EDDIE Howe believes English football would benefit from stepping away from a transfer window system that encourages “panic and poor decisions”.

Cherries boss Howe bolstered his squad with the deadline-day signing of midfielder Andrew Surman from Championship rivals Norwich City.

He joined fellow new recruits Callum Wilson, Junior Stanislas and Dan Gosling who were all signed in good time either in the summer or early during pre-season.

Cherries will not be permitted to make any permanent signings until January - with the exception of free agents - although emergency loans can be conducted from next week.

And while Howe sees some positives in the window, he feels a return to year-round recruitment would benefit clubs.

He told the Daily Echo: “I think the transfer window serves a purpose for the media. It generates excitement because there is a definite cut-off point and the tension builds. Everyone is waiting to see what business will be done.

“In football clubs, it can breed panic and poor decisions because if you are not careful, you can think you need to do more than you actually need to.

“It makes it worse, from my perspective. You are cramming business into a short period of time and people are panicked into decisions they don't want to make.

“I would much prefer the old system where you were able to recruit at any time of the year. That way, you could actually work out what you needed and adjust accordingly.”

World governing body FIFA brought the transfer window into compulsory effect for the 2002-03 season, although many European leagues had previously already used the system.

Although fees for Wilson and Surman were undisclosed, Cherries are believed to have bolstered their resources for less than the £3million they received from Norwich for striker Lewis Grabban, with Gosling and Stanislas both free transfers.

And Howe believes the key to utilising the window properly is to bring in quality players without paying over the odds, although he admits that is easier said than done.

He added: “I think what a lot of supporters need to remember is that you need to be prudent in what you do, otherwise you are left with a legacy of overspend.

“There is always a delicate balance. You want to add the right players but also manage funds very carefully.”

Howe confirmed no bids had been received for any of his players and said keeping his squad together had been the club's “biggest challenge”.

He added: “From last season's squad, we have only lost Lewis Grabban and have added four quality players. I am really pleased with how it is taking shape and, hopefully, that can lead us to a good season.”