Alan SmithJust over 3 years ago Leeds United were in the semi-final stages of the UEFA Champions League, chasing the dream as they said at the time…

But that dream cost a lot of money and after failing to qualify for the lucrative Champions League the following year they posted massive debts and a downward spiral began. Big name players such as Rio Ferdinand, Lee Bowyer, Johnathon Woodgate and Harry Kewell were sold off to relieve the debts but things just got worse and worse and having just avoided relegation last season, they struggled to find any kind of form this season as more players were offloaded, and the drop from the Premiership was secured.

And the apparent exodus continues unabaited as first goalkeeper Paul Robinson moves to Tottenham Hotspur for £1.5m, some £1m less than they offered not six months ago, and way below most peoples valuations, and today Alan Smith joins Manchester United for £7m, again way below most peoples valuations.

The price of chasing success…