We have been linked with several purchases at left wing, striker and a couple at left back so it would seem likely that he is holding his loan options for centre half (we only have 3) and right wing (we have no real cover for Seb although centre midfield Gardiner can cover if necessary).

Trouble is have the teams below us got surplus quality we can exploit and will youngsters from a higher club get the game time they are looking for by coming to us?

Eck hasn’t been slow to utilise foreign loans (Benitez, Costly spring to mind) so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a “left field” foreign loan as well.

1. We’re nowhere near the level of Man City or Spurs. We had a fantastic season last year where we got 100% from the team and were incredibly lucky with injuries. One season in the Premier League does not confirm you as a top ten team, look at Hull, finished in the top half one season, relegated the next. We are more at the level of Blackburn or Fulham, no where near the levels of Man City or Spurs which is why we could realistically knock on the door for players. We are of no immediate threat to Manchester City who will challenge for the title next season

2. The squad is thin, and its unrealistic to suggest we can outright buy players we need in the weak positions. 2 Premier League loans at least bulk out the side and add a greater depth of quality. We won’t be able to guarantee staying up with these additional players, no, but if we hit a torrid patch of injuries, we could be left rueing not bringing extras into the squad.

Surely, looking at loaning some of the leagues best young talent is a massively positive step for the club? I don’t think I was negative once throughout. To think that the squad we have now is equal to those in the upper echelons of the league just isn’t something you can say right at the moment. If we bring no more players into the club by the end of the window (which is doubtful), the only way we’ll see if our squad is good enough is by our position at Christmas.

Bluenose ‘John’.