Reo-Coker: Average foreign footballers are not improving the game

Nigel Reo-Coker has blasted ‘average’ foreign players who in his opinion are not helping the English leagues improve, but simply earning money to send home to their families.

The 28-year-old midfielder expressed his frustration at the situation by telling reporters: “Look at the percentage of English footballers and how small it is.

“I’ve got no problem with the top foreign players who improve the League and are here to do well.

“But you get a lot of guys who know nothing about the League or the club they are signing for and just want the money. They want to pick up their wages and send the money back home. That is their only concern.

“Too many of the foreign players are average and do not improve the game.

“I know I am better than a lot of these guys. I played in the Premier League for West Ham, Villa and Bolton long enough to prove that I can perform at that level.

“People might think I’m bitter, but that’s not the case. It’s a problem when you talk about wanting to make English players ­better and improve the England team.”

The former West Ham player signed for Ipswich on Saturday following his release from Championship side Bolton in the summer, after a long search to find a new club.

Reo-Coker’s deal has seen him sign for the Championship side on a three-month contract until January 12.