Nightmare starts: Six of the worst football debuts after Hart howler

Walking out against Leicester City to the chants of ‘what a waste of money’, the defender’s evening took a turn for the worst, as he endured a shocking performance which saw Leeds go 3-0 down after 30 minutes.

The Whites managed a consolation goal and Ferdinand did overcome his terrible debut in Yorkshire, later going on to become a serial winner with Manchester United (9/2 with Coral to win the Premier League).

Jonathan Woodgate
Possibly the worst debut ever. Former England international Woodgate was a surprise signing at the Bernabeu in 2005, and his maiden appearance against Athletic Bilbao didn’t give Real Madrid a lot of hope for his career in Spain.

Having spectacularly headed the ball past Iker Casillas and into his own net, as well as picking up a first-half cautioning, the helpless defender’s nightmare debut was capped off by a red card just after the hour mark.

Woodgate’s awful reign in Spain wasn’t helped by his earlier injury set-backs, having just come back from many serious lay-offs.

Watch the former Middlesbrough centre back’s Real red card here. Look away Jonathan.

Wayne Bridge
Having left Manchester City to seek regular first-team action at Upton Park in 2011, Bridge looked completely void of ability in his debut with West Ham United.

The former Chelsea defender was given the run-around for both of Arsenal’s opening goals and eventually conceded a needless penalty.

Slaven Bilic will hope for better from his current crop of Hammers, who are 8/1 for a top six Premier League finish.

Chris Iwelumo
At the age of 30, Iwelumo must have believed his international chances were gone, but against Norway in a crucial World Cup qualifier in 2008, the frontman replaced James McFadden with 35 minutes remaining.

With time ticking away and Scotland needing a goal, Iwelumo had the chance to make himself a national hero, but from only three yards out, he managed to miss the target.

See the striker’s shocking miss here.

Emmanuel Frimpong
The former Arsenal midfielder was expected to carve a top career for himself in London, after a 10-year youth spell at the club, but departed in 2014, following several hapless loan spells.

South Yorkshire outfit Barnsley was the Ghana enforcer’s next destination, but he instantly caused a stir, stating on his arrival: “How am I gonna draw girls now?”

Although, staying on the pitch proved a tougher task than maintaining his off-field antics, as Frimpong’s debut lasted less than half an hour, seeing two bookings for a couple of rash challenges on the same player.

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