Forfar manager Dick Campbell has revealed that he hopes to strengthen his squad further in the January transfer window.
The Loons boss, who collected the Manager of the Month award earlier this week after an unbeaten October, is remaining tight-lipped on potential targets but assured Courier Sport a number of irons are in the fire.
Campbell has used his contacts in the game wisely in the past and has helped to nurture some promising young talent over the years, perhaps notably ex-Dundee United forward Johnny Russell who will be hoping to play some part for Scotland against the Republic of Ireland tonight.
And it appears that he will not be afraid to utilise the loan system again at the start of 2015 as he hopes to keep Forfar at the business end of League One.
“I’ve still got a few aces in my hand for the window and we’ll be getting better again,” he stressed.
“I’ve been very lucky with Dundee United and Aberdeen in the last 10 years really.
“I’ve had the Johnny Russells, the Keith Watsons, the Scott Allans I think I’ve had about nine players.
“But my theory on loan players is different from some other people because I won’t bring a player to my club who will not play in my team.
“I’m of the opinion, and I will not pay high money for an untried youngster whose senior team want to put them out on loan for the wrong reasons, that every single time I’ve taken a player I feel strongly that every single player has went back to their club a better player.
“That’s my role in management.
“Don’t tell me that playing in an Under 20 team where there’s not a tackle in the game is better than playing in Forfar’s first team.
“It can’t be, with the likes of Rab Douglas who are playing for their bonus, playing for their wages.”
The Loons boss was speaking after sending four young players out on loan until January to gain experience in the junior ranks earlier this week.
Andrew Steeves and Craig Smith have moved to Downfield, while Liam Keiller and Paul McLellan have joined Dundee North End.