There have been some truly awful free signings in Sunderland's recent history, and it speaks volumes that so many have been omitted from this list. Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge, Ian Harte, Andy Cole, Martin Woods, Tommy Miller, Brian Deane, Phil Babb, Thomas Helmer and many, many more all have countless reasons why they could be included and even rank top, but for this particular list, Andrea Dossena takes the top spot. The Italian veteran was brought in during a tumultuous time, and all that Sunderland asked of him was to provide a calm, solid base in the left back spot for a season, surely that wasn't too much to ask? Well, apparently it was. Dossena put in one good performance against Newcastle, but even Liam Bridcutt has managed that. One game later he lunged into ex-Black Cat David Meyler and got sent off, and for the rest of the season he was a genuine liability, losing control of his limbs whenever a winger cruised past him. He was a dirty player and has the exact opposite effect to what was expected of him. Dossena left and was snapped up by Leyton Orient. That tells you everything you need to know.
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.
