Hull City chairman/owner Acun Ilicali has praised a "perfect transfer window" by his recruitment team but the tests keep coming for coach Sergej Jakiroivc, his players and even the physiotherapists and groundstaff.
The Tigers host Watford on Tuesday in the first of five consecutive home matches. As Hull FC's Super League home schedule starts less than 24 hours after Chelsea’s FA Cup visit, it will push those tending the pitch. A total of six games in a month will test the medical team.
But Jakirovic, pictured, has the tools for the job after adding Paddy McNair, Kieran Dowell, James Debayo, Lewis Koumas, Toby Collyer and Yu Hirakawa in the transfer window despite Hull not being allowed transfer or loan fees.
“I am happy,” was his verdict. “We brought players who can improve our team. We have a much wider roster.
“We did a great job – Jarred (Dublin, sporting director), Hodgey (head of recruitment Martin Hodge), Mr Chairman and Mustafa (Yokes, director).
“We just have to stay healthy.”
That is easier said than done, but Ryan Giles is expected back from injury against the managerless Hornets.
“Right now, we don't have so many issues with the players,” said Jakirovic. “Giles will come into the squad.
“He had a great session on Saturday, almost full sprint. We will see when he will start. Not Tuesday, of course, but maybe he will have some minutes.
“(Akin) Famewo is questionable. He has something behind the knee but we have solutions there (at left-back).
“Matty (Jacob) showed every time he jumped in he was good, sharp, good positioning in defence, good on the ball."
Manchester United's Collyer, one of six loanees, was unable to make his debut in Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers but his return from a calf injury is close.
“If he is not in the squad, he will be for sure in (the squad to host) Bristol (City) on Saturday,” said his coach.
A fifth straight win would put them two points behind the Championship’s top two, with Jakirovic saying: “It will be very important at the end of February where we are.”
He is not worried about the pitch.
“We are already used to it because of our training ground pitches,” he said.
“The boys who work on the pitches, they're struggling as well. We showed already that we can adapt.”
Winger Joe Ndala left on deadline day, recalled by Manchester City to allow him to join Sheffield Wednesday.