Michael Owen

[Honkytonk]

I kind of see what you're saying, but I think there's as much - if not more - of a danger of "native talent being wasted via transfers to teams that don't play them" in the Premier League itself without worrying about the odd player spending a few years in Spain.

Did it really help Scott Parker, Shaun Wright Phillips, Scott Sinclair or Adam Johnson to go to Chelsea/Man City?

D'oh, not being clear today. I was trying to say that it doesn't matter whether the team is at home or abroad, if you are playing somewhere you love, getting games every week, and have no real reason to move other than for a(n even) bigger wage, just because the big money offer is there doesn't mean you should take it.

All the examples you've said are fantastic, Adam Johnson and Scott Sinclair probably the 'worst' culprits if you see what I mean. Get stars in their eyes and ignore the fact they're going to be sat on the bench or worse week after week.

[FreddySTFC!]

D'oh, not being clear today. I was trying to say that it doesn't matter whether the team is at home or abroad, if you are playing somewhere you love, getting games every week, and have no real reason to move other than for a(n even) bigger wage, just because the big money offer is there doesn't mean you should take it.

All the examples you've said are fantastic, Adam Johnson and Scott Sinclair probably the 'worst' culprits if you see what I mean. Get stars in their eyes and ignore the fact they're going to be sat on the bench or worse week after week.

Good point regarding Sinclair. Had a terrific season last year at Swansea & has now completely stagnated his own development in return for £'s. Nobody to blame but himself I'm afraid.

[Costanza]

A phenomenal talent at one stage.

It's a shame he didn't have a second season at Madrid, I think he could have kicked on from there.

[leefer]

Good point regarding Sinclair. Had a terrific season last year at Swansea & has now completely stagnated his own development in return for £'s. Nobody to blame but himself I'm afraid.

I am sure he wont be blaming himself at all for picking up three times the wedge he was on previously.

All the players mentioned are PRO.....that means they pick up the biggest wages whatever...nothing else matters......unless of course you have already earned enough to not be bothered.

[DiV]

I am sure he wont be blaming himself at all for picking up three times the wedge he was on previously.

All the players mentioned are PRO.....that means they pick up the biggest wages whatever...nothing else matters......unless of course you have already earned enough to not be bothered.

That's what bugs me though....I understand its a career to them but surely they must prefer winning.

Lots of ifs and buts but if Sinclair had stayed at Swansea then his bank balance would be lower but he'd probably have a League Cup winners medal.

In 10, 15, 20 years time what would you rather have to show and look back on, to tell kids about. More money or a winners medal...

[flammableBen]

A great player will still be a great player even when injury has ruined there pace. Owen was one dimensional. Good finisher and quick, when the quick had gone there was fuck all left.

[sonicyouth]

I am sure he wont be blaming himself at all for picking up three times the wedge he was on previously.

All the players mentioned are PRO.....that means they pick up the biggest wages whatever...nothing else matters......unless of course you have already earned enough to not be bothered.

I think most top division professionals will have earned more than enough in half a season.

[leefer]

I think most top division professionals will have earned more than enough in half a season.

In our eyes for sure......have you never heard of that last big money move?

Most top division professionals tend to sneak one in.