He may be old, he may not be a big name signing but this is a player who has played almost 200 games and scored 50 goals in the league.
1. Its not like we already have enough and better options
2. This attitude is only good enough if we maintain this stance of being strong and tough negotiator in the transfer market. See Carroll, Adam, Spearing deals.
3. Targets were different. Of cos, we were also fighting to be in top 4 but ultimately, the aim was to make the next step up and challenge for honors. Now, we're taking baby steps to CL qualificaton first. Besides, the strength in depth of the squad is quite different.