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My personal opinion for that initial good run of results was the emergence of Jimmy Juan and the shrewd loan signing of Gavin Williams. Juan in the centre and Williams on either flank, especially, gave the side a lot more balance and agility.
A previous midfield trio of the aged Magilton, Horlock and Currie all to often left the back four exposed, due to lack of pace and legs.
Jim Magilton has been a great servant for Ipswich Town Football Club although I think it's been made clear that he is in the same position as Kevin Horlock and won't be wearing the blue of Ipswich next season.
Our recent run of excellent results however can be put down to the exuberance, speed and talent of the youth introduced by Joe Royle.
Danny Haynes, Scott Barron, Dean MacDonald, Owen Garvan and the rejuvenated Matt Richards have all been vital in our resurgence up the table. Haynes and MacDonald provided the pace and work rate that we previously craved up front and both have shown an eye for goal. Scott Barron finally seems the answer to our left back conundrum, showing great strength and maturity as well as a willingness to bomb forward.
Finally I have been most pleased and impressed by our new left, central or right midfielder Matt Richards. Often referred to as the "weak link" in our very successful side of last year and therefore became a vulnerable target for unsatisfied Town fans. He, with the faith shown in him by Joe Royle, has come back into the side as a versatile midfielder and has defied many of his critics. He has been a match winner, cropping up with crucial goals, and has showed unbelievable composure from nine yards on a number of occasions this season.
In conclusion I think it is fair to say that the play-offs is a long shot, but stranger things have happened in football. Especially if we continue our good run of results and stay injury free for the rest of the season, who knows? I am very confident for next season, as we have created a very strong launching pad for ourselves. If we can manage what we have failed to do in previous years; to keep our young stars, I can see foresee a very good 2006/2007 for the tractor boys.
So I'm sure Big Joe and the lads are hoping for a strong finish to this season, a bit of luck of in the transfer window and maybe, just maybe, football in the promised land in the not to distance future.