Glenn: Window Should Be Smashed

Glenn Roeder says that he does not agree with the new transfer window that has just been introduced, preventing clubs from making any new signings between September and January.

Glenn, who took over as Hammers boss in June 2001, needed time to get the players he wanted in last year, and was still making acquisitions with the season well under way.

This time around, he has got to do any wheeling and dealing before August 31st, and he says: "It does make life more difficult. The only thing is, it pulls everyone into line in Europe and we are all the same now.

"But I must admit I feel that, at a time when we should be trying to reduce our squad sizes, because of the financial situation running through Europe and in the Premiership and Nationwide League, transfer windows are really trying to make us increase our squad numbers so that when we have problems with injuries and suspensions, we are covered.

"With no transfer windows, you always have the opportunity to go and get one or two - or even three - loan players, just to fill the void that an injured or suspended player leaves.

"Now we are locked into getting on with what we have got until January, which certainly puts a greater emphasis on being lucky.

"As we know, when everyone is fit and playing well, we have a very decent squad, but there is just not enough strength in depth.

"But we are gradually trying to improve that strength in depth, and hopefully when I manage to sign a couple more before the transfer window closes, we will be that little bit stronger in a couple of positions.

"Ideally I would like at least four or five that I could call genuine Premiership players but this year I will probably have to settle for another two.

"But if we stay fit and healthy we mustn't forget that this squas finished seventh last year."