Don't recall seeing much feedback on our forum about the fact (as bemoaned by Pardew, amongst others) that the season is 3, 4 or 5 games in before the window shuts. Many believe it should close before the season kicks off - although the Prem is two weeks later than the three leagues in that respect? (another spanner in the works of getting this issue sorted!) On the plus side, it enables us to sign cover for E Benno and his long term ligament injury, (I don't think we'd qualify for an "emergency loan" as he's an outfield player and we have others who can / could deputise in his position) but on the opposite side, Yohan Cabaye refused to play for Newcastle last week after being 'unsettled' (or fancying the idea ) by a bid from Arsenal. In my view, if you have a guy on £30k - £ludicrous amounts of k per week, you, as their manager should be able (and all the fans, too) to count on 100% commitment while they're under contract. Still, I'm sure it'll all be sorted within a decade - if the goal line technology debate is to be used as a marker What do others on here think?
i think it should shut before the season starts, just open it up 2 weeks early say mid-June to mid-Aug, that's plenty of time. Injuries are going to happen and it's bad luck if you get an e benno situation straight after first game. a squad of 25 has to cover for situations like that.
Me too! On the Cabaye situation, this seems to be happening more and more. Surely if they are under contract, they are breaking it by refusing to play? Whilst no-one wants to keep an unhappy player, that's no way to go about engineering a transfer. I wouldn't want anyone with that attitude at my club either.
gandy, it's too much player power again. Bale seems to be doing it as well. we also have martinez who was moaning about the window
I'm sure any player who is eyeing up / fancies a move will have their head turned by this. Even if it is just the tabloid rumour mill, if they think there's something in it, how can they focus 100% on their current parent club knowing they may not be there next week or that they may soon be able to upgrade their range rover to a Maserati? Get Blatter on it and get it sorted. The squad that starts the season on Aug 17th or whenever should be the squad you use until the January window opens
I would agree with that, open it two weeks earlier and shut it before the season starts. Keep the loan window open as usual, which will allow clubs to cover injuries.
Yes agree totally Cromer and would go further and not have the January farce either. I think a player should be guaranteed to be aprt of their club for the whole season. If say The Wolf really fires for us he is a possible target in January for one of the top 6 who have fallen short of expectations. That potential situation is sickening and could have happened to Swansea last year with Michu.
Considering most deals are done outside of the window and it's just the paperwork that cannot be processed until the window opens, why not have a 2 week window at the end of the season ? You then go with what you've got and NO January window, would help to create a more even playing field IMO. If the bigger clubs sustain a glut of injuries, they are then unable to buy themselves out of trouble come January and PERHAPS a lest fashionable team could make the Europa or even Champions League ? But that would upset the status quo wouldn't it?
I think you answered your own question there, they don't want the least fashionable teams to do well!
