"All my political career, and actually before it, we have seen the transfer of wealth and decision making and power from the provinces to London, " he said.

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But at 28 years old and following a World Cup in which he made just two brief substitute appearances for Fabio Capello's faltering England side, Cole has moved to Liverpool on a free transfer in an attempt to breathe new life into his career.

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In 1979 the striker joined Real Zaragoza, where he scored 46 goals in 143 matches, and that form earned him a transfer to Real Madrid, the club he eventually ended his playing career with in 1987.

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Not only has he arranged the sixth transfer of prolific former non-league man Hayles' 10-year pro career, but he gthen followed that up by bringing in big target man Steve Howard from Derby County.

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For many Ivorians, the transfer of Mr Gbagbo to The Hague is a tragic end to the political career of a populist and charismatic history professor, who simply was not ready to leave power.

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He also broke transfer records of both West Ham and Wimbledon in his often controversial 15-year career.

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Tierney began his career as a trainee at Oldham and had a loan spell at Carlisle before joining Shrewsbury on a free transfer.

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