Terry Blasts Transfer Window As Nonsense

Last updated : 14 June 2005 By Stray Shots Team
The decision to implement a League-style transfer window for the Conference National was announced after Saturday's AGM. Although final details have yet to be confirmed, managers will now not be able to go out on a mid-season swoop.

Under the new plans, clubs will be unable to sign players between August and December, with the window opening again in January.

This would mean the end of bringing in players mid-season as Brown did last season when he signed influential defender Darren Barnard. It would also see the end of "dream moves" such as Adam Miller's switch to QPR in November.

He told the Aldershot News, "If clubs have to get everybody on board by the end of August then it's going to suit the bigger clubs. I can't complain too much, as we are one of the bigger clubs but for smaller clubs, how can it benefit them as it means they will have to employ more players.

"I think it's absolute nonsense, I know why they're doing it, they want the Conference to be in line with the League so that when clubs earn promotion there's little difference between the sides.

“They want to be able to say that there's no difference between us and the Football League, but no-one has shown me what good this will do.”

The move means Brown's plan to start the season with a squad of between 16 and 18 players may now have to be increased to 20-22 players, and he may also be forced to rely on loans.

"I understand the thinking of it from the Conference in that any excuse the Football League has to say we're not the same as them, they will use. But for the FA and everybody else who does this benefit? I have yet to see anybody come forward and say 'this will benefit us'.

"I will now have to look at bringing in more players because I can't afford to have players injured during the season, to cover your backside you've really got to have 22 players which is more than I had planned. If they leave the loans rules alone that would help greatly but the rules on this isn't clear yet either," fumed Brown.

With thanks to the Aldershot News.