When West Ham completed the signing of Benni McCarthy from Blackburn Rovers in January 2010, what they were expecting was a prolific striker, with European football experience, to bolster an attack that was seriously lacking goals. This didnt seem like too much to ask from a previous Champions League and Golden Boot winner; he played a huge part in helping Jose Mourinhos FC Porto lift the cup in 2004. What they got however, was a lazy out of form player, in the midst of a battle with weight issues. He was given time and eventually fined for not keeping up with a weight loss program set up for him; this even led to him losing his place in the South African national team and missing his own World Cup in 2010. He left shortly after with £1.5 million - after refusing a £1 million settlement no less - following 14 goalless and lifeless appearances.
