Town defender Andy Butler wants Town to be in and around the Play-Off race by the time the season enters the New Year.

The 25-year old has been on top form under the caretaker stewardship of Gerry Murphy and explained to htafc.com that he is enjoying life under Town's Director of Football Development, but that a run of results is needed over the busy festive period.

"Gerry likes us to play football and his training sessions are quite intense, which is exactly what we need at the moment. We train how we play," he explained.

"It's the first time that I have played in a back three and it's quite different - I'm getting on the ball a lot more than I did in a back four. I've been going on some mad forward runs recently too, so perhaps somebody needs to put the reins on me! I'm enjoying playing football under Gerry though."

Butler has formed an effective partnership with Nathan Clarke in defence and admitted that he enjoys playing alongside the Town Academy graduate.

"Nathan and I are similar players - we are both big, strong lads but we are not afraid to get on the ball when we need to be. He's a great player, who is proven at this level; I like playing with him."

Whereas Butler was well aware of Clarke's ability ahead of joining the Club in the summer, he readily admits that the third member of Town's defensive trio provided him with a pleasant surprise.

"I have to admit that I was a bit surprised with James (Berrett) at first, because I had no idea how he would do in defence against Leeds. I knew he had been away with the Republic of Ireland under-21s, but I had never actually seen him play. As it turned out, he had Becchio in his back pocket all afternoon - I don't think he won a header against James all afternoon! From that point, I think he has got better in each game. That role probably suits him as he can get on the ball with the whole game in front of him."

Saturday's game against Walsall signals the start of the busy period and Butler has his sights firmly set on climbing the table sooner rather than later.

"By the time we enter the New Year, we need to be near the top six," he explained. "We have to aim to get in the mixer by that time, because then you can go on another little run and perhaps even break into the top two."

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