‘Deadline Day’ – Transfer Window Spreads Hysteria Among Fans

Article by John Murwill

If judged by the reactions in the media and on various social networking sites, Monday night signalled not the close of what has seemed a tiring and somewhat prolonged transfer window, but the final chance for clubs to alter their fate for the season before it became confirmed irreversibly at 11pm.

Amongst the hysteria, euphoria and misery of both supporters and journalists, you’d be forgiven for thinking that clubs’ fortunes and final positions had been sealed beyond doubt with a final sentence of Jim White melodrama. For when the clock hit 11 and the transfer window closed, the curious spell that seems to envelop supporters during the off season became more visible than ever.

Arsenal fans who had only 48 hours before been angrily venting about their clubs hesitancy and lack of ambition, were propelled into an atmosphere of optimism and expectation following their capture of Mesut Ozil for a club record fee. Simultaneously, Spurs fans who had been previously carried away on a wave of excitement following seven signings were inexplicably plunged into the depths of despair, not only by Arsenal’s classy capture, but by Tottenham’s audacity to conclude all of their business before the frenzy of ‘Deadline Day’. And that goes without mentioning Manchester United, whose inactivity obviously meant that a title-winning squad the season before would now fail to make the top four.

 

This is not to dismiss the undoubted importance that signings and the statements of intent that they signal can have, or to ignore the significance clubs’ failing to address frailties in their squad.

 

Following on a rising wave of momentum following qualification to the Champions’ League group stages and victory in the North London Derby, the acquisition of Ozil sent a statement of intent and defiance from Arsene Wenger, in the face of huge pressure. Equally, with Gareth Bale’s departure threatening to overshadow proceedings at Spurs, the signing of players such as Erik Lamela and Paulinho represent potential coups for the club. Everton bought and loaned players shrewdly, with Romelu Lukaku a particularly impressive recruit. And while retaining an irresistible strike force, Manchester United’s failure to add a more creative force in their midfield is undoubtedly a potential cause for concern.

 

However, while the transfer window is a significant opening for clubs throughout the league to strengthen or chance their squad, the hysteria and hype surrounding its conclusion threaten to leave a slightly unbalanced view of the state of the Premier League. Now that the chaos of ‘Deadline Day’ is over, perhaps rumour and gossip can take a backseat to stories focused on football games. Competition at the bottom and the top of the Premier League will prove to be fierce. It’s with a sigh of relief that fans can look forward to battles taking place on football grounds, rather than the yellow news bar of Sky Sports.



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