By Boris Mellor
September 1 2005

So it's all over, no more transfer balls. As Arsenal times predicted, on 31 May, at most, Arsene would sign two players. That there would be very little to get excited about. Nonetheless the rumours ran and ran, as the press ran false story, after false story.

However we didn't predict Paddy leaving. But believed Baptista was a genuine target, he was, but we were used to put the price up. I doubt if relations with Sevilla will ever be the same.

Hleb was welcomed as a great buy, and Paddy mourned as a great loss, but with little bitterness or even regret. Edu we knew was going, but Cole staying was a surprise. The press predicted Bobby and Freddy would go - they didnt. Reyes signed up for another 4 years putting an end to more media mischief making.

But all the huff and puff didnt add up to much, not just for Arsenal, but for a lot of clubs.

The big spenders are Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle. For most it has been quite subdued, with loans, frees, and bargains.

 Well the circus is over now, and I for one am relieved. Lets forget the wheeler dealing, just because a player hasnt got a big fee on his back doesnt mean he is not good.

Wenger believes that he has a few that cost nowt but will be worth their weight in gold on the playing field. The pundits have dismissed this as a delsuion, even some Arsenal fans feel that is the case.

However Wenger insists its action that will count, not the words of pundits. True, but we are armchair players. We will have to discuss something. But thankfully it won't be transfers for a while.