I WOULD like to kick-off the column this week by wishing all the Town supporters and Examiner readers a very happy Christmas.

We have had a tremendous 12 months at the club and, hopefully, there will be more success ahead in the not too distant future.

I don't think any of us will ever forget that magnificent occasion down at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and I can assure you that, having earned one promotion for this club, myself, all the very hard working staff and the players want more of that success.

We know the fans do as well and, together, I reckon we've got a great chance of achieving our ambitions.

I know things haven't gone entirely to plan of late, but I would ask everyone to be patient.

Considering where we were when I came back to the club, we have come a long way in a short space of time and are probably ahead of schedule in terms of where we want to be in the next few years.

As fans, stick right behind the lads in every game, stick right behind this great club we all love and, above all, KEEP THE FAITH.

IN the summer, you let it be known there was money for squad strengthening but that you would assess the situation before taking action. Rachubka and Akpo Sodje have been added, has this pushed you to the limit of your budget or is more available? Also, why have you not brought in a loan? Robert Pepper, e-mail; Lee, Mirfield

Jacko says: I HAVEN'T rushed into anything on the signings front, but it's something I am keeping an eye on.

Money is tight at the club, as everyone knows, but I am not at the edge of my budget - there is leeway to bring someone in or make a loan.

I have wanted to keep my options open, but this is not an ideal time of year to be asking about quality loans.

Clubs just don't want to let them out because there are something like four games in nine days.

I have spent quite a bit of time on the phone this week inquiring about possible loans and trying to get somebody in, but it has come to nothing.

That doesn't mean to say we won't have success come January, and I'll be keeping my eye on things.

The key is the quality we are after.

It won't happen just for the sake of bringing in a fresh face - I could have done that already.

I will only bring someone in when the right quality is available.

WHAT is your overall view this season of Junior Mendes? Ben, e-mail

Jacko says: JUNIOR has done okay overall - but I know he can do a lot better.

I thought he desperately needed a goal early in his time with the club.

It's hard not to look back to that chance in the first minute at Sheffield Wednesday and wonder what might have happened had that gone in.

We would certainly have won the game and Junior would have been off and flying.

He lost his place after that because I brought in Pav to partner Boothy, and Junior moved down the pecking order.

When he got a chance again, Junior scored six goals in six matches and was on a terrific roll but, unfortunately for him, me and the club, he had to break off to go and play for Montserrat.

Since he came back from that international call-up - and I would never want to deny anyone the chance to play for their country - he hasn't found the same sort of explosive form.

He had a great chance to get back on the scoresheet against Bradford when he blazed a shot over the top and it's a shame he didn't score.

He needs and goal, and he needs it quickly.

ON a pre-match tour of the stadium last week I was a little disappointed the players were listening to RnB before the game. Surely something a little more motivational is the ticket for the team? Bernice Bourgoin, e-mail

Jacko says: THE lads listen to all sorts of stuff and, just before the Bradford game, we had our old favourite Rock the Casbah blasting out.

We have had to borrow Lee Fowler's CD player recently because the one which Panasonic gave us got broken over at Blackpool.

Unfortunately it got booted across the dressing room when a certain manager was in a rage!

We were struggling for a music centre until Lee intervened, but any gifts would be appreciated!

DO you think the older professionals are letting you down at the moment? Therese, John Smith's Stand

Jacko says: I DON'T think that at all.

We are inconsistent throughout the side and that's why we haven't quite delivered what we would have wanted so far.

Our 30-plus lads are Efe Sodje, Andy Booth, Steve Yates and Rob Edwards and they are all excellent professionals.

It only takes one uncaring professional in your squad - especially if he's an older player - and the rot will soon set in.

I'm not saying they don't have poor games every now and again, just like everyone else, but I would never criticise my senior pros, simply because of the fantastic job they have done with the young lads at this club.

They have really helped the young lads develop, so it's not all about what you see on the pitch.

WHO have been the best teams against Town this season and why? Also, who are your tips for promotion? Martin, Manchester

Jacko says: NO-ONE has outplayed us over 90 minutes this season and, as I've told all the lads, when we play like we can we have nothing to fear at this level.

We haven't taken a massive hiding off anyone, with our matches tending to be quite close, and I don't think it will be too long before someone comes a real cropper against us - just as soon as the chances start flying in.

Of all the teams we've played, I think Tranmere looked strong and well organised but, having said that, I still thought we should have got something out of that home game (we lost 3-1).

My favourites for promotion would probably be the top two at the moment, sides who we have already beaten this season.

Luton have had a fantastic start while Hull have invested heavily and they've got the power to invest again, both in fees and in wages.

Those two would appear to be best off, but it is a very close division.

I'm sure most of our supporters realise we aren't far off being strong challengers again and that's what we will be working towards.

Having come up a division, in football terms I think we've given a very good account of ourselves.

Some results haven't gone for us but, in general, I've been pretty pleased.

I know, though, that we can do a lot better.

When I look at the teams around us they have all had a run of five or six wins on the trot to boost them up the table.

Our run like that hasn't happened yet, but it will come.

WHY don't we play 4-4-2, because we look a much better side with that formation? Lee, Mirfield

Jacko says: OUR formation seems to be the big talking point at the moment and, with the way things have gone, I'm not really surprised.

At Oldham, when we switched to 4-4-2, it was probably as well as we've played away from home all season. Then, against Bradford, we totally outplayed them at 4-4-2.

I have taken a long, serious look at things since last weekend and, obviously, I don't want to give anything away in my column about what system we will play.

It's a big decision.