A month ago I expressed hope that Swindon’s recent measured progress would continue through the end of January, a month which seemed absolutely crucial in the context of our season.

I got my wish. Since, Town have strung together a slew of wins against League Two’s fellow relegation strugglers, and are sitting pretty in the mid-February table. It no longer appears as if the club have to worry about falling through the trapdoor into non-league at all. Ian Holloway even deservedly scooped the Manager of the Month award - a fantastic recognition of the job he’s done.

Seeing Holloway celebrating his first away win as manager of the club on that Friday night at Newport felt big; even more significant were his inspired substitutions that secured a late flurry of goals at the end of a difficult evening at home to Tranmere. Following that up with an emphatic win at Carlisle was the moment those dark clouds felt like they’d parted.

On the transfer front, the club’s signings were steady more than life-changing, which means we can reflect on the first January window in at least half a decade which has seen Swindon’s squad strengthen.

McGregor runs at a defender (Image: Callum Knowles)

There had been worry that key players like Harry Smith or Will Wright would be sold, and they thankfully remain on board. Only Rosaire Longelo, who had been on the periphery for most of his time at SN1 despite showing glimpses of his talent, departed the club in January.

And by adding an........

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