This summer’s transfer window has seen plenty of players agitating for moves, learning the best exit strategies from the actions of others in the past. We look back at two attempted escapes that went wrong
Protracted transfer sagas are as much a part of summer as the unpredictabilities of the jet stream and England’s upper order batsmen. This year has seen a number of players angling for moves and the case of Diego Costa in particular brings to mind the antics of another striking striker almost 20 years ago.
When Pierre van Hooijdonk arrived at Nottingham Forest from Celtic in 1997 he was viewed by supporters as a considerable upgrade on the last centre-forward bought to try to keep the Reds in the Premier League. However, like Robert Rosario four years previously, the Dutchman managed only one goal between signing in March and Forest ending the season bottom of the division.
He came into his own, though, as Forest bounced straight back as Division One champions. His aerial presence and lethal long-range shooting were too much for second-tier defences to cope with. He brought the best out of the hitherto unimpressive Kevin Campbell and they formed a deadly partnership. For a while it looked as though Van Hooijdonk might break Wally Ardron’s all-time club record of 36 goals before he ended up with a mere 34 in all competitions. Campbell weighed in with 23 and it was the first time since the 1950s that a Reds front pair had each scored more than 20 league goals.
Van Hooijdonk had all the makings of a Forest legend. There were echoes of the “Psycho!” chants for Stuart Pearce as he lined up free kicks with “Pi-e-erre!” ringing around Trentside. I found myself embraced by a complete stranger for the first time at a match when Van Hooijdonk single-handedly won a game at Birmingham City with a late brace. It seemed he could do no wrong.
Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ?  Logg pÄ
Denne historien er fra October 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prÞveperiode pÄ Magzter GOLD for Ä fÄ tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg pÄ
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, Englandâs Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever â and a useful financial boost â to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual playersâ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against todayâs visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
