There's a lot of mysteries when it comes to the transfer window and how things actually happen. Other than Jim White shouting about having a phone call from an agent we aren't too sure. We can be pretty certain Stoke City's jobsite advertisement is a new method.
It's fair to assume that most football fans learn most of their knowledge of the transfer window by what goes on in their Football Manager save and I have to assume it's exactly like that too.
Admittedly Netflix's 'Sunderland Till I Die' documentary did give me some new insight but it mainly taught me how not to conduct transfer business- like not shouting about a player you can't sell and slamming doors in front of your new striker. Definitely watch the series if you haven't already.
For most of us to 'transfer' from our work we just have to pop along to a job site, find what we're looking for and apply (obviously the next bit is a lot more difficult but still).
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Generally speaking that doesn't seem to be the way for footballers, until now. Stoke City have used the DB Sports Agency jobs page, usually reserved for coaches and physios, to find three players.
The Championship side are looking for a centre back, winger and striker. Championship, or equivalent, experience is mandatory but the Potters are hoping for players with Champions League experience:
It seems a bit ridiculous for the club to be advertising for a fourth choice centre back and then asking for a player who's played at the top tier for their club or even internationally.
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The defender would 'ideally' be a loan or free deal whilst the winger they're after is described as a 'pacey' one but there's nothing about transfer fee.
Nathan Jones' side are looking for a 'physical' striker as well and is required 'immediately,' rather than this transfer window as with the other two players, with free deals and loans considered.
It's certainly the first time we've seen anything like this since Roy Essandoh was famously signed via Teletext for Wycombe Wanderers in 2001 and helped the team get to the FA Cup semi-final.
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Yeah there's quite a few of you who will have to Google that story, and probably what 'Teletext' was, but it's a good'un.
Will Stoke get their men via the internet?!
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