10 Players Who Probably Regret Leaving West Ham

2. Gary O'Neil

A year later, midfielder Gary O'Neil faced the same conundrum as Green - sign a new deal with West Ham or try his luck elsewhere. The midfielder made 27 appearances in all competitions during the 2012-13 season, but he opted to seek pastures new. At 30 years of age, O'Neil was making an important decision in regards to the rest of his career, and he eventually chose to link up with QPR in the Championship. At the time, it appeared to be a questionable call given that he was only offered a one-year deal, but it was justified as the Hoops secured a return to the top flight via the playoffs, with O'Neil making 29 appearances along the way. However, his contract wasn't renewed and O'Neil found himself without a club. A move to a Premier League club did not materialise, and although he won promotion with Norwich City, it took him two years to eventually return to English football's top tier after leaving West Ham of his own accord.