Alexei Smertin must have wondered why Chelsea splashed out £3.45 million on him when the first thing they did following his transfer was ship him off to Portsmouth on loan for the whole of the 2003-04 season. The decision was taken because of the influx of midfield players to Stamford Bridge, and has worked out well for the Russia captain. Smertin had a good season with Portsmouth, helping them avoid relegation and returned to London in a stronger position. He was a useful squad member in 2004-05, showing good versatility in his cover across the midfield.- Barney Henderson