For many years, clubs around Europe knew that if a Premier League side came knocking for one of their players then the chances of a transfer were good.
The attraction of England’s top flight, both in terms of sporting and financial gain meant many players saw the move as their aim.
Then the Championship started to grow and top flight teams from elsewhere in Europe saw second tier clubs able to pay transfer fees and wages to snatch their players away.
Dutch football has seen a steady stream of footballers leave for the Championship, and it can sometimes cause annoyance in the country’s media.
Taking a more positive slant, Dutch website Voetbal Zone has spoken to some Championship players to ask them about the move from football in the Netherlands.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Joey Pelupessy was one of them.
Asked why so many players choose the Championship, the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder said: “I don’t know if it is ideal for every player to take this step, because you have to play the game. It could have been that it was not for me, but I am a good footballer on the ball and am also aggressive, can defend well and stand my ground. As a player, you also have to prepare a bit for what is to come in the competition. If you are a very different type, which fits better in Spain, you are better taking that step. If you can adjust well, England is a good step.”
“Last week we had the first away match of the season, with 4500 fans. Playing at Hillsborough is fantastic. The audience is great, they continue to make a sound and stand behind you. In preparation we played an away game against Lincoln City and there were only a thousand tickets available for the supporters. Eventually they arranged that they could go there with three thousand men and then you talk about a friendly game on Tuesday night. Those are beautiful things, I enjoy that.”
Asked about his own development, the Sheffield Wednesday player made it clear he has top-flight aims: “The Premier League is of course one step further, but this has also been a very good step for me. I hope that I can develop as well as possible and play as many matches as possible, so that I can take a step.”
