Some Sheffield United players in the past decade have gone on to earn legendary status at Bramall Lane… others had spells a lot less memorable.
Sheffield United fans have enjoyed the best and probably the worst of times in the past 10 years and so, among the latter, it’s unsurprising that there have been some players whose name being mentioned doesn’t exactly rekindle the best of memories.
Even in the good days – we are still in those, by the way, regardless of recent results – there have been men who have pulled on the red and white shirt with very little distinction.
We have decided to take a look back at some of the most disappointing signings of the past decade – some of them were downright poor, while others were genuinely disappointing because we were all expecting so much more.
Take a look through our gallery of disapointment and let us know if there’s anyone we might have missed that you would have added.
One of a number of players seemingly brought in to challenge or replace Mark Duffy, Carruthers started only six league games for the Blades and was limited to mostly cameos off the bench. He was sent on loan to Oxford before moving to Cambridge after leaving the Blades Photo: Simon Bellis
The poster boy for that shocker of a season under Nigel Adkins. Hammond arrived with some pedigree but his time at Bramall Lane just didn’t work out as United slumped to an 11th-placed finish in League One. “I didn't perform to the level I expected when I came in,” he later admitted, “and I don't think we got the relationships right on the pitch. We couldn't quite click and get a run together.” Photo: Sport Image
Another who, like Hammond, will just be remembered for being not very good at a not-very-good time for the club. Didn't help himseld by biting back at fans, who had been quite rightly frustrated Photo: Sport Image
Came on loan and immediately turned into a cult figure with his big beard and slick-back hair and superb performances. Then when United stumped up a couple of million quid for him to sign permanently Brayford couldn't reach those levels again which was frankly a terrible shame Photo: OLI SCARFF