ANDY GRAY Column: Window pains

THE transfer window slams shut this week and people will be asking whether it has been a success or whether it should be scrapped.

There are arguments for both. Leeds are a clear example of how it can force a club that is in the financial mire into panic-selling.

Leeds have to get some big money in quickly and they have just one month to do it. That means they are under considerable pressure and explains why they appear to be willing to sell everyone and anyone as quickly as possible.

On the other hand, the fact that big teams have not been able to go out and splash the cash when they feel like it is a good thing.

Barring any last-minute buys this week there has not been any significant action from Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool.

That for me is a welcome step, and it has definitely helped the likes of John O'Shea at United and Wayne Rooney at Everton.

Some might argue that the transfer window penalises the smaller clubs who rely on selling their best players, but I would give the system one more year and then decide if it is worth keeping.

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