January, a month that will define our season. This is not me merely swaying from the obvious - not by a long shot, for obviously even if Ipswich win all of their games in the upcoming month they will not be promoted nor will we have won anything.

Rather, my bold statement at the beginning of this piece is trying to stress that this upcoming month really can set a benchmark for the final months of the season.

At time of writing, Town are in magnificent shape - with just one defeat out of 20 games and scoring goals left, right and centre. We look strong defensively as has come to be expected of a Mick McCarthy Ipswich team and our midfield are now beginning to add a sprinkling of genuine ability with the likes of Teddy Bishop and Kevin Bru adding some much needed 'on-the-ball' quality.

Yet January sees Town play five matches. Perhaps another if we overcome Southampton in the FA Cup - with the club's fans deserving enormous respect for the gigantic size of the following, standing at 5,500 who will hopefully witness a cup upset.

On paper, there is a further chance for Ipswich to cement their place in the top two. Indeed, it has to be acknowledged that Ipswich have a real chance in this upcoming month to not only extend their unbeaten run but also create a gap between themselves and the likes of Derby and Middlesbrough, who are sure to fight Ipswich all the way in the raging Premier League promotion battle.

Let us start with the latter. Again, repeating my stance earlier, this month will not define our season. But hell, it could help to build on and enhance our platform. A win over third-placed Derby will mean that at minimum, if Middlesbrough win, Town will have opened up a four-point gap between themselves and third place.

Moreover, if we look at the other fixtures we can see that points are there for Town. Following the Derby game Town face a trip to Millwall (17th) who are languishing in the bottom four of the division and are conceding goals here, there and everywhere. Town were due to play Brighton on the 24th however, this will now be rescheduled due to the FA Cup.

Yet, following on from Millwall, Town's next league game looking at the current, up-to-date set of fixtures, sees us take on Wigan at home (31st). Wigan, like Millwall, are having a thoroughly unenjoyable season. If we consider this, then there is clearly a possibility of Town adding another nine points out of these three games. Such a feat would place Town on a hefty 56 points, and would mean that Town would, be a minimum of 10 points clear of seventh place come the end of January. A formidable league position. Even seven points would be a reasonable total.

To comprehend this point further, in Town's first season under McCarthy Town finished on 56 points. Of course, this measly total was not of McCarthy's own personal fault. Last season, Town finished on 68 points. To consider that with three months and a bit to go Town could be on 56 after 27 games is an incredible thought. It is a recognition of the progress and brilliance that we have achieved this season.

So, let's get the job done in these games - as to put ourselves in such a strong position would give us that real platform to build upon.

Moreover, Town face a transfer market that could not be more unwelcome. Let us be realistic, the likes of Tyrone Mings and Teddy Bishop want to play in the Premier League. But let's also not be naive, to leave Ipswich now would be wrecking their careers.

Sure, a few more pounds may find their way into their back pockets but so would a nice warm cushion on the bench, or worse, in the reserves. As a very wise Town fan noted to me recently, Aaron Cresswell was matured for three years before being sold on. No wonder English football is in such a dismal state with the money flapping that clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal disgustingly pride themselves on.

I, personally, do not think we have anything to fear in terms of the January market. Sure, let's all believe the scaremongering induced within us by the hapless, dreadfulness that can be found within the likes of The Sun newspaper. Instead, let us concentrate on winning what are winnable games in January and continuing to build our points total as January presents us with an opportunity to establish ourselves as genuine promotion contenders. If we're not already, of course.

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martleshamitfc added 22:04 - Jan 3 Mt biggest fear is losing Murphy, to a struggling prem. team! Hopefully he will not get lured away or in fact anyone and they stay and help us to promotion.
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tractorgrl added 23:06 - Jan 3 Whatever the end of the season brings, what a year, what a season, what a fantastic bunch of lads we've been watching!Pinch me i'm dreaming!
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BillBlue added 10:17 - Jan 4 martleshamitfc. IMO Murph is the last person we are likely to lose and, like you, I hope I am right. My reasoning is; through three long years of loans, failures, changing Managers, disappearing crowds Murph stuck it out and kept on coming back for which I have abundant admiration. The reason? Well he has oft stated it, He, his wife and family like it in Suffolk and they feel happy and secure here and just look at the effect it has had on his football. Furthermore, I think he has reached the point in his life where these things are so important they would overcome any quick temptations re a larger pay packet, more media attention or even winning medals.If he sticks here and if Mr Evan can help in the team building by securing the retention of ALL the other candidates under the spotlight by telling them we are going to build the number one team from within and for that I am going to reward you with a correctly calculated contract while you lads take us first to the Premiership then to where we want to be, one of the top teams in the Country. Now I am fully aware there will be many scoffers re this thought but believe me it is possible and the possibility arose when a certain gentleman was lured back from Spurs to reset our Academy and our future prospects as a team and that IMO is the most important appointment made at this club for many a long year.COYB

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Blandford added 12:45 - Jan 4 I agree that the next few matches present a great opportunity to cement a place in the top two. Many of the games are against struggling sides that over the last few years we have found difficult to beat. As for the transfer market I don't expect to lose any key players but I really think we need to add a striker to our ranks - as we don't have good enough backup at present.

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michaeldownunder added 13:43 - Jan 4 IMO if we sell any players it will be Tommy Smith. Good age, comanding in the air, not bad on the ground and can score goals Not that I want him to go but can see a prem side come in for him. Murphy too old, McG not scoring enough goals ( even though he is great on and off the ball). Bishop and Mings too young to be playing all the time in a good prem side so it would be a strugling team who we /they would reject the bigger clubs will wait till the summer to make a move. Lets hope we do not loose anyone but I feel we need a third striker in the squad

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