Kammy’s Transfer Deadline Day Q&A

Transfer Deadline Day is nearly upon us and before the January window slams shut we thought we’d examine the finer points of what’s fast become a national institution.

Check out our Q&A with Ladbrokes ambassador Chris Kamara as we get his thoughts on the day itself, ‘Mr. Deadline Day’ Jim White and why rich owners should be allowed to splash their cash.

Ladbrokes News: What’s the atmosphere at Sky like on Transfer Deadline Day?

Kammy: It’s basically Jim White Day! Sky have been on at for me for the last few years to go in and do my bit. I’ll be on the early from 1pm – 3pm on Deadline Day before heading off for Ladbrokes’ big event in the evening.

LN: Is Jim White always that excitable?

Kammy: One of Jim’s Deadline Day highlights has to be the time when Peter Odemwingie appeared in QPR’s car park but since then there perhaps hasn’t been the same buzz.

But as we’ve all seen Jim comes alive when that white light goes on. As soon as the camera is rolling he’s in another zone.

LN: What do you think about the fans being kept away from reporters?

Kammy: It’s a shame it’s come to this. But it seemed like every time we crossed to a ground you’d see fans outside with blow-up dolls! For reporters it’s great to have a bit of ‘atmos’, just like I enjoy when I’m offering up my analysis for Soccer Saturday.

But if you’ve got all kinds going on and people swearing then it’ll only get Sky in trouble with the TV police and that’s not something they want.

LN: Is Deadline Day a tradition for you?

Kammy: Transfer Deadline Day is must-watch TV. It’s lost a little bit of its magic in recent years but it’s still a great day and one for the fans to savour. It’s their day.

LN: Do you think there should be January transfer window?

Kammy: If you’re a club who need to sell why should you be restricted to a window? Or the other way round, if you’ve got a player who’s unsettled and you want him out of the door should you only be able to offload them at a certain point?

One thing I’d do, but only in the Premier League, is to stop clubs buying and selling from the Friday before the first games of the season.

But for the clubs that have just been promoted give them a stay of execution of another few weeks so they have more time to prepare for the new campaign.

The established teams should be able to get their business done before the season kicks-off.

LN: Is Harry Redknapp one of the best Deadline Day operators?

Kammy: Since the Odemwingie debacle Harry’s perhaps been put off a little bit and lost his sparkle. He’s always been one step ahead and surprised everybody. But that particular ‘deal’ has perhaps taken the edge off how he approaches the window.

LN: You’ve got a few interesting thoughts on Financial Fair Play…

Kammy: I think Financial Fair Play is a load of nonsense. If owners want to spend their money then why stop them?

There are rules and fines in place now for over-spending but where does that money go? Is it trickling down to the Football League and grassroots?

It’s unfortunate if you don’t have a billionaire in charge but that’s just the way of the world now. Rich owners have allowed Chelsea and Manchester City to fund their dreams and catch-up with the likes of Man United. Every football club should have a right do that.

LN: Do you think Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen could get whisked away?

Kammy: He’ll be on the radar of a lot of clubs but Spurs don’t need to sell anyone on Deadline Day. Eriksen’s got a League Cup final to look forward to now. He’s a fantastic player but he’s not in the same bracket as Gareth Bale.

LN: Could losing one of your best players in January make or break a club’s season?

Kammy: Yeah, it could do. But clubs don’t always have to sell their best players.

Look at Danny Ings at Burnley. He’s as committed as they come to his football club. This is someone who will play for England.

He’s only got six months left on his contract so the most Burnley could hope for is around £10m.

If he goes then Sean Dyche would have to spend that amount or more trying to replace him.

LN: Who will make the most signings on Deadline Day?

Kammy: Man United will definitely bring two of three in and Big Sam will probably also be busy. Every club will have their eye on at least one player who can strengthen their squad.

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