august 30th
12.25 – Arsene Wenger and David Dein have both slammed the new transfer window which means clubs have until tomorrow to sign new players before the window closes until January. I have to say I find it a bit confusing to be honest. It’s intended to bring the English league into line with the other European leagues, but surely it’s a restriction of trade under EU law? Players without a club after the transfer window closes are effectively being put out of work until clubs can sign players again. I imagine we’ll see somebody take this to the courts.
On the other hand, it does ensure that clubs will have to use their youth players rather than going out and buying somebody in times of need. So far this season we’ve seen Pennant, Aliadiere and Kolo Toure make the 16 man squad regularly and I haven’t heard a single Arsenal fan have anyting negative to say about that.
I know people have criticised Arsene Wenger for not giving youth a chance, but I don’t see where they’re coming from on that. If a player is good enough, AW will play him. Take Ashley Cole for example. He forcd his way into the first team ahead of Silvinho, who at that stage was playing well enough to be capped for Brazil in Roberto Carlos’ position. Anelka was only 17 when he made his debut, Vieira 19 when he went straight into the first team. What we’re now seeing is the fruits of the youth system that AW overhauled from the shambles he inherited from George Graham. Long may it continue.
The Sun has more on our new half-Finnish, half-Egyptian goalkeeper here, while Dennis Bergkamp stokes up the fires ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea here.
