Transfer flops - Chris Sutton

Sutton being presented as a Chelsea player

You wouldn't think that someone who has over 150 career goals could be thought of as a transfer flop, but after a big money move to Chelsea the striker spectacularly failed to live up to the price tag and expectations.  However that is what happened to Chris Sutton when he headed to London, after earning many plaudits in previous spells with Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers.

It was with the Canaries where he began his career, making over a century of appearances and averaging around a goal every three games.  In three years at Carrow Road his reputation was suitably enhanced and it wasn't long before links with big money moves away started to be touted.

Ewood Park was Sutton's next destination, when Blackburn Rovers made him the most expensive player in English football at £5m in 1994.  It was here that the infamous SAS partnership was formed with Alan Shearer, with the pair spearheading the Rovers attack and leading the side to it's maiden, and still only, Premier League title.

However following this success the squad started to break up, and relegation mire ensued.  In 1999 following inevitable relegation Sutton departed, heading to Stamford Bridge where it was hoped an Englishman could succeed amongst the plethora of nationalities.

During his Villa stint

This proved not to be the case.  Following the £10m move he immediately started to struggle, a problem that stretched the whole season and has been adapted by big money strikers that have since made the move to Chelsea.  One season, including an FA Cup final where he didn't even make the squad, and one league goal later his bags were packed again.

This time the Scottish Premier League (SPL) was the destination, where he averaged nearly a goal every two games in a five and a half year stint at Celtic.  Following his successes in Scotland Sutton returned south to try his luck in the Premiership, but again it didn't really work out.  Half a season at Birmingham City was followed by a year at Aston Villa, before an attempt at management was undertaken.

Sutton also only managed one cap for the national side, after representing England at under-21, B and senior level.

Manchester City

The new side on the end of every supporters hatred? Perhaps. Jealousy? Probably. But everyone concerned with this club can't afford to be too bothered with those outside looking in, they need to improve, or at least consolidate, on last seasons achievements. The whole country wants them to fail, but the reality is that they have now turned the Premier League into a three horse race.

Goalkeeper

Joe Hart has well and truly consolidated himself at number one, with Shay Given now sold to Aston Villa to stave off the splinters from that City bench. He is prone to the odd mistake, but nobodies perfect, and fans worldwide will have to get used to him because he surely has over a decade of being not just his club's first choice but England's too. Stuart Taylor provides decent enough back up.

Defence

Despite already being strong in this area, two more bodies have arrived to bolster a stern defence further. Youngster Stefan Savic, coveted by many of the top European sides, is now at Eastlands along side Gael Clichy, who snubbed Liverpool to join Roberto Mancini's men. In reality they could probably field two very strong back fours, so competition for places should ensure that level of performance stays high.

Midfield


Adam Johnson, lauded as one of the new breed for the national side, can't even get into the starting eleven at his club. That shows the level that this side are now competing. James Milner is expected to have a more prominent role this time round, where Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure continue to endear themselves to the city faithful.

Forwards

New record signing Sergio Aguero has arrived from Atletico Madrid, raised expectations further still. Edin Dzeko, a £27m arrival from Wolfsburg in January, should also have s heavy role this year despite his poor performances so far. Mario Balotelli, an undoubted talent, should also stay even after his 'I don't like Manchester' moan recently. Carlos Tevez is still seeking a way out, as are Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor who were all left behind when the first team jetted out to the States.

Manager

Roberto Mancini seems to have the confidence of everyone concerned with the club, and has built a side which should compete on all levels. The FA Cup win last year ended the long wait for silverware, whilst also ridding Old Trafford of the banner that has taunted them all these years. A first Champions League outing could be the real test, but with the calibre of player at his disposal it wouldn't be surprising to see them reach the latter stages.

Areas to Strengthen

No where in this side really needs any more strength. They have strength in depth at all levels, however if a truly world class player came up they would no doubt try their hardest to clinch the signature. Especially if that person is Wesley Sneijder and bitter rivals Manchester United also want him.

Expectations

They are no doubt very very high. Consolidation on last years league position will be the minimum that will be expected, while more silverware would be desired. However if a real push for the title is made that will show great progression, and you would think would keep the majority of the fans and board room happy.
Odds

4/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Sergio Aguero £36m (Atletico Madrid) Stefan Savic £6m (Partizan) Gael Clichy £7m (Arsenal) Costel Pantilimon undisclosed (Poli Timisoara) Samir Nasri £24m (Arsenal) Owen Hargreaves free

Players out

Felipe Caicedo £1m (Levante) Jerome Boateng £12m (Bayern Munich) Jo Undisclosed (Internacional) Craig Bellamy free (Liverpoool) Shaun Wright-Phillips undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Shay Given £3.5m (Aston Villa) Scott Kay free (Macclesfield Town) Shaleun Logan free (Brentford) Andrew Tutte free (Rochdale) Donal McDermott free (Huddersfield Town)  Javier Garrido, James Poole, Javan Vidal, Patrick Vieira, James Wood (all released) Ryan McGivern loan (Crystal Palace) Michael Johnson loan (Leicester City) Kieran Tripper loan (Burnley) Ben Mee loan (Burnley) David Gonzalez loan (Aberdeen) Dedryck Boyata loan (Bolton Wanderers) Roque Santa Cruz loan (Real Betis) John Guidetti loan (Feyenoord) Ryan McGivern loan (Bristol City) Ahmed Benali loan (Rochdale)

Aston Villa

The Villains used to have major hopes of cracking what was the infamous 'big four,' under Martin O'Neill they of course came very close to this. But last season was no doubt one of transition, and with major changes this summer it could be very sticky this time round. Last season turned out a bit sour, but despite a controversial switch across the second city Alex McLeish could turn this sleeping giant round with a few shrewd signings.

Goalkeeper

This team have been blessed in this position for years, with Brad Friedel being once of the most consistent for years. However with the signing of Shay Given from Manchester City they have no doubt got one of the Premier League's finest. With a season of bench warming in Manchester though, it remains to be seen if the Irishman can regain top form once again.

Defence

Always a strong point for the side, and despite a few hiccups it was no different last season. Despite the criticisms Richard Dunne seems to have been revitalised in Birmingham, and has dug his side out of many a tough situation and can bag a few too. Carlos Cuellar could be moving on though, and he will need to be replaced before the season starts.

Midfield

With the losses of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing it is of no doubt that this is an area in need of strengthening. Charles N'Zogbia seems to be the man charged with that, but he cant perform miracles alone, despite how promising his talent is and he will need support. Midfield still seems a bit weak for this side, and expect to see McLeish stepping into the market for more troops in this position.

Forwards

On the outset it seems that Aston Villa are fine in this area, but there is a fine line between promising youngster and Premiership striker. Gabriel Agbonlahor is no doubt very talented, but it seems someone more prolific should be signed to partner Darren Bent up top. He can only bang the goals in so long and at some point will slump, all strikers do, it's at that point someone else need to pick up the mantle. And Villa just don't seem to have that at the moment.

Manager

Last season Aston Villa were rocked days before the start of the season, where O'Neill resigned leaving the side in peril. Gerard Houllier was charged with turned the tides, but more health problems followed and the Premier League dream failed to materialise. McLeish could well work wonders, but despite the Carling Cup win last year hasn't performed miracles in the Premiership. With a few good signings though Villa could well have a good year, Randy Lerner will have to loosen the purse strings though.

Areas to Strengthen

Wingers are more importantly creativity is severly lacking in this side, after the much hyped departures of Young and Downing. N'Zogbia seems a certainty, but it could perhaps be asking a little much for him to do it alone. A bit more firepower wouldn't be the worst thing either.

Expectations

After such high expectations over the last few seasons, Villa fans will no doubt be inflated once again. Realistically though, they should be happy if their side manager a solid top half finish. Something which they could no doubt build on next term.

Odds

400/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

 Shay Given £3.5m (Manchester City) Charles N'Zogbia £9.5 (Wigan Athletic) Alan Hutton undisclosed (Tottenham Hotspur) Jermaine Jenas loan (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players Out

Ashley Young £15m (Manchester United) Stewart Downing £20m (Liverpool), Brad Friedel free (Tottenham Hotspur) Jonathan Hogg and Andreas Weimann undisclosed (Watford) Luke Young undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Nigel Reo-Coker John Carew Moustapha Salifou Robert Pires Isaiah Osbourne Harry Forrester Arsenio Halfhuid Durrell Berry Ellis Deeney Calum Flanagan (all released) Jean Makoun loan (Olympiacos)

England for European success?

That is no doubt some of the ridiculous comments that we will be hearing over the coming days following England 2-0 victory yesterday.

Indeed it was an impressive performance, well it was for all of 15 minutes.

In those opening moments Fabio Capello's men ripped into Wales, who couldn't cope with the passing and movement on show.

Although the home sides defence was extremely lacklustre, especially in the space allowed to Ashley Young.

Space which allowed the Aston Villa winger to win the penalty for the Frank Lampards penalty, and play the killer ball in setting up team mate Darren Bent.

But the way in which England dropped off after going into a 2-0 lead was alarming and should be a cause for concern.

Should that have been against a bigger team, no offence to Wales, they would've no doubt threw away all the hard work done early on.

All ifs and buts of course, but it is a problem that has plagued England for years.

They are though leading their qualifying group, and should secure top spot for next years championships.

A lot of hard work will have to be done to improve, but will Fabio Capello still have the desire in what will be his last foray as boss.

It remains to be seen, but at least his side will be there.

Gary Speed's Wales look all at sea, and have now been hit by news that Craig Bellamy could retire from international duty.

Bad times for the our neighbours.

Transfer flops: Bosko Balaban

Yugoslavian striker Bosko Balaban arrived in England in 2001 amid a wave of expectation, with Aston Villa paying near £6m to bring him to Villa Park.

After five year with local side HNK Rijeka, Dinamo Zagreb had been persuaded enough to bring him to Croatia.

After ending as top scorer in the league, and finishing with 38 goals in 55 games, Balaban made the big move to the Premier League in 2001.

With a fee of £5,8m and £20,000 a week wages, you would be forgiven for thinking his two and a half years in England were quite fruitful.

However in that extended period of time he made only nine appearances, seven as a substitute, and failed to find the back of the net.

A loan back to Dinamo Zagreb ensued in the 2002/03 season where he once again found his goal scoring boots, but upon returning still failed.

He ended his unhappy English experience in 2004, moving to Club Brugge.

After 47 goals in 83 games in Belgium, during which he endeared himself to the fans, he returned to Croatia for his third spell at Dinamo Zagreb.

Two seasons and more goals flowed, before another switch came about.

This time to Greek side Panionios, where he is still playing at the moment.