"On the subject of big Sam, unlike some on here I've always liked him, I don't think we could afford him even though I think he could do a job for us."
There are quite a few "on here" who seemingly don't like anybody, so that shouldn't be a reason to ignore Sam, or any other unfashionable alternative. He is unfashionable, and not everyone;s cup of tea.
I quite like Sam, he's old school, probably not even computer literate, but he knows his way around the P.L.
As regards being able to afford him, That surely can;t be the overriding reason, since there is a fortune to be lost if relegation actually takes place.