Gary McALLISTER

 One of the most surprising transfers during the summer of 1996 was Gary McAllister's £3 million switch from Leeds United to Coventry City. The experienced Scottish international had won the League title during his stay at Elland Road and was still at the peak of his powers when he made the switch to Highfield Road. The chance to link up again with Gordon Strachan - his former team-mate for both Leeds and Scotland - was undoubtedly a big factor in his decision to move to the Midlands club. McAllister was an ever present in the heart of the City midfield in his first season at the club and contributed six goals as the Sky Blues had their usual flirt with relegation.

The following campaign saw Gary suffer a serious injury during a 4-0 home win over Tottenham in December and it was not until October 1998 that he returned to first-team action in a 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Highfield Road. The classy midfielder scored three goals in twenty-nine League appearances during the 98/99 season whilst the following campaign he was an ever present and weighed in with the impressive return of eleven goals. That 1999/2000 season was, without doubt, McAllister's best at the club and it was therefore something of a surprise when he was handed a free transfer. Gerard Houllier, quick to recognise that the 35 year-old still had much to offer, took him to Liverpool during the summer and he enjoyed a fine first season at Anfield. Perhaps Coventry decided the time was right to move on the high-earning thirty-something but his skill and vision in the middle of the park proved difficult to replace. (David Scranage)