How quickly does a year go? It doesn't seem two minutes ago that I re-joined the club after all those years away as a player and now back as the manager, and it was a great feeling to be here again.

There's been some ups and downs over the past 12 months, but for me, the big thing is that I believe we are progressing closer to where we want to be.

Looking back over the year, on a personal note, my first game against Leicester City last Boxing Day stands out. When I walked down the tunnel that afternoon the hairs on the back of my neck were on end, and it was an afternoon I will never forget.

The atmosphere which is created at Elland Road has got to be one of the best in the country, made even better given the division we are in.

Hereford is another game that stands out, but perhaps not for the right reasons. It was a disappointing night for the club in so many ways, but one that we have moved on from in positive fasion.

We went on a tremendous run after that - I can't praise the players high enough for the way they responded - and had the season gone on a little longer I honestly believe we would have been promoted automatically.

The Millwall semi-final was disappointing in terms of the result, but I couldn't fault what had gone before and sometimes you have to take things on the chin and learn from them.

I felt we could go on and do that and this season so far has been terrific.

We have found a level of consistency and to be sitting here at Christmas with 50 league points and one defeat is terrific - but it will only count for anything if we build on it.

During that time there's been some performances I've been particularly proud of, Bristol Rovers and Brighton away were two, along with our efforts against Liverpool at home.

That night against Liverpool at Elland Road was an indicator of what we all want for this football club, and that's what we are working towards.

Your support that night was amazing, but that's been the case since I joined the club, and I want to take this chance to say thank-you to one and all for your support.

It never ceases to amaze me the numbers in which you turn out - whether it's at Elland Road or at the other end of the country on a Tuesday night, particularly at a time when financial pressures are tough for a lot of people.

Please keep that support because together I hope we can reward you for your efforts.

I hope you all have a good Christmas and a happy New Year.

All the best

Simon