From former England centre-forwards to prodigious full-backs, there was no shortage of astute signings in the Championship on deadline day.
It’s not easy to keep your head when all those around you are losing theirs.
Kudos, then, to these five Championship clubs who resisted the last-minute panic purchases for safe, sensible and possibly sensational deadline day deals.
Rickie Lambert – Cardiff City
The Bluebirds have netted just four goals so far this season. It won’t have taken Paul Trollope long to realise where Cardiff’s limitations lie, then. But, with a deal for Norwich outcast Kyle Lafferty appearing ever more likely as deadline day loomed, the eventual signing of former England striker Rickie Lambert came as something of a shock.
Arriving on a two-year deal after a wasted few years at Liverpool and West Brom, it will be interesting to find out whether the now 34-year-old retains that predatory instinct that underpinned his 27-goal haul in 2011-12 that inspired Southampton to promotion. A bit of trivia: 2016-17 will only be Lambert’s second-ever season in the second tier.
Rico Henry – Brentford
With the possible exception of Huddersfield and Aston Villa, no club has scouted and signed more astutely than Matthew Benham’s Brentford this summer. Centre-back John Egan and goalscoring midfielder Romaine Sawyers arrived at Griffin Park after featuring in League One’s Team of the Season but left-back Rico Henry could be the best of the bunch.
Linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, the pacey 19-year-old narrowly missed out to Leeds United prodigy Lewis Cook in the Football League Young Player of the Year award last season.
However, while Bournemouth paid £10 million plus for the teenage midfielder, Brentford’s £1.5 million fee is proof that bargains still exist in the modern game.
Ikechi Anya- Derby County
If Derby fans aren’t concerned about the deadline day departures of star striker Chris Martin and creative powerhouse Jeff Hendrick, then they should be. However, while Nigel Pearson bids farewell to two of the most consistent Championship performers of recent years, he welcomes a player who made his name in the rough and tumble of the second tier.
Scotland international Anya starred for three seasons at this level with Watford, his bursting runs from the left and indispensable versatility a major factor in their long-awaited promotion in 2015.
With Tom Ince on the opposite flank, Pearson suddenly possesses one of the most dynamic wing partnerships in the division. But, without Chris Martin up top, will Derby have anyone to convert their chances?
Jamie Ward – Burton Albion
Burton’s remarkable rise is showing no signs of slowing down just yet. Those who tipped the Brewers for an immediate return to the third tier are suddenly looking very silly indeed after seven points were accrued from a possible 15 at the start of the season.
The signings of experienced second-tier veterans Lloyd Dyer, Stephen Bywater and Chris O’Grady have undoubtedly eased the transition, with former Derby and Nottingham Forest forward Jamie Ward the latest new addition to the tight-knit Burton family.
The hard-working 30-year-old, who started for Northern Ireland against Germany at Euro 2016, may have only netted twice in the league last season for Forest, but has spent the last decade at this level and will add vital know-how to a still rather unproven squad.
Jonny Williams – Ipswich
Not many players star for their country at a major tournament then find themselves ousted at club level. Jonny Williams is yet to make his Premier League bow at Crystal Palace and, after helping Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, he would have been forgiven for thinking Alan Pardew would give him his long-awaited first-team chance this season.
Yet, Palace’s loss is Ipswich’s gain. The diminutive 22-year-old, now in his fourth loan spell with the Tractor Boys, could add a dash of guile and subtly to an often all-too-obvious approach that has some fans calling for Mick McCarthy’s head. A play-off push may be beyond Ipswich this season but at least Williams will provide a little class amongst the craft.
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