Sometimes it takes a couple of wins to turn desperation into hope.
Being a football fan is a rollercoaster ride with highs and lows.
Our recent wins over the MK Dons and Bristol Rovers has restored hope that we might be part of the promotion party come the end of the season.
Our away form is still a worry but our next two away fixtures at Brighton and Stockport couldn't be easier. This doesn't mean I think we will win them both. Just that we have a realistic chance of putting the bad run to sleep.
Even though Leeds are currently running away with the division we have been lucky that the form of the other promotion contenders has been as inconsistent as ours.
We've battled through the poor run though and look like we have turned things around.
The most important factor over the last couple of weeks is that we have suddenly discovered how to play 4-4-2 again. Moving Bailey back into the centre has played a crucial role in this success.
Our team is far from perfect, we now have a weakness on the left hand side of midfield, expect it to be filled by a variety of decent players who can no longer get into the team in their natural position.
The right back position has suffered through an injury crisis. Considering we have been playing 3rd and 4th choice right backs we have done well.
Up front Mooney and Sodje have transformed the forward line. Burton though is still our most important striker. His experience, ability to hold up the ball and consistency will be vital until the end of the season.
Mooneys loan has been extended until the end of the year. Hopefully we will be able to offload McLeod, Dickson and Fleetwood in the January transfer window and perhaps sign Mooney and Sodje on a permanent basis.
In goal, Carl Ikeme has returned to Wolves (and then been loaned out again to Sheff Utd). I'm assuming this means Rob Elliot is now fit.
If Darren Randolph starts our next game I'm going to go out on a limb and say Ikeme's loan to us stated that he start all league games. After he signed, I think it was obvious the difference between Ikeme and Randolph, in terms of ability was marginal and the additional wage cost could not be justified.
I have to admit with all the loan ins and outs I'm still a bit worried by our finances. I'm convinced we still have to gain promotion this year.
