It was on the radio that the English leagues have agreed to join in the continental sides in having two transfer windows per year. One post season up to 31 August, the second from Jan 1 to Jan 31. No others allowed.

The English didn't want to be in it but were concerned the domestic market would get over heated if they stayed out.

What will the Sunday papers have to make up now if they can't make up transfer stories ?

And won't there be some pressure on come 30th August if you haven't managed to sign your big name player ?

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

Answers

Appropriating players

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

It makes a lot of sense really, as there are so many big players moving between countries.

However, I'd have to question the decision when it comes to the smaller clubs, who often buy from each other in England and don't require any transfer windows as such.

Maybe a rule for domestic players that is different to that for the rest would be good, but obviously that goes against European Law, equality and all that stuff.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

Can't this new rule also be challenged under european law as it now restricts players from changing jobs whenever they want? Dougs?

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

It means you're stuffed if you pick up injuries and need to buy players at the 'wrong time'.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

It doesn't prevent them from changing jobs, we would just have to make sure that the football labour market has different transfer windows to the bin man labour market.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2001

That never effected Neville Southall

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001