Stevenage manager Darren Sarll is hoping that 2018 will see a turnaround in his side’s form.

A strong second half to the season has been a regular feature of the club over the past few seasons.

Boro lost just four of their last 23 games under Graham Westley in 2014/15 to make the play-offs before losing to Southend United, while last season saw Sarll’s side put together a strong mid-season before falling just three points short of the top seven.

The 34-year-old isn’t sure why this trend occurs but believes the January window can play an important role.

Sarll told the Comet: “I’d like us to start now and if we can finish the calendar year with three wins that would be magnificent.

“Kicking on in the New Year is something that Graham Westley’s teams did.

“My teams, whether it be the first-team, reserve or youth, always get stronger in the second half of the season.

“Why? I don’t know and I can’t explain that.

“It does show you can make some really timely acquisitions in January to add a bit of impetus or a fresh character. That can sometimes give it a jolt.

“That little addition of personality, character, leadership and experience is vital to keeping things vibrant around the place.

“There are 72 more points to play for and there’s a lot of time to go.

“We are two points worse off now than we were last year to the tangibles are so close it’s ridiculous.”