Like many people, I'm not a fan of the transfer window and the circumstances surrounding a last minute deal we concluded seconds before yesterday's 6pm deadline have certainly re-enforced my view on the subject.
I agree that allowing clubs to sign players towards the end of the season would be wrong but surely we should put an end to the madness that is the current system. I fear any proposed changes will sit a fair way down FIFA's "things to do" list just below that of introducing goal line technology.
In general, transfer activity in Europe over the summer has been relatively quiet. In the UK, clubs have spent around 25% less than the same time last year and spend has been at its lowest for four years. A sign of the times!l
It's been interesting to see how Premier League clubs have managed their activity around the new 25 man squad ruling and actually most clubs have submitted squad lists with two or three players fewer than the permitted allocation.
It remains to be seen how much the changes will affect clubs at both ends of the table and how many younger English players will actually benefit as a direct result.
Interestingly, in a year that Manchester City have gone spend crazy with almost a third of UK transfer fees leaving Sheik Mansour's bank account, Sir Alex has been very quiet in the market and it will be fascinating to see how they both fare.
It's an exciting and important year for many of our younger players and I'm looking forward to watching them develop further this season. We have some tremendously talented young players at ISM and it's very satisfying to see these lads progress and start to fulfil their potential.
Whilst some overseas transfer windows are yet to close and we will no doubt also be working on loan and out of contract players, it will be nice to get back to watching our guys perform again and I wish them all well for the season ahead.
A special mention to Fernando Amorebieta for whom I have great respect. Not only did he knock back a huge financial offer to play in Russia with a Champions League club this summer in preference to remaining at a higher level of football in La Liga, but he has also turned down the chance to represent Venezuela in preference to backing himself to win a place in the Spanish national team. I'm sure when fully fit, it's only a matter of time before he gets the nod and makes his debut for the World Champions!
I would also like to wish Ian Holloway a successful year. Ian is one of the game's great characters that will bring a refreshing honesty to the Premier League this season and it's been a pleasure to work with him of late. He knows how the game should be played and regardless of how they finish in the table, I know his team will entertain us all year.
I can't see past Manchester United or Chelsea for the title this year and it may sound pathetically patriotic of me but I honestly think it will be one of the aforementioned or Arsenal that will take the Champions League crown at Wembley in May.
Enjoy the season ahead...