THIS is my last column before the New Year and I have to say I am very excited about what lies ahead in 2012.
We are in a great position in League I, challenging at the top end of the table, and we’ve got everything to play for in the second half of the season.
Just think back exactly 12 months.
If someone had told you then we would go 43 matches unbeaten in League football from the start of 2011, you would have thought they were mad.
But with a lot of hard work, commitment and no small degree of skill and ability from the players and staff, that’s exactly what our club achieved.
There is no reason whatsoever why we shouldn’t be optimistic about the rest of this campaign, especially following our club-record unbeaten start to it.
The unbeaten run was always going to come to an end at some point and the important thing is to look forward, not back, and aim to make the most of all those qualities which have put us in this very good position in the first place.
We all know the bottom line this season is promotion, and for all the right reasons after two successive disappointments in the play-offs.
What the lads have achieved already is fantastic and they will always be a part of the history of this club and of the Football League because of the 43-game run, but I know the desire of each and every one of the players is to be in the Championship with Huddersfield Town at this time next year.
The manager, too, has never let his focus slip from the ultimate aim, and he knows as well as anyone that you are going to have hiccups along the way – that’s football.
I believe the most important thing is to remain positive every step of the way, try not to repeat any mistakes which cost you and have full belief in your ability as a squad.
It’s also important the fans stick behind the team fully over the next few months and help us turn this into a truly memorable promotion season.
Teams are going to make it hard for us, but the fans can play a massive role in helping our lads get the results we want by getting right behind them when they need a lift.
Please remember that, and have a fantastic Christmas holiday and wonderful New Year.