But it made for exciting watching as the matches produced thirty-six goals.On January 1^st the transfer window opened again and loans were due to expire.Would we see a repeat of the previous season, with hold-ups in extending loans or signing new players? The answer was an emphatic "no".

Thanks to the chairman's support, Ryan Shawcross signed a permanent contract, as did Leon Cort and Danny Pugh.

Added to that, Ricardo Fuller's contract was extended to keep the circling predators at bay, and Andy Griffin came home after his short stay at Pride Park.

Salif Diao also returned, having recovered from the injury which prevented him signing earlier in the season.

(Two of the new faces: Glenn Whelan and Paul Gallagher both joined City's promotion push)

These were all well-known to the fans, but the manager sprang a surprise right at the end of the window by selling John Eustace to Watford and replacing him with Glen Whelan from Sheffield Wednesday.

There could be no doubting the club's ambition and commitment, and the goals continued to flow: four against Wolves, including an amazing solo run from Ricardo Fuller, three against both Scunthorpe and Southampton, and who can forget Liam Lawrence's stunner against Ipswich?

These last three matches, all at home, powered City to the top of the table by the end of February.

(Liam Lawrence fires home his second goal to cap off a superb second half fightback against Scunthorpe United)

It was a vivid contrast to the previous season, when the team had endured a disappointing run at home against mediocre opposition during the same month.

But, as the bard might have said, "Beware the sides of March".

A stutter followed the heady days of February.Cynics will say it was brought on by the manager being awarded the poisoned chalice of "Manager of the Month".

(Just reward: Tony Pulis was handed the Manager of the Month Award for February)

More likely causes included the disruptions caused by the suspensions of Ryan Shawcross, Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller for two games each.

To add to the woes, Andy Griffin was sent off in the 3-0 defeat at QPR, a red card which was later rescinded, but such incidents increase the anxiety.

So, to freshen things up and to cover for any injuries or loss of form, Carlo Nash, Jay Bothroyd, Chris Riggott, Stephen Pearson and Shola Amoebi were all brought in to join Paul Gallagher on loan as the revolving door continued to turn.

(New boy Shola Ameobi in action on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday)

The next three home games only brought two points, and a late equaliser by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough served to increase the nerves.

Nevertheless, a welcome goal from Mamady Sidibe at Norwich and a draw at Watford gained crucial points to ensure that City were always, if not quite there, certainly thereabouts.