Time will tell if it’s a decision that comes off or one that backfires badly.
Here’s what the top 10 promotion contenders in League One were up to in January.
Every other club made at least one new signing.
Completed deals as at 11.30pm, February 1.
9.
ACCRINGTON STANLEY. Current League One position: 9th. Ins: David Morgan (Southport, undisclosed), Adam Phillips (Burnley, loan), Gary Roberts (Bala, free), Paul Smyth (QPR, loan, pictured). Stanley have a canny manager and Phillips did well on loan at Morecambe in the first-half of the season, while Smyth is decent on his day. He was at Charlton until last week. January business rating 7/10. Photo: Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images. Photo: Getty Images Europe
10.
IPSWICH TOWN. Current League One position: 11th. Ins: Josh Harrop (Preston, loan, pictured), Luke Matheson (Wolves, loan), Troy Parrott (Spurs, loan), Luke Thomas (Barnsley, loan). Out: Janoi Donacien (Fleetwood, loan). No doubt Posh will be facing a stronger Ipswich side than the one they tackled at Portman Road last month when the teams meet at London Road next week. Matheson is a top talent, while Parrott is a highly rated 18 year-old who will shine if he can cope with the hurly burly of League One football on bad pitches. January business rating 7/10. Photo: Getty Images. Photo: Getty Images Europe