Blackburn Rovers have a huge nine days to inject some life into their season via the transfer window.
Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad has seen two players leave and another two arrive on loan as we enter the final furlongs of the January exchange.
Rovers are still expected to be active before the month is out with several irons in the fire, though nothing has been finalised at the time of writing.
It is quite common practice for there to be a flurry of activity towards the end of January when the dominoes fall. One deal triggers another and so on; we've all seen this movie before.
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Tomasson was reluctant to be too vocal on the lack of movement in the transfer market last week but it's clear the final nine days will be vital to shaping how the remainder of this season plays.
The head coach has been outspoken about the need to strengthen the squad and, right now, it would be hard to argue that has happened, though there is plenty of time remaining.
Losing Hayden Carter and Harry Pickering on Saturday has only further accelerated the need to sign a centre-back or two. Tomasson wanted two in the summer, lost James Hill and now if Carter is out for any length of time, Rovers will be even further stretched.
Coming away from Ewood Park on Saturday, there was a sense that supporters were left shrugging their shoulders, as Ryan Hildred said on the latest Arte et Labore podcast. It was neither the confidence-boosting victory everyone craved nor a terrible performance worthy of a rant or rave.
Rovers are of course up against it when it comes to finances and cash flow. Venky's latest court hearing is scheduled to be heard this week, though that isn't linked to what they can do in the transfer window.
There is only one matchday, Wexham on Monday, before the window slams (does it slam?) a week on Thursday. In an ideal world, two defenders and an attacker will be through the door, potentially greasing the wheels for a few exits, such as Niall Ennis to Bolton.
A cup run certainly wouldn't do any harm either, with the FA Cup a lucrative and plausible way to aid Rovers' financial health.
As Tomasson alluded to, the whole club feels like it needs a lift and an injection of excitement. New blood and fresh faces. That is not news to the recruitment team, who will be working all hours to ensure that happens before the deadline.
It does seem inconceivable that they won't be adding to the squad before the month ends. Last January was such a bitter disappointment and considering Tomasson's very public calls for help, the pressure is really on.
After a quiet couple of weeks, Rovers need a big end to the window to help lift the unhappiness within the fan base. To breathe a little bit of optimism as we approach February and beyond.
At the moment, it feels as though the team might not have much to play for in the final 18 Championship games. That might be true but the fans need something to believe in to avoid a limp over the finishing line.
These latest blows, regardless of the severity, further cranks up the pressure for Blackburn Rovers in the transfer market.
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