As we were...

So, another transfer window comes and goes without any movement - at least we did not see anyone else leave, apart from a loan extended for someone who now seems 'surplus to requirements' with the club?

Although lets face it, few, realistically, expected much activity yesterday, right?

Even if we could have brought in several players on loan what really would have been the benefit?

What we have to remember is you are limited to the number of loanees that can be involved in a match day squad anyway, so more than one would have been a fruitless exercise really, as we would have been left with loanees sat on the sidelines kicking their heels...

That said, as much as I, and others, keep saying 'we should not expect, or want, much transfer activity', I must confess I am a little disappointed, maybe even a touch surprised that no one at all arrived on loan.

The indications given were that this would happen, then again indications of what could happen, and what actually do, often varies with this club anyway, as we have often found out!

For me a loanee, in the right area, would have made so much difference to seeing us through until January, when we could then see what really does happen next. As it is we make do, as we have so often for the past 12-18-months or so.

So, what we have now is what we will have for the next 5-weeks or so, at least. We knuckle down and get on with it.

Something that I would REALLY like Steve Cotterill to start doing now, and I really cannot see the harm in doing this, is trying to introduce some younger players into the squad.

I know this is not something he is keen on, but I cannot stress the importance that our own players coming through 'should' be meaning to this club in the years ahead. In many ways we are not going to be left with many other options but to do this!

He would not have to start the player, or even necessarily use them but the experience that could be gained by being, and feeling, part of the 1st team squad could be invaluable.

So, what harm would this do?

If the player made it onto them bench, if for no other reason but to 'make up the numbers' so be it? If by some chance they happened to get onto the field of play, for whatever reason, you never know, this could work out very nicely...

Allowing a younger player, and this could even be rotated, to be a part of the match day squad set-up could, for me, stand them in good stead for the future and give them a taste of what to expect, which 'could' make them even hungrier to succeed so they will put in twice as much effort to get to where they want to be, which for any footballer is in the 1st team squad, matchday 18 and then starting 11.

Anyway, onwards and (hopefully) upwards it is. It would have been nice to bring in a loanee, but we did not so we just get on with it!

PLAY UP POMPEY!

Click here to make your prediction: Swansea v Pompey.