63 REASONS BUTLAND STAYED PUT

JACK BUTLAND has left the agency that has represented him throughout his professional career. He was hoping to get a move to a Premier League club following Stoke’s relegation and was also frustrated at not playing a minute at the World Cup. Quite why this is the responsibility of Beswicks Sports and not the player, however, is a mystery. Butland (right) could have been bought for less than half what Chelsea paid for Kepa Arrizabalaga or Alisson’s fee at Liverpool, but was not considered in the elite bracket — he let in 63 goals with Stoke last season. He wasn’t even regarded as the best of the relegated keepers and West Ham preferred to pick up Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea for £7million. If Beswick Sports are like the other agencies, and there is no reason why they would be different, they will have tried very hard to get their client a move. They can only work with the raw material provided, which is why Butland remained

where he is.