Like many of his managerial counterparts, Tony Humes will probably be rather relieved when the transfer window closes tonight - providing he is successful in landing a target or two.

At least the passing of the deadline might mean the Colchester United boss may not have to field quite as many questions about the prospect of him signing a new forward.

Of course, the loan window will reopen shortly after that, so it will only be a brief respite from a familiar topic that has dominated discussion among U’s fans for weeks, if not months.

Missing out on the signature of young striker Devante Cole has only rubbed salt into the wounds, in that respect.

Cole scoring a last-gasp winner for the club he chose ahead of the U’s – Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City – was a cruel new development in Colchester’s hunt for a new forward, an issue that has turned into something of a summer-long saga.

Indeed, the U’s forward situation was again a major talking point among their supporters in the aftermath of their 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United, which was ironic given that it was again their defensive deficiencies that ultimately prevented them from securing their elusive first win of the season.

Chris Porter agreeing to extend his stay is certainly a plus point as was Macauley Bonne opting not to join Zimbabwe on international duty, given the U’s current shortage in that area.

But while Bonne has undoubtedly done his best, Colchester are badly missing their captain’s experience in attack.

So it is understandable that Humes still wants to add to his options, even though Porter could be back before the U’s next League One game at Chesterfield, on September 12.

Such rhetoric concerning the attack served to deflect attention away from the porous defending that once again plagued Colchester against Scunthorpe.

Ironically, the Daily Gazette’s man of the match was a central defender.

George Elokobi produced a performance which served as a reminder of just why he has tasted life at English football’s top table.

The hope is that his authority and focus will in time become a major influence in what is already displaying worrying signs of being another testing season for the U’s.