Hi °C | Lo °C Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has called for an end to the January transfer window.
Strachan has reneged on his initial support for the idea because he feels the heightened activity during the two windows leads to instability in the game.
Celtic had a relatively quiet month before the latest window shut on Monday, bringing in Willo Flood from Cardiff.
But the deadline meant Flood had to play Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final for loan club Dundee United amid widespread speculation over his future.
Celtic also had a late approach for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher rebuffed, prompting the player to criticise his employers.
Strachan refused to speak about Fletcher and denied being frustrated about Celtic's dealings. But he has grown uncomfortable with the speculation and manoeuvring that goes on during the transfer window.
He said: "When it first came in I thought 'that's good, because coaches have to get on and coach'.
"After that period of time if you don't get the players in, well, you are meant to be a coach, well coach.
"It seems bizarre, they like being called a coach but if they don't get £50million they start grumbling, managers.
"So I thought it was a good idea at first but I think it's not such a good idea now.
"There is so much nonsense that comes with it, it's destabilising.
"There are clubs all over the place with unhappy players who seem to be talking at this time. It destabilises clubs.
"We're all right, it hasn't been a problem to us, but I look elsewhere and think 'I wouldn't like to be you as a manager having to deal with what's going on just now'.
"I think there should be more freedom. What would be a good idea is if you could only sack the manager at the end of the season.
"It would save all the grumbling. You have to pick a good one and get on with it.
"It saves all the nonsense that managers in England are getting and the abuse coming their way."
Despite his opposition to the window, Strachan admitted he was "delighted" it was closed so he could concentrate on football matters.
Celtic continue their quest for a domestic treble with a Homecoming Scottish Cup clash against Queen's Park today.
Shaun Maloney could make his return after almost two months out with a hamstring injury.
