ANOTHER transfer window slams shut, but this time Everton were unexpectedly in the thick of the action.

What was expected, though, is that the fans would be left shaking their heads at the prospect of another long, hard season ahead.

The squad has been left even more depleted with the striking options now almost non-existent.

Yakubu was no loss to the team as he has not been involved for the past 12 months, and the catering staff at Finch Farm will have had their workload halved.

But with Beckford gone, the outrageously injury-prone Louis Saha has to carry huge responsibility – and, let’s face it, we will be lucky to get 20 games out of him this season.

Beckford was by no-means the answer to Everton’s attacking problems but he provided pace and his arrogance – traits this Everton team now glaringly lacks.

But the big news of the day was the transfer of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal for £10million. And with Everton being able to shift his massive wages off the books, on the face of it this looks like clever business.

The fact is, the 29 year-old has not been the player we know he can be for two years now. His dead ball delivery is consistent – he hits the nearest defender every time.

Arsenal are sure to be in for a shock if they think Arteta is capable of replacing the brilliant Fabregas. Four years ago Arteta was ready for Arsenal, but they have signed a player in his dotage.

Good business, then? Well if the money had been reinvested I’m sure many Blues would have accepted that Everton were rebuilding for the future.