The winter window is now firmly closed and it was a busy final day for many teams in the third tier, however, who came out on top during the winter window overall?

We take a closer look, ranking each side from 24-1 by the business they conducted this January. We’ll look at both arrivals and departures plus try and assess if the incomings met the needs of each side’s current situation. Read on to see where we put your team.

24. Bristol Rovers

In: Joe Day – Cardiff – Loan, George Williams – MK Dons – Loan

Out: Tom Davies – Barrow – Loan

This was the most underwhelming of transfer windows for the Gas. Paul Tisdale’s men are in a difficult situation, just one point above the relegations zone and on a run of five games without a win, four of which have ended in defeat. They needed a new striker but Jayden Stockley went to Charlton and Ryan Bowman remained in Devon. A tough second half of the season is expected.

23. Swindon Town

In: Dominic Thompson – Brentford – Loan, Mark Travers – Bournemouth – Loan, Kieron Freeman – Unattached – F, Conor Masterson – QPR – Loan, Tyrese Omotoye – Norwich – Loan, Christopher Missilou – Northampton – Und, Jordon Garrick – Swansea – Loan

Out: Jordan Stevens – Leeds – End of loan, Dion Donohue – Barrow – F, Jonny Smith – Bristol City – End of loan, Matt Smith – Arsenal – End of loan, Kieron Freeman – Swansea – Und, Diallang Jaiyesimi – Charlton – Und

Swindon are in a mess both on and off the field. They needed a big transfer window but got the opposite. Key players left after their loan deals were cut short, only to end up at League One rivals while their best attacking talent in Diallang Jaiyesimi was snapped up by Charlton. To top it all off Kieron Freeman arrived early in the window only to leave on deadline day…not good at all.

22. Sunderland

In: Carl Winchester – Forest Green – Und, Jake Vokins – Southampton – Loan, Jordan Jones  – Rangers – Loan, Ross Stewart – Ross County – Und

Out: Morgan Feeney – Carlisle – F, George Dobson – Wimbledon – Loan, Will Grigg – MK Dons – Loan, Elliott Embleton – Blackpool – Loan, Danny Graham – Released

When you consider Sunderland’s ambitions, this was not a window to really kick them on to the next level. It won’t surprise many given the situation with the takeover, but a quality right-back and a clinical finisher were the bare minimum and although Ross Stewart may end up fulfilling the latter, it’s no way certain. New owners needed asap.

21. AFC Wimbledon

In: Sam Walker – Reading – Loan, Darnell Fisher – Birmingham – Loan, George Dobson – Sunderland – Loan, Corrie Andrews – Kingstonian – Und

Out: Anthony Hartigan – Newport – Loan

Wimbledon were never going to be signing loads of players in this window but you can’t help feel that those they did sign may not change the fortunes that saw the club sack manager Glynn Hodges following a run on one win in 11 in the league. Sam Walker is a good stopper and George Dobson has something to prove, but it just doesn’t feel like enough has been done here.

20. Peterborough United

In: None

Out: Serhat Tasdemir – Oldham – Loan, Ryan Broom – Burton – Loan

Posh were really hard to place in these rankings so this may be far too low considering they kept all of their best players including the much-coveted Siriki Dembele. It would have been nice to see them add a couple of pieces to give them a boost going into the crunch half of the season, but they didn’t need to do anything and will likely feel confident with what they already have.

19. Fleetwood Town

In: Joe Hilton – Blackburn – Loan, Janoi Donacien – Ipswich – Loan, Daniel Batty – Hull – F

Out: Ched Evans – Preston – F, Sam Stubbs – Exeter – Und, Paul Coutts – Salford – Loan, Jay Matete – Grimsby – Loan, Jayson Leutwiler – Huddersfield – Und

Simon Grayson’s first task will be to stop the rot that has seen the Trawlermen go eight games without a win. He arrived too late to really utilise this window properly and the loss of Ched Evans seems an unnecessary departure. Not awful but not that great either.

18. Portsmouth

In: Harvey White – Tottenham – Loan, George Byers – Swansea – Loan, Lewis Ward – Exeter – Loan

Out: Bryn Morris – Northampton – Loan

Portsmouth were also tricky to place simply because they didn’t need to do a lot here and that’s exactly what they ended up doing, very little. George Byers will be an interesting player to watch, Joe Ward is unlikely to play and Harvey White is a slightly unknown quantity given it is his first time out on loan. In the end, this window may not prove decisive, Portsmouth fans will be hoping that’s the case anyway.

17. Blackpool

In: Ellis Simms – Everton – Loan, Kevin Stewart – Unattached – Loan, Elliott Embleton – Sunderland – Loan

Out: Jamie Devitt – Barrow – Und, Ryan Hardie – Plymouth – Und, MJ Williams – Bolton – Und, Teddy Howe – Scunthorpe – Loan, Oliver Sarkic – Mansfield – Loan, Callum McDonald – Tranmere – F

Blackpool are aiming to be an elite club in League One and you can’t help but feel this window won’t enhance them in their ambitions. They really wanted to bag a striker and perhaps another option on the wing, but improving the midfield could still prove useful. There is enough talent at Bloomfield Road to see the Tangerines climb the table, it is now down to Neil Critchley to get the most out of them.

16. Northampton

In: Ryan Edmonson – Leeds – Loan, Mickel Miller – Rotherham – Loan, Bryn Morris – Portsmouth – Loan, Peter Kioso – Luton – Loan

Out: Chris Lines – Stevenage – F, Harry Smith – Motherwell – Loan, Nicky Adams – Oldham – Und, Joe Martin – Stevenage – F, Ricky Holmes – Released, Christopher Missilou – Swindon – Und

Northampton continued the clear out of those players who won them promotion as Keith Curle appears to be trying to change up the personnel in order to adopt a more progressive style. Bryn Morris is a solid League One midfielder and Ryan Edmonson is highly thought of at Elland Road. Peter Kioso adds attacking thrust on the flanks but another centre-back would have made this window better for the Cobblers. Not too bad but nothing to get excited about overall.

15. Rochdale

In: Gabriel Osho – Luton – Loan, Conor Shaughnessy – Leeds – F, Conor Grant – Sheffield Wednesday – Und, Jack Vale – Blackburn – Loan

Out: None

It was never going to be a hugely busy window at Spotland but they did add Conor Shaughnessy and Gabriel Osho who definitely improve the squad. Conor Grant and Jack Vale are unknown quantities but as an onlooker, you feel this was an ok January for Dale, nothing more, nothing less.

14. Gillingham

In: Tyreke Johnson – Southampton – Und, Callum Slattery – Southampton – Loan, Olly Lee – Hearts – Loan, Robbie Cundy – Bristol City – Loan, Sacha Bastien – Unattached – F, James Morton – Bristol City – Loan

Out: Trae Coyle – Arsenal – End of loan, Zach Medley – Arsenal – End of loan, Scott Robertson – Celtic – End of loan, Declan Drysdale – Coventry – End of loan, Josh Eccles – Coventry – End of loan, Joe Lumley – QPR – End of loan, Jacob Mellis – Southend – Und

Gillingham had a decent January. Much of the departures were the loan players who didn’t really work out from the summer while Jacob Mellis is unlikely to be much of a loss. Olly Lee returning is nice and Robbie Cundy should slot into the back four without any problems. James Morton didn’t look great for Grimsby earlier in the season but is likely to be a squad player at the Priestfield so a pretty solid effort from the Kent club.

13. Plymouth Argyle

In: Adam Lewis – Liverpool – Loan, Niall Ennis – Wolves – Und, Ryan Hardie – Blackpool – Und, Sam Woods – Crystal Palace – Loan

Out: Niall Canavan – Bradford – Und, Dom Telford – Newport – Und, Frank Nouble – Colchester – Loan

A very solid window from Argyle. They have been improving in recent weeks after finally finding a way of defending and securing Ryan Hardie on a permanent deal while adding Niall Ennis can be seen a good work. Keeping young Luke Jephcott, who was linked with a move to a multitude of clubs higher up the pyramid, could be the key to them enjoying a fruitful remainder of the season.

12. Wigan Athletic

In: Corey Whelan – Unattached – F, George Johnson – Feyenoord – Loan, Zach Clough – Nottm Forest – F, Tendayi Darikwa – Nottm Forest – F, Funso Ojo – Aberdeen – Loan, Curtis Tilt – Rotherham – Loan, Jamie Proctor – Rotherham – Loan

Out: Ollie Crankshaw – Bradford – Und

Wigan had a decent window, no doubt about it, but they need new owners asap and the Darren Gibson consortium may be the ray of light the fans were hoping for. Stand out signing here has to be Curtis Tilt who is a fine defender at this level and Funso Ojo could be a nice pick-up but there are more important things at play for the Latics right now.

11. Crewe Alexandra

In: Billy Jones – Rotherham – Loan, Stephen Walker – Middlesbrough – Loan, Anthony Evans – Paderborn – Loan, Harry Pickering – Blackburn – Loan, Nathan Wood – Middlesbrough – Loan

Out: Offrande Zanzala – Carlisle – F, Perry Ng – Cardiff – Und, Harry Pickering – Blackburn – Und

It feels like the beginning of the end for Crewe as their star talents are slowly being picked off. They will be relieved Charlie Kirk and Ryan Wintle remain and getting Pickering back on loan is nice, but there is a sad tinge of the inevitable around the Gresty Road fanbase following the departure of Perry Ng. Stephen Walker’s return is excellent and Billy Jones should do well. All in all, this window could have been a lot worse for the Alex.

10. Doncaster Rovers

In: Ellery Balcombe – Brentford – Loan, Elliot Simoes – Barnsley – Loan, Omar Bogle – Charlton – F, Scott Robertson – Celtic – Loan

Out: Ben Whiteman – Preston – Und

The loss of Ben Whiteman was disappointing but not surprising and has, so far, shown no signs of derailing a very good campaign for Donny. Omar Bogle hasn’t impressed since his Grimsby days but should offer competition up top while Elliot Simoes could be a good depth player. Keeping this squad largely together is probably the best thing about this January window for Darren Moore’s high-flyers as they head into a very exciting second half of the season.

9. Shrewsbury Town

In: Harry Chapman – Blackburn – Loan, Matthew Pennington – Everton – Loan, David Davis – Birmingham – F, Nathanael Ogbeta – Man City – Loan, Curtis Main – Aberdeen – Und

Out: Shilow Tracey – Tottenham – End of loan

Salop’s best signing has been that of manager Steve Cotterill but they can be pleased with the business done this January. Harry Chapman already looks an excellent addition as does Nathanael Ogbeta. Curtis Main is no Will Grigg but will offer a lot in attack, especially when it comes to bringing others into play and David Davis is more than solid. Shrewsbury can now look forward to an enjoyable second-half of the campaign, even if Sam Ricketts thinks it’s all because of the good foundations he laid in place (cough).

8. Hull City

In: Jordan Flores – Dundalk – Und, Gavin Whyte – Cardiff – Loan, Dan Crowley – Birmingham – Loan, Max Clark – Vitesse Arnhem – F

Out: Daniel Batty – Fleetwood – F

Nice work by Hull during this window has seen them add to an already formidable team. Gavin Whyte is a superb addition on loan from Cardiff while Dan Crowley improves a midfield already replete with Greg Docherty and George Honeyman. Jordan Flores has shown his class in Ireland, if he can do it in League One then Hull have only enhanced their chances of promotion this winter.

7. Accrington Stanley

In: Gary Roberts – Bala – F, Paul Smyth – QPR – Loan, Adam Phillips – Burnley – Loan, David Morgan – Southport – Und

Out: Tom Allen – Newcastle – End of loan

Jon Coleman is a transfer wizard and this window only enhanced that reputation. Paul Smyth is a very good player but Adam Phillips is the diamond in this crown. The Burnley loanee has been in scintillating form at Morecambe this season and should easily continue to shine in a progressive Stanley side. David Morgan is another player plucked from non-league, a ploy that has reaped huge rewards for Coleman in recent years. A lot to like here.

6. Ipswich Town

In: Luke Thomas – Barnsley – Loan, Josh Harrop – Preston – Loan, Troy Parrott – Tottenham – Loan, Luke Matheson – Wolves – Loan

Out: Janoi Donacien – Fleetwood – Loan, Idris El Mizouni – Grimsby – Loan

Ipswich already have a strong squad, the fact that Paul Lambert has not been getting the best out of them is another matter entirely. This window has only improved them with wonderkid Luke Matheson the one that really catches the eye. He could be a key player in a team that has been crying out for a dynamic full-back while Luke Thomas is also a nice signing. Unfortunately for Ipswich fans, the signings they really wanted never quite materialised but at least the Cowley brothers remain available, for now.

5. Oxford United

In: Luke McNally – St Pats Athletic – Und, Joe Grayson – Blackburn – Loan, Elliott Lee – Luton – Loan, Brandon Barker – Rangers – Loan

Out: Sean Clare – Burton – Loan, Derick Osei Yaw – Walsall – Loan

This was a nice window for the Yellows with players arriving to improve a team that is in the best form in the club’s history. Joe Grayson and Brandon Barker are typical Oxford signings with the latter a really exciting prospect. The former Man City youth player has played in both the Championship and Scottish Premiership in the last three season and done pretty well for himself while raiding the Irish league for Luke McNally could be another bit of excellent business. Elliott Lee has been there and done it with Luton and his addition should be welcomed wholeheartedly.

4. Burton Albion

In: Hayden Carter – Blackburn – Loan, Sean Clare – Oxford – Loan, Dillon Barnes – QPR – Loan, Tom Hamer – Oldham – Und, Jonny Smith – Bristol City – F, Terrell Taylor – Wolves – Loan, Josh Earl – Preston – Loan, Ryan Broom – Peterborough – Loan

Out: Neal Eardley – Barrow – Loan, Stephen Quinn – Mansfield – Loan, Charles Vernam – Bradford – Und

Burton needed a big window and boy did they get it! The Brewers improved in nearly every area the squad and picked up Jonny Smith on a free…yes, as in, for nothing. Ryan Broom is a very good player while Tom Hamer and Sean Clare could form a very interesting partnership down the right. They only thing missing was a striker and it was not for the want of trying. There is still hope in Staffordshire yet.

3. Lincoln City

In: Morgan Rogers – Man City – Loan, Regan Poole – MK Dons – Und, Cohen Bramall – Colchester – Und, Max Sanders – Brighton – Und

Out: Max Melbourne – Walsall – Loan

Hard to pick between the top three as they all did some excellent business but Michael Appleton continues to show what an eye he has for talent. Morgan Rogers in League One should not be allowed while Regan Poole is a proven talent at this level. Cohen Bramall has the world at his feet and pace to burn while Max Saunders is about as Appleton as it gets. Nicely played from the Imps.

2. Charlton Athletic

In: Ronnie Schwartz – FC Midtjylland – Und, Liam Millar – Liverpool – Loan, Jayden Stockley – Preston – Loan, Matt Smith – Arsenal – Loan, Diallang Jaiyesimi – Swindon – Und

Out: George Lapslie – Mansfield – Und, Alfie Doughty – Stoke – Und, Omar Bogle – Doncaster – F, Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu – Colchester – Und, Marcus Maddison – Bolton – Loan, Johny Williams – Cardiff – Und

There is a lot to like here from the Addicks. They have signed some quality players and although a couple have also left, overall this has put them in a better spot than before the January window opened. Liam Millar looks like an excellent player while Jayden Stockly and Ronnie Schwartz add some much-needed firepower. Matt Smith and Diallang Jaiyesimi are both classy talents to complete a very nice set of additions. Getting rid of Marcus Maddison may also help from a dressing room point of view so we can expect good things from Charlton in the second half of the campaign.

1. Milton Keynes Dons

In: Ethan Laird – Man Utd – Loan, Charlie Brown – Chelsea – Und, Warren O’Hora – Brighton – Und, Harry Darling – Cambridge – Und, Matt O’Riley – Unattached – F, Zak Jules – Walsall – Und, Will Grigg – Sunderland – Loan

Out: Carlton Morris – Norwich – End of loan, Baily Cargill – Forest Green – Und, Richard Keogh – Huddersfield – Und, George Williams – Bristol Rovers – Loan, Regan Poole – Lincoln – Und

Russell Martin absolutely smashed this transfer window. He added players who enhance the team both in the present but will also be big assets for them going forward. Harry Darling is a wonderful signing and Zak Jules is the definition of solid defender. The pièce de résistance was landing Will Grigg, a player who should thrive in a side playing the kind of football MK have adopted, but also getting a fee for Richard Keogh…like I said, smashed it.

words James Richards, D3D4 Football