PHONES are switched off, computers unplugged and fax machines put back into the cupboards. 

The winter transfer window in England is closed and there will be no further additions to or departures from Southampton's squad. 

It did not compare to the carnage of the last three deadline days, which had seen seven signings made as Saints scrambled. 

Has it been a good winter window for Saints? The true verdict will only come in May. 

They confirmed two additions - Joe Rothwell and David Brooks, both on loan from AFC Bournemouth. 

Daily Echo: Saints signings Joe Rothwell and David BrooksSaints signings Joe Rothwell and David Brooks (Image: Sfc)

In the build-up to the window and during, Saints boss Russell Martin commented he did not have a "big squad" in passing. 

Two players left the club during January and deadline day, with Mason Holgate exiting his loan early and Charly Alcaraz joining Juventus.

The squad has not grown in size ahead of a potential nine-game month and the moves do leave Saints light in bodies at the back.

It is versatility that will help them field a back four even through a possible crisis. 

Jack Stephens is the only natural centre-back, in support of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek, while Shea Charles can do a job. 

Ryan Manning remains the only natural left-back but Kyle Walker-Peters and the injured James Bree can play either side. 

Stephens, meanwhile, has been shoehorned into the right of the defence by manager Russell Martin already this season. 

Daily Echo: Jack Stephens is the club's only backup centre-back following Mason Holgate's exitJack Stephens is the club's only backup centre-back following Mason Holgate's exit (Image: Stuart Martin)

Saints have not conceded two goals in a single game since October - a change would only be needed in the event of injury.

It may also elevate the status of youngster Jayden Meghoma, who had a good game against Championship opposition in the FA Cup at Watford. 

Saints have improved in attack. They had no natural backup to Adam Armstrong while Sekou Mara was second choice to Che Adams.

Brooks pushes them in both positions, while also offering cover in midfield.

Rothwell - surely signed with the knowledge something could be brewing for Alcaraz - has only made two appearances so far.

He will need to improve but there is an acceptance it will take time and next Tuesday's FA Cup replay against Watford will bring a home debut. 

The 29 year old was one of the most in-demand Championship players when he departed Blackburn last season for a reason. 

Saints hope Alcaraz can return to play next season with more experience under his belt but a move this month suited all parties. 

Daily Echo: Charly Alcaraz had played less than 50% of minutes during Southampton's unbeaten runCharly Alcaraz had played less than 50% of minutes during Southampton's unbeaten run

However, it is what has not happened that will truly be definitive for Southampton's promotion charge.

Che Adams, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Jan Bednarek will all wear the red and white until at least the end of the season.

The former two had clubs in the Premier League interested but they will start for Martin's side at Rotherham on Saturday. 

Their long-term futures might well remain uncertain but that does not matter until the final whistle is blown at Elland Road in May.

Adams has four goals in his last five Championship outings and keeping Walker-Peters is even better business still. 

Saints have a significantly better shot at finishing inside the top two with the in-form duo focused - of which there is no doubt.

Club chiefs tried to turn the phones off early on summer deadline day but there was late disruption - although nobody ended up leaving. 

They will hope for no repeat of the 5-0 drubbing at Sunderland that followed - and there is no reason to fear that. 

Martin's side are on a 22-game unbeaten run, the longest in all competitions in the club's history.

None of their regular starters have been unsettled. 

It is not a 10/10 window for Saints - the squad, overall, is probably not hugely stronger than it was at the start of January.

It is perhaps more finely tuned, certainly more cost-effective, and all on the same page with 18 decisive league matches to come. 

With all the turmoil and pain of the summer, the internal desire this time around was the opposite. 

Saints can celebrate not losing any of the men that have taken them to a tantalising position - good business indeed.

Daily Echo: Keeping Kyle Walker-Peters goes down as Southampton's best winter businessKeeping Kyle Walker-Peters goes down as Southampton's best winter business (Image: Stuart Martin)