I love the January transfer window.
It’s relatively short duration makes it a nightmare for managers hoping for an easy month after Christmas - but excitement for the fans (although usually ill-founded) is never in short supply.
There are some obvious negatives for financially-challenged sides such as ourselves, effectively illustrated by the loss of our top goalscorer during January in each of the past two seasons, as well as key defender Adam Barrett.
But it's also a chance to free up the wage bill by cutting the deadwood, and bringing in some exciting replacements.
All new signings are, to some extent, a gamble - but every arrival could have the potential to change your season, so they're all met with anticipation and (usually) enthusiasm.
So far this January we've seen six departures - the loss of Matt Tubbs and Barrett is likely to hit us particularly hard.
It was also disappointing that the likes of Kevin Sainte-Luce and Chris Arthur, talented but painfully inconsistent, saw their Wimbledon careers come to a premature end.
The players we've brought in, however, have gone a long way to making up for the frustration of losing two key players.
Jake Reeves in particular looks to have something about him - reliable in defence, but with an eye for a pass that is rarely seen at this level.
Adedeji Oshilaja has had a shaky start, but looks quick and powerful.
Tough and strong: Dons acquisition Adedeji Oshilaja
If he and Jake Goodman can 'click', they could be as effective a partnership as we've had at centre-back in a long time, offering speed, skill, and physicality.
David Connolly's arrival was met with a little apprehension, given his age and off-field problems at Portsmouth.
It's too early to tell what he'll offer on the pitch, but there's no doubt that Adebayo Azeez and George Oakley will learn a lot from the veteran striker (and aspiring coach).
I'm expecting more transfer business in the coming weeks - Neal has promised another striker (probably a young loanee?), and will surely have an eye open for any other good deals.
There's also a good chance that a couple more peripheral figures at the club will be on the way out before February arrives.
The thing that makes this window a bit different is the opportunistic nature of it all: we shouldn't underestimate the groundwork that is done for every deal, but the role that luck and timing play in each and every action means that just about anything can happen.
Latest Dons stories:
AFC Wimbledon: Ardley commits his future to Dons
AFC Wimbledon: Dons fan creates the ultimate football video to #BringTheDonsHome
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here