Managers hit out over transfer rule changes

This season will see a radical change in the way some clubs conduct their signing business following the ending of “Emergency Temporary Transfers” in this country, writes Neil Robertson.

Previously, sides outwith the Premiership could bolster their squads even when the transfer windows were closed thanks to the system.

Now a FIFA directive will be enforced from the start of the next campaign cutting off that option.

Under the new rules, temporary transfers have to be completed in the windows with clubs allowed four in any window.

There is a slight dispensation for League 1 and 2 clubs, with the windows for temporary transfers extended by one month – until the last day of September and February respectively.

Emergency Temporary Transfers will, though, still be allowed in the case of a goalie where if approved by the SPFL Board, a club can sign a keeper for seven days at a time in exceptional circumstances.

FIFA believes the emergency loan system damaged the “sporting integrity” of leagues, with the world governing body also insisting the stability of professional football contracts became eroded by the flow of players between clubs in mid-season.

However, two managers in League 1 – Brechin’s Darren Dods and Montrose boss Stewart Petrie – admit the changes will have a big effect on them, especially if they are hit with long-term injuries next season.

Dods said: “The chances of bringing in emergency loans has now been limited so that may alter our signing business.

“We brought in two or three last season and depending on injuries it was also good to be able to bolster your squad in November or December but you can’t do that now.

“It will also affect the full-time sides who would often wait until deciding to send a player out on loan but they will have to make those decisions earlier now.

“It is not ideal but we will just have to get on with it.

“It might alter our thinking a bit in terms of signing business, for instance if a possible target can play more than one position.”

Petrie said: “It means you will have to do all your business in the windows. We will have to be organised and it should not have too big an effect on us as most of our squad are in place already.

“However, the big test will come if you suffer three or four bad injuries outwith the windows.

“We are already running with a smaller squad than last year so if you had a few lads sitting in the stand, then you will be stretched without the option now of bringing in reinforcements through the loan market.

“You already saw last season that some teams were struggling and could only field three or four subs in games.”

Picture: SNS Group. ‘Not ideal’: Darren Dods has his concerns.