The higher they climb, the harder they fall. Sadly, with football being as brutal as it is these days, there is simply no time for sentiment. One day you can be flying high with your club, the next you're old news, and you're out on your own.

Through a combination of poor performances, long injury lay-offs or simply because they just weren't as good as everyone thought they were, the following 10 payers have plummeted down through the football leagues, in this country and around the world.

And while some might seem harsh inclusions, it is important think about where they were, how much promise they had and how badly they have failed to achieve that, through their own fault or otherwise.

Football is now a cruel and uncaring game. Let's exploit that. Have a cheap laugh at the expense of others. Go on...

Click on Alan Smith to unveil the top 10 fall from graces

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Compiled by Tom Close

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