SWINDON TOWN'S chances of future prosperity will be snatched away if a new European transfer system is adopted.

That's the view of club chief executive Pete Rowe who believes moves to enforce a transfer window system are a restraint on trade and could deprive smaller clubs of the chance to ensure their own survival.

Under new UEFA rules, clubs would only be allowed to buy and sell players in two short spells the first being between the end of the season and August 31 and the second opening between January 1 and 31.

Rowe said only allowing clubs to trade in two specified periods was another nail in the coffin for smaller clubs.

He said: "This is utter lunacy and I shall be writing to the chairman of the Football League and our two members of parliament.

"I think it's important for the supporters to really understand the implications.

"George Ndah was sold to Wolves to effectively help balance the books.

"Imagine if the Wolves offer had come during a non-transfer window period.

"We would have been left unable to raise money desperately needed to help ensure our survival.

"Do UEFA really want clubs to go to the wall?"

Rowe said Brett Ormerod's transfer from Blackpool to Southampton had provided the Seasiders with a valuable lifeline one denied to them if the new system is imposed.

He said: "We have to stand together and fight this nonsense.

"It will simply strangle clubs at all levels.

"And it should be pointed out that it's not just league clubs but the semi-pro clubs too.

"Swindon Supermarine and Chippenham Town would have to operate under the same system."

He said if such a system was imposed solely for international transfers, that would make sense.

"If the Manchester Uniteds of this world can't go abroad then it helps stimulate the domestic market.

"That has to be good for the smaller clubs.

"But what the governing bodies have to understand is that cash flows into football clubs are not consistent.

"Imagine if we suddenly found ourselves with a huge cash windfall in March.

"We'd have money in the bank, players in mind but no chance of bringing them in.

"A whole heap of injuries in October. We look to bring some replacements in. Oh no we can't.

"Let's also say we had a 'too good to turn down' offer for one of our players in April, we'd have our hands tied again.

"Whichever way you turn, it just doesn't make sense.

"It will do nothing to ensure a bright financial future for Swindon Town and all the other lower league clubs."

Yesterday's reserve game with Barnet was postponed due to a waterlogged County Ground pitch. A new date has yet to be arranged.