3 SAFC related players figure in sky's ten worst transfers in 2012/13 www1.skysports.com/football/news/11662/8776308/Top-ten-mistakes Kieran Richardson Fulham paid only £2m for Kieran Richardson on deadline day but the midfielder's poor performances over the course of the season underlined the club's failures in the transfer market. Although freebie duo Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric found the net only eight times in the Premier League, Richardson stood out as a particularly disappointing signing with Martin Jol questioning the 28-year-old's contribution in March: "He's lacking the spark and a little bit of fitness. Alex Kacaniklic is only 20 and Richardson should be better than him. But he hasn't been. I want him to do well and be better than what I've got." The criticism may have been a blow to Richardson but Jol knows he will also need to do better if Fulham are to avoid another difficult season. Danny Graham Although Danny Graham has only been at Sunderland for five months it's no surprise to read rumours that the club are already trying to recoup their £5m outlay. Graham failed to find the net in any of his 13 appearances for the Black Cats since signing in January and his abject displays left Paolo di Canio scratching his head shortly after his appointment. "When I arrived, in my opinion, Danny wasn't really fit enough in terms of playing in the Premier League," said Di Canio. "He had a long face during my first two or three training sessions and I thought 'Can he play football?'" Di Canio tried to lift Graham's confidence by backing the striker to fire Sunderland to safety but it now seems a possible transfer to Middlesbrough would suit all parties. Adam Johnson Johnson typifies Sunderland's failure to find value in the transfer market in recent years after joining the Black Cats for £10.5m last summer. It was widely thought that Roberto Mancini held Johnson back at Man City but the winger's displays in 2012/13 proved once and for all that he alone was responsible for his lack of playing time at the Etihad. A late burst of form under Paolo di Canio failed to hide Johnson's poor contribution over the course of the season as Sunderland battled relegation. The club's supporters will be hoping for much more consistency from the winger and his teammates next season. Supprised about Keiran Richardson mind
Johnson showed signs at the end of the season that gives me hope that he will prove to be a good long term investment for the club..
I agree I think when PDC came in he looked a lot fitter than he had previously he also seemed to have more confidence when he has taking the full backs on - here's hoping for next season
With Johnson it was like MoN told him that "as soon as a fullback comes near you, don't try and beat him - pass backwards." Johnson plays his best football trying to beat his man and cutting back on the inside. His goal against the craas was a perfect example. He needs to be allowed to play his natural game and in a PDC attacking side.. this could very well happen.
Not surprised about Richardson. He liked to "cruise" during games and at the latter end of his time with us was "cruising" permanently. Roy Keane used to substitute him on a regular basis to try to give him a kick up the backside but it never worked. Waste of talent in my opinion.
Don't know what's gone on with Richardson. Doesn't take a brain box to know DG was a bad signing. BUt in defence to AJ, his stats were good considering he played 20 years deeper than what he was used to and when Paolo pushed him up that 20 yards he was a different player. He signed 4 year contract so it's hardly a write of. AJ is going to shove it in Sky Sport's face.
Richardson doesn't surprise me one bit. He got away with it at our place due to THAT goal. AJ will come good next season, I reckon. His style suits the attack-minded football that PDC will play. DG - meh!
My sentiments exactly re Richardson. Hope u r right re AJ Aye DG meh is what he should wear on the back of his shirt
