The January transfer window is fast approaching, and with it a chance for Chris Hughton to put his stamp on the Nottingham Forest squad.
After heavy recruitment in the last window, it is unlikely there will be a raft of new faces through the City Ground doors next month.
But with Anthony Knockaert the only one of 14 summer signings made after Hughton replaced Sabri Lamouchi in charge, and with his team struggling at the wrong end of the table, the manager is planning a few “tweaks”.
That is sure to mean a few incomings and outgoings, as Hughton looks to improve both performances and results.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the Reds boss’ to-do list for the coming weeks.
Assess his options
Given the additions made in the summer, there are not too many departments where Hughton lacks numbers.
And while the vast majority of players who were brought in were not his picks, it would make little sense to rip everything up and start again.
It is already taking time for so many arrivals to gel, going through the same process again in January would only cause further disruption.
Right now, the biggest problem the Reds have is not finding the back of the net enough. They lack creativity.
With the likes of Joe Lolley, Sammy Ameobi, Anthony Knockaert and Luke Freeman supporting Lewis Grabban, Lyle Taylor and Miguel Angel Guerrero, that shouldn’t be the case.
Hughton must decide whether he has enough already there and figure out how to get the best out of that group, or identify the final third of the pitch as an area for bolstering.
The games ahead
In reality, Hughton cannot afford to simply wait until January to solve his side’s goalscoring issues.
Something needs to change before then. He will no doubt hope Grabban is back to full fitness soon and can find the kind of form he showed last season.
Even so, the run of fixtures between now and when the window opens, could have a bearing on what business the manager feels is required.
The next four games, in particular, are tough.
Watford. Reading. Norwich City. Brentford. All in the top seven.
The last two matches, against Bournemouth and Swansea City illustrate the significant gap Forest need to make up.
On current form, they look some way short.
If results - and that goal tally - do not pick up, it could leave Hughton feeling more signings are needed than he previously thought.
With Knockaert’s loan running out in January, the next few weeks also offer a chance to make a decision on whether the club take up their option to buy the Fulham winger.
Scouting mission (part one)
Hughton has given little away about whether he intends to renew interest in West Bromwich Albion’s Kamil Grosicki.
Although he would be a good addition, after the summer’s saga, it’s not necessarily an easy decision to make.
Twice now Forest have failed to capture the winger.
A dispute about whether paperwork was submitted in time for a loan deal led to an arbitration hearing ruling against the club in October.
Asked whether he would consider trying again in January, Hughton has said: “In every window, every manager and every team will look at the options they’ve got - players you can bring in and players who haven’t played so much.
“That’s the opportunity for every club.”
He might want to take a close look at Grosicki when he gets the chance, particularly as the Poland international impressed for the Baggies’ Under-23s this week.
Grosicki scored twice as Albion beat Premier League 2 counterparts Sunderland, according to our sister site BirminghamLive - offering a timely reminder of his capabilities.
Scouting mission (part two)
Hughton is also keeping a close eye on Brennan Johnson, who is on loan from the City Ground at Lincoln City.
The 19-year-old has scored twice in 12 appearances for the League One outfit, and last month won his first senior international cap for Wales.
He has been in fine form.
Some fans have been calling for Johnson to be recalled early from his season-long loan.
Hughton has watched footage of him in action, and will surely be keen for a further report on how he’s doing before making any decision.
It would only be worth bringing Johnson back if he’s going to get game time - unlike as happened with Tyler Walker last term.
Heart-to-heart chats
January is likely to see some players heading in the opposite direction, with a number having had limited chances so far.
Forest have a big squad.
Hughton will no doubt have discussions with some about their futures and whether they try to get set up with a move away, even on a temporary basis.
Tendayi Darikwa, for example, may be one.
With three right-backs on the books, he has found himself out of favour and could benefit from heading elsewhere.
Hughton may also want to speak to Grabban, given the interest in him from Qatar in the summer.
The striker was wanted by Lamouchi, now in charge at Al Duhail, and was understood to, initially at least, be keen on the move.
It would be no surprise if Lamouchi came in for him again. If he does, and Grabban decides he does want to leave, that would probably leave the Reds in need of another striker.
