Earlier this week it was revealed that Premier League clubs are to enter into discussions aimed at closing future transfer windows before the first game of the season, and who can blame them?
I mean, what is the point in keeping the window open after the season has started? It essentially encourages madness. It’s like going food shopping on an empty stomach and just throwing all sorts of crap into your trolley: “Do I really need this £50million yellow-label Torres, and that overpriced Andy Carroll that’s out of date? Ah man, why not? Treat yerself!”
The EFL has also joined in with the debate and stated that they too believe the transfer window should be closed before the start of the season proper:
The EFL Board and its clubs have previously expressed the opinion that closing the summer transfer window in advance of the season commencing would be an improvement on the current position.
On this basis we will be tabling the matter for discussion with clubs in September. It will be important that all the consequences of such a decision are fully considered, as the requirements of our clubs are different to those in Europe's top flight leagues.
Oh well, maybe next year, eh?
Back to this transfer window, however, and Sunderland are still on the hunt for new recruits. Simon Grayson spoke this week about potential deals, and noted that Martin Bain is on the job:
We clicked very quickly and he understands what I am trying to do from the football point of view.
I understand the parameters I am working in from the financial point of view. We are working very hard together to make this club move in the right direction again. We are talking to clubs and to try and make things happen. That is really down to Martin, I am concentrating on the team and getting results.
We would like to sign a few players but it is not always that easy given there is always a lot of competition for players and other clubs are reluctant to let one or two players leave.
We’ve been linked with: Leadbitter, McCormack, Hughill, Raggett & Ayoub in recent days/weeks/months, but whether those links are genuine or not is still to be seen. The answer really is: who knows what’s going on right now? It seems like we’re playing the waiting game for any future signings... something we won’t be going next year.
In other club news academy manager Jim Sinclair has spoken out about what it means to come through the ranks at the club. Jim gave the standard sort of spiel about blooding youngsters in a competitive environment initially:
The expectation from every age is that the players show improvement throughout the season. The results aren’t critical but it is a good vehicle and a good barometer to gauge how you are doing.
Everyone likes to win games but the overriding aim throughout the season is to make sure these young players almost game on game get better. There needs to be a common focus and a common goal.
However, Sinclair did provide some stirring soundbites that will undoubtedly excite a few fans when he spoke about what the club must mean to the players:
There needs to be among the players a clear idea that a Sunderland player has a certain DNA.
Apart from anything else they need to give 100% and that has to be the first thing you have in your bag when you pull up into the car park. When you add ability, flexibility and creativity to your aspects you are getting towards the type of player you would acquire.
There needs to be an understanding that the jersey you are wearing is important and standing up to that.
Ooft, well said Jim! I’d like to imagine that behind the camera stands a half-cut Darron Gibson raising a pint of bitter to the wily old with a wink and a grin, “Gwan, Jimmy lad, get them telt! Maybe ye need a word with Lamine and Wahbi” Before stumbling away back to the changing rooms shouting obscenities at imaginary foes.