LOSING Nathan Dyer is a blow, but it was no real surprise. The big shock was that Southampton let the youngster remain at Turf Moor as long as they did.

Ask yourself this; if you saw your team struggling while one of your players was starring for a Championship play off rival, would you be happy?

The impact Nathan made at Turf Moor was remarkable and his fate was sealed the moment Harry Redknapp headed back to Portsmouth.

But one man's misfortune is someone else's opportunity and Wade Elliott has to grab the baton and run with it now.

I've been impressed with Wade so far. It's not been an easy transition to a much higher level, but he's shown more than enough to convince me he can be an asset.

Until players like Wade find their consistency, however, loan signings remain vital.

The manager has come up trumps so far and with a few measured moves in the New Year the building momentum can certainly be continued.

As the year draws to a close, I get the feeling the real excitement is only just beginning.