He wasn't who Bobby wanted to sign. Freddie Shepard transfer, says as much in Bobby's book.
I agree with you regarding Butt however SBR did sign Bassedas, Cordone, Cort and Quinn(among others) as well so Beezeri's comment is pretty silly. Everyone makes mistakes, even the greats, SBR seemed to be over trusting his people like Wadsworth.
Bobbys book actually says that he wanted one of Sean Davis, Van Bommel, Carrick or Butt.
Shepherd wouldn't pay 2.5m for Carrick as he was out of contract in the summer and Dyer recommended Butt to Robson as he was 'a good passer'. Bobby was happy with the signing.
Jesus Christ. I thought he was just thick, but was Dyer actually going out of his way to destroy SBR?