Cheltenham Town FC

“We need to try and strengthen the squad and that will mean trying to get loan players in,” Baker said.

“The Stevenage game (5-1 defeat on Saturday) showed we need some big characters, physical players and captains.

“Colin Farmer and I had a good chat with Mark and Shaun about making changes and Mark will be on the phone as we speak.  Targets have been identified in key positions.”

Cheltenham host Oxford United a week on Saturday before Dover Athletic visit in the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday, December 7.

Baker said that progress to the third round will be a crucial factor in the scope for new signings in the January transfer window.

“If we can get a good result against Dover we can reduce the loss which will help for next season, but it may also mean we can strengthen again in January,” he said.

“John Marquis goes back to Millwall after Saturday’s game and we’ll be looking to add to the forward line. 

“Mark knows what he needs and what he wants. We’ve had injuries to important players this season, but we have to deal with that and the way we manage those injuries with our sports therapist Ian Weston is always first class.

“We want to bring in players who are going to play, not be sat on the bench, and potentially with a view to signing permanently.

“We haven’t had the best of luck with loans with Koby Arthur and Jordan Wynter being recalled earlier in the season, but let’s see what Mark can do now.”

Cheltenham suffered their third straight League Two defeat at Stevenage on Saturday, but  Baker called for the supporters to back their team against Wycombe and take advantage of the discounted ticket offer, with terrace tickets £10 for adults and £5 for concessions

“It’s been a difficult time in the league, but we are only six points off the play-offs, so it could be a lot worse,” he said.

“We need to kick on and make sure we are still in touch with the top seven come Christmas.”