Winter transfer window 2014: An Analysis – Part 1

Roger Johnson to West Ham

Roger Johnson

The decision to bring Roger Johnson to his team will probably be the most dubious in the whole managing career of Sam Allardyce. Plying his trade at Wolverhamption Wanderers for the best part of the last decade, Roger Johnson had very few positive moments in English top flight.

Though he can be seen as a positive influence in leading the team with his leadership abilities, his footballing skills often let him down. Johnson’s error-prone defending in open play will take Big Sam’s side down rather than strengthening it. This loan move has disaster written all over it.

Jonas Gutierrez to Norwich

Jonas Gutierrez

Pushed out of the first team after a transfer frenzy which saw a barrage of French players come in, Jonas Gutierrez expressed his disbelief on how fast he became a nobody from somebody at Newcastle, in a matter of just 6 months. The Argentinian Winger/Midfielder even saw some pitch time with the National side, after impressive performances for the Toon.

But, Alan Pardew had other ideas, as he though Gutierrez was too one-dimensional and an upgrade was necessary. Gouffran and Sissokho are the first names on the Newcastle team sheet these days, and Gutierrez will be happy to move to Norwich in search of regular football.

On the other hand, the Canaries who have been struggling to find consistently like the rest of the bottom half clubs, will benefit with the experience of the Argentine international, in their bid to salvage another season in top flight.

Grant Holt to Aston Villa

Grant Holt

Grant Holt will soon replace Nicolas Anelka as the No.1 nomad in the football world, if he continues to change clubs at this rate. Demoted to third choice at Norwich after the arrival of Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper, Holt knew he needed to move to get regular football.

Wigan came calling, and he didn’t look back. But his Latics career didn’t take off as he anticipated. Holt has 22 appearances to his name, of which 9 are substituted ones. His 2 goals and 2 assists in 22 matches speak to themselves and contribute to his poor showing in front of goal.

A loan spell in the top flight again will be a welcome development for the clinical striker, but how often he keeps the likes of Benteke and Weimann out of the Villa lineup is there to see.