Well, the January transfer window has passed. And with a whimper it must be said. Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to Celtic -- on loan? That's all you've got for me?
Chelsea, meanwhile, did one piece of business. Not the kind you, or me, were thinking, either. Promising youngster Jack Cork joined Burnley on loan for the rest of the season. Good news, but breaking? Hardly.
Signed anyone yet? We ain't signed s***.
So, aside from Cork and a split-second link with the Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, manager Carlo Ancelotti stuck to his word. Remember, Carlo said he would give us the ol' birthday suit routine if the club plunged into the fundage in January for a 'quick fix.'
"I can tell you I will not be buying anybody in January," he said at the end of December. "Absolutely no way. I am willing to pay a forfeit if I do, even to run round the training ground naked."
The horror. Half of me, though, would have beared it.
It must be said that the club is taking a massive gamble by not investing. There's that small issue of a two-window transfer ban still hanging over Stamford Bridge. Either the suits are convinced our appeal will be successful. OR Carlo is supremely confident with a talent-laiden, but aging squad. I vote for the former, though I'm not convinced we're going to have the ban lifted.
What's to be said if the appeal is rejected? Our rivals strengthen, we're helpless -- and we suffer greatly. Of course, that's all speculation but it's very much possible. While our recent performances without the African contigent, as well as Carlo showing initial confidence in our youth system, has soften my view on the subject -- I initially planned on writing a 'why we must buy' post at the beginning of January -- I'm still unsure whether the club has made a wise decision.
Pursuing a couple long-term targets (Aguero, Dzagoev, etc.) could not have possible hurt, either team chemistry or morale, in my opinion. But what do I know? Squad caps are entering the fray next term; a fact that may well have somewhat swayed opinion in the boardroom.
What is your view on our acitivity, or lack thereof, in January? Should we have spashed a little sterling around?