Transfer Deadline Day Winners & Losers – Outside Of The Elite

Whilst the likes of Mesut Ozil and Marouane Fellaini were the main headline makers on another chaotic and absorbing day of business, we take a look at which clubs outside of the big boys can be most happy with their dealings.

Everton – 9/10

It could have been a disaster for Roberto Martinez given the persistent talk of exits for Fellaini and Leighton Baines, yet as the window slammed shut Everton could feel more than satisfied with their day – particular given that so often in the past they have been burnt by the windows final fling.

Yes they lost arguably their best player in Fellaini, but it’s hard to deny that the £27 million fee was not a good piece of business. Further dampening the impact of losing the inspirational Belgian was the signing of three additional players who should all improve the squad.

Romelu Lukaku was one of the shock movers on deadline day, given that many had anticipated the man who scored a hatful of goals for West Brom would have a huge impact for Chelsea this term. Given that for a number of years Everton has significantly lacked a genuine free scoring striker, the signing of Lukaku looks a real coup for Martinez. As well as the Belgium international, Gareth Barry arrives to bring experience and assurance to the midfield, whilst James McCarthy should add needed creativity in the middle of the park.

West Brom – 7/10

Without a goal in their opening three fixtures there were plenty of worried Baggies fans going into deadline day. The club did at least respond by bringing in Victor Anichebe and Stephen Sessegnon, whilst they also finally got rid of bad apple Peter Odemwingie.

Despite the arrivals there will be disappointment that they could not secure the services of Lukaku, particularly given the success he experienced with the club last term. Also of concern will have been that Shane Long came close to leaving the club for Hull, a strange move considering the lack of goals.

Anichebe brings with him plenty of muscular strength and the ability to cause defenders havoc, however his scoring record is hardly inspiring nor is his injury record. Sessegnon undoubtedly on his day is sensational, yet to often for Sunderland he blew hot and cold. If Steve Clarke can consistently get the best out of the Benin man then he could prove a strong capture, given the lack of creativity within the Albion squad.

Sunderland – 6/10

Paolo Di Canio rounded up a summer of upheaval by bringing in two Italians on loan – in the form of striker Fabio Borini from Liverpool and former Reds man Andrea Dossena. The former is an intriguing move given that he struggled at Anfield despite a big billing upon his signing by Brendan Rodgers – the talent is undoubtedly there but whether he can transfer it to the Premier League remains to be seen.

The Black Cats also saw Stephen Sessegnon the enigma leave the club, completing the Di Canio clear out. The Italian now has the unenviable task of moulding a success out of the numerous players he has imported from all corners of the globe, many of whom have no Premier League experience.

Cardiff – 8/10

Malky Mackay has, unlike many newly promoted managers, kept his transfer window business to bringing in three or four players of genuine quality – rather than looking to obtain a dozen new faces.

The Scotsmen’s considered dealings were concluded by the signing of bad boy Peter Odemwingie, a move which should provide the Blue Birds with needed extra fire power. Further to that, the Nigerian also brings with him Premier League experience that could be considered lacking.

Crystal Palace – 6/10

Ian Holloway has taken the opposite approach to Mackay, looking to bring in as many bodies as conceivably possible to aid their survival bid. On deadline day the charismatic manager snapped up the quartet of – Adrian Mariappa, Barry Bannan, Cameron Jerome and Adlene Guedioura.

All four do bring varying degrees of Premier League experience, in particular Bannan and Jerome. That said, these are signings that unfortunately reflect Palace’s financial clout, given that both are players deemed surplus to requirements by Aston Villa and Stoke respectively – hardly a glowing endorsement.

Hull City – 6/10

It was nearly a very good day for Hull, with Shane Long coming close to joining the club from West Brom. That would have been an undoubted strong capture for Steve Bruce, given that the Irish man has been such a consistent performer for the Baggies in recent years.

Unfortunately Hull had to settle for signing Egyptian striker Gedo and it remains to be seen whether he can transform what is clearly a side that look limited for goals – a weakness that could prove costly.

Aston Villa – 8/10

Villa fans were given a real surprise on deadline day, reaching for the cheque book to sign Libor Kozak for £7 million. The majority of their dealings over the summer had been done on the cheap side, so it was a significant shock to see Randy Lerner dish out some cash to bring in the Czech striker.

It should, though, prove a shrewd signing, providing Villa with a much needed extra forward option – given that besides Christian Benteke the club do not possess another genuine out and out striker. Kozak at 24 should fit in the Villa mould perfectly, having struggled for consistent starts at Lazio despite a strong scoring record he will be hungry to make his mark.

Newcastle – 2/10

Another deadline day of real frustration at St James with Newcastle failing to bring in anyone, despite the club clearly needing one or two quality additions. The club have attempted to spin the retention of Yohan Cabaye as a real plus, yet in truth had Ozil not joined Arsenal then in all likelihood Cabaye would have moved to the Emirates.

Alan Pardew was forced to face the media earlier on this week to explain the clubs failings, remarking that efforts had been made to sign several players – yet in truth he was very much let down by the club.

West Ham – 4/10

Finally it is also worth given West Ham a mention for not making a signing, particularly a striker. The club currently has just one fit forward in Modabo Maiga, with Andy Carroll continuing to struggle with injuries. Maiga was hardly a success in his opening season in England and if Carroll’s problems persist their lack of goals could see what might have been a promising season falter significantly.