Hasselbaink says departures more likely than arrivals in the next week
SQUAD WAS ‘WAY TOO BIG’ AND SOME PLAYERS ‘JUST NOT IN THE PLANS’, BURTON BOSS ADMITS
THE focus will largely be on moving a few more players out for the remainder of the January transfer window, says Burton Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
He does not rule out more arrivals but thinks they are now more likely in the last week of the window.
Although the Brewers have been operating with a bigger squad than for many years, Hasselbaink says he is not under budgetary pressure to reduce numbers.
“We are concentrating on a few others going out,” said the Dutchman.
“There is no budgetary pressure but I want to keep the harmony in the squad.
“Some people have not played for a while. They want to play football and I can’t keep them happy.
“We don’t want individuals to get – annoyed is not the word – agitated or desperate.
“The atmosphere and harmony in the squad is one of the most important things. Forget about the talent and all that kind of stuff, the feeling in the group is very important and we need to have it right.
“Some players are just not in the plans and they are the ones I’m willing to let go, it’s as simple as that.
“We started the season with a really big squad, way too big, but that was because of big injuries at the wrong time.
“It was very difficult to manage at times and I think it was too much. That’s why we are letting a few go and not bringing too many in.
“There is some interest and I think we will see a couple more going out next week. Talks are ongoing.”
But then, if someone is available who Hasselbaink really likes the look of, he will act.
He added: “We’re always looking to improve, though, and if something comes up, I’ll be the first one to knock on the chairman’s door and say ‘we need to do this.’ It might happen in the last week of the window.”
One thing the manager still expects to get finalised in the next few days is a contract for centre-half Sam Hughes, who was on loan for the first half of the season while completing rehab after his cruciate ligament injury.
Later in the window, a loan return for Harry Chapman, who has returned to Blackburn Rovers after his initial loan expired, remains a possibility.
“Blackburn are open to it, we are looking at it. We are looking at details and we have time to do those things,” said Hasselbaink.