FOLLOWING a difficult start to the season for Swindon Town, I’ve taken a look at what the club might be asking for from Father Christmas this year as they aim to retain their status in League One.

A BRAND NEW STRIKER (or two)

Despite having scored the joint-most number of goals in League One from 11th placed Sunderland downwards this term, the widespread calls from almost everyone at the club to bring a new forward are almost deafening.

A genuine target man who can occupy the hulking great brutes that litter English football’s third tier would go a long way to ensuring Town can spend more time out of their own half, and thus hopefully reducing the number of defensive mistakes that have been made.

If this wish comes true, it should allow Tyler Smith and Brett Pitman to do what they do best – score goals.

A CENTRE MIDFIELDER (or two)

After the loss of Michael Doughty and Jordan Lyden’s unfortunate injury history, Town have had to make do with the genius of Matt Smith and a battling Anthony Grant in centre midfield.

Normally, Grant would be battling opposition midfielders, however, a problematic ankle injury has seen the veteran protector hobbling through games to do a job for the team.

Far from Town’s poor form being Grant’s fault, a fully-fit Anthony Grant does help to control a game with greater efficiency than has been seen this season. Therefore, giving last season’s Adver Sport player of the year some time to rest his body with the acquisition of a shiny new centre midfielder could be key to an upturn in points accumulation.

Meanwhile, I am fully confident that Matt Smith’s sparkling form from the beginning of the campaign will return once he is allowed a full week to rest between games. Mind you, his performances have still been pretty good regardless.

Meanwhile, Matty Palmer is due to come back in January anyway, therefore Town will have their ranks bolstered through a man John Sheridan knows well, and likes. Though I remain sceptical over Palmer’s ability, he may have just been given a rough ride by Richie Wellens, and the right manager can often elevate a player’s ability to new heights.

A new centre midfielder who is looking for a point to prove could be just the spark Swindon need. Has anyone got Scott Twine's number?...

A LEFT BACK

Following the sad departure from the club of Dion Donohue, Swindon have been making do with centre-back, Jonathan Grounds at left-back.

While the experienced defender has done well there at times, his lack of pace can often be a problem for Town, and most would feel he is far better suited to a central role.

Ellis Iandolo will hopefully be back soon anyway, but competition for places is never a bad thing, and an able back-up for Ellis would help Sheridan out if Iandolo’s form dips.

10 – 12 POINTS IN JANUARY

Town’s run of fixtures in January is not kind with away trips to Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic and Hull City. However, home games against Wigan Athletic, Doncaster Rovers and Plymouth Argyle are likely to provide a greater opportunity for three points.

If Swindon are to stay in League One, the club will need to reach 50 points as quickly as possible, and home games have seen far more success in terms of points return than on the club’s travels. The home form must continue if the above points target is to be reached.

Which leads me on to my next wish.

AN IMPROVEMENT IN AWAY FORM

Similar to the chant of “I was there when Douglas scored” – in reference to Jonathan Douglas’ only goal for Swindon away to Sheffield Wednesday on the day Town were relegated – myself and a few other journalists might be the only ones who can say: “I was there when Town won away” if the epic victory over Oxford United remains as the only success in that category this season.

John Sheridan’s men have deserved something in recent games against Gillingham and Doncaster, certainly, but the away form better start mirroring the home form if Swindon are to achieve everyone’s pre-season hopes of beating Oxford twice and staying up. Of course, if Town sent them down as a result, that would be a nice added bonus, but let’s not get too greedy.

TO DO THE DOUBLE OVER OXFORD UNITED

The 2-1 victory earlier in the campaign will stay with most of us for a long, long time, I’m sure. But imagine if Town beat their most bitter of rivals twice in one season?

Then we can all chant 26 in a row, because we’re allowed to make up the sequence of wins in which that song is correct, right?

Anyway, long live Lord Broadbent. I hope to see you all at the Tom Broadbent Stadium soon.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and a happy new year.

Jonny.