The January transfer window has slammed shut until the summer. Reporter Dan Walker takes a look at what  it means for the region’s football teams.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Things are looking up at the Riverside

Gordon Strachan’s revolution is beginning to take shape after he strengthened his squad by bringing in players he feels can be effective as Boro push for a place in the play-offs.

Australian forward Scott McDonald will be hoping to find his scoring touch playing alongside fellow new signings Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Barry Robson.  Boro also secured the loan signings of Kyle Naughton and Steven McManus.

The new signings have coincided with an upturn in form at the club – Middlesbrough are unbeaten in six games and will be hoping that a late push can propel them back up the table.

SUNDERLAND

Steve Bruce is currently going through his roughest patch as the Black Cats’ boss.  After some impressive victories earlier in the season the Black Cats were looking towards a comfortable top ten finish, however now they are in danger of being dragged in to a relegation scrap.

Spurs’ defender Alan Hutton agreed a loan move to Wearside in a bid for first team football as did Manchester City forward Benjani.  Both players will be hoping to impress at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland, who are sitting three points outside of the relegation zone, will be hoping that they can move up the league in the coming months and secure a top ten finish.

Chris Hughton

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle United had a very busy January transfer window bringing in five new players to help them sustain their lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall, Wayne Routledge, Leon Best and Patrick Van Aanholt have been brought in by Chris Hughton during the window.  Hughton said “These players have the ability to get us out of this league and have a major impact in future seasons.”

The Magpies showed their Championship credentials with the emphatic 5-1 home victory over Cardiff.  Pressure from the chasing pack is growing though as West Brom and Nottingham Forest chase automatic promotion too.

Boss Chris Hughton will be hoping that his side can maintain the form they have already shown this season and finish the season as league champions.

HARTLEPOOL

Hartlepool are also looking over their shoulders after a poor run of results left Pool three points outside of the relegation zone.  Pool brought in Joe Gamble during the transfer window and will be hoping he can settle quickly at Victoria Park.

Hartlepool will be hoping that they can pull away from the dreaded dog fight at the bottom of League One.

DARLINGTON

The Quakers are still rooted to the foot of the football league.  Boss Steve Staunton is doing everything he can to try to save his side from dropping out the football league but the mission has quickly become mission impossible.

Congratulations to Carlisle United who secured a trip to Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final after defeating Leeds United in a dramatic penalty shootout.  Let’s hope the Cumbrians can beat Southampton in the final.

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