The players who didn’t earn their loyalty bonuses

As anyone who has ever divorced will testify, sometimes it is necessary to call time on a big commitment. Footballers who sign big money contracts are no strangers to this maxim, but some jump ship a little earlier than expected. With this in mind, Spoiler correspondent Ben Baker has compiled a top ten list of the shortest spells in football club history. And guess who tops the list…

Sol Campbell
After a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance at Meadow Lane and a quick team photo, the man whom Spurs fans lovingly refer to as ‘Judas’ picked up his boots and walked out on his £40,000-a-week contract. If he manages to stay fit and win his war with his own metabolism, perhaps a fleeting appearance in the MLS lies ahead for football’s least decisive man..

Ali Dia
A favourite story among football fans who are less than supportive of Graeme Souness (and let’s be honest, there are a fair few): after allegedly receiving a call from former World Footballer of the Year George Weah ‘bigging up’ his ‘cousin’, Souness signed him up without reservation. He even had the audacity to replace Sir Tiss with him. Dia was so dreadful that he was hauled off, lasting about 20 minutes. Oh well, Southampton’s loss was Gateshead’s gain…kind of.

Dietmar Hamann
After it appeared that Hamann was surplus to

Defender reveals sufficiently ridiculous excuse for departure

Having maintained radio silence for a couple of days after his shock one game exit from Notts County last week, Sol Campbell chose to explain himself yesterday in an exclusive interview with the News of the World. Most impressively, the defender managed to keep a straight face throughout:

I knew I would be the club’s first big signing but was told I would be the first of many. Names like Roberto Carlos and Benjani were mentioned - now that would have been a statement of intent. But, for whatever reason, it didn’t happen. And all I will say is that you know when people have money because things happen and they happen quickly.

‘Arry sends a wave of relief through the White Hart Lane faithful

Sol was unhelpful in the search for Jason Euell’s contact lens

In the weekly column that a Sun journalist writes for him, Harry Redknapp has today tackled the thorny issue of Sol Campbell’s future. The Tottenham boss has made no secret of his passionate admiration for the big centre back, and the rumour mills have been going into overdrive with suggestions that they are destined to work together once again.

Redknapp, however, has quelled the fears of Spurs fans who predicted World War III if Campbell ever returned, by claiming he will never call White Hart Lane home again:

Some people are already claiming I am now going to sign Sol.

Well, let’s nail that one straight away - it ain’t going to happen.

Also appearing on a computer near you…

Before you peruse today’s links, check out the world’s longest basketball shot

The fans’ reaction to Sol Campbell’s Notts County walkout
[Betfair Football]

This week’s Football Drama update
[Interestment]

The top five bizarre Sol Campbell moments
[Off The Post]

Gary Neville’s passion is an example to us all, says Harry Redknapp
[Daily Mail]

Sheikh Mansour is now the sole owner of Manchester City
[MCFC]

Arsenal/Fulham/WestHam/Tottenham/Sunderland/etc target Marouane Chamakh will not be sold in January
[EatSleepSport]

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Fernando Amorebieta to Liverpool
Rafa’s men are very popular in the Basque region, but this might change if Bilbao’s prized defender heads to England. Marca believe he would cost €12m (£10m).

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: That’s a lot of money for a 24-year-old who has yet to represent his country at the top level. Perhaps Hull’s Michael Turner would be a better option.

Sol Campbell to Newcastle
At the end of his Portsmouth contract, Big Sol said he would like to go somewhere with some stability, so naturally, he has been linked with one of the few clubs that are less stable than his current one.

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Luis Fabiano to Manchester United
While Michael Owen stories have dominated today’s back pages, The Daily Mirror claim that Manchester United are offering Sevilla £16 million to try to beat AC Milan to the signing of Brazil striker Fabiano.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Fans probably wouldn’t be too happy to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez replaced solely by Antonio Valencia and Owen so it is plausible, especially considering the latter’s injury record, that Sir Alex Ferguson will want another attacking option.

Yuri Zhirkov to Chelsea
Chelsea completed their first summer signing last night, bringing in Middlesbrough’s reserve keeper Ross Turnbull - who conceded seven goals

Also appearing on a computer near you…

Manchester City reject Darius Vassell receives a surreal hero’s welcome at new club Ankaragucu - click the link for more amazing photos
[Blue Moon]

Maicon’s agent is expecting Real Madrid to make a move for the right-back
[Goal]

Cristiano Ronaldo is looking forward to playing with Kaka next season
[The Sun]

Sol Campbell is linked with Everton and Aston Villa after leaving Portsmouth
[Daily Telegraph]

Roque Santa Cruz joined Manchester City for the money Mark Hughes fans
[Sporting Life]

What business are Spurs planning to do in the transfer market this summer?
[Interestment]

Usmanov loses 74 per cent of his fortune

Britain’s super-rich were crying in their corn flakes yesterday morning as The Sunday Times Rich List detailed the damage to their collective banks accounts. In the past year, the number of billionaires has fallen from 75 to 43, and the cumulative wealth of the nation’s 1,000 richest people has fallen from £413bn to £258bn.

Roman Abramovich - who has had to cut back on his expensive yacht habit this year - remains in second place with an estimated fortune of £7bn, down 40 per cent from £11.7bn.

Popular Newcastle Utd owner Mike Ashley has also suffered from the nation’s reticence to buy Lonsdale hoodies