Reo-Coker is another player that was purchased in the 2003 team rebuild. He was signed for the minimal price of just £500,000 and led the team as captain into the play-offs twice and finally back into the Premier League. His leadership presence was just as apparent in the Premier League, until he fell out of favour in a West Ham side nearing relegation for the second time. He was later sold to Aston Villa for £7 million, 14 times the price we paid for him.
