The transfer game

[grafikhaus]

Seems appropriate at this time to revisit the madness that makes up football's transfer system. The madness being that a club's second-biggest asset, the players (the paying public are the biggest) can just be flogged for this criminal 'undisclosed fee' or add-ons that are fictional. The madness that means that a player who is purchased may not 'gel', may get injured, Christ might even get imprisoned.

But while most of us bemoan the sale of Matt, it's a bloody complex business and this flogging of the best players is by no means confined just to us. Man. United (Ronaldo, Tevez), Liverpool (arguably Torres), even our beloved neighbours will probably lose players pivotal in their promotion - Antonio, probably Ranger and, of course, Ben Marshall (although there is at last news of incoming developments at Hillsborough here - bloody link won't insert - here: http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~2821381,00.html) And what about Arsenal? Fabrigas and now probably RVP (although there's and excellent article from Des Kelly here).

It could well be that Matt finds the step-up to the PL too much. He may vanish without trace, such as Jordan Slew.

We're reaching another pivotal stage which may well define this season. If Maguire is allowed to go, it will definitely be like 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater' (as we did with the break-up of the 2009 Play-off team).

I also think it's time DW got tough with Williamson and McDonald as we can't be left hanging on until it's too late. Maybe he could take a leaf out of Graham Westley's book at Preston?

 

[Kev Gee]

I always think undisclosed gives the impression of brown paper envelopes under decks.
Its not right & UEFA needs to act.

 

[Come from away]

I remain surprised that such a 'public' business is allowed to keep fees undisclosed when it relies on the paying public to keep it in business and is supposedly keeping things open and honest. Oh the sad life of a happy clapper!

 

[Princess Annes Dog]

It could well be that Matt finds the step-up to the PL too much. He may vanish without trace, such as Jordan Slew.

Good point, and one that in the past would have meant something. As with most things in society now, nobody can wait if there's a chance of a quick buck. These overnight sensations don't learn their trade any more, it's one good game, one good season and the world's your oyster. Better off to sit in Villas reserves on a big salary for twelve months as opposed to getting some competetive games under your belt and learning your trade.

Wonder what some of these players think when they're out of the game at 25 because they weren't good enough for the big league but have too much cash and are too comfortable to ply their trade at a lower level. Never thought football would be "just a job" to so many players but it seems that's the way it's going more and more nowadays. Way too much money available for way too many average players.