Like it or not, it's probably a zero sum game. No one will be added to the wage bill until someone is removed from it. Archer out, Kelly in. As it stands only Lang has left, giving us whatever our contribution to his wages was to spend. I suspect Dunne's wages will be freed up shortly.
Beyond that, we will have to move people on. Hastie back to Rangers? Maybe. We have (like them or not) four central defenders on first team wages. All very well saying that we need to bring in a centre half but we need to balance the books. Unlike Baraclough, Alexander doesn't have a Les Hutchison to bankroll a January spree.
Looking at the squad, Grimshaw isn't everyone's cup of tea but in the short term, could O'Donnell's wages be spent better elsewhere in the team? Would his leaving be a better option for us? Question there would also be how far Donnelly is from returning as it offers an option in a few positions.
Clearly the squad needs freshened up but I reckon we'll see departures before we see arrivals..