It has proved both a help and a hindrance for managers, over the years.

But like it or not, the January transfer window is now a pivotal part of the football calendar.

Last-minute panic buys and excitable television presenters have now become common place at the top of the game, at this time of year.

Historically, Colchester United’s wheeling and dealing in this window has been limited.

But this year has been slightly different.

Tony Humes has been particularly busy over recent days, bolstering his squad in readiness for the final three-and-a-half months of the season.

New signings Chris Porter and Matthew Briggs both impressed in their win over Leyton Orient.

Jack Marriott and Alex Wynter have also been drafted in this month, while skipper David Fox has agreed to stay for the rest of the season.

And keeping hold of Kaspars Gorkss for the foreseeable future is vital, as the Latvian showed in Colchester’s crucial 2-0 victory over the O’s.

Humes’ squad is still inexperienced and brimming with young players.

Crucially though, in Gorkss, Fox and Porter the U’s have an experienced spine of the team which should stand them in good stead for the weeks to come.

Admittedly, the departure of leading goalscorer Freddie Sears to Ipswich Town forced Humes’ hand somewhat, prompting him to sign Porter.

But the U’s boss has been pro-active in reshaping his squad, with the likes of Marcus Bean, Dominic Vose and David Wright all having left over recent weeks and Jabo Ibehre looking set to follow them.

It is all about what happens now for Colchester and signings can give everyone a lift when they need it most.

Of course, the purchases clubs make in January do not come with a guarantee.

Colchester fans will remember the club splashing the cash on the likes of Chris Coyne and Phil Ifil in the 2008 window, in an unsuccessful attempt to avert relegation from the Championship.

But the U’s are in a different time and a different place now.

And the additions they have made this month could well be just the boost they need to avoid the dreaded drop.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.