The summer transfer window has been and gone and, save for any dabbles in the free agent market, Joey Barton's resources at Bristol Rovers are set for the months ahead.
The manager has expressed broad satisfaction about Rovers' window, bringing in priority targets Luke McCormick, Jordan Rossiter and James Connolly for six-figure transfer fees as well as seven other signings.
However, in an ideal world, the manager has admitted he wanted two more additions before the transfer window closed last Thursday, namely another centre-back and another winger.
The shortage of options in defence has been caused by stress fractures for Connolly and James Gibbons in the back and foot respectively, although the manager was encouraged by Bobby Thomas' debut in the 2-2 draw against Morecambe on Saturday.
On the wings, the deadline day addition of Sylvester Jasper has added depth to the impressive options of Aaron Collins and Harry Anderson, but with the move to five substitutions per game, Barton feels he is short of one more dynamic player.
A free agent signing could be an answer to that shortage, but the vast majority of Barton's squad is now set in stone. Here is how Rovers' depth chart looks for the months ahead until the transfer window reopens in January...
Before we continue, it must be noted that the depth chart is good for giving an overview of the squad, but in this format it gives little attention to versatility, such as Luca Hoole's ability to play in the centre of defence or Josh Grant's comfort in almost any position in defence or midfield.
Squad rules
Rules set by the EFL mean clubs, no matter their wealth, cannot hoard a huge number of senior players to use throughout the season. In League One and League Two, clubs must submit a 22-man squad of which a minimum of eight must meet the homegrown criteria.
A "homegrown" player must have played for a club under the jurisdiction of the Football Association for at least three years before turning 21, so Rovers have no issues whatsoever in that regard.
The Gas are also comfortably below the 22-man squad limit, which does not account for goalkeepers or players under the age of 21. Rovers have a young squad with key players like Connolly and Luca Hoole not counting against their squad limit, so theoretically the Gas have scope to add several more players to their squad in January without having to worry too much about departures.
The strengths and weaknesses
The obvious area of strength in this group is in the centre of midfield. Rovers have enviable depth and quality in the centre of the park. Most clubs in the division, perhaps excluding the biggest spenders at the top end, would be satisfied to have a list like this to call on: Paul Coutts, Sam Finley, Jordan Rossiter, Glenn Whelan, Antony Evans, Luke McCormick, etc, etc.
In goal, James Belshaw has seamlessly stepped up to League One level, as has Aaron Collins at the other end of the pitch, continuing his fine scoring form from last season with seven goal contributions in the opening seven games.
In defence, there is scope for concern, not because of the talent reserves, but the injuries to Gibbons and Connolly, plus Lewis Gibson's injury-hit year last season which means Rovers cannot afford to take any risks on him.
Rovers have good options in the meantime, with Gibson pencilled in to play regularly in some combination with Alfie Kilgour and Thomas. But any more injuries in that department could stretch the squad.
Barton's desire to add another winger was understandable, but it cannot be considered an area of weakness with Collins often taking residence on one of the flanks. He has been Rovers' standout player so far.
Considerations for January
Making any decisions on the January transfer window at this stage would be premature, but it is natural to think the priority areas will remain the same for Barton.
But there are other positions to possibly consider, too. Finley and Coutts are in the final year of their contracts and while both are players the Gas will want to keep and they both are loving their time in blue and white, the end of their deals could mean the end of their time in BS7 if appealing opportunities emerge elsewhere.
With that in mind, succession planning would not be the worst idea and recruiting a window ahead of any departures – not just those entirely theoretical examples of Coutts and Finley – would enable a smoother transition. It all seems very far into the future, but such planning could give Rovers an advantage over rivals.
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