The signing of Joe Quigley by National League side Forest Green Rovers is one of flexing their undoubted financial muscle.
The striker interested more than a few clubs within non-league’s top division but few can match the spending power Rovers have this year in their quest to return to the EFL at the first attempt.
With only three sides still unbeaten and no one with a 100% record as August comes to a close, Dale Vince will be well aware this will be the most open league in the last few years.
27 year old Quigley was a title winner in this division last year with Chesterfield and returns to the league after scoring 21 goals in 107 games for the Spireites.
The Gloucestershire club have started well with only one defeat in their opening five fixtures and so far only four clubs have found the net more often.
However, this is a long campaign and with strength in depth plus competition for places those clubs will be the ones who should last the distance. The five used substitutes from seven named is also a feature of needing enough players to make a difference to win ugly at times.
Quigley scored 11 times last campaign for the champions and whilst no means a prolific scorer throughout his career he does bring an imposing presence that will compliment those already at the club.
Having the means to change formation or try something different to win a game is going to make all the difference this season. Games will land on that fine margin tightrope more often than not and could see a single goal win being the most popular scoreline come next May.
The closing of the transfer window doesn’t affect the National League with clubs able to continue to sign and off load players after the deadline but EFL business has to be completed by the Friday evening deadline.
The signing could be a significant move if their rivals fail to bring in numbers they need to spearhead a promotion challenge. Whilst many seemingly did their business over the summer, squad levels at one or two clubs expecting to be in the mix have looked a little low.
There is no doubt Quigley will play a big part in the destination of Rovers’ final position at the end of the season and there will be some disappointed they didn’t land the striker themselves.
Money does talk within the game, but the 6ft 4in attacker will be hoping it brings him consecutive winners medals, not many in the game can lay testament to that feat.
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