Whilst watching the summer activity going on in the transfer market yesterday I saw that Leeds United are potentially going to re-sign former players Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer and Alan Smith. This in my opinion would be a great coup as all 3 players still have a lot to offer at the highest level providing they stay injury free. The news got me thinking about other players that dropped down into the lower leagues whilst in the twilight years of their playing careers:
Craig Bellamy - After being left out of Man City's Europa League squad for the 2010-11 season, Bellamy joined his hometown Cardiff City on a season loan. He proved to be an instant success with a 35 yard free kick on his debut and he went onto to score 10 more goals in the season which helped Cardiff reach the Championship play-offs. He has since returned back to Man City but has not ruled out a permanent move back to Cardiff.
Paul Ince - After his release from Middlesbrough in 2002, Ince dropped down a division to join Wolvehampton Wanderers. In his first season he helped them get promoted to the Premier League via the play offs but after one season they were back down. Ince went on to play 115 games for Wolves scoring 10 goals. He has stated that he would love to return to the club as manager.
Denis Irwin - The Irishman joined Wolves at the same time as former Manchester United team mate Paul Ince and was part of the team that were promoted to the Premier League in 2003. Following the team's relegation in 2004, Irwin retired at the age of 38
Teddy Sheringham - When Premier League team Portsmouth decided not to offer 38 year old Sheringham a contract he decided he would drop down a division and play for West Ham. A fantastic year for Sheringham led to him becoming the division's third-highest goalscorer with 20 goals and he also won the Championship Player of the Season award.
Dennis Wise - After his sacking from Leicester City, Wise moved to First Division Milwall in 2002, becoming player manager in 2003. A successful season with the club culminated with them reaching the FA Cup Final where they lost 3-0 to Manchester United. As United had already qualified for the UEFA Champions League, Milwall qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history unfortunately getting knocked out in the first round.
Paul Merson - Merson joined newly relegated first division club Middlesbrough in 1997 after they doubled the wage terms offered by Arsenal. He was instrumental in the club's immediate return to The Premier League. After a term with Aston Villa, Merson signed for first division club Portsmouth in 2002 and again was a key player during their successful promotion winning season.
Darren Anderton - After an injury plagued career with Portsmouth, Tottenham, Birmingham and Wolves, Anderton joined League One club Bournemouth on a "pay as you play basis" in 2006. Although the club at the time were struggling on the field, Anderton's performances were superb and he scored his first career hat-trick during his time at the club
Nick Barmby - After his club Leeds United were relegated from The Premier League in 2004, Barmby joined his hometown club Hull City. In his first season with the club he helped them gain promotion from League One and in 2008 he was instrumental in getting Hull promotion to the Premier League. Barmby is still playing for the club to this day.
Kevin Phillips - After experiencing Premier League football with Sunderland and Aston Villa, Phillips dropped down to The Championship in 2006 and joined West Brom. Phillips had 2 seasons with the club and scored 38 times in 71 games to help them gain promotion back to The Premier League in 2008. Phillips then stayed in the Championship and moved to Birmingham City where he also helped them get promoted back to The Premier League.
Ian Harte - After leaving Blackpool in 2009, Harte signed for League One club Carlisle United. He ended up helping the team regain League One status after scoring 18 goals from defence. In 2010, Harte signed for Championship team Reading and had a great season scoring 10 goals and making the PFA Championship team of the year.
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