Coppell attacks window

The transfer window breeds panic and encourages "scurrilous" transfer activity, according to the Reading manager, Steve Coppell, who has called for the window to be scrapped in favour of the previous system, under which deals could be struck throughout the season until the closing weeks.

The Royals manager has already had to deal with speculation that Stephen Hunt, Leroy Lita and Nicky Shorey could leave Reading this month.

"I don't anticipate losing any of my players," Coppell said yesterday. "But I've had a couple of what I'd call scurrilous inquiries. I cannot see the logic in a transfer window. It brings on a fire-sale mentality, causes unrest via the media and means clubs buy too many players. The old system, where if you had a problem you could look at loans or make a short-term purchase, was far better.

"Nobody has ever explained to me what the benefit is and people are putting in faxed offers when they've already been told there's no interest. The old way, where a verbal response was sufficient, is now being ignored."