A productive transfer window for Albion

As summers go, on the whole, 2015's will not be considered a vintage in years to come.

But at least there's been plenty to smile about regarding new players on Planet Albion during the supposed warmer months.

The transfer window opened on July 1, and closed on Tuesday (September 1). Last year, Sami Hyypia's signings barely raised a flicker among the Albion support, but this time around Chris Hughton and his scouting team have made some notable additions to a squad markedly improved from 12 months ago.

Six out-of-contract players were released - Craig Mackail-Smith, Aaron Hughes, Paddy McCourt, Vitalijs Maksimenko, Kemy Agustien and Shamir Fenelon - while five loanees returned to their parent clubs; Joe Bennett, Leon Best, Greg Halford, Joao Teixeira, and Mustapha Carayol.

While it's easy to get carried away about Albion's table-topping first five games, it's worth remembering the majority of the recent starting XIs were here last season.

Undoubtedly, the new arrival that grabbed all the headlines was the return of goalscoring hero Bobby Zamora, one of five forwards signed in the window. In addition, Huenemeier, Bong, and Hemed have settled in quickly and effectively - and we still have the debuts of Manu, Harper, and Hambo to look forward to.