With a free weekend provided courtesy of their FA Cup exit against Luton Town, everyone connected with the club has a chance to take stock after what has been a disastrous few weeks.
The aforementioned reverse against the Hatters has been followed by the departure of Gary Johnson as manager, David Lee as caretaker and heavy defeats against Shrewsbury and bottom club Plymouth Argyle.
Given the alarming slide towards the relegation places it looks the ideal time for chairman David Cardoza to make the final decision on Johnson's successor and give that man some time to work with a squad shorn of confidence and belief.
"Fundamentally this football club, whoever comes in, mission A is please keep this team in the league," was the clear message from Tim Flowers at the weekend as betting is suspended on Aidy Boothroyd becoming the new boss.
Crewe Alexandra come to Sixfields a week on Saturday before a trip to Oxford is followed by the busy festive fixture period.