15 Football Manager Wonderkids Who Didn't Live Up To Expectations

9. Francis Jeffers

Undoubtedly one of British football's biggest shames was the unfulfilled potential of Francis Jeffers. After bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old in 1997, a great deal was expected from the highly promising Englishman. His early performances with Everton led to him becoming affectionately known as 'the fox in the box' with many a manager commenting upon how natural a goalscorer he was. After racking up 20 goals in 60 appearances for the Toffees, Jeffers got a dream move to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal for the princely sum of £8 million in 2001. Many thought he would go on to become a household name, however it wasn't to be. Jeffers had no impact and really struggled, due to both injuries and the continued good form of strike competition Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord. Jeffers has since gone on to have very little impact at any of his clubs, including a number within lower league football. A young player who seemingly had the world at his feet, he perhaps never seemed to reach his potential in reality or virtually. Shame, really.