The Lichties are currently 11th in Division Two and are only two points above bottom placed Clyde who have three games in hand, although this will be reduced to two after tomorrow (Saturday) as the trip to Stirling has been postponed due to the Binos' cup commitments.

Mr Weir completed the loan signings of Gerry McLaughlin and Callum Booth along with the permanent signing of Ian Nimmo, before Monday's transfer window shut.

Both loan players, who play in defence, have signed until the end of the season. McLaughlin is from Queen of the South and Booth is a former Scotland under-19 internationalist from Hibernian.

Nimmo, a former Ipswich Town trainee, has signed from local rivals Brechin for a nominal fee.

The boss says he would have like to have brought in some of the players on a more permanent basis but says this can be very difficult.

He told HeraldSport: "We have a few new faces at the club now on loan but most players only get year long contracts at this level and effectively these loan signings are being given six month contracts.

"Obviously for next season we will want some permanent signings but loan periods do have their advantages as clubs sometimes can't afford these players but they can enhance the team."

There were no more departures from Gayfield before the transfer deadline on Monday but the boss revealed this was nearly not the case.

He said: "This week Steve Hislop had the opportunity to move on as another club came in for him.

"I was keen to keep him as he is very much a part of my plans for next year and it would have been easy for him to move on but he said he would like to stay at Arbroath.

"I think his reaction to this has been fantastic and he told me he is up for the fight and wants to get us out of the position we are in at the moment."

On Saturday the Lichties came agonisingly close to securing a point at Recreation Park but a goal seven minutes into injury time saw Alloa record the victory.

Mr Weir commented: "It was really frustrating to lose in the 97th minute, especially as we lost in the 92nd minute in the last game at home to East Fife.

"I couldn't understand where nine minutes came from because there were no serious injuries and even watching footage back of the game, I wouldn't even say it was a free kick."

Steve Hislop had received his marching orders on the stroke of half-time for violent conduct and the manager says he can't argue with the decision.

He explained: "It was a definite sending off. I have spoken to Hislop and he will be punished and fined by the club as he let us down and himself down.

"I think he acted out of frustration as it is not in his character but it does pose us a problem now has he will be suspended for two games."

Now without a league game tomorrow, Mr Weir has organised a behind closed doors bounce game for his team to ensure they still get match practice.