Marie Partner believes the introduction of transfer windows will cause havoc in the Football League.

The Colchester United chief executive will have to operate the club under rules which at present only affect the Premiership. Clubs in the top flight cannot buy or loan players outside of a designated period in the summer and winter.

The system was brought in by football's world governing body FIFA in 2001. The Football League has opted out until now, but this summer the 71 other clubs will have to come into line with FIFA's thinking.

Partner admits being concerned and said: "We're under pressure already - because of wage capping - to have a smaller squad and that's OK, because we can bring in loans as and when we require.

"But anyone in football will tell you you never know what will happen the next day.

"We could sign a super striker for £150,000 on transfer deadline day and then he will go out and break his leg the next day. What do you do if you can't get a loan signing to cover?

"It will also be chaos in the period when the window is open."

More in today's Evening Gazette

More on Colchester United FC

Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board

Published Thursday, February 3, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette