Hampshire's always been too good for the average club, but not good enough for #1 at the top club.
It makes him a superb back-up player - absolutely won't let you, but the A-lister in your team (often an import), is just that bit better (and better paid). Injuries may well have played a part in that??
You don't bring a player 12000 miles to bench them.
Big fish in a small pond / small fish in a big pond.
Unfortunately, Hampshire's agent has never grasped this.
Could have been a Wakey legend - would never be a Wigan legend.
If you think I'm being anti-Hampshire - you're wrong, he's one of my favourite players.