The Doc’s Prescription - Loyalty, but at what cost?

ONE would think that Fernando Torres’ move to Chelsea from Liverpool would put an end to any misguided notion fans have about players loyalty, but I sadly fear that more hearts will be broken in the future by an increasing mercenary band of so-called stars.

Torres is just the latest in a long line of modern players dating back to 1979 when Trevor Francis broke Birmingham City’s fans hearts by signing for Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest. Even then Francis, who was idolised by the ‘Brummies’ fans, said his move was not for money but to “advance his career and win something” (which he did by the way).

Wayne Rooney once famously sported a T-shirt bearing the legend “Once a Blue always a Blue.” However, he then became a confirmed ‘red’ but even that was in the balance when he didn’t get what he wanted during his contractual negotiations at Old Trafford.

Even those players who stay at one club generally have little or no loyalty as was the case with Chelsea skipper John Terry.

The central defender allowed his name to feature as a transfer target for Manchester City in 2009 and despite the media constantly claiming he was going to City, he never once made a statement pledging his loyalty to Chelsea. That was until the Lonon ‘blues’ upped his salary and then suddenly it was ‘badge kissing time, “the Old Kent Road is where I belong” and all the rest of the choreographed nonsense.

Of course, the most famous betraytal of all was when Mo Johnstone appeared at a Celtic Press Conference and then signed for arch rivals Rangers. Even the unprincipled “superstars” of today couldn’t top that one - or could they!”