IT is that time of year when you hear every manager moan about the January transfer window - it's easy to understand why.
Every day brings a different name. Whether it is Sunderland, Newcastle or Middlesbrough, there are new names being touted around to consider, thrown out or signed.
"The agents create this scenario. I’d love to know how many players I’ve been linked with," said Steve Bruce this morning, sitting at the Academy of Light. "I think it’s about 100 since I’ve been here."
It's not just Bruce, it's the same for Gordon Strachan, Chris Hughton, Carlo Ancelotti, Chris Turner or Steve Staunton. Every day brings a different phone call(s).
But at least the managers know which direction they are going to turn, they either want them or they don't.
They should try being a journalist for a day or two during January as well.
Many of the names being touted around by agents tend to have been mentioned to us too. The difference, though, is that we have then got to check out the viability.
And because the transfer window is open for just a month, it means the frenzy is condensed into a short period of time when all agents are trying to do deals for their unsettled players.
Do that over the course of a year instead and it would be far easier, more sensible for the players, managers and, most importantly, the journalists.
Shortly after posting this blog Boro are likely to have confirmed four new signings, Sunderland are looking to add at least two new faces before February 1.
Newcastle are trying to secure Jermaine Beckford, and a defender, and the wait goes on, and on, and on.
As we all wait, the phone calls continue. I agree with Steve Bruce, let's scrap the transfer window and have a free-for-all all year round.
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