Thankfully our league status looks pretty much secured but there can be no doubt we need to act before the window closes.
Prior to Bojan's devastating injury we probably needed striker and a winger but you have to wonder whether MH will sacrifice one of those two in order to fill the void left by the little magician's absence.
I suppose a lot depends on the faith Hughes has in the likes of Ireland, Charlie and Jon to potentially cover that position.
Realistically Ireland could do it to a degree but can we count on his fitness week in week out?
Charlie brings something different with his drive and shooting ability but his lack of mobility and the fact that the manager hasn't used him much lately suggests he still might not feature.
Then there's Jon who has been a revelation under Hughes. His energy, endeavour and quality have been superb so far but mostly from the wide forward role. Hopefully Arnie's return to form could mean JW would be able to move inside on a more permanent basis without causing too many headaches assuming we get a new forward.
Hopefully the board will give the gaffer the support he has earned and richly deserves. His astute and tactically excellent management as well as his eye for a bargain, must surely mean he should be trusted to go out and if necessary spend big (in Stoke terms).
If ever this was going to happen at least the timing of it gives us a few days to try and address the situation.
Time to back your man Mr Coates, he deserves it and the team needs it, especially if you want a real crack at the F.A. Cup this year.