No panic from Town despite lack of arrivals

Town, who welcome Leeds United in tomorrow’s derby, have got just one deal over the line with utility man David Edgar joining from Birmingham City on loan for the rest of the season.

The considerable activity has been outward, with Lee Peltier, Martin Paterson, Jon Stead, Danny Ward and Adam Hammill departing with speculation also suggesting Anthony Gerrard and Paul Dixon could also move shortly.

But despite just making one signing ahead of Monday’s window closure at 11pm, thus far, Town chief Powell is prepared to bide his time, especially when dealing with Premier League targets.

He said: “There’s no panic if we don’t.

“I know our fans are desperate for us to get one or two in. But you have to remember the Championship (winter window) has been quite slow with regards to transfers, permanent transfers and loans.

“There is not much going on. But one thing we have come up against is that Premier League sides will not release too many now; they will actually do it more in February in the emergency loan window.

“It is a bit tough for us sometimes to get players over the line because clubs are saying ‘wait a few weeks’.

“So we are still trying. It hasn’t been to our liking yet, but the group of players I have got have been doing exactly what I am after.”

Many fans are particularly anxious for Town to augment their striking options, with their only fit and recognised strikers being Nahki Wells and James Vaughan, who had to wear a face mask last weekend to protect a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.

Powell is mindful of the situation, but feels the club have a short-term contingency plan with Sean Scannell, Joe Lolley and Harry Bunn capable of switching up front.

He added: “I do want to get some Championship know-how in the group up front. But we are finding it quite difficult to do. But we will get there.”