West Bromwich Albion decided not to sign Martin Cranie on a free but he is shining now with Championship rivals Sheffield United.
Martin Cranie had a trial at West Bromwich Albion last summer.
According to the Birmingham Mail, the experienced defender spent time training with the Baggies in August as he looked to find a new club following his release from Middlesbrough.
It was claimed that Darren Moore saw Cranie as a potential solution to the club’s right-back problem.
Why West Brom didn’t hand Cranie a contract, however, remains a mystery. Particularly as the 32-year-old continues to shine in the red and white stripes of Sheffield United instead.
In September, the Blades picked up Cranie on a free after his time at West Brom came to nothing. And, although he has hardly been a regular starter, the veteran has impressed whenever he has been called on.
Chris Wilder’s side have kept a clean sheet in eight of the ten games in which Cranie has featured and his performance in Saturday’s crucial 1-0 win away at promotion rivals Leeds United could go down as one of the best defensive displays of the entire season.
When you consider that West Brom have conceded 48 goals this season, a dreadful record which cost Moore his job, you can only wonder what sort of a difference Cranie would have made.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
