It was never expected to be a busy transfer window for Preston North End and that is certainly the case, 18 days into January.
The Lilywhites are yet to make any signings in the winter window, having brought eight new players to the club last summer. One of those was Liverpool loan man Calvin Ramsay though, who headed back to his parent club this week after making two appearances for PNE.
Outgoing business was always going to dictate North End's ability to recruit; Lewis Leigh is the only other departure, on loan to Crewe Alexandra for the rest of the season. This week, club director Peter Ridsdale reinforced the above point on the back of PNE's published accounts.
He said: “In the summer transfer window we made strides to develop and strengthen our squad. We signed eight players, one of the most active I have been involved in since joining the club. We are up against financial constraints and any January activity will need to be balanced with outgoings to keep us within the £39m, three-year cumulative losses limit set by the EFL."
With transfer news and rumours in relatively short supply, we've had a go at ranking and rating all 19 of Ryan Lowe's signings as PNE boss...
9. 11. Jack Whatmough - 5.5/10
There's a steady central defender in there, as shown at Norwich City this season and a handful of other games. He has, though, suffered a few injury setbacks and the ex-Wigan Athletic man will want to stay fit for a prolonged period, to show what he can truly do. | CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
10. 10. Troy Parrott - 6/10
Divided opinion during his Deepdale stint, but Parrott’s commitment could very rarely be faulted. Grafted away in the final third and brought others into the game. Didn’t score enough goals, but a clever footballer and it will be interesting to see how his career develops. Photo: CameraSport - Rob Newell
11. 9. Milutin Osmajic - 6.5/10
A club record signing, who is still looking to find a level of consistency in his first season as a Championship player. There is an onus on PNE to provide him with service, which hasn't been there on plenty of occasions. Time is still on his side as North End look to get the best out of the Montenegro international. | CameraSport - Dave Howarth
12. 8. Mads Frokjaer - 6.5/10
The technical ability of Frokajer is clear to see, but question marks over his suitability to this Preston team are understandably there. The Danish midfield has an air of class about him and - with three goals to his name - PNE supporters will hope to see him kick on in the second half of the season, after a frustrating couple of months. | National World