The January transfer window is still a long way off, but that doesn't mean Preston North End can't strengthen their squad beforehand, as they can still utilise the free agent market.
It's been an extremely difficult start to the season for Preston, who have already changed their manager and sit rock bottom of the Championship table, effectively six points from safety, after 11 games.
Graham Alexander has lost his first three games in charge, but he hasn't been dealt a great hand since taking his dream job.
The new boss inherited an imbalanced squad that has been depleted further by injuries to the likes of Harry Clarke, Lewis Gibson, Caleb Wiley, Ali McCann and Liam Gibbs. Not to mention Johnny Kenny's fitness problem.
It seems unlikely given Alexander is giving all his players a 'fresh start,' but he could look to bring in a free agent if he wanted to and parting ways with coaches Peter Murphy and Andy Liddell on Monday suggests he is now going to be putting his own spin on things.
EFL clubs are allowed to register free agents outside the transfer window providing they were without a club when the window closed and they have enough room to accommodate them in their 25-man squad.
Preston currently have a squad list of 24 senior players, leaving room for one free agent addition.
They wouldn't be the only ones to make such a signing.
Fellow strugglers Derby County recently brought in experienced defender Jack Robinson, Watford have signed Michail Antonio and Krepin Diatta in recent weeks and former Preston favourite Daniel Johnson has just joined Barnsley.
Having to resort to free agents outside the window isn't exactly a sign that things are going well, but they really aren't for North End right now.
Players are typically only without a club at this point because they have suffered a lot of injuries, are reaching the end of their careers, aren't very good or even all three. Quality is rarely found at this point.
Yet, there are a lot of interesting names currently without a club who may be able to give PNE a short-term boost if nothing else. Here are 10 of them...
1. Jadel Katongo - Defender - 22
Unlike most of the names on the list, Jadel Katongo is only young and has shown promise in his early career after coming up at Manchester City, looking bright during two loan spells with Peterborough in League One. He moved to Turkey with Kayserispor in January for money but had his contract cancelled in the summer. He was said to have had plenty of interest from high levels but remains without a club. Katongo isn't tested at Championship level but could add youth and vigour to an ageing back-line.
2. Emil Krafth - Defender - 32
Emil Krafth is 32 but having hardly played for Newcastle United in recent years, there is a lot of mileage left in the tank. The Swede was kept at Newcastle for years as versatile cover and would bring a lot of experience to Deepdale. | Getty Images
3. Ryan Kent - Winger - 29
Exciting forward Ryan Kent is best known for his spell at Rangers, in which he scored 33 goals and set up another 56 in 218 games, winning all there is to win in Scotland in the process. He's played for Fenerbahce and Seattle Sounders since but is currently club-less. Not yet 30, he could be a boost to PNE's lacklustre attack. | Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
4. Solly March - Midfielder - 32
Over 300 games for Brighton and capable of playing across the midfield and at full-back, Solly March is a very good player who would still be in the Premier League if not for a flurry of injuries. He would be a smart signing for any Championship side if they can keep him fit, but it looks like Charlton Athletic have stolen a march on signing him, according to reports. | Getty Images