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...
9. Jamal Lascelles - Defender - 32
Another centre-back with plenty of Premier League experience, Jamal Lascelles went as high as Newcastle United captain before a string of serious injuries derailed his career. However, still just 32 and now a free agent after also leaving Leicester, he is keen to keep playing. Strong at the back and a strong captain, he too could help beef up the back line. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
10. Nathan Redmond - Winger - 32
It's been tough going on the pitch for Nathan Redmond in recent years, having played just 27 games and picking up one assist at his last three clubs, most coming at Burnley followed by short spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers. The experienced winger has been without a club since the summer but was on trial with Charlton in pre-season, earning praise from manager Nathan Jones but not a contract. He could bolster Alexander's attack. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)