PERHAPS we shouldn’t be surprised when footballers like Darren Bent opt for a transfer. In his case a curious move from highflying Sunderland to struggling Aston Villa. It is about choice and it is a long time since footballers were tied to a club for the duration of their contract.

Loyalty is no longer a feature in the club and player relationship. It does exist, because some players choose to be loyal. Bent’s exit will soon be yesterday’s news.

It’s quite a contrast to players of yesteryear like Nat Lofthouse who turned out week in week out for his beloved Bolton Wanderers.

Lofthouse was a stalwart for his club and country, a prolific goalscorer and true legend.

Football has moved on a great deal. Freedom of contract was intended to give players rights. However, the pendulum has swung so far that often some players take that to mean that they can hold a club to ransom.

Take the Wayne Rooney saga for instance.

The wrath of fans is often seen as “a flash in the pan”.

a moment that will pass, but it is actually an expression of their loyalty for a club and players and so often it is taken for granted.

True legends have the respect of fans, other players and a wider footballing audience for the skills they deploy on the field. Egos are built on attitude.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe