Transfer Talk

Finally, the transfer window is starting close - making squeaky noises of high activity as it slowly shuts. In principle I like it, prefer it to having transfers happening all the time. Sometimes I even ponder the interesting sporting challenge if transfers where only allowed once a year, in the summer. Regardless of what happened in terms of injuries or in-fighting a manager would have to make do with his squad. This, of course, is an experiment currently being conducted with some success at Newcastle United, who have only made a loan deal for a defender so far - despite the fact that the amount of players out for injury at the moment would fill a small hospital. Anyway, it's probably not practical as a rule...

What is, however, driving me to a brink of exasperation usually reserved for, say, playing Arsenal away, is transfer rumours. And the amount of space they are allowed to occupy in the papers. Because I still read everything, only to realise after a long piece that it hasn't actually supplied me with any actual information. I have to read, with mounting terror, that Mourinho may have an interest in Aaron Lennon only to next day find out that thankfully our wonder of wonders has signed a new contract with the club. Being a football fan is enough of an emotional rollercoaster without this sort of crap as well!

Our actual transfers have been as few as the situation has merited, really. At the game against Southend on Saturday a fan in the pub said - as we were watching an elegant move by Ricardo Rocha - 'anyone missing Davenport?'. And I suppose it's fair to say that we sort of didn't. After the recent developments in midfield, and the depths and variations in the squad, perhaps we haven't missed Davids as much as we could have either. The legend is going back to where he began as a legend and will hopefully get more work to do than we could provide him with.

So, Rocha in; Davenport and Davids out. Welcoming Ricardo does not seem to pose an obstacle, he seems just the thing - especially while Ledley is struggling with his foot. But even if we technically won't miss our dear departed much I will still miss them a little bit. As one has to do.

All transfers (so far, there are a few hours left of the window...)
Ricardo Rocha in from Benfica
Adel Taarabt in from RC Lens
Ben Alnwick in from Sunderland

Edgar Davids out to Ajax
Calum Davenport out to West Ham
Marton Fulop out to Sunderland