By Julian Shea

Fielden is widely regarded as one of the best props in the world

If a club is prepared to break the world transfer record for a player, it is pretty clear they expect their money's worth.

When the player is Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden and the club is relegation-threatened Wigan, the burden of expectation is multiplied several times.

But Wigan legend Martin Offiah says his old club may just have found the man to get them out of the mire at the bottom of the Super League table.

Although the Warriors have not revealed just how much they have paid Bradford for the 26-year-old Fielden, it is thought to be more than the world record �440,000 they paid Widnes for Offiah in 1991.

RECORD TRANSFERS Stuart Fielden Bradford to Wigan 2006 �450,000 Martin Offiah Widnes to Wigan 1991 �440,000 Iestyn Harris Warrington to Leeds 1997 �325,000 Paul Sculthorpe Warrington to St Helens 1997 �300,000 Paul Newlove Bradford to St Helens 1995 �250,000 Gary Connolly St Helens to Wigan 1993 �250,000 Ellery Hanley Wigan to Leeds 1991 �250,000 Alan Hunte St Helens to Hull 1997 �250,000 Paul Newlove Featherstone to Bradford 1993 �245,000 Graham Steadman Featherstone to Castleford 1989 �170,000

"It's a gamble, but they've gone out and bought the best," Offiah told BBC Sport.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures, but a player like Stuart Fielden coming in is ideal for Wigan's current plight.

"One man can never make a whole team, but I think Wigan are more interested in the effect he'll have inspiring and leading the players on the pitch.

"He's a player who's managed to stay at the top of his game for a long time, he dominates other teams physically and he's remained injury-free."

Injuries, departures and backroom turmoil have conspired to put Wigan in the troubles they are in, facing relegation from the top flight.

But Offiah says the board's decision to dig deep for Fielden is a huge boost for fans.

"A lot of people have been critical of the lower league players who've come in," said the 39-year-old former winger.

"No disrespect, but normally when Wigan are in trouble they buy in world-class players.

"The fact they've spent so much now shows their commitment to the club."

They've got to treat every remaining game like it's a Test series decider against Australia

Coach Brian Noble's move from Bradford to Wigan had a bearing on Fielden's decision, as did the substantial pay rise.

And with Kris Radlinski coming out of retirement to help the fight against relegation, Offiah says the new additions could prove the difference between staying up and going down.

"Radlinski and Fielden are two huge shots in the arm," said Offiah. "Even an 80% fit Radlinski would be a great boost for any team."

Radlinski's comeback game ended with a 24-18 win over Catalans Dragons on Sunday - and Offiah says the much-needed victory could be a turning point in Wigan's season.

"I texted Kris before the game to wish him all the best, but told him to remember that there's a lot of life after retirement," said Offiah.

Winger Offiah was a key player for Wigan in their glory days

"As players, we don't have a lot of sense. We think our career is our life, but you have to realise there is life after rugby.

"The performance wasn't too impressive, but it's not about that, it's about results.

"They've got to treat every remaining game like it's a Test series decider against Australia."

Defeat against the Dragons could have all but ended Wigan's season.

Ironically, it is the French side's three-year exemption from relegation that has helped put Wigan in such a predicament.

"There's more interest at the bottom of Super League than at the top, even from people who don't follow rugby league," said Offiah.

"I left Wigan 10 years ago and I live in London, but every day I still get people asking me about the plight of the club.

"That shows you what a hold Wigan has on the psyche of British sporting culture.

"At the moment, though, it's about winning in any style necessary for Wigan - and bringing in Fielden is inspiring."