Deadline Day is in full swing and Sky Sports News are merrily leading the pageantry with bad rumours, bravado and yellow ties – despite Pep Guardiola’s best attempts to steal the limelight.
Many claim that Deadline Day is a charade which reveals the folly of footballing capitalism at its lowest ebb, whilst others boo such negativity, reach for the popcorn and keep their fingers crossed that an exotically-named striker signs for their club.
Regardless, it is indisputable that the event has thrown up some memorable moments.
Manchester United fans were asked for their favourite Deadline Day gaffs by E-signature and digital transaction company DocuSign.
And their services would have been welcomed by Real Madrid in September when their deal for United ‘keeper David De Gea fell through because of paperwork miscommunication – voted the most memorable moment.
The Old Trafford faithful had long given up hope of seeing the talented Spaniard wear the number one shirt again as he seemed homeward-bound, but were delighted when the transfer broke down, and De Gea promptly signed a new contract to remain in England.
Other highlights voted for included the less than enthusiastic expressions on Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano’s faces when they turned up at West Ham in 2006.
Then Chelsea getting egg on their face when they printed replica shirts with Robinho’s name on in 2008, only for him to switch to Manchester City instead.
Rounding off the top four was the infamous Peter Odemwingie howler in January 2013, when he turned up at the gates of Queens Park Rangers claiming clemency, only to be told to return to parent club West Brom, as no fee had been agreed between the clubs.
Owen Quennell, Head of Strategic EMEA Alliances & Partnerships EMEA at DocuSign, said that clubs owe it to their fans to employ the most cutting-edge technology available, to ensure that there is no repeat of the De Gea failure.
“Deadline day is such an emotional day for fans, the football back office needs to catch up with the technology that is used on the pitch,” he said.
“No one wants to see another failed signing ruining a clubs hope as the window slams shut.”
With just hours remaining in the first transfer window of 2016, it is too late for clubs to heed this advice.
But one thing is for sure, if a club was to pull off a Deadline Day spectacular later on Monday, the fans will not care one jot as to how the signatures have been signed.
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, via Youtube, with thanks
