Mark Ogren has already ploughed millions into Dundee United.
But the Tangerines chairman is ready to spend again – to boost new manager Jim Goodwin’s squad.
Goodwin has just one objective at Tannadice; to lead relegation-threatened United to Premiership safety.
He has just 10 games to get the job done.
But if Goodwin can quickly identify a free-agent to strengthen his playing group, he will be backed to make a move.
The United boss explained: “I’m not going to sit here and say we’re definitely not going to bring anybody in.
“The chairman has been very supportive and has made a budget available, but it’s not the type of budget where we can go and bring in two or three players.
“There might be the potential to bring in one good one but it won’t just be for the sake of adding someone.
“It is a very difficult time of the season. Players who are available tend to be available for a reason and I’m not willing to bring in any player who doesn’t add quality to the group.
“There are a lot of talented young players here too and I’m also reluctant to bring somebody in from outside the group who effectively blocks that pathway.
“We have to be mindful of all of that. But that’s not to say that if one really good one came across our radar in the next week or two that we wouldn’t be in a position to do something about it.”
Fans have concerns about the make-up of United’s squad from back to front.
But the early signs from Goodwin suggest he’s not the type to shy away from difficult decisions.
His decision to drop skipper Ryan Edwards to the bench against Livingston is proof enough of that.
For Goodwin, reputations mean nothing compared to performances.
And he believes ‘honest big fella’ Edwards knows why he was pulled out of the spotlight – even if only on a temporary basis.
“He was very understanding (of the situation), yes,” said Goodwin.
“Ryan himself would admit he’s had a difficult period in recent weeks.
“You could suggest, prior to me coming in, that there are a few others in the group also who haven’t performed to the level they’re capable of.
‘Everybody is accountable’
“Unfortunately, Ryan is just a little bit low on confidence, but he was very understanding when we had our conversation.
“He’s an honest big fella, he recognises that his performances individually need to be better – and he agreed with the decision.
“For me, it doesn’t matter whether you’re the most experienced player in the group, the youngest player, the top goal-scorer, or the club captain, everybody is accountable for their own individual performances.
“Nobody can be guaranteed a place in the starting XI; everybody has to earn the right.
“Ryan has been a good player for the club and he’ll play a big part between now and the end of the season.”
Meanwhile, Goodwin insisted Sadat Anuku can expect more tasters of top team action after back to back appearances against Aberdeen and Livi.
The 22-year-old striker passed up a gilt-edged chance, just yards out in West Lothian.
But his manager won’t allow the Ugandan internationalist’s head to go down.
Goodwin said: “The impact he made coming off the bench against Aberdeen was excellent.
“We’ve spoken about the pace and directness in the attacking third that we’ve been lacking with Peter [Pawlett] and Glenn [Middleton] being out, so I thought it was the right time to give Sadat the nod and see what he can do.
“He’s a tireless worker, he never stops running and I was hoping he would get that opportunity to really boost his confidence and win himself a run in the team.
“The pleasing thing was, he was in the right area and he made a great run to get there, he just lacked that finishing touch.
“But he’ll get plenty of opportunities before the end of the season. We’re not going to judge him on 45 minutes of football and one missed opportunity – especially when it was a difficult half for the whole team.”
Conversation