The SPL has just started a two and a half week winter break - which, remarkably, many fans (including myself) didn't realise was the case till recently.
My girlfriend is delighted.
So this is what I hope will be the first of three blogs over the winter break, starting with a look at the potential transfer window activity over the next few weeks. As you'd expect, some teams have more needs than others. My plan is to produce a formal 'report card' for each team so far, and also to have a look at a potential 'team of the half-season', following on from our discussion on The SPL Podcast last week.
ABERDEEN
ARRIVALS?
January should see the team's horrendous injury list ease, and that might discourage Craig Brown from bringing in new faces. But the loss of Andy Considine leaves the defence very thin and another centre back would be very welcome.
DEPARTURES?
The Dons may be tempted to cash in on exciting winger Ryan Fraser if a tempting offer comes in. Other than that, there may be further loan spells for some of the young players.
CELTIC
ARRIVALS?
Neil Lennon has stated his wish to bring in another left-back, and Rami Gershon, the Israeli international defender, is in talks to join from Standard Liege. That will most likely to be the only new signing this month.
DEPARTURES?
The club will not encourage bids from down south, with Norwich watching Beram Kayal and Gary Hooper closely. Young Nigerian Rabiu Ibrahim has signed for Kilmarnock after failing to break into the first team. Paddy McCourt and Thomas Rogne are both out of contract in the summer; the former has been linked with a move to the USA and the latter with AIK Solna of Sweden. Celtic will also try to move on troubled defender Andre Blackman.
DUNDEE
ARRIVALS?
If they are to stay up, then Dundee will have to do a lot of business as they are woefully deficient everywhere except in goal. Even then, the odds seem stacked against them - would it be more prudent to accept relegation as inevitable and concentrate on preparing for next season's first division campaign, rather than throwing money at new signings?
DEPARTURES?
Probably depends on who comes in. With 19 players over the age of 21, it would be useful to get a few players off the wage bill. Rumour suggests that the most likely departure might be the manager himself.
DUNDEE UNITED
ARRIVALS?
Peter Houston has already stated that he intends to sign another defender, which is what the club desperately need. However, he has also said that there may not be any other newcomers, but I suspect he's very keen to get in another striker and a wide player to compensate for Gary "made of glass" Mackay-Steven.
DEPARTURES?
Gregory Vignal has already left after spending most of his brief time at Tannadice on the treatment table. Milos Lacny has also gone back to Sparta Prague after making only 8 appearances in an injury-hit year on loan in Scotland. It's unclear if Rudi Skacel's deal will be extended.
HEARTS
ARRIVALS?
In case you've been living under a rock, Hearts aren't allowed to bring in any new players in the transfer window as punishment for late wage payments to players. Even if they get back on track after the end of January, they'll only be allowed to sign under-21 players, on a 'one-in, one-out' basis.
DEPARTURES?
Anyone who is subject of a bid will probably be allowed to leave. The departure of Ryan McGowan to Shandong Luneng Taisha (try saying that after a few pints) for around £250,000 seems inevitable.
HIBERNIAN
ARRIVALS?
Hibs' transfer business depends entirely on whether they can extend the loan deals of defender Ryan McGivern, midfielder Jorge Claros and star striker Leigh Griffiths. All will need replaced if they don't return after the winter break.
DEPARTURES?
Danny Galbraith has no future at the club, and it increasingly seems that Ivan Sproule is in the same boat. It wouldn't be a surprise if Shefki Kuqi left as well after an underwhelming spell in Edinburgh.
INVERNESS CT
ARRIVALS?
20 year old central defender Danny Devine is set to join after leaving Fleetwood Town, which is a surprise as we appear well-stocked in that area when Simon King and Chris Hogg return from long-term injuries. There's unlikely to be much more activity, although cover at left-back would be useful. Philip Roberts' loan from Arsenal has been extended to the end of the season.
DEPARTURES?
Terry Butcher's main concern will be that top scorer Billy McKay may be the subject of interest. Andre Martins and George Brislen-Hall have both already left after failing to break into the first team. I wouldn't be surprised to see young forward Jason Oswell go out on loan. Might King or Hogg be offski?
KILMARNOCK
ARRIVALS?
Rabiu Ibrahim, signed from Celtic, will hopefully provide more flair in the centre of the park. There probably won't be any more new faces unless a few players currently at the club move on.
DEPARTURES?
Shiels has said he'd like to move on a few senior players - expect third choice keeper Anssi Jaakola and forward Rory Boulding (who has made only 4 appearances since signing in the summer) to be on that list, while Danny Racchi seems to be out of favour. Young midfielder Ross Davidson has joined Airdrie on loan, and expect a few other members of the club's successful youth side to follow. Expect interest in on-form midfielder Liam Kelly.
MOTHERWELL
ARRIVALS?
A new forward is badly needed unless Bob McHugh is able to make the step up to become a regular SPL goalscorer. The emergence of youngsters Zaine Francis-Angol and Adam Cummins means the defence is not a priority, but further midfield depth would be useful.
DEPARTURES?
Jamie Murphy has completed his £200,000 move to Sheffield United; Stuart McCall will hope this gives him the financial clout to see off the interest of Polish team Lech Poznan in Henrik Ojamaa. Jonathan Page has made permanent his loan move to Hamilton. The Steelmen's squad is relatively small and they are unlikely to let anyone else go if they can avoid it.
ROSS COUNTY
ARRIVALS?
The Staggies have been linked with a move for Norwegian defender Hans Age Yndestad, who would potentially fix a weakness at left-back. A wide player or two and a goalscorer would be welcomed, and there have been newspaper reports suggesting a possible move for Hibernian winger Ivan Sproule.
DEPARTURES?
Striker Steven Craig has signed for Partick Thistle after a successful loan spell. Former ICT midfielder Russell Duncan has joined Brora Rangers after being released. Joe Malin, Jon Bateson and Kurtis Byrne have also been let go.
ST JOHNSTONE
ARRIVALS?
There's not likely to be much activity at McDiarmid Park, although Steve Lomas is keen to extend Aberdeen wide-man Peter Pawlett's loan deal beyond the winter break.
DEPARTURES?
The club may be tempted to cut their losses on perenially-injured forward Craig Beattie. Teenage midfielder Liam Caddis has signed for Cowdenbeath on loan.
ST MIRREN
ARRIVALS?
Newcastle midfielder Conor Newton has joined on loan, and the Buddies hope to extend the loan deal of his teammate Paul Dummett. American forward Dom Dwyer had a long trial in Paisley but won't be signed.
DEPARTURES?
For the second January running, highly-rated midfielder Kenny McLean has picked up an injury which will discourage suitors. Young midfielder Mark Lamont has been released.
L.
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