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...
5. Ricardo Pereira - Right-back - 33
Once a quality full-back linked with some of the game's biggest clubs, Ricardo Pereira has been a free agent since he was released by Leicester City following their relegation to League One. With Harry Clarke out for a while, he would add some attacking verve at right wing-back if Alexander is to persevere with the formation. | Getty Images Photo: Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
6. Joe Aribo - Midfielder - 30
Joe Aribo was also at Leicester last season, though on loan from Southampton, where he was released in the summer. Saints paid £6m plus bonuses for the all-action, versatile midfielder from Rangers in 2022, and he played over 100 games in Glasgow after enjoying success alongside Kent. His ability to play in midfield, out wide or even up front could be handy. | Getty Images Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
7. Tom Davies - Midfielder - 28
Former Everton man Tom Davies has 164 Premier League appearances under his belt and is still just 28. He was released by Sheffield United after making just 11 appearances last season due to a number of injury problems. He was reportedly training back at Everton's Finch Farm in August to maintain fitness and, like March, could be very useful if fit. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
8. Conor Coady - Defender - 33
If Preston need a big personality, a leader, to help get them out of trouble and more quality at the back, then Conor Coady could be the man. The veteran defender was released by Wrexham in the summer after spending the latter half of the season on loan at Charlton, making 18 appearances in total. The former England international knows exactly how to play in a back-three after thriving there in more than 200 games for Wolves, so would suit Alexander's current system perfectly. | Getty Images Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images