At the halfway stage, it's time to compare Town's performance to seasons gone by, and to look at what what the targets might be for the next 23 matches.

As any supporter knows, the first half of this season has been the most dismal since the return to the Championship in 2002. However, with recent performances definitely looking up, let's not dwell on the club's proximity to the relegation zone; let's look instead at the heady heights of the top half of the table, and indeed, even towards the play-offs (well, you never know, we may sign Rooney or Drogba before the month is out).

Last year I (correctly!) predicted 74 points to make the play-offs, based on how competitive the division was, and you'd be right if you felt this season was a closer one. The latest model says 71-72 points, the way things are going. The top half of the division is averaging 1.60 points per game, which is the second-lowest at this stage in the past eight seasons; only 2007/08 (1.57) was lower, and that season we had the freakily low total of 70 points making the play-offs.

So how well would we need to do to make 72 points? Well, with 24 points so far, it'd mean another 48 points from 23 games, which is as many as the division leaders (Newcastle) have managed in the first half of the season. Hardly likely, although you may remember the second half of the 1997/98 season saw Ipswich get an astonishing 56 points, in one of the best runs the division has ever seen, starting from just 27 points. We'd take that again.

Ipswich at the halfway stage

Leaders at the halfway stage

Curiously, this is the only time in the last eight years that the 23-match mark has been *after* Christmas, which is odd when you consider they're supposed to be getting things out of the way early for the World Cup.

fifeblue added 15:24 - Jan 7 The play-offs are definitely within reach of this team now that they have started to play a bit and score some goals.
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naa added 15:36 - Jan 7 Must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed the last two home games (can't remember the last time that was the case). On the last 8 games we're 7th on form, last 5 must be even higher. However, I still can't really see the play-offs happening. 17 points in 23 games is a lot to make up. After all, we're not suddenly amazing (as we were in 97/98) we're just playing how we would have liked all season. We're now playing as true play-off contenders, it's just that we've wasted the first half of the season.

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sirbobbyrip added 15:57 - Jan 7 naa - very well said The games against Blackpool and QPR have been excellent, albeit if Blackpool had 11 men in the FA Cup, I doubt we would have won. If the away form can liven up a bit, I could see a top-half finish. I would say next year could be the year, although how many times have we said that!
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Lightningboy added 16:07 - Jan 7 Keane fair play does seem to be turning things around but let's not get too carried away yet..i'll be just relieved if we beat the drop after our abysmal august-november run..promotion next season is realistic-if we sign a goalscorer. This season,23 games to go,I can see us maybe winning 10 or 11 of those,drawing a few,losing a few & finishing on around 60 - 65pts and just short of the Play-Offs.

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mightytown added 16:20 - Jan 7 i completely agree, if we'd started the season with the team we have now playing as they have been recently, then we could have been sat at this stage of the season thinking of the playoffs. for this season we've left ourselves too much to do, but, there is still much to achieve from this season. a strong top half finish, would build momentum for next season and would really lay to rest the dark cloud around us because of our dreadful start. a good bit of business in the transfer market and a round or two more in the fa cup would maybe even make us look a little more attractive in the transfer market come the summer. here's hoping COYB

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ericsankle added 16:35 - Jan 7 Agree with the above postings. Believe that despite my pre-season prediction of victory in the play of final, this is now unlikely, but not impossible! However, as a student of history, this could be our 1977/78 season revisited! Realistically, 60ish points in the league (finishing 11th) and a quarter final run in the cup, maybe more (we can dream the dream). Next year and beyond should see promotion. Looking at the team/squad, would like to see Wickham loaned out to a league one club for next 6-8 games and brought back, firing on all cylinders around Easter for a run in the team. The elusive goalscorer? Can't see anyone at the moment knocking in 20 goals, but if a couple of players contribute from midfield a la Johnny Wark, then Stead might be the man for the rest of the season. Howe long can we give a player to settle into the team and score goals? When safe from relegation, putting Priskin and a more experienced Wickham up front, with Civelli back and fit and Norris and Leadbitter in the centre could see us set the league on fire next year. However, what could be achieved if a certain Mexican from White Hart Lane joins us for a few months?

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PhilTWTD added 17:31 - Jan 7 Eric Wickham, as a first-year academy scholar, can't be loaned out, it's against the rules apparently.
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ericsankle added 18:53 - Jan 7 Thanks Phil. Better play him then!
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OrkneyBlue added 21:43 - Jan 7 Playoffs are possible of course but i'd have to agree with Lightningboy, the 60-65 point mark looks more probable. Just booked my flights down for Mboro home and QPR away early Feb, can't wait! Although i've always made 2-3 trips a season since moving up here, it's been a wee while since i've been looking forward to trip this much and i hope the games don't end up like my last trip....Swansea and Watford!

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peterleeblue added 22:08 - Jan 7 Orkney - and if you add in the 7 pts that we were robbed off in last minutes earlier in the season we would have had the 72 we need for play offs even after poor first half to the campaign.
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OrkneyBlue added 22:25 - Jan 7 peterleeblue - Yeah, you are right! It just goes to show how bloomin' valuable every point is and how important a good start to the season can be! Anyhoo, as the blog headline says, here's hoping for a better 2nd half! Actually, maybe it should say here's LOOKING FORWARD to a better 2nd half?
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moyardmadman added 08:15 - Jan 8 just shows what a manager we really have doesnt it?
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