Dundee endured transfer deadline day frustration as the summer window slammed shut overnight.
Manager Gary Bowyer said at the start of the week he was hoping for a busy few days of wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.
However, despite plenty of effort, sweat and countless phonecalls the Dark Blues came up short.
The work is not finished, however, with clubs below Premiership level still able to bring in loan deals until October 1.
And, of course, free agents can be signed beyond the deadline.
But, with only one permanent signing made over the summer, it has proved a hugely frustrating time for Bowyer.
Last Friday night’s defeat at Ayr United told the new Dens boss changes were required.
So what happened?
Slow market
There were deals happening yesterday of course but the whole summer has proved a slow burn for many, particularly in Scotland’s lower leagues.
At the top end of the game, the World Cup in November has affected things and that then trickles down the levels.
Another notable difference this year was the introduction of nine subs in Scotland and the Premier League down south.
Bigger clubs are therefore keen to hold onto more players than previously.
So, say a bottom-six Premiership club try to sign a young player from a top-six club. In recent years, all being well, the loan or transfer would happen.
Not happening. That's it.
Loans from Scottish clubs and free agents can still come in but Dundee's deadline day is over without an in or out https://t.co/rgvyaLIi9r
— George Cran (@di_cranio) September 1, 2022
This year, top-six clubs have more space in a matchday squad so managers are preferring to keep footballers they would previously have let go.
Therefore, that young player doesn’t move to the bottom-six club and, in turn, doesn’t push existing players further down the pecking order to then be forced to look for a move themselves.
And that filters right down through the leagues.
Add in a cost of living crisis where players, even at Championship level, are having second thoughts about moving to a club that will require a lengthy commute and players were not moving as readily as they would in previous seasons.
Ins?
It’s clear Bowyer wanted another striking option. So desperate was he for a physical frontman, the Dundee boss used Lee Ashcroft as a makeshift targetman late on at Ayr.
For Tuesday’s cup clash with Falkirk, Zach Robinson was their only fit option up front with Zak Rudden, Alex Jakubiak and Cillian Sheridan all injured.
A lack of left-sided players was also apparent against the Bairns with Jordan Marshall and Luke McCowan absent.
Another left-back option has been an issue for years and remains a problem beyond this summer’s transfer window.
Also desired was a fresh option on the wing but, as yet, that addition has not arrived.
Outs?
Departures were expected but none happened.
Last week it emerged Shaun Byrne was free to find a new club.
There were offers for the former Livingston man, including one from England.
However, his personal situation meant none of the offers were suitable.
Boss Bowyer said last week: “It’s if the opportunity arose, as long as it was the right deal for everybody, I wasn’t averse to him going and getting games.
“But at the same time, if nothing comes from it, he’s still part of the squad.”
Dundee were also open to offers for winger Niall McGinn but the Northern Ireland international remains.
He’s not started since being subbed at half-time against Partick Thistle on the first day of the league campaign.
Midfielder Jay Chapman, meanwhile, also remains a Dundee player despite not returning to the UK since the end of last season.
Passport problems have been an issue but the desire from both sides is to end their association.
The expectation was that would happen before the transfer deadline to allow Chapman to find a new club before the next window opened.
However, he’s still officially a Dundee player despite being on a different continent.
Players can, though, still go out on loan until October 1 but only to Championship rivals or Leagues One and Two.
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