As the English transfer window slammed shut...

There was one transfer deal that had happened under the radar. Not even Alex Crook, the Talksport transfer guru, had this one in his diary or even had a whiff that it might happen.

With the transfer window days behind us, there are still many that haven't heard of the deal that's happened, but for some that have, they liken it to the transfer of the young Jack Grealish, when he moved from his boyhood club, Aston Villa, to the serial winners, Manchester City. Although Jack's move involved millions of pounds it was not the money that drove the deal it was the lure of winning. Winning cups, winning medals and being in an ultra competitive team, fighting across all leagues and tournaments.

Some, among those that know, consider this deal even more significant than Jack's and liken it to a deal that almost, but never quite made it over the line - Steven Gerrard to Chelsea. When you think of Steven Gerrard you think Liverpool. When you think of Liverpool you think Steven Gerrard. The two are so closely identified they become one, and the thought of transplanting this piece of Liverpool into a Chelsea team created reverberations far and wide. That was the stunner with this recent deal. How does someone so closely associated with a club, in fact the face of the club, and the first thought that comes to mind when the club name is spoken, ever leave.

With a toe, or is that a boot, in each camp, I'd read prior to the signature, that something was happening. It was a shock to begin and I watched from a distance the process unfold, as medical - well turn up at a training session and kick a ball - paperwork and finances were completed. The general confirmation of completion was the inclusion in the club's WhatsApp group and from there the welcome to the new club messages flowed.

At the departing boyhood club the news had not completely circulated but in amongst the ones that knew, there was a determination to move forward, make progress and continue the upward trajectory.

Ah, the World of Walking Football and the parallels to the professional game.