After enjoying a superb away day in West Yorkshire last Saturday, Town failed to repeat that same performance back in Wiltshire four days later.

But despite the poor showing on Tuesday, it’s been a good start to the season for Mark Coopers side.

The squad has adapted well to the managers new system, and some players are flourishing in their new roles, especially Nathan Byrne.

At the start of the season I marked out Nathan as a player who wasn’t good enough to be starting each week, due to his inconsistent performances last season.

But now that he is playing in his preferred position, he has been the clubs best player so far this season, with Massimo Luongo and Wes Foderingham in a close 2nd and 3rd.

Unfortunately the same can’t be said for fellow wingback Liverpool loanee Brad Smith.

Last week was a proud moment for the young Australian as he earned his first international caps, and I’m sure they will be the first of many.

But his form for Town hasn’t been what was expected; maybe I’m being harsh with this being his first full season playing at this level.

With his position being key for Mark Coopers 5-3-2 formation to be fully effective, let’s hope his performances improve soon; otherwise the manager should be looking to give Jack Barthram a chance to impress.

A player who has enjoyed a good start to this season is Jonathan Obika.

The striker has done a great job in rebranding himself to the Town faithful after a poor loan spell at the club in 2011.

Three goals in his first two games back at the club is a great start, but his overall demeanor has totally changed from his first spell at the club.

He looks like a different player, and if he can keep up this start, paying £200K could be seen as a special bit of business from the chairman.

Along with Jon Obika and Jack Stephens joining the club on deadline day, we also saw Louis Thompson join Norwich and loaned back to the club.

With Louis’ contract coming to an end next summer, £600K plus add-ons was a great piece of business, but with all the talk about Louis, our thoughts have moved away from his older brother.

Town’s current longest serving player and captain has enjoyed a good start to the season playing in his new centre back/sweeper role, but like his brother, his current contract comes to an end next summer.

I’m sure as you read this talks are ongoing in extending his deal, but even when he signs his new contract, the team can’t afford to lose him in January or next summer.

I understand a club of Town’s size will always have to sell players to balance the books, but certain players should be exempt from that rule.

The guy shows more passion in 90 minutes than some players display in an entire season, he isn’t just an integral part of the team, but the club as a whole.

Knowing the club captain is a product of the youth system and a fan of the club makes a huge difference to supporters.

Is it unreasonable to ask him to become the next John Trollope and be a one-club man? Probably.

Unfortunately one-club players like Paolo Maldini, Carles Puyol, Tony Adams and Matt Le Tissier are a dying breed.

But I desperately hope Nathan can break the mould and spend the majority of his career playing at the County Ground.

Follow me on Twitter @danwjonson

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here