The promotion charge is back on, writes Neil McSteen.

After some poor results before Christmas, illuminated only by the deserved win over Man City, a winning run against a quartet of the weaker teams in Division 1 has taken us back into play-off contention.

For me, in the game against Gillingham it was evident that, for the first time, this was Francis' team, playing how he wanted.

Starting with Dougie, Clinton and Trevor Benjamin up-front was a masterstroke we should have had the night wrapped up within the first 15 minutes.

How often have we all wished that we tweaked our tactics at home, and just took the game to opposition? Credit to Francis for doing just that.

As for the new boys, Basingstoke's number one son Kit Symons has formed a solid centre back partnership with Popovic.

Although the deal was nearly sabotaged by Bruce, credit to Jordan and Francis for pushing the benefits of South London over the West Midlands (admittedly not difficult).

Of Francis' two other signings, Curtis Fleming looks to be an inspired acquisition, displaying a good first touch and brain for the game.

Danny Granville is also an accomplished purchase giving us another option on the left side of defence.

All we need now is some astute buying to cover our centre forward pairing, as the loan option has not really worked out here.

Only Palace would take a striker that was being kept out his team by Ade Akinbiyi, although as you read this we might actually have the Premiership's Worst Striker strutting round Selhurst.

For many though, myself included, the jury is still out on Trevor Francis.

Ten full games in charge is not long enough for anybody to judge his suitability for the role, let alone enough time for him to impose his style on the team.

But the signs are there.

Anybody for Millwall or Birmingham in the Play-Off Final in Cardiff?