Dein backs loan system

David Dein today supported the new system which allows players to move on loan between Premier League clubs.

The Arsenal and the Football Association vice-chairman spoke out after the Professional Footballers' Association claimed such deals damaged the spirit and identity of clubs and could lead to some controversial showdowns in the last few vital weeks of the season.

Dein said: "There are certainly many more positives than negatives.

"The player gets a chance to perform rather than being on the bench and that is very important for young players especially, such as in our case Jermaine Pennant and Francis Jeffers. The loaning club saves the player's salary costs but retains him as an asset."