The arrival of Jon Harley and Andy Melville from Fulham, initially on loan, the acquisition of Rami Shaaban, also on a short term deal, and hopefully - though it must be stressed there are still medicals to be completed - the permanent signings of Nigel Reo-Coker and Adam Newland from Wimbledon, have all made it a busy time for Alan, who is also bringing in Peter Grant from Bournemouth to be his assistant.
In the outward direction, Ian Pearce, David James, and Paul Goddard have all departed the club.
On top of that, of course, is the preparation for the FA cup tie at Wolves on Sunday, with Rami and Jon eligible.
"It has been a big couple of weeks and it is a massive game Sunday; if we can get the right result there we can look forward to Rotherham," says Alan.
"We have got a fantastic chance to push on now, getting some different personnel in, and a more positive attitude around the place.
"It is time to go and let's hope these new signals I am sending out are the right ones."
Change can be difficult, if not painful, but Alan insists:
"I don't expect it to be a difficult change; I am expecting the players to respond to what I have done.
"We can't mess about; time is critical and I haven't done this just for the long term - it is for an immediate effect, and that is what I am hoping for because time is critical."
Talking of Peter, Alan says:
"He brings some great qualities to the club and I am looking forward to having him work alongside me.
"He has a professionalism, enthusiasm, and a wealth of knowledge with his Celtic background and his time coaching at Bournemouth.
"He is an ex-player of mine who is infectious - and that is what we need in the place.
"I know he will work well with me, I don't expect there will be too much adjustment for us, and I don't think there will be too much adjustment for the players because the coaching side of it is pretty nailed down as it is.
"But he will add his own special talents in the way he sees fit.
"He has played in more derbies between Rangers and Celtic than any other player - and you have to be special to have that record.
"He is winner - and that is what I want around me."
Alan is taking a closer look at Yeovil keeper Chris Weale, who has been on trial this week, and talking ahead of the reserves' game against Arsenal that includes Paulinho, he says:
"He has got a tough baptism of fire tonight because there are hardly any pros playing - it is mainly the youngsters.
"He will be busy tonight and that is what I want to see - how he copes with that.
"I am looking forward to seeing how he handles himself."
Regarding a permanent move, he adds:
"We will just see how it goes."