The worst ever January transfer signings, including Fernando Torres, Andy Carroll and Eric Djemba-Djemba

In all the desperation for new recruits, comical decisions are made

January is a time when managers start to look at the table and wonder about their own prospects. And the fear of failure can lead to some comical decision making, at a time of the most pressure.

Sky-high prices and the lack of availability of the best talent mean that managers make some left-field purchases in the transfer window.

Usually either desperate to avoid relegation or eager to try and pick up some silverware, the January window is often a fairly hectic time for a manager and inevitably mistakes get made.

So here for your viewing is a selection of some of the biggest blunders, the footballing faux pas made by a whole host of managers.

The gallery of the worst January transfers is below...

The worst January transfer signings - in pictures