On reflection of this season and the promise it first showed after the big name signings we made, it got me thinking about how many of these big name signings have actually been successfully. Certainly not JET, O'Hara & Konchesky this season. So having a brief think about most recent ones as to who has done well and who hasn't I've come up with the following lists: Stars: Deon Burton, Simon Royce, Paul Shaw, Vince Bartram Flops: JET, O'Hara, Konchesky, Gavin Hoyte, Steve Lomas, Kelvin Jack, Tommy Johnson, Rod Wallace Well just with the few that I can think of off the top of my head that came to us with any sort of pedigree we've had 4 decent signings and 8 flops. I didn't include Rehman because I thought he was average but from the looks of the list we've signed a lot more bad ones than good ones. Perhaps big name signings aren't the way to go after all? If anyone remembers any others then please feel free to add them in.
Ronnie J. assembled a troup of elderly one trick ponies as well. After he threw in the towel early season, Stimmo arrived to give them a kick up the arse and get rid.
They are all still in the pub mate, after a season like that I've enrolled them all in the brb therapy drinking plan.
Our record signings Asaba and Taylor where terrific signings. Gavin Peacock great signing and not forgetting Mr Hessy
Unless I've missed it, no one has mentioned the Cas man, he might have cost a small fortune (very, very, very, small) but he must rate as one of the best value for money players ever. Tony Cascarino in the Gills hall of fame.
and Terry Cochrane. Worth the entrance money just to see him play. My favourite Gills player over the last 30 years
Think people have strayed away from the main topic at hand. My original post was referring to players that have arrived at Priestfield as "big name players" with pedigree of playing at the highest level, not just the best signings we have ever made. Cascarino was signed from Crockenhill and Steve Bruce was signed on youth terms so it's not quite the same.
No there has been very few big name signings when you think about it. Stick to young players or players who have not quite made it. Always think their are some quality in the non league. With Ady in charge could be looking in that market.
Showing our ages now lol Peter Feely was sort of a big name signing at the time...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Feely and a pretty good player for us, 22 goals in 41 games...did someone mention Cody
Unfortunately it is only ever going to be 'named' players at the end of their careers who will come to Gills.
Playing by PegLegs rules then, would Taylor and Asaba count ? for Taylor we paid a club record fee of £500k until we paid £600k for Asaba. I would look at both of those as big name signings. It's also that type of spending which angers me when people compare current managers with Pulis, no disrespect to Pulis intended, but would he have succeeded without the huge budget.
Again although we spent considerable amounts of money on those players, I'm not putting those players in the same bracket as I don't believe that they played at the highest level before we signed them. That's also why I didn't mention the Peacock's, Cascarino's, Bruce's etc as they all played at the highest level after leaving us. My OP was merely aimed at players that had arrived at us with pedigree of playing at the highest level already before joining us.