For every Grant Holt, there's a Derek Hales. Why buying a lower-league striker is a shot in the dark...
Grant Holt was an overnight success in the Premier League last season, "overnight" being a 12-year career which encompassed every division in the Football League, the Northern Premier League and a spell in Singapore before arriving at Norwich City.
Premier League
2012-08-25 03:00:00
Andre Villas-Boas plays it cool as Romelu Lukaku looks for revenge
When Andre Villas-Boas studies the West Bromwich Albion team sheet today, he will be only too aware that there is one player itching to prove a point to him. Romelu Lukaku.
Premier League
2012-08-25 03:00:00
Johnson happy to be on Wearside
Adam Johnson cited manager Martin ONeill as a major factor in his return to the north east after completing his move from Manchester City to Sunderland on Friday night
2012-08-25 08:17:10
McGregor set to miss out
Craig Levein admits it will take a miraculous recovery from Allan McGregor for him to consider the goalkeeper for Scotlands opening two World Cup qualifiers
2012-08-25 08:17:10
O'Neill has no illusions about World Cup
Northern Ireland manager Michael ONeill has warned the nations fans that reliving the World Cup glory years will be no easy task
2012-08-25 08:17:10
Liverpool snap up Sahin from Real
Liverpool have confirmed they have reached an agreement to sign Real Madrid playmaker Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan deal
2012-08-25 09:47:15
Southampton V Wigan at St. Marys Stadium : Match Preview
2012-08-25 13:19:14
English Duo Reject Wales Chance
Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross and Cardiff City defender Ben Turner have both rejected the chance to represent Wales as they are focussed on playing for their native England according to Welsh boss Chris Coleman. Shawcross is available as he studied for five years in Wales and Turner is eligible via his Welsh grandparents. The uncapped [...]
Cardiff City
2012-08-25 09:18:15
Hodgson confirms John Terry selection
England boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that he will be selecting Chelsea captain John Terry for his World Cup qualifiers next month, regardless of off the field issues. Terry is set for an independent disciplinary hearing with the FA over last season’s incident with Anton Ferdinand, but that has not put any restrictions on Hodgson’s [...]
Chelsea
2012-08-25 09:20:20
Sunderland: Johnson happy to be on Wearside
Adam Johnson cited manager Martin O'Neill as a major factor in his return to the north east after completing his move from Manchester City to Sunderland on Friday night.The former Middlesbrough winger signed a four-year contract after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.He told Sunderland's website: "It's great to have signed and it's a fresh start."He went on: "Coming back to the north east and Martin O'Neill were the two main factors, especially the gaffer and listening to what he had to say to me."He made it clear just how much he wanted me to come here. To know that and feel wanted and appreciated made me feel that it was the right choice to sign."He knows exactly what he wants from his players and from me personally. Hopefully he'll give me plenty of confidence as well."England international Johnson missed out on a trip to Euro 2012 and will hope his latest move could help to revive his international career.Johnson played 96 times for first club Boro, scoring 13 goals, before he moved on to City in 2010.But after 73 games, which produced 11 goals, he has now moved to Sunderland.He said: "I want to perform on the pitch for the fans and I'm just looking forward to getting out there now." Source: PA