I think your order is flawed for various reasons. For one, you're comparing apples to oranges. Dougie did a brilliant job in the transfer market, yes, but the low spending is a reflection of the fact that we were a Championship club with a limited budget. That's not to deny he found some real quality that lasted into the Premiership, but selling clubs were not able to hold us to ransom at that time. Nevertheless, I agree he's at or close to the top of the list.

Allardyce in 6th of 7 is risible. He bought three players and every single one of them made a lasting, impactful contribution to the club. Whether you think PVA and Luka (and to a lesser extent Schlupp) are the second coming or not is neither here nor there. BFS spent money bringing players who demonstrably made us better and helped keep us where we are. If that ranks him second bottom of the table then you're on another planet.

Pulis is similar to Sam. Three of his five signings had major impacts. Hennessey, over a long period, did an acceptable job as reserve keeper. Even Campbell, who was cheap, contributed something in his short time at Palace.

Warnock, in contrast, who you have in fourth, had a hit rate of one in four. James McArthur has been one of our best signings ever. The other three, meh. You think that's doing better than Sam? Really?

Ditto Roy. He brought in twelve players by your list. Guaita, Kouyate, and Eze have been successes; maybe Cahill for two seasons as well. A success rate of 25% hardly qualifies him as better than Sam.

And Pardew was disastrous. Yes, bringing back Wilf (down to Parish, not Pardew) was a masterstroke for which Alan should get almost no credit and Cabaye was a success, although his time here was relatively short. The rest? Except Townsend and Tomkins (arguably his best two actual signings), a lot of dross. Fourteen players and two or three hits.

I'd say that Allardyce and Pulis were our best two managers in the transfer market because neither of them ever missed when spending money. Dougie was sensational in the transfer market without a budget, at identifying raw potential at a time when that is the sort of manager we needed. Holloway, Roy, and for the most part Warnock and Pardew were the sort of managers who owners are reluctant to fund because they have every reason not to trust their judgment. They lag a long way behind the top three.

Edited by sydtheeagle (25 Dec 2021 8.33pm)

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

I also think NW 4,5m for his buys where better than SA 34m for his 3 buys, but it is all about opinions

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Thanks, i thought it was after Pulis walked.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Did we sign McArthur twice?

Sakho's loan deal was made permanent BEFORE Hodgson became our manager, i.e. whilst FdB was still here. He was loaned during Big Sam's tenure.