LOOPHOLE DOES US A FAVOUR
TRANMERE Rovers boss Micky Mellon reckons National League clubs are being helped by a controversial change to the transfer system in England, writes MATTHEW JONES.
Until last summer, clubs in the Football League were able to make loan signings throughout most of the season, even when the window was closed.
But FIFA scrapped the loophole in 2016, meaning players have to stick with their club until January, unless they want to move lower down the pyramid.
Non- League teams, however, are not bound by such transfer regulations and Mellon reckons it should make things easier for National League sides when it comes to trying to add to their squad.
“We’re actually the highest league they can come to, so we enjoy that the transfer window’s shut,” Mellon said. “It opens up opportunities to us for players who we might not have been high in the pecking order for.
“Of course, you can’t take Premier League players now, so you go from the Championship down. But those players are available to us.”
So far, Rovers have brought in two players on temporary deals, with Dylan Mottley-Henry and Gerry McDonagh arriving on month long loan deals from Barnsley and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The former in particular has made a huge impression on the Prenton Park faithful, starting their last four matches and grabbing an assist on his debut against Leyton Orient.
Mellon remains keen on adding to his squad before the transfer window opens again in January, but has come across one snag in that players can not be forced to sign, even if they are not getting any football elsewhere.
“They’ve still got to want to come,” he continued. “It’s called Non-League, so it doesn’t sound very appetising to a League player for a start.
“I’d like to think that people understand about Tranmere and what a good club it is. With the facilities, the fanbase and the ambition, I hope that we will be at the front of the queue if players at that level become available.”