CHRISTMAS has been a woeful time for Wycombe in recent seasons. Last season saw the Blues take just one point from the four games around Yuletide.

We earned three points in three games at Christmas 2003, three points in three in 2002 and no points in our one game around Christmas 2001. In fact you will have to go back to 1999 for the last time we had a Happy Christmas.

This does not bode well and the poor second half performance at a bitterly cold Gigg Lane does not either.

Bury fully deserved their victory. But given we were five minutes away from a win ourselves, it was a very frustrating trip home. It certainly hurts to lose, especially as we had forgotten how it felt!

It was a disappointing way to end an astonishing run. Twenty-one unbeaten games is quite incredible, a magni-ficent achievement. I fully believe that this defeat was just a blip, but we shall see in the next few games.

So what do we want Santa to bring us? Well 12 points out of 12 would be nice. We certainly need to get at least seven points out of our festive fixtures. Our form over Christmas and Easter last season was telling and the reason we did not make the play-offs at least.

Looking ahead to next year it is clear that additions are needed to our squad, despite the great start. It has been a wonderful start to the season in, what has to be said is, a poor league. But since Nathan Tyson's departure, we are a goalscorer short.

Frank Talia in goal has failed to excel and a replacement should also be considered in the January transfer window.

Additional signings such as a defensive full back and central defensive cover should be considered, although these are not imperative in my view.

We certainly find ourselves in a much better position at Christmas 2005 than we did 12 months previously. We're top of the pile and have every chance of promotion in May.

It just leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Despite the ridiculous timing of the fixture, I hope to see as many of you as possible at Torquay on Boxing Day. And memo to the players: don't eat too much turkey on Christmas Day!

Ian Baker is on the Board of Wycombe Wanderers Supporters Trust. For further details about the Trust and how to join please see www.wwst.org.