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Transfer Window Round Up - January 2012

Gus Poyet and Tony Bloom don't like doing business in the January transfer window and it certainly showed with just one permanent departure and one permanent arrival.

That departure probably would've passed under the radar had it of not been the fact that Steve Cook returned from his loan at Bournemouth, played one game and was then sold back to the Cherries on a permanent basis.

And with the arrival being a South American goalkeeper nobody has seemingly heard of, it's doubtful whether either of those transfers are going to have any bearing on the season at all.

But the loan deals might. One striker and two defenders come in with Will Hoskins leaving for Sheffield United until the end of the season just six months after becoming the third biggest signing in the clubs history.

Here is the full list of Brighton and Hove Albion's January 2012 transfer business:

OUT:
Steve Cook - AFC Bournemouth
Having spent time on loan at Bournemouth already this season, the Cherries made it a permanent deal to sign the young centre back for £150,000. That came just 24 hours after he'd returned to play his final game for the Albion in the 3-0 win over Southampton, his second and last start for the club.
Will Hoskins - Sheffield United
Looked like he was going to follow Cook to Bournemouth on a permanent deal before ending up on loan at Sheffield United until the end of the season. Homesickness is apparently the reason with the forward having struggled with injuries since arriving from Bristol Rovers in the summer.
 
IN:
Sam Vokes - Wolverhampton Wanderers
After Billy Paynter's dismal spell, it's another loan signing to try and help the Albion find the net in the form of Wales international striker Vokes. He is here until the end of the season having had a similar temporary spell at Burnley scoring two in nine games this season.
Gonzalo Jara -  West Bromwich Albion
We know all about the Chilean full back following his loan period earlier in the season and he is back again for a second spell at The Amex. The competition should do Inigo Calderon the world of good providing there are no more run ins with the police for driving offences.
Joe Mattock - West Bromwich Albion
It's not just at right back where we are boring players from West Brom now as left back Mattock follows Jara from The Hawthorns. Marcos Painter has looked alarmingly slow at Championship level so the experienced Mattock should prove to be a shrewd addition.
David Gonzalez - Manchester City
With neither Casper Ankergren or Peter Brezovan looking particularly comfortable, Columbian international goalkeeper David Gonzalez arrives on a free from Manchester City. South America isn't exactly known for producing solid goalkeepers so it should be interesting to see how he gets on.

Positives:

Negatives:

Rating:

  • Hanging onto the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith and Liam Bridcutt must be the biggest positives
  • We've signed a striker - let's hope he is more effective than Barn Door Billy.

  • Painter looks too slow to be a Championship left back. Mattock should be a good replacement.
  • Only one permanent signing made with the other three loans until the end of the season.
  • We spent a lot of money on Will Hoskins and he has left - albeit on loan - already. What's that all about?
  • We are still severely lacking in fit and quality midfielders.

5.2
/10