After a difficult period in Glasgow, the striker joined the Black Cats on transfer deadline day at the start of the 2002/03 season.
Flo scored only four goals that season as Sunderland were relegated, and the ex-Premier League boss expressed his displeasure with the transfer and described a chat he had with then-Ibrox chairman David Murray.
“We started the season with a win somewhere.” Leeds, for example. Then, shortly before the deadline, Peter (Reid) wanted (Marcus) Stewart, an established player, and Flo. “Two proven frontmen,” previous chairman Murray said of Flo’s move to Sunderland.
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“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.
“We started the season with a win somewhere.” Leeds, for example. Then, shortly before the deadline, Peter (Reid) wanted (Marcus) Stewart, an established player, and Flo. “Two proven frontmen,” previous chairman Murray said of Flo’s move to Sunderland.
“He’d played for Chelsea and Rangers and was nearing the end of his career.” We had begun the season with a win there. Leeds, for example.
Everything, even the body language. 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.”
