GhostofJimJess said:Rule of thumb #1 when trading .... steer clear of fringe players in successful teams. Way over-valued merely by their association with real gun players.
History is littered with 3rd tier (and even 2nd tier) players from top clubs who have gone elsewhere over true market value only to struggle when not surrounded by the type of players they're used to have carrying them.
You're far better off looking for a bargain in amongst the clubs that are trading through desperation or the insurmountable pressure of supporter groups and directors.
Rule number 1 is actually never trade with Kevin Sheedy.
Rule number 2 is never trade with Kevin Sheedy.
Rule number 3 is do not pick up delisted players from bottom clubs (yes, I know Mark Graham worked, that makes one success is about 20 attempts)
Rule number 4 is as you described above.