I was reading the recent edition of 'Well Red' magazine and there was an interesting article by Mark Jones questioning the real value of the club loaning players out. He pointed to the likes of Pacheco, Ecclestone, Ayala etc etc, who were loaned out and effectively became forgotten men. Recently, I've been left tearing my hair out at the loan system. Increasingly we seem to be using it as a bargaining chip to offload some high earners, as opposed to pushing for permanent moves, e.g. Cole to West Ham, Reina to Napoli and reports that Skrtel may also go the same direction on loan. Also, there are other reports (that's all they may be) that the club may also look to offload the likes of Sterling and Wisdom to gain experience.
I have no problem loaning players if they are developing and the club want them to gain experience. Where it does piss me off is when the club use it too soon, in an attempt to get players out of the club instead of looking for a sale. In the likes of Reina, a year loan will take him off the wage bill, but it will also drive down any future transfer fee. I think, and it's been said before, the club are being pushed around too easily in the transfer market. If they want a player out, sell. Don't loan. To me there is little point.
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