Transfer window proposed
THE North of England League, which runs five men's divisions,
could soon be operating under tight transfer restrictions
to prevent players from being poached.
Concerns have been raised by a number of clubs that players
are being enticed to join bigger clubs, resulting in a distinct
split in power, especially in the Premier Division.
Last season Thomas Gallagher and the Beadle brothers, Matt
and John, left Cheadle Hulme to join Heaton Mersey.
Mersey won the Premier Division while Cheadle Hulme were
forced to withdraw from the top flight and play in Division
Two.
This season Cheadle Hulme have failed to fulfil any of their
four A team fixtures because of a lack of players.
"You can never stop players transferring, but these
type of transfers are weakening clubs – and sometimes
they happen just before the season starts, not allowing much
time, or any time to find replacements," said a North
of England League insider.
Proposals were raised at this month's North of England League
Open Forum meeting for a new transfer window to be introduced
between March 1 and June 30.
Currently players can move on at any time they want. If the
North of England League agree on a new transfer window it
is hoped the poaching which takes place at England camps and
during the summer break would stop.
This season England youngsters Sam Davidson and James Shaw
left Poynton to join Mellor. The pair played for Poynton as
juniors.
"It was a hard decision to leave, but me and James both
want to be successful and win trophies," said Davidson.
"It was a really hard decision but maybe one day we will
go back to Poynton."
The proposal for a new transfer window will be discussed
at the next North of England League Open Forum, on Dec 9.
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