Ex-£8m After Rangers’ transfer, Leeds United and Chelsea striker ‘wasn’t bothered’ about Sunderland.
Following his £8 million move from Rangers to Sunderland, the striker became a high-profile transfer disaster.
Sir Bob Murray, the former chairman and owner of Sunderland, has spoken out against the 2002 purchase of Tore Andre Flo from Rangers to the Black Cats.
Rangers traded the striker to Sunderland on transfer deadline day at the start of the 2002-03 season for around £8.2 million, with Marcus Stewart also joining the Wearsiders under then-manager Peter Reid.
Reid was under fire during pre-season for failing to sign a big-name striker to replace the aging Niall Quinn, and he turned to Flo as a solution to Sunderland’s striking problem, but the deal fell through.
Flo appeared in 29 league appearances for Sunderland, scoring four goals before Reid was fired and replaced by Howard Wilkinson and subsequently Mick McCarthy during the club’s dismal relegation season.
“We started the season with a win somewhere.” Leeds, for example. Then, right before the deadline, Peter (Reid) wanted (Marcus) Stewart, an established player, and (Tore Andre) Flo. “Two proven frontmen,” previous chairman Murray said of Flo’s move to Sunderland.
“Flo was a fantastic value, and he didn’t want to be here.” It was clear that he didn’t want to be here. He had left and had no desire to return. He had been at Chelsea and Rangers and he was at the end of his career.
“The body language, everything, everything.” He was a fortune, and so were his salary. He was unconcerned. I called my friend David Murray, whom I’ve known for a long time at Rangers, and he sold him to me.
“I called him and said, ‘How dare you sell me that plank for £8million.'” And he added, ‘Bob, I paid £13million for him.’ Clearly, it was a poor season.”
After the Black Cats were relegated, Flo moved to Serie A, where he later played for Leeds United and MK Dons.
I’d Do It All Again, Sir Bob Murray’s new tell-all book, is now available for £20 at www.sirbobmurraybook.com or in the Beacon of Light and SAFC stores. The Foundation of Light receives all earnings.
