Hayles - the answer?

By Micky Monsoon
September 1 2004

Being rock solid at the back has meant Millwall only need to nick a goal usually to win games, but now we've got Barry Hayles. Is he the answer? Only time will tell, but obviously we've needed another striker for a while. Let's hope he fits the bill.

We need a 20-goal a season man as we can't expect Dichio to keep scoring all our goals.

Whether Hayles can be that prolific remains to be seen: 44 league goals for Fulham in 116 appearances is not bad.

Like Dichio, by dropping down a division perhaps he rediscover his goalscoring boots.

Reports suggest the fee was £75k and he was allowed to leave Sheff Utd after failing to settle and significantly impress the Blades coaching team - who according to local reports were disappointed with his form and approach.

Sheff Utd boss Neil Warnock said: "I gave Barry the choice to stay.

"I told him it was entirely up to him

"But I think the opportunity to live where he's from, play European football and link-up again with Ray Wilkins - who he's worked with before - made his mind up."