Failed signings Nugent, Ameobi and Healy were regarded as higher calibre players, especially given that Stead was currently fourth choice striker at Bramall Lane at the time of departure.
If he reproduces what he did at Huddersfield, which earned him his £1.4 million price tag, then Town may have picked up a bargain. However his other former clubs, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and most recently Sheffield United have not seen him justify this.
While the feelings on the signing have been mixed, it will no doubt give Town some extra competition up front, which is much needed.
Lisbie and Counago are the only two strikers that are regarded as first team players, with former striker Alan Lee joining Crystal Palace.
Jon Walters and Danny Haynes are now used in wide roles, which saw Jon earn himself the player of the season award last season.
Jordan Rhodes still has a while to go before he will be a hit in the Championship and fellow striker Dean Bowditch has not been involved at all this season.
Billy Clarke, another striker on Town's books, is out on loan to Darlington, who he managed to score four goals for last weekend in their crushing 6 - 0 victory over Macclesfield.
Jim has the option to secure Jon's services in January on a permanent basis, after a fee believed to be around the £600,000 mark has been agreed between the Blades and Town.
Although not regarded as a target man, Stead can comfortably play this role as he has shown in the past.
Jim is confident Stead's arrival will give Town something different upfront.
Jim told the club site: "Jon will bring some extra qualities to our squad and we are delighted to have him with us."
"He has played and scored goals at Premier League level and I'm sure if we give him the ammunition, he will score goals for us."
"Jon coming in will add to the competition for places in attack and we need that all over the park if we are to progress."
The 25 year old is now set for his debut against Reading, a week on Saturday.