January Transfer Window

So the window has opened, and as I write we are 9 days into it, and no new additions, although today it has come to light that Celtic have accepted bids for Gary Caldwell and Barry Robson. In the Mail online it also reported that we have also offered Kris Boyd £250,000 a year more than Rangers to come down to Teesside, but it remains to be seen if Boyd signs for us, signs for Birmingham, or stays at Rangers.

So it would appear that we are staying away from European players in this window, with Srachan mainly going for the Scottish players which he 'knows and trusts', that are 'leaders'. I for one are pleased with this policy, especially in the position in the league that we find ourselves in. We do need grafters, players who lead from the front - not Afonso Alves' and Lee Dong Gook's - promising so much and never delivering. We need some grit, steel and determination - that is what is going to get us winning games and climbing up the table.

On a positive note it has also been reported that Didier Digard has been loaned to Nice, with a view to becoming a permanent deal. I for one think that this is a great move - freeing up wages for new signings, and also freeing up a space on the Physio's table. Digard is a good player, but has never stayed fit long enough to impose himself. I think any manager in the Championship would love a fully fit Didier Digard, but he is simply made of glass.

Another positive is Mohammed Shawky reportedly coming back from the dead, making an appearence on the Boro bench, then been linked with a move away from the Riverside. With any luck he'll be on his way out, ending one of the most dissapointing spells at the club in recent times.

With these players moving on it is a little worrying that none have come in yet, but hopefully Gordon Strachan in the next few weeks will have bolstered our side for the promotion challenge... (I hope).