One reason is that it was a bit-part player in the system of global imbalances that precipitated the slump.

ECONOMIST: The euro-area economy

What we do know is that Israel, an otherwise familiar player in Palestinian political rhetoric, was largely a bit-part player in these elections.

CNN: Palestinian vote shows political will

But he might have been a bit-part player next season or had to move to another club and I think he wanted to go out at the very top.

CNN: David Beckham: The devoted dad

England's players applauded Caddick off the field after his display - a major contrast to his last tour of the West Indies two winters ago when he was regarded as a bit-part player.

BBC: Caddick lone England star

But the Newport-born player has only played a bit-part role for Tottenham, as Gunter is one of four top-class right-backs that include Pascal Chimbonda, Alan Hutton and Vedran Corluka.

BBC: Gunter would consider loan move

Clearly unhappy with this bit-part role, he became the first high-profile player since Denis Law in 1973 to cross the divide, joining a club who were happy to meet the asking price and position him at the pinnacle of their Abu Dhabi-funded revolution.

BBC: Why Carlos Tevez is so important to Manchester City

Trundle is a player that needs to be loved so his transformation from talismanic regular to Bristol City bit-part was a huge blow to his self-belief.

BBC: Home is where Trundle's heart is