Okay, so here we are. The top four. The Champions League of awful signings. Any of the previous 11 could be swapped around and interchanged among themselves, but this top four is on another level. Tore Andre Flo is an iconic name. You say 'Sunderland flop?' the reply will be a unanimous 'Tore Andre Flo'. He's not top of this list because, remarkably, his goal tally is better than the remaining candidates. Still, Flo signalled the death of Sunderland's feelgood, free-flowing, Phillips-Quinn era. The Laslandes experiment ended badly, but surely signing a proven domestic goalscorer could only end well? Hmm. From Sogndal to Tromso to Brann to Chelsea to Rangers, Flo had the ability to terrorise defences, racking up a goal every two games on average from each of the teams apart from Chelsea, where he still managed to net 50 goals. But at Sunderland, he didn't suit the style, and bagged just four league goals in his only season, before being given a free transfer at the end of the season as the club spiralled into debt. A spectacular farce worth every ounce of infamy it receives.
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.
