WHEN once asked about the merits of transfer windows, then Albion boss Tony Mowbray puffed out his cheeks, threw his arms into the air and sought divine intervention by throwing his gaze upwards.

I would suggest he wasn’t that keen on them.

Roberto Di Matteo, however, is more tolerant of the 31-day winter period which is adored by Sky Sports, frustrating for supporters of certain clubs and a nightmare for journalists trying to sort out the truth from the piffle.

The Italian feels that transfer windows safeguard clubs against the potential sale of assets.

“I’m sure some clubs are happy with it,” said the Baggies boss.

“I think it’s a good idea to be able to review things in January and be able to make changes.