Deals done but unusual January transfer tests for Irish League

The Ports boss’ bid to cement top-flight status following a Premiership return via promotion has included the New Year additions of Ben Tilney and Gareth Buchanan.

Other deals stand in the final stages but Tipton admits negotiations have been further complicated by the coronavirus impact on football.

“As our Irish League season continues as part of life within this overall situation, then the transfer window is another aspect,” said Tipton. “I’m not a fan traditionally of January business as everything feels rushed, but even the summer transfer window was disrupted by so much uncertainty.

“Now we have had a start later than usual and with games already lost to postponements and more expected, so the approach is different than normal.

“In the past we’ve seen clubs make January moves to try and turn the tables on a poor start or to give an edge towards a top-six push.

“Now any summer signings have not really had a chance to even show what they can do and the league table doesn’t tell us much with so many games remaining.

“I’m comfortable with the onus more than ever on trusting and working with your existing players but, especially as a newly-promoted club, you naturally always want to strengthen if at all possible.”

Tipton is hoping to have some fresh faces in his panel for the Premiership clubs’ post-lockdown return to training on Monday ahead of next weekend’s league resumption.

“We’ve some over the line and others close to completion but it has been more difficult than usual,” said Tipton. “Premiership clubs want to hold on to players as you not only have injuries and suspensions to deal with but the potential loss of multiple players relating to the coronavirus.

“We’ve strong contacts across the water and dealing with youth players on loan from bigger clubs offers one route but older players are reluctant to commit to moving to Northern Ireland in case other options open up in leagues back home or they are maybe concerned about further lockdowns.

“With the League of Ireland market it can become a financial issue but also you’ve not even had the chance to watch anyone really in person, which would be the ideal way of checking out a target.

“Everything is different, even the absence of something that seems small but can be important, like face-to-face negotiations.”

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