Marlon Harewood Bio

Harewood signed for Villa for a fee of around £4million after falling out of favour at struggling West Ham in July 2007.

The powerful striker has a reputation for inconsistency, although has shown himself to be a tough opponent when in form.

Harewood made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest at the end of the 1997/98 season, in a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion. He then became a regular in the first team squad the following season during Forest's dismal campaign in the top flight.

After a loan spell away from the club, the 2002/03 term saw him really come to prominence for Forest. He scored 21 goals and that form led to interest from other clubs, who were impressed with his athletic front running displays and finishing.

But as he refused to discuss a new contract, Forest were forced to cash in or lose him on a free transfer.

Ultimately, West Ham paid £500,000 for his services in November 2003 and they saw him as a vital cog in their bid to earn an automatic return to the top flight.

He made his bow in a 1-1 draw at Wimbledon. And although his first season was a successful one on a personal level, West Ham missed out on promotion in a play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace.

He struggled to find form in 2004/05, but he rediscovered his goalscoring prowess as West Ham ousted Preston North End in the playoff final to clinch their place in the top flight.

There were serious doubts over Harewood's Premiership pedigree, but those critics were silenced as he had a terrific first season in the League.

However, 2006/07 saw Harewood fall from favour, thanks mainly to the form of Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez. Unable to keep his place, in May 2007, Harewood said that he would be leaving the club and was linked with a move to Wigan, Fulham and Scottish Champions Celtic.

Despite the attention of other clubs, in July he signed a three-year deal with Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa and joined former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker in the West Midlands.

Used primarily as a fringe player, Harewood has taken on the role of a 'super-sub' and his presence in the squad is useful; although O'Neill will be hoping he can regain some of his old form .