All-action midfield man is evidently beloved of some managers but mistrusted by others who inherit him
An energetic midfield dynamo, Brown has never quite recaptured the form of his heyday during a four-year spell with Sheffield United.
In 2002-03 Brown managed 22 goals from midfield and was named the Blades’ Player Of The Year, prompting interest from several Premiership clubs. When he did move, in January 2004, it was to David Pleat’s Spurs but his career went off the boil under successor Martin Jol.
Two Januarys later he moved to Chris Coleman’s Fulham and was starting to find his form when new boss Lawrie Sanchez brought in his own midfielders.
Since a £3 million move to Wigan in July 2007, Brown has been unable to rediscover his goalscoring habit but has played a key part in the Latics’ escape from relegation. He will be hoping that, for once, an incoming manager (in this case Steve Bruce) doesn't decide to ditch a predecessor's purchase.