Darren Gibson - Transfer window bargain?Transfer window - Clubs keep cash in pocket

In stark contrast to last years frantic last minute dealings the transfer window closed with a wimper last night and shows that clubs are trying to rein in the madcap spending of the past few years.

When the dust had settled on last years transfer window the main talk centred around the 35 million that Liverpool paid for Andy Carroll but there were other high profile signings as well as the 50 Million Chelsea paid for Torres. Man City paid 27 million for Dzeko and Aston Villa shelled out a whopping 24 Million for Darren Bent.

This year there has been no such silliness with QPR, Everton and Tottenham all making late additions at sensible money to strengthen their goal threat options. The total spent in this window was 60 million about 70% down on last years 225 million.

Despite what sky sports would have you believe most clubs do very little business in the January transfer window. Prices are too high for players who will be out of contract in six month's time and most moves are loan moves for players on the fringes of first team action.

Darren Gibson looks like the bargain of the month to me. Quite why United decided to let him go I'll never figure out but then that's why I'm not in management eh?

Gibson is a great midfielder with a terrific shot and he will do well for the Toffees.

The biggest loser looks to be Carlos Tevez who is resigned to being left out in the cold at Manchester City until the end of the season. Reality check well overdue. I think we are all pleased that this smug idiot has it coming to him.

Last nights football gave us a winner in Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Wolves so that's a good end to January and Andy Carroll managed to score on the anniversary of his move to Liverpool so there is a God after all. He took his chance well and had a good all round performance so he is starting to pay back a small amount of that hefty price tag.

I opened an account at skybet.com for last nights win and yes you get a completely free £10 bet to use. The only "catch" is that you have to register your credit card details to get it but it's an instant bonus credited to your account and you don't need to deposit to get it. Highly recommended.

Time to start looking for some value bets to put it to good use!

After our recent narrow losses in the tennis and cricket markets I think it will be back to the football well for the rest of the week!