Editor's Blog: Transfers finally materialise

Although I suppose we should be excited that JP is finally splashing the cash around it seems a bit of an anti-climax on the day that Luke Moore and Kim Do-Heon finally put pen to paper on permanent contracts. Personally the jury is still out for me on Luke Moore. I'm not bothered one bit where he's come from but I hope we haven't paid money for potential and end up getting gazumped for £3 million by someone who thinks he's better than he is as the Vile fans think - just for your Northy - especially when you can pick up Bednar for half-a-million pound cheaper and Santa Cruz from Blackburn, minus his wages, for only £3.5 million.

Another week has passed by and we're still all left in limbo regarding Phillips', Gera's and Albrechtsen's contracts, and while I suppose no news is good news, you never quite know what's going on behind the scenes do you? Gera's agent has said in the past that Zolly is more interested in the ambition of the club rather than the amount of money he takes home each week, and if we do fail to match his personal ambitions, the board needs to have a serious look at themselves. I'm sure that Gera is not stupid enough to think that Albion will be able to compete with the likes of Benfica, Everton or Newcastle but a sign of intent in the transfer market I'm sure is more what he is looking for; although I doubt Luke Moore or Kim Do-Heon are likely to influence his decision.

With 'Bostin' Cesar today sent back to France and the future of Alby up in the air we could see a new centre-half join the squad. I'd be quite surprised if Mowbray ventures too far afield again after having to wait for Cesar to adjust to the demands of English football. If Alby does go and we're left with Clem, Barnett, Martis and Pele as our only options in the centre of defence whoever does come in will have to settle quickly! If Mowbray does decide to buy from England or Scotland I hope they are of better quality than Danny Shittu from Watford. While the guy is a menace in the air I can't help but think he's too much like Big Dave on the floor to be a success.