Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is to work with the squad he has amid fears that dwindling attendances could adversely affect his spending power.
A crowd of just 35,101 watched Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Bolton at the Stadium of Light, a far cry from the days when the norm was closer to its 48,000 capacity.
Chairman Niall Quinn is well aware of the impact the prevailing financial situation has had on the city, but he fears many of the empty seats are a result of local pubs illegally showing home games on foreign television channels and has warned the days of big-money signings will be consigned to history if that continues.
A really good coach. He has done a lot to that team.