Jordan McCarthy argues that the timing of Transfer Deadline Day is totally wrong and that a major change is needed.
Everybody in football wants the timing of transfer deadline day to be changed. That was made clear by former Stoke boss Tony Pulis on Monday’s BBC 5 live transfer special. This was later backed by former Tottenham, Charlton and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
The wheeling and dealing of clubs at the last-minute seems to capture the imagination of football fans. Whether it is the annual Harry Redknapp interview from his car window or Jim White ‘giving it socks’ on Sky Sports, transfer deadline day throws up scenes of both exhilaration and farce in equal measure.
One simply cannot beat the sheer excitement of deadline day. However, this year gave further evidence that amending the deadline date itself is a must.
The main problem is that the season has already started. Clubs have played no fewer than 3 games and uncertainty still looms over player’s futures. Managers are desperately trying to prepare their squad for games and no doubt have one eye (or ear) on the transfer market.
It must be very disruptive to club preparations. Take for instance the Rooney situation. Alright, the England international is staying put for now. However, it was a long summer of speculation about a move away from Old Trafford for the striker.
Fans were unsure as to whether Rooney was going to remain in Manchester or opt for a move elsewhere. It was a similar story with Luis Suarez at Liverpool and Gareth Bale at Tottenham. The media circus surrounding these deals, or proposed moves, no doubt made things very difficult for their respective clubs.
With that, panic buys have become synonymous with the closing day of business. Many clubs have made rash decisions to bring in a player at the final hour.
Both Ozil and Fellaini were undoubtedly panic buys. They are likely to improve their respective teams’ squads but Arsenal and United have paid over-the-top prices. One would expect that, if United and Arsenal did their business earlier in the season, then they would have got better value.
Look at Man City for instance. They did the majority of their business early in the summer. That group of players has had a significant amount of time to bond and get used to their new surroundings at the Etihad. It has to be an advantage over deals which are rushed.
Of course, deals have also fallen through at the cut-off point. A player is then expected to settle back into playing for the club he wished to depart. With regards to this, managers and chief executives have to carry some of the blame and not just the FA. Some simply leave it too late to carry out transfers.
Admittedly, changing the deadline to an earlier date may not alter the scenario. However, it can only help. If the deadline were moved to say, July 31st, then Premier League clubs would have their squads finalised well before the opening games. Managers can then immediately focus on what they have got and avoid transfer speculation, albeit until January.
All in all, an earlier deadline date for transfers would allow a less interrupted preparation for managers.
Transfer Deadline day is a big part of the football season. Nevertheless, an earlier date can only benefit players, managers and chief executives alike. For now, clubs can concentrate on matters on the pitch. Come January, though, the chaos will resume. For those of you who cannot wait until then, an emergency loan window for Football League clubs opens next week!
Sport Is Everything. Jordan McCarthy.