AFR Answers: What did you make of the close to the January transfer window?
Something-Wonderful asked: Interesting last day of the transfer window, what did you make of it? I’m really surprised that the ‘biggest’ signings today were Robbie Keane and Adam Johnson… compared to the Spurs/Man City splash-outs last January. I’m surprisingly content as an Ipswich Town fan, David Healy could be a great replacement for Tamas Priskin :)
Short answer: This was one of the lamest transfer windows in modern football. That being said, I’m forever happy that Ancelotti kept his word to not make any transfers so we didn’t have to see run him around the pitch naked. Also, Ipswich should be happy to have the top-scorer of Euro 2008 Qualifying (yes, it was Northern Ireland striker David Healy who was the ‘most dangerous’ player in group qualifying) on its team. My friend and I always joke about the “Great David Healy”, but in all honesty I think he’ll tear up in Championship.
Long answer: Okay, in all seriousness, the news about all the fragility of finances at European football clubs (especially in England) has been the major theme throughout this transfer window. Which is unfortunate. Sure, Arsenal and Manchester United have money to blow, but many managers of the lesser sides were left with nearly nothing to do. While I could make a stupidly long analysis of Robbie Keane’s transfer to Celtic (even though Rangers are still going to win the SPL), I am going to give homage to the five managers that did the best over the January transfer window, with regards to what they had to work with of course. Here’s to a bit of creativity.
5. Harry Redknapp (Tottenham) - At this point in the season form and confidence mean everything. As Tottenham push for a top-four finish, Harry understands that with Robbie Keane’s current mindset at the club there was no way he could be as effective as Jermaine Defoe or Peter Crouch. But just in case something happens to either of Tottenham’s star strikers, Harry brought in experienced Eider Gudjohnsen from AS Monaco. With regained faith in David Bentley, Redknapp also shipped off fellow winger Giovani dos Santos to Galatasaray. Seeing that Ledley King will not cut it come the end of the season, Harry also did well to sign Younes Kaboul from Portsmouth for £5m.
4. Darren Ferguson (Preston North End) - It helps when you’ve got connections at the top. Fergie’s son got a little gift from dad over the transfer window as Preston welcome one of the most promising young English strikers, Danny Welbeck, to their side on loan. That transfer, for me, is a major coup for any Championship side to pull off.
3. Roy Hodgson (Fulham) - With Fulham’s best player this season, Clint Dempsey, out injured until April, Hodgson had to find an adequate replacement if Fulham were to have any success in the Europa League as well as the Premier League. Stefano Okaka is the technical player Fulham have been missing lately, and his amazing flick this past weekend to secure three points for Roma showed just what he is capable of. In addition to Okaka, Fulham also did well to bolster their defence with Aston Villa’s Nicky Shorey on loan. Shorey is an outsider for Capello’s World Cup, and will be motivated as ever to showcase his qualities for the Cottagers.
2. David Moyes (Everton) - Everton have been hurting this season with loads of injuries, and courage of David Moyes to sign Landon Donovan on a loan deal has already reaped its rewards. The energetic, quick, and motivated American has been winning over the Blues faithful since his stellar performance at the Emirates. Since Donovan has joined Moyes’ ranks, Everton have been climbing up the Premier League ladder like it’s nobody’s business. In addition to Donovan, the Everton gaffer did well to snatch Arsenal reserve Philippe Senderos at a bargain price. Senderos is no Joseph Yobo, but he is a quality Premier League defender when in form.
1. Owen Coyle (Bolton) - The new guy in charge was given much more to work with than he would have had with Burnley, and didn’t he make some wonderful acquisitions? Ultimately, Coyle’s goal is to avoid relegation, and I think he did enough over the transfer window to do just that. The headlines will focus on Coyle’s success in the race to sign Arsenal prodigy Jack Wilshere on loan, and rightfully so because he will be an immediate impact player for the Wanderers. However, the Bolton boss made two other excellent signings that are worth mentioning. One is the signing of American midfielder Stuart Holden, who is capable of producing moments of brilliant. Holden’s contract with MLS club Houston Dynamo was up, so he is a free transfer as well. While Holden may only be featured as a sub, Vladimir Weiss, who is joining Bolton on loan from Manchester City, could prove to be another exciting and influential player to watch at the Reebok.
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