Carl Robinson's signature on a permanent deal cost the club £50,000, and it turns out that it took a loan to end a loan. The Welsh international's transfer fee and wages until the end of this season were funded by board members Michael Foulger, Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn Jones.
Nigel Worthington has indicated that the money spent recently on Dickson Etuhu and Robinson and on the likes of Peter Thorne, Jurgen Colin and Andy Hughes in the summer represents a total of about £750,000, but is unsure as to whether or not that means the well has run dry.
"I am grateful for the board's support and I have just got to make sure I spend wisely to ensure they get the best value for their money," the manager told The Eastern Daily Press.
"I'm not sure how much was in the transfer budget. I have spent £750,000 and if that's it gone then that's it gone. But any more money the club can provide will really help and we'll keep working together to try and get some more in if we can."
Worthington's words would appear to preclude the sort of move that has been reportedly in the pipeline for Cardiff's Cameron Jerome, but could be the sort of smokescreen that preceeded a move for a certain Dean Ashton.