Premier League: 5 Worst Football January Signings

By Ray McCartney /

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5. Benni McCarthy

The arrival of Benni was seen as a sound signing in January 2010 at West Ham: he was after all a forward who was partial to a goal or two, who had been pushed out of Blackburn by the arrival of other players. A largely successful spell at Blackburn Rovers was halted with the fantastic form of Roque Santa Cruz. but luckily his record of 0 goals in fourteen appearances and a distinct lack of enthusiasm was enough for the Hammers Chief, Karen Brady. Exactly a year later and having played only 326 minutes of football, over just three starts he was left out of the 2010/2011 season squad altogether, which resulted in McCarthy receiving an amazing £1.5m payoff in return for tearing up his remaining 14 month contract. Benni joined Orlando Pirates in South Africa, winning the title in his first season while scoring 10 goals. The title means that he's the first South African to win 3 titles, with 3 different clubs in 2 continents - his other league titles coming at Porto and Ajax. Source: MailOnline