English football’s crazy finances are such that even Middlesbrough’s new £6million striker Patrick Bamford, who has not scored a goal for almost two years, could make grand demands when sent out on loan by Chelsea to Norwich, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
All three clubs had to match his Chelsea wages of £40,000 a week, as well as fix up a free apartment for the goal-shy Bamford, pay his utility bills and organise a TV and broadband package with Sky Sports and movies.
Free housing, gas and electricity are normal perks for players sent out on loan from Premier League clubs, but it is unusual to have their TV subscriptions and internet covered too.