BertieWoostersDonsClub wrote:
When I was a lot younger I used to 'follow' one or two smaller teams and would be delighted when they signed old players who had played at the top level years before, excited that such big-name players were suddenly playing for them.
But as I've got older (and older) I've realised just how few of them prove to be good signings. Playing wise their best days are well behind them. And while, in theory, they could offer good experience and professionalism to the younger / lesser talented players, most times the players don't hang around long and don't seem to fully commit or adjust to life at the lower levels (I know I have no proof of that, but it seems that way to me).
I've grown much fonder of the idea of buying relatively unknown players on their way up the football pyramid, rather than has-beens on their way down.
Off the top of my head I'm struggling to think of many examples were an elderly, established top-flight player has dropped down and given good service in the lower divisions. Apart from maybe Jon Stead at Notts County.
Can anyone else think of any?
Don't know if "elderly" is the right word
Alan Smith was 32 when he joined us here and didn't do too badly, played 80+ games. Carl Baker was nearly 33 when he joined us and was one of our best players two seasons running, played 70+ games.