There was an optimistic buzz surrounding Leeds United's chances of competing for promotion after a positive summer transfer window.
Garry Monk's appointment stirred excitement among the fans and this was followed by a number of sensible signings; a mixture of promise, experience, domestic and foreign players.
There were no Italian arrivals and it finally appeared as if Massimo Cellino was taking a backseat in the club's affairs.
However, after a disastrously underwhelming start, Garry Monk faced the sack just a few games in to his new job. Results have picked up of late, though, and there seems to be more confidence surrounding Monk's ability to steady the ship at Leeds.
Whilst he remains at the helm, he'll no doubt be looking ahead to January where a turnover in a few player might well be necessary.
There are a number of players at the club who Leeds United should part ways with this January and here are THREE such suggestions...
Marco Silvestri
Marco Silvestri is a reasonable shot stopper but he is not commanding enough and question marks loom over his handling ability.
The 25-year-old has made almost 100 league appearances for Leeds but Rob Green is the better goalkeeper and so Monk might be convinced to offload Silvestri in January, probably back to Italy.
The former Italy under-21 international seems to be ahead of Ross Turnbull in the battle for second choice but might leave if a club offers him regular first team football.
Souleymane Doukara
Souleymane Doukara is finding game time hard to come by this season.
The 24-year-old has been limited to just three appearances this season; two from the bench and the other in the EFL Cup.
The French striker, who can also play on the wing, has failed to impress during his time at Leeds and was even given an eight-game ban for biting last season.
It is time Leeds United parted ways with Doukara, who is simply not good enough to be playing at this level.
Charlie Taylor
A player that Garry Monk will undoubtedly want to keep - we expect to see Premier League clubs come in for the talented full-back in January.
If a lucrative offer from the top-flight comes in for the defender, Leeds United may find it too hard to turn down.