I can't help noticing the obvious fact that, BWP aside, pretty much every striker we have signed in recent times has failed to replicate their form and live up to their promise. So out of complete boredom on a Thursday evening, I decided to do a bit of research and compose a list of recent strikers who have played for us (Championships and League One). Ive only included players who were actually contracted to us (so no loanees), and have only included League goals. Below each name is the appearances (goals) for the team they played for previously, appearances(goals) for us in italics, and likewise for after us: Chris Iwelumo 92(35) 46(10) 46(14) 45(11) Luke Varney 95(27) 57(10) 5(0) 43(11) 29(5) Andy Gray 60(25) 45(9) 58(13) Izale Mcleod 116(54) 31(3) 29(14) Svetoslav Todorov 77(33) 20(3) 33(9) Chris Dickson 41(37) 28(0) 13(6) Deon Burton 124(27) 51(17) 27(9) Akpo Sodje 41(9) 39(6) 15(6) Stuart Fleetwood 41(28) 0(0) 43(14) Leon McKenzie 62(12) 12(0) 27(10)
We only sold Iwelumo due to his wages He scored for fun at wolves before they went up then at Burnley
Officially, DVDD, we sold him because "he didn't fit into the style of play" that Pardew was planning. Not quite sure what style he had in mind. Whatever the reason, the fee was an absolute disgrace.
I really shouldn't have put Iwelumo in the poll, he's clearly miles ahead of the rest in terms of quality and was one of the few 'success stories' listed above. Sorry that I didn't put previous and recent clubs into the list beside appearances, just would have been so time consuming.
Oh ok I thought the issue was his wages being too high for us once we either were relegated or failed to go up (one of the two)
I'm sure that was the reason, so why they trotted out the tactical alternative version goodness only knows. His solo performance in the game at Manchester City, scoring and playing on one leg for virtually three quarters of the game after getting crocked, remains a classic piece of target man play and one of the gutsiest performances I've ever seen by a Charlton player.
wasn't that West Brom away where he couldn't run but still managed to nod in an Andy Reid cross? Iwelumo stands out by a mile we've never had anyone as good in the air since, Gray was hit and miss but Iwelumo was more consistent.
theres a posibility iwelumo could come back. dont know how much he plays at burnley. would be great upfront with bwp. Someone to hold the ball up
Is that a genuine rumour or just a feeling? He's borderline Premier League/Championship quality so doubt he would drop down to a mid table League One side.
Ah sorry Houndal, I only put contracted players up there instead of loanees, hence why no Lita, Kandol, Forster etc To be fair, yes they're all rubbish, but some moreso than others, I.e Big Chris would do a fine job for us in this league.
Er...could be Martinho, my memory is truly awful these days - Sir Chris had a shocker, does that narrow it down?
Sir Chris had a shocker....was this on the pitch or on the touchline (j/k) I can't believe Burton has so many votes where most of his goals were penaltys, tap in's or from defensive howlers presenting him with sitters and I think only scored the one goal in the 2nd half of last season being Swindon away in the play offs.
Wouldn't get overly excited by the prospect of any of those names returning to be honest!! However, if someone put a gun to my head I'd go for Big Chris or Deon. Simply because they're both the type of striker we could do with to afford us extra attacking options.
Yeah it was more a 'best of the worst' vote, if I'm honest I just fancied checking out the 'poll' option, and it just so happened there was 10 names on the list. My vote went to Big Chris, quite simply because he's the only one who's done relatively well in a higher league(s), whereas the rest have done okay (in some cases well) in League Two, Cyprus, Azerbaijan etc. Stuart Fleetwoods stats are probably the most peculiar
