Transfer window left open for League

The Football League has confirmed that transfers can still be made between its member clubs, despite the worldwide transfer window now being closed.

John Nagle, Head of Communications for the League, said "Once again, The Football League will not be implementing the transfer window system on a domestic basis. Consequently, Football League clubs will be free to operate under the same 'open' system as used last season.

"Clubs will be able to trade freely with each other and with clubs from leagues below The Football League until the transfer deadline on March 25. They will also be able to make loan signings from the clubs of the FA Premier League and may subsequently make such moves permanent at any time.

"Our clubs will, however, be unable to sell or loan players to FA Premier League clubs or trade with football clubs outside the domestic league structure until the window re-opens on January 1.

Nagle confirmed that FIFA intends to review how effective the transfer window system has been, at the end of the 2003/04 season, and said "It is the League's intention to participate fully in this review in order to represent the views of its member clubs."