Ross County boss would make transfer window all year round
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In an ideal world, Ross County manager John Hughes would like to see transfer windows abolished and return to the days deals could be done at any time of the year.
The window system has been compulsory since 2002 across European leagues, limiting clubs to doing business in the off-season and then again throughout January.
Hughes’ entire managerial career has taken place since that rule change, but most of his days on the pitch took place with the old rules in effect.
So he would prefer a switch back to how things used to be – although he accepts that is unlikely to happen any time soon.
“I would go back to the old school and wouldn’t have windows,” Hughes said.
“I think you should be able to do business right throughout the season, all year round.
“That’s all part and parcel of managing a football club, spinning the plates and building your team.
“With the windows, I think you’re restricted in doing that.
“I liked it way back, but you have to go with the times. Once it opens up, I enjoy the hustle of it – all the agents are back on the phone and it’s up to you to do your homework and due diligence.”
Hughes saw Josh Reid and Ross Stewart leave for Coventry City and Sunderland as January drew to a close.
Both players had played big roles for the Staggies over the last couple of
seasons, with Stewart finishing as joint top scorer in 2019/20 alongside Billy Mckay, and Reid barely missing a game at left-back this season, before Hughes took over the hot seat in Dingwall.
As far as Hughes is concerned, County did their job by giving players a platform to attract such attention, insisting the club would never stand in the way of a big move for a player.
“I would want to keep them for selfish reasons because they are good players and that’s why they have moved on,” he said.
“Everything about Ross County is about giving players the platform to develop.
“If bigger clubs, especially the likes of Sunderland and Coventry come in, then you are jumping through hoops for them.
“The fans will be thinking ‘we are trying to stay in the Premiership’. I understand that, but you won’t get anything right for getting it wrong.
“The chairman is true to his word and he always says he won’t stand in a player’s way, and he stuck to that.”
