PFA: Loans are 'damaging'

Loaned out: Francis Jeffers

14 April 2012

The Professional Footballers' Association have registered their concern after transfer deadline day was met with a host of long-term loan deals between Premiership clubs.

They believe such deals damage the spirit and identity of clubs and could lead to some controversial showdowns in the last few vital weeks of the season.

PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire said: "Apart from losing the identity of your team we could have a situation where a senior player could score a goal or give away a goal at the end of the season which affects the team he has come from.

"When you talk about the amount of money at stake for staying in the Premiership these days, that just does not sit comfortably with us."

Everton were the most successful movers on deadline day.

They signed their former striker Francis Jeffers on loan from Arsenal and bought Kevin Kilbane from Sunderland, young striker James McFadden from Motherwell and Nigel Martyn from Leeds.

Leeds brought in Marseille striker Cyril Chapuis and AC Milan defender Roque Junior until the end of the season.

The signing of the Brazilian World Cup winner delighted manager Peter Reid, who had seen an initial work permit application turned down last week. Reid said: "He gives us options at left-back or centre-half."

Tottenham sealed the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Stephane Dalmat on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old passed a White Hart Lane medical, while the club also brought in Charlton's highly-rated young full-back Paul Konchesky on a month's loan.

As part of the deal Spurs defender Chris Perry moved to The Valley for the same period of time.

Portsmouth beat a handful of Premiership rivals to secure the loan signing of West Bromwich Albion striker Jason Roberts.

Manager Harry Redknapp also landed Czech goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek despite the former Newcastle man having trained with Wolverhampton Wanderers all week.

However, Wolves boss Dave Jones did have some success, taking Aston Villa misfit Hassan Kachloul on a short-term loan.

Fulham manager Chris Coleman signed his former Wales team-mate Mark Pembridge from Everton on a permanent two-year deal.

Leicester also added to their squad, taking Ipswich striker Marcus Bent on loan for the rest of the season.

PFA: Loans are 'damaging'

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