After a difficult start to the campaign, Cheltenham have produced a timely run of form to climb into mid-table in League One. Indeed, Tuesday night's draw at Northampton lifted John Ward's side to within points two points of the top six and good second half of the season could yet see the Gloucestershire club force their way into the promotion shake-up. Givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke to full back Jamie Victory, who has been a first team regular at Whaddon Road since arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth eight years ago.
Q:RESULTS SEEM TO HAVE REALLY PICKED UP IN THE LAST MONTH?
A:Yes, things have gone very well, we have managed to produce a consistent run of form, epitomised by Tuesday's result at Northampton.
Q:WHAT ARE THE REASONS BEHIND THE IMPROVEMENT?
A:It's really been down to hard work. There is a tremendous togetherness amongst the squad and we've made a conscious effort to put everything into training as well as our matches. Just a month ago we were in a precarious position in the league table, but now we've got our sights set on the top half of the table.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH JOHN WARD?
A:He has settled in extremely well and I think the players, and fans alike, are enjoying the kind of football we are playing at present. Last season we were guilty of conceding some sloppy goals, but John has got us much more organised this time round and, as a result, our defensive record is much better.
Q:WHAT IS A REALISTIC TARGET FOR THE CLUB THIS SEASON?
A:All we can do is strive to keep improving and we will see where that takes us. A few weeks ago the top half of the table seemed a long way away but it's amazing how quickly you can climb up the table on the back of a few wins.
Q:WHICH SIDES HAVE IMPRESSED YOU SO FAR?
A:Darlington looked a decent side and I wouldn't be surprised if they were up there challenging come the end of the season. Swansea are well organised under Kenny Jackett and in Lee Trundle they have a striker who will always get his fair share of goals. Scunthorpe beat us 2-0 and with Steve Torpey and Paul Hayes up front they won't be far away.
Q:ON A PERSONAL NOTE, WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM AIMS?
A:I'm only 29 so hopefully there's a few years left in me yet. I feel as though I'm playing as well as ever and I will be looking to play for as long as I can. Injury-wise, I had a cruciate knee reconstruction four years ago, which kept me out for a year, but there are no problems with the knee now and over the last three or four years I've managed to stay injury free. I enjoyed our brief stay in League One a couple of years ago and I would like to think I can get another chance at playing at a higher level before the end of my career.
