Paul Merson has said, when talking about Eric Skora’s performance last Saturday, that he is hoping to bring in another two loan signings to help bolster a play off push.

Quite how this news fits in with the current financial position of the club, it’s difficult to see, but, presumably, he will be free to use any savings from Paul Smith’s move back to Gillingham. That was, however, put under threat this week, with the resignation of Neale Cooper and a lot will depend on the views of any new appointment.

There have also been rumours for the last week or so that Vaughan and Platt have been told they can look for other clubs, which would also make some savings on the playing budget, albeit small ones. It may be that a left winger is still a priority, as Demontagnac cannot be expected to play every game at his age.

The other area Merson seems to be looking at stregthening is the strikers, having had two non League men on trial. However, the impressive James Constable is attracting lots of interest now and has gone for a trial with Swansea City, despite the fact that Walsall have put together a contract offer which Merson has been discussing with the player’s father.