Hyppia, Hamman, Smicer, Barmby, Heskey and McAllister were very good signings at the time. Cisse might have been good had he not broke his leg and then fallen out with Benitez. Obviously Cheyrou was shit and Diouf was not a success but I'm sure if you compare this list with players who we have signed during this same period then there would be a whole lot more rubbish that signed for Villa.