The January transfer window has been closed for just over two weeks. Some might say (we're
looking at you Chelsea fans) that it's too early to judge new recruits, others argue
you've got to hit the ground running when you switch clubs mid-season. Wherever you stand on the
matter, we've taken a quick glance at the impact made by January's key signings and found most
wanting.
The final day of the January transfer window unfolded unlike any other. There were twists and
turns aplenty – enough to satisfy the hunger of every footy fan. But the biggest surprises of
the day were the ones that didn't necessarily grab the headlines.
Where was Manchester City?
Recession? Don't make me choke on my meat pie. The English Premier League once again
proved that its love affair with splashing the cash has in no way waned since the market crashed
several years ago.
This season's January transfer window turned out to be one of the most lucrative in memory.
Sky sacked presenter Andy Gray following new evidence of his sexist behaviour
came to light. Gray and presenter Richard Keys were warned over their comments
about female referee Sian Massey before last Saturday's Wolves v
Liverpool match.
What do you get when you cross an eccentric, former footballer turned aspiring actor, with a
footy team whose glory years have long since been relegated to the history books? The return of
the New York Cosmos?
A new Frenchman has landed in the Big Apple and if past experience is anything to go by, he
intends to take the New York Cosmos to the top of the football ladder.
The English Manager is a dying breed. We've touched on this topic before. First, the English
Manager was kicked out of the Top Four. Then, the English Manager was kicked out of the England
squad. Now, the English Manager is getting kicked out of the Premier League.
The tide has turned.
Manchester City fans have one player to thank for keeping their side in the hunt for
this season's title, Carlos Tevez. Despite Sheikh Mansour recently splashing out
millions of pounds on promising players from around the globe, Carlos Tevez remains
City's jewel in the crown.
"Maybe one day I'll come back and play here, but I've always said it will only be for
Manchester United." Barely three weeks after declaring his allegiance to the Red
Devils, David Beckham is on the verge of proving himself to be one of the biggest
liars in football.
During the past two MLS offseasons, in order to maintain fitness for the following
LA Galaxy campaign, David Beckham has signed a short-term loan deal with AC
Milan.
Kenny Dalglish, the saviour of Liverpool Football Club, took charge as manager
for the second time on Sunday but will it last?
After only six months in charge at Anfield, much to the delight of the
Liverpool faithful, Roy Hodgson was dismissed on Saturday.
Kaka is back! Well... sort of. After a five-month layoff, he played his first 15
minutes of top-tier football last weekend against Getafe. It's too early to say whether
Kaka has completely recovered, but during that brief appearance he looked sharp, lean, and
hungry. We'll be able to make a more accurate assessment once he gets a full 90 minutes –
although right now, it's hard to see when that might happen.
After joining the likes of Serie A and La Liga, putting our feet up in front
of the telly and enjoying the mid-winter break, Footy Factor is back and looking forward
to another scintillating year of footy. Up next, who will be the first Premiership manager
in the New Year to get the chop?
