Darren Bent would have featured at the top of the list if the price hadn't been so huge. Aston Villa slapped up to £24 million on the table for Bent who was fresh from a 24-goal league campaign with Sunderland. He was loved and adored by the fans, he was defended vociferously by doubters when he was linked with the England World Cup squad, and he was an adopted Mackem during his spell on Wearside. Unfortunately, Bent opted for the money being thrown at him by Villa and left without so much as a thank you to the fans who'd supported him, or the club that had resurrected his career. Bent is sadly a poisonous figure whenever he has returned to the Stadium of Light, but if he'd only been swayed into staying, the Black Cats could be soaring. He has never bene truly replaced, and the lack of goals is still felt today.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
