I would have said Gary Collier, 325,000 in about 1979 and played 2 games....however 7 months later we sold him for 365,000 to some American team, so perhaps not such a disaster after all.
To an extent I'd maybe agree. But add to that we had 2 keepers with little to none experience, no defensive cover for when Reda inevitably got injured, constantly picking players/the same starting 11 regardless of how poor/well they were playing and absolutely NO plan B whatsoever. But yes, Joe Cole clearly cost us the play offs that season!
Firstly, you do realise you agreed with me in your first sentence right?
Secondly, I didn't say Joe Cole cost is the playoffs. I said the while experiment did. Should've spent the money on the other areas you mentioned but instead got star struck and tried to make a system around a bloke who's legs had gone.