Damien Delaney has spoken of his frustration, no doubt shared by team-mates and supporters alike, as the current campaign draws to a close.
Although Town have been beaten only three times in their last 17 outings, they have only managed one win in seven, leaving Delaney & Co to reflect on what might have been.
Until last month’s 2-1 defeat at Watford they looked to be outsiders for a play-off place but that hope has evaporated and even maximum points from their two remaining games might not be enough to earn a top-half finish.
Delaney cited the midweek home draw with promotion-chasing Birmingham, when Town fought back and came close to bagging all three points, as an example of what he means.
He said: "It was still only a draw. On the balance of play we probably deserved to win it but at this stage of the season a draw was probably a decent enough result.
"We’ve drawn a few and we lost to Leicester but I’d far rather we were winning games when we dominate as we did against Birmingham. There have been times when we have only dominated in one half so I suppose it’s progress that we dominated in both the other night.
"But I still think that if you have any aspirations of going anywhere you need to be winning those games. I just think there have been opportunities missed.
"We can all look at positives and on the bright side, and I suppose — or hope — that if we play like we did against Birmingham in most games next season we’d like to think we would get more wins, which is what we are always looking for.”
Delaney believes Town’s improved form over the past three months can in part be attributed to a settled back four, with the big Irishman currently on an uninterrupted 15-game run.
He added: "Arran has come in and done really well in goal to soften the blow of Alex [McCarthy] leaving.
"It all leads to a better understanding, getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and building around all that.
"On our day we can beat most teams in the Championship — but some days we have been absolutely terrible this season. There have been more good days towards the back end of the season so that side is definitely a positive and something to take into the new season.”
Delaney also had praise for midfielder Luke Hyam, who has been ruled out of today’s home clash with Millwall because of a thigh injury suffered in training.
He said: "When Luke was in the team he did a sterling job and I couldn’t speak highly enough of him, especially as a defender having someone sitting in front of the back four and the way he did that job.
"He’s probably unlucky — I think everyone would admit that — to be out of the team. Maybe he’ll be given a go before the end of the season but he trains really, really well, is a good professional and I’m pretty sure he has a big future ahead of him at this club.”
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