Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood admits the spate of managerial departures across British football has hindered his efforts to reinforce his squad.
After the departure of Sol Bamba to Leicester, Calderwood now has 15 players out of contract at the end of the season. Calderwood believes managerial departures and the number of fixtures over the festive period meant clubs are reassessing their squads and may be less willing to allow players to depart mid-season.
"The difficulty, as I've stressed before, is changes of managers has an effect on players' situations and I think that has definitely had an effect. Also injuries and changes of mind by managers who are still in situ," said Calderwood.
"That run over the Christmas period of games has given avenues for people to play who haven't played and it's definitely affected the thought process of one or two of the clubs we have spoken to."
Calderwood arrived at Easter Road from Newcastle where he was assistant to Chris Hughton, who was recently replaced as boss by Alan Pardew.
When asked if his comments suggested he had been hoping to sign players from Newcastle, Calderwood said: "There's been lots of managers sacked."
Calderwood admitted he could call upon players he has worked with before at Northampton, Nottingham Forest or Newcastle, although he is confident in his knowledge of other players.
Calderwood believes the loan system in Scotland, which states the minimum loan period is the time between two registration periods, or transfer windows, could deter English clubs from permitting players to move north of the border.
He said: "It's a good avenue for people to further their career by coming here.
"The thing that stops it for some is that it wouldn't be a 28-day loan that they could recall."
Source: PA
