsea will just have too much for Sunderland in this fixture but it should still be a well fought contest.

PREDICTION: 1-3

BOOKIES ODDS:


Wolverhampton v Tottenham

Wolverhampton wanderers under Mick McCarthy look every bit a premiership team, with a great start to the season, and some strong summer signings; they are very much in with a chance of beating Tottenham in this encounter. Mick’s no nonsense approach to football is reflected in his team, who work hard and don’t give up. The signing of Roger Johnson is turning out to be a great move by the Wolves manager, as he’s started all three league games, keeping clean sheets in two of them and almost grabbing a debut goal.

Spurs will be dying to get back onto a football pitch and put the demolition at the hands of Manchester City behind them. Harry Redknapp has a few concerns as to his line up as Rafael Van Der Vaart limped off at White Hart Lane with a hamstring problem and the apparent effect of the transfer saga concerning Luka Modric. However Tottenham still have enough quality within their team to hurt Wolves, with bale and Lennon’s pace and Jermaine Defoe’s shooting power and movement, which he demonstrated after being brought on in the 5-1 loss.

PREDICTION: 2-2

BOOKIES ODDS:


Bolton v Man Utd

Bolton were not at their usual best at the weekend losing to Liverpool 3-1, with not many positives to be taken out of the game. Owen Coyle started the season well with a 4-0 win over QPR on the opening day, but since then the trotter ‘s have not picked up a point. Gary Cahill was not at his best against Liverpool and the transfer speculation was supposedly the cause of this problem, however with the transfer deadline only a few days away this apparent distraction will be all but settled by the time Manchester United visit the Reebok on Saturday.

Manchester United’s annihilation of Arsenal on Sunday showed the ability and belief which Sir Alex Fergusons men possess. However let us not forget, this Arsenal team were without six first team regulars and with United fielding a first team full of emerging stars, this was always going to be a challenge for Arsene’s men. The new additions to the squad have all settled in and are already contributing to the teams winning ways, with Ashley Young getting on the score sheet twice and providing three assists in the previous fixture. Owen Coyle will know all about the quality which the opposition can call upon and will try to stifle the wide play of Young and Nani also trying to prevent Rooney having time and space on the ball. Kevin Davies will really test the youngsters in defence and will use his experience to create opportunities for himself and his team mates.

PREDICTION: 1-2

BOOKIES ODDS:


SUNDAY


Norwich v West Brom

Overall I believe Norwich have had a good start to life in the Premiership, with a draw away at Wigan and a draw at home to Stoke. In their most recent match at Stamford Bridge they showed promise, with good attacking play and a solid defence, which was only penetrated through a great Bosingwa strike and counter attacking play. They penetrated the Chelsea backline on a number of occasions, and if it wasn’t for poor finishing, the end result may have been different. Their big number 9, Grant Holt, is an old fashioned centre forward and can cause defenders all sorts of problems, and with crosses into the box from Wes Hoolahan, this Norwich team can defiantly score goals.

West Brom have had on paper a terrible start to their campaign, losing all three of their starting fixtures. However the two games which Roy Hodgeson’s men faced in the opening weeks were tougher than any in the league. They were unlucky to not take away any points against United, only through an unfortunate own goal did they lose, and in their second game they took the lead against Chelsea and if only Shane Longs pass to his strike partner was better, it could have been 2-0 going into half time. Clearly West Brom are having no luck, and it needs to change quickly, Roy will see this fixture as an opportunity to get their season back on track and show they are better than they were at the end of last season. Bobby Zamora is to return after missing the Stoke match last weekend; this then, may be the time to get those first and vital three points.

PREDICTION: 2-1

BOOKIES ODDS:


Fulham v Blackburn

Fulham have had a poor start to the Season after drawing once and losing twice, and this needs to change if Martin Jol is looking to perform well in the Premier league and in Europe. Fulham have only scored once, courtesy of Clint Dempsey in the 88th minute at St. James Park, but one goal in three games is rightly a cause for concern. Martin Jol came out last week saying that Fulham need to beat Newcastle, since they lost 2-1, this fixture has added pressure for the London side to take all three points.

Blackburn are a club, who from the outside, do not instil confidence in their supporters, with very few summer signings after a narrow escape from relegation last season. They are yet to win in the Premiership, and have no points on the board; these are worrying times for the Lancashire club. Having been awarded two penalties in the last fixture against Everton, it seems to be unbelievable that both of the spot kicks were missed. There are some positives to take from the opening games however, as David Hoilett, the young Canadian is looking very lively, coupled with their new signing, Formica, who won both penalties at the weekend, it could prove to be a scoring Partnership. (Despite the fact they both missed their penalties on Saturday).

PREDICTION: 2-1

BOOKIES ODDS:


MONDAY


QPR v Newcastle

QPR are currently undergoing a revamp, players are being brought in to enhance their current squad and ensure Premier League survival. Neil Warnock is delighted to be back in charge of a top flight team again, and has three points from three games which isn’t a bad start. The new signings of Joey Barton and Luke Young look set to bring some experience and quality to the team. The ex Newcastle player will of course be grabbing the headlines with his free transfer to QPR, which seems ludicrous given his level of ability, but he must not let the media talk influence his game and stay focused on the match. The hoops have a good team, which is an attacking threat at Premier League level, as Everton found out at Goodison Park, and if they had taken the lead against Wigan then it may have been a different story.

Newcastle have had a good start to the season with seven points out of a possible nine, with Alan Pardew’s tea performing well with the loss of Enrique, Nolan and now Barton. Many wondered how the Magpies would cope without their big stars from the previous season, but players like Leon Best and Ryan Taylor are stepping up their game to ensure they get three points. I think this game will be a close call, with the pace of Obertan and Gutierrez for Newcastle but also the attacking options which QPR possess in Adel Taarabt who is looking to impact on the Premiership.

PREDICTION: 2-1

BOOKIES ODDS:

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Thursday 25 August 2011

Deadline Day

 
 
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, football fans across the country prepare themselves for one of the most exhilarating days in the football seasons calendar. Even the most pessimistic fans hold out the slightest hope that their team may pull off the kind of coup that will change their clubs season. Whether it be the fox in the box whose arrival will sustain the club's title charge or the buccaneering midfield dynamo who will lead suspected relegation fodder narrowly into the safe haven of mid table obscurity (Jimmy Bullard anyone?), fans have their fingers, legs and toes crossed that the bank will be broken to sign the right man, or just about anyone within reach come to think of it.

Of course the half-baked panic buys make deadline day just as much as fun as the well thought through deals. As football managers scour the depths of the transfer market, reminiscent of teenage girls rummaging through the bargain bucket of a Croydon Primark, we are quickly reminded that for every Rafael Van Der Vaart there is also a Rasmus Elm (look him up). Throughout the living rooms of England, shouts of "Who!!" meet television sets and laptop screens as sky sports reveals the intricacies of the deal Norwich have struck for their new Slovenian centre forward.

Deadline day has become magical for so many football fans, as the increasing influx of money brought into the game makes the possibilities for shock and surprise seemingly endless. It is a day when almost anything can happen.Transfers can materialise from thin air through a haze of rushing agents as they eagerly negotiate deals for their clients. In the mean time, rumours swirl with ferocity as reports can neither confirm nor deny that Pele has been spotted boarding the number 22 bus to Putney, announcing his return from retirement in an attempt to secure a move to Fulham. For even in the dull moments the constant circulation of gossip and chinese whispers keep us on the edge of our seats. As the deals break fans can revel in a dream like rapture as Barnsley confirm the arrival of a former World Cup winner, or Stoke beat Real Madrid to the signing of the next big talent from South America. Stranger things have certainly happened (see no.4 below). All of these factors make transfer deadline day, or 'D-day' as it is popularly becoming known, as eagerly anticipated by the footballing population as Christmas, amen to that!

Below I have listed some of the biggest deadline day deals to have occurred within the last few years. They have been chosen in relation to the factors I feel contribute most to making 'D-day' one of the best days of the year. The entrants on this list encompass all the nail-biting drama, unexpected moves, tales of treachery and season defining moments that have become as expected as eggs at Easter! Enjoy!

Top 5 Deadline Day Deals

1. Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United (September 1st, 2008)

The move which saw Dimitar Berbatov become the most expensive Bulgarian in the history of football is most remarkable for the fact that it could not have been made at a later minute. Manchester United had finally had their reported 30.75 million pound bid accepted by Tottenham Hotspur late on the Monday deadline.

The deal was by no means a mere formality, the nations football community had delighted in Sir Alex Ferguson's brazen pursuit of his man all summer, much to the annoyance of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. After months of rebuffs and even a complaint to the FA, complimented by a years worth of evidence for United's "disgraceful" chase for the striker, Levy spectacularly caved right at the final hour and relented to allow Berbatov to leave for a sizeable fee. Earlier that day the pressure had cranked as Manchester City, freshly purchased from the Abu Dhabi United Group, also lodged an offer of similarly sized proportions. The developments were fascinating as Manchester City, literally overnight, now had the financial capacity to compete with their neighbours, and were now audaciously trying to poach Fergie's long time target right at the death. Berbatov though resisted Manchester City's late attention and eventually completed his transfer to Old Trafford.

For Tottenham the deal was finalised so late on that they were left lacking in the striking department with inadequate time to find a replacement. The board were much maligned for this lack of foresight, especially as Berbatov had been linked with the exit door throughout the summer. Drama!!!!

2. Robinho to Manchester City (September 1st, 2008)

Now speaking of Manchester City, they were very busy boys on the 2008 August transfer deadline. As well as the fore-mentioned bid for Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester City not only put their inner city rivals noses out of joint, but they also firmly rained on Chelsea F.C's parade, by pipping them to the signing of Brazilian superstar Robinho. Chelsea had been so confident of a deal that they had advertised Robinho club shirts on their megastore website before an agreement had been reached with the Brazilian's club Real Madrid. This antagonised Real, who promptly added a few more million to their valuation of the selecao frontman, allowing City the opening they needed.

The deal came fresh off the back of the arrival of City's new billionaire owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, who wasted no time in flexing their significant financial muscles by breaking the then British transfer record by splashing out 32.5 million pounds for the former Santos forward. This signing, alongside City's other actions in the transfer market that day signified the emergence of Manchester City as a new force on the face of football and demonstrates the impact they would soon have in changing face of the English Premier League. Within one day the new investment at the City of Manchester Stadium had already blown the previous big spenders of the league, Chelsea, out of the water in the transfer market, and ruffled the feathers of their rivals, whom they had previously had to watch as they dominated English football over the last decade.

Robinho, despite his schizophrenic time at the club, during which he was equally likely to strop and trudge around the pitch as he was to beat three men and send the net rippling, was the pioneering superstar that City needed, seduced by the big bucks on offer. Many more have since followed, and will continue to do so (although not many will be caught riding the buses of Manchester, a la Robinho). City have now reached the hallowed ground of the Champions League and at last look fully capable of sustaining a title charge, much to the displeasure of the onlooking United and Chelsea.

3. Rafael Van Der Vaart to Tottenham Hotspur (September 1st, 2010)

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp further enhanced his reputation for a being a 24 carat diamond in the transfer market, by pulling off one of the most successful pieces of deadline day business to be seen in recent years. His swoop for forgotten Real Madrid man Rafael Van Der Vaart took everybody by surprise when just two hours before the midnight deadline Tottenham lodged an offer, of a reported 8 million pounds.

Spurs, after qualifying for the Champions League proper for the first time, had endured a frustrating summer in which only the then relatively unknown Brazilian, Sandro, had completed a move to White Heart Lane. Tottenham fans had so nearly resigned themselves to the fact that the grindings of the rumour mill had flattered to deceive them, with its promises of star signings to compliment their new standing in Europe's elite club competition. With the transfer window about to pass the club by, Tottenham had yet to land any of the promised 'headline signings'. Then so late in the day news on the Van Der Vaart deal broke.

With the spurs fans lifted, their optimism was almost dashed as sources reported technical problems threatening to scupper any signing. The deadline passed and no confirmation of the transfer arrived. Spurs appeared to have left it too late, and fans bemoaned an apparent dodgy internet connection for preventing the transfer. But alas, the sympathetic heads at the Premier League granted Tottenham special dispensation (clearly everyone has suffered the torment of a stuttering internet connection) and Spurs completed the deal on September 1st, one day after the deadline had passed.

The rest, as they say, is history. Van Der Vaart went on be an essential part of Tottenham's season, scoring 15 in all competitions, as they swept aside both Inter and A.C Milan in the Champions League and pushed Arsenal all they way in their hunt for a second successive fourth place finish in the Premier League.

4. Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham United (31st August, 2006)

On the 2006 31st August transfer deadline, West Ham made not just ripples, but waves within the footballing World as they pulled off the double signing of Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The deals were as spectacular as they were totally unexpected, as a fee of a combined 24 million pounds was reported for the pair from Brazilian club Corinthians. West Ham fans despite their elation could still only join in with the rest of the World as they asked, "Why?!" Why on Earth had two of World footballs most promising players pitched up at Upton Park? The pair themselves would probably have asked the same question, should they have spoken a word of English upon their presentation to the media. Looking confused and dazed, they too probably wondered how on Earth they had ended up here, when they had been continuously linked to a whole raft of European footballs top clubs, including; Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United. West Ham fans could only shut their gaping mouths and look forward to the prospect of their side tearing up the Premier league with the aid of their two new superstars. West Ham had pulled off the signings of their dreams.

Fast forward to the end of what proved to be a difficult season for the Hammers, as they escaped relegation on the last day of the season, Tevez scoring the only goal of a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, and the dream was swiftly becoming a nightmare. Despite Tevez' on field success, being named club player of the year, Mascherano had rarely featured and was sent on loan to Liverpool in January 2007. Furthermore the discrepancies of the deal which brought the two players from the sunny climes of Brazil to East London had been placed under heavy scrutiny by the Premier League. It emerged that both players registrations was not officially owned by West Ham, but instead by a third party, Kia Joorabchian's Sports Media Investment. West Ham were immediately fined 5.5 million pounds by the Premier League enquiry. A lengthy legal battle with the relegated Sheffield United, feeling aggrieved they had lost their position as a Premier League club to West Ham, who had benefited from the use of an illegal player followed. West Ham eventually agreed an out-of-court payment of 20 million pounds to Sheffield United in compensation.

The transfers of Tevez and Mascherano cost the club approximately 50 million pounds, and they began the next year with both players departed.

5. Fernando Torres to Chelsea F.C (31st January, 2011)

The protagonist of a long drawn out transfer saga, the unhappy spaniard was hampered by injuries throughout his first six months of the 2010/11 season at Liverpool. The behind the scenes chaos instigated by now former owners; Tom Hicks and George Gillett, was still being reflected on the pitch as Liverpool continued to flounder. Labouring on the field, Torres; increasingly resembling a character from a Shakespearean tragedy, seemed disinterested and disjointed to the Liverpool cause. He began playing with a distinct lack of commitment, and his declarations of "loyalty" lacked any real conviction. The most convincing act of Torres' season came when he handed over a transfer request three days before the deadline on the 31st January.

This transfer is significant for a number of reasons, none less than the British transfer record of 50million pounds that Chelsea eventually paid for him. However this deal is also a perfect example of just how a quick flutter of some Russian billionaires chequebook can result in an incredibly exciting flutter of last minute transfer activity. The money Liverpool received enabled them to pull off the intriguing signing of Newcastle United's Andy Carroll. Another transfer record was broken, with the 35million pound fee making the Gateshead born Carroll the most expensive British player in the history of the game.

The sale of Torres has since been perceived as the first move of Liverpool's re-building process, as fans have seen all the funds re-invested in the squad. Torres, on the other hand got the move he helped engineer, and would soon be the spearhead of a revitalised Chelsea back at his goalscoring best............(Hmm, hindsight is a wonderful thing.)
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