We aren't just talking about the 97/98 season, he was pretty ineffective after he joined us. I'm also of the opinion like quite a few were at the time his signing destabilised the side as well in 95/96.
Why do people keep mentioning getting Dubs wages off the book would be a massive benefit? He's still on a contract from the Ashley era, he'll be one of the poorest paid in the team. It'll make very little difference.