In another of three freebies acquired in the summer of 2007, with striker Claudio Pizarro making up the trio, this was another player who looked completely out of his depth. Mourinhos spending programme for that summer had the mark of a mid-table club, rather than one seeking to push on and challenge for more league titles and make a play for the Champions League.
''I am very happy to join one of the greatest clubs in the world. I needed a new challenge. I will play in any position Jose Mourinho wants me to play. I am looking forward to starting the new season with Champions League football. - Tal Ben Haim, June 2007.
While Ben Haim was clearly viewed as a back-up to the likes of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, he still played 13 games following injuries to the pair, and his lack of pace was ruthlessly exposed on a number of occasions. It was a strange move to bring in the 25 year old defender from Bolton Wanderers, and he lasted just as long as Sidwell and Pizarro, booted out the door the following summer as the nightmarish memories of the 2007 summer were vanquished and never to be spoken of at Stamford Bridge again.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
