The ‘Holy Trinity’ of George Boyd, Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron Mclean are prime examples, but they don’t all work out quite so well.
Here are a selection of good and bad signings from the non-league game. We’ve ignored the aforementioned Trinity as they’ve had millions of words written about them over the years, and also only included players who were signed direct from non-league clubs.
Can you think of any we have missed out?
9. GOOD - JOE WARD
A winger who moved to Posh from Woking for an undisclosed fee in January, 2018. He played a pivotal role in the 2020-21 promotion from League One. Also did ok as a right-back during a 4-and-a-half year spell of 233 appearances and 23 goals. Photo: Joe Dent
10. BAD - AARON WILLIAMS
Poor non-league signing number three for Graham Westley and all from Nuneaton. A striker who arrived at London Road in January, 2016, but managed just 10 appearances before leaving on a free for Newport County 12 months later. Photo: Joe Dent
11. GOOD - RONNIE EDWARDS
A centre-back who moved to Posh from Barnet for nothing in January, 2020. Sold to Southampton 4-and-a-half years later for £4 million after 143 Posh appearances and 1 goal. One of the great Posh defenders. Photo: David Lowndes
12. BAD - KABONGO TSHIMNANGA
Prolific striker for Chesterfield who failed to score a goal for Posh after transferring to London Road in January 2023. Now at Crawley Town. Photo: David Lowndes