THE much maligned transfer window again recently courted controversy as pundits continue to question the policy. That debate is likely to rumble on until the winter window reopens at the beginning of January. But surely any of the big wigs at Fifa and beyond who have been charged with the task of tweaking the system only need watch Sky Sports presenter Jim White in action to realise it has to continue. In fact he’s now so infamous for his over-excitable transfer deadline day reporting he’s earned the dubious nickname of Jim “Deadline Day” White. The Scotsman seems to live for that final day of action as he shouts, screams and even stutters his way through those last gasp transfers.
White, renowned for his one time blossoming bromance with Rangers winger Brian Laudrup, is certainly an excitable chap. However, ‘Laudo’ has quickly been replaced with a new White favourite Harry Redknapp. The wheeler dealer cockney is another legendary figure on deadline day as he always attempts to pull off last minute moves.
But old ‘Arry was left in the signing stakes shade by his London rival Arsene Wenger.
The English Premier League’s answer to Mr Bean was forced to go on something of a late recruitment drive in the wake of Arsenal’s shock 8-2 defeat away at Manchester United. Wenger seemed certain to resist calls to dip into the Gunners’ considerable transfer kitty until that Manchester mauling. He had been ignoring calls to invest in his squad despite several high profile departures. The Frenchman looked content to continue with his policy of developing young talent before selling them on at a profit in later years.
However, the Arsenal faithful wanted transfer action forcing Wenger into action.
When the window slammed shut again Arsenal had borrowed Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea and coaxed Mikel Arteta away from Everton. They were also able to confirm the signings of Park Chu-young (striker) from Monaco, André Santos (attacking left-back) from Fenerbahce and Per Mertesacker (centre-back) from Werder Bremen
If the window was to be scrapped in favour of return to the old system we wouldn’t have been able to watch on from afar as Wenger scrapped around looking for ways to save his season. In fact without the window we’d be bereft of some of the most amusing late deals that suddenly get forced through to satisfy the demands of the fans. But even with a new breed of reinforcements it’s still highly unlikely Arsenal will be in the running for the title come the end of the season.
If the window was to slam shut for the very last time it could also jeopardise Jim White’s job and we wouldn’t want to miss out on him on our television screens.
