10 Footballers Who Refused To Play

Dutch striker Pierre Van Hooijdonk wrote himself into Nottingham Forest folklore when, despite being a multi-capped international of considerable pedigree, he agreed to stay on with the club following their relegation from the Premier League in 1997. It wouldn't be long before he took one giant eraser to it all.

Not for at least another season, though. 1997/98 was a roaring success for the former Celtic man, whose 29 league goals propelled the Tricky Trees right back into the top flight. Once more a Premier League player, and having just starred for his country at World Cup '98, Van Hooijdonk had every reason to be optimistic.

That is until he discovered Forest's promise to throw cash in the direction of a serious survival bid were so much hot air. In addition, club captain Colin Cooper had inexplicably been sold to fellow promotees Middlesbrough. Aghast with the lack of ambition, Van Hooijdonk demanded his own transfer, and when the board rejected his plea, he downed tools.

Realising he wasn't going anywhere, the striker eventually returned to the fold in November - by which point Forest were already in danger of being felled. Such was the rift caused by his walkout that even after scoring against bitter rivals Derby County, Van Hooijdonk's teammates - many who'd been outspoken on the situation - refused to celebrate with him. Forest were relegated, and the Dutchman was finally moved on to Vitesse Arnhem.