Some post-season ramblings

Some personal thoughts after a hugely successful season.

Management and coaches etc. - Achieved exactly what they were asked to achieve in spite of many injuries at inopportune times. OK the football was not always attractive and was painful to watch on the odd occasion but the end result was never really in doubt conceived by a leader who engendered a superb team spirit and professionalism. He must be allowed at least one season to operate in the Championship. Who cares if he failed to keep Rotherham up; his current position is a different ball game altogether.

Goalkeepers. - We have two fine keepers in Wildsmith and Vickers. I assume Loach will leave so a third will be needed as a possible back-up.

Wing backs/full backs. - We are very well served on the right via Nyambe, Ward and Wilson but as Fozzie is likely to be released we need at least one more for the left side. I would hope Sibs will be kept on unless a good offer comes in for him. Elder looks good to me but I hope he is not going to be injury prone.

Centre backs. - I assume Bradley and Nelson will stay but I worry that a Prem side may tempt a sale of Cashin. If Fozzie also leaves we will need one and probably two more in.

Will PW go for three or four at the back? I have seen highlights of several Championship games and standards are much higher – more pace and skill is needed which to my mind means that both NML and CBT should play out wide. This in turn means four at the back. He can always use a back three with WBs as a plan B if and when needed.

Midfield. - Bird will be a big miss next season and must be replaced especially if, as I expect, Hourihane will leave. Signing Adams will be a top priority but not as a replacement for Bird. Thommo should be kept but I’m not so sure about Smith who, while a very reliable and capable operator, may not be quite up to Champ level. Robinson may be one for the future but if Smith goes I think we will need a n other.

Strikers. - I think Collo should be kept, maybe not as the number one CF but as back-up. I’m not sure keeping Washington is a priority and I assume Waghorn will go. That means we will need at least two in plus Gayle if we feel we can afford to keep him. Maybe Brown can step up and/or maybe PW thinks JJ is worth a further punt?

Wingers. - We have CBT and NML and I would add Barks in there. Wilson could always play there if needed so maybe no other is wanted.

I have assumed that we will remain on a fairly tight budget which is why I have suggested that, for example, Fozzie may be allowed to go. Also, I recall PW saying earlier that certain players were on something akin to an option to remain, eg, Collo maybe, in which case the likes of Collo and Smith say, may stay on.

All the above are suggestions only, not based on any known facts. Others may well have very different ideas and I would love to hear them.

PS What has happened to Uncle Tom? Not heard from him in ages so I hope he is OK.