Reality Check Needed.

It's easy to focus on the end of the season and say we just escaped relegation, etc but the reality is we weren't in a relegation scrap because of the good start we had. To say we only stayed up because Portsmouth went into administration is wrong. We got off to a good start and that removed any pressure of relegation. It's not like the last two seasons and I don't think anyone can say they honestly thought we would get relegated this season?

Obviously the cup run had an effect on our league and possibly had a knock on effect to how we ended the season. I wonder whether we would have done better if we hadn't gone on the cup run?

The last few games aren't a fair reflection on our season because we've had a lot of key players injured and playing big teams and we had nothing to play for.

I think next season will be an improvement on this year but don't think we'll make the play-offs. Maybe a mid table finish? But no cup runs!

Eaglestilidie what you say pretty much mirrors my sentiments.

Personally my thinking is "unless there is a massive improvement we will be staring relegation in the face, the 20pts from the last 23 games is simply not going to do it next season, when you double up on that it ammounts to a meagre 40pts, on this seasons tally that puts us in the zone.

For me the squad is too thin, and there are too many players who automaticly on the team sheet, that needs to change every player must be made to fight for his place, both on and off the field.

Not sure where I am on this one. On the positive side a number of youngster have been blooded this season some good (Joniesta, De Silva) some not so great. On the negative side Doog hasn't really made up his mind on the style of play or the formation. Tbh if we continue in the same vein next season as we finished this then yes another struggle but if the kids kick on and we only lose Clyne and Zaha then there is POTENTIALLY a decent squad and an ok team.
The back four as the sarge (almost) says picks itself although Moxey has laid claim to a permanent cb position and maybe if Gardner has a full season that could go ok. The obvious weakness there being the rb position with no obvious candidate. The midfield is probably our strong point with Jedi, O'Keefe, Wynter, Gow, KG, Marrow fighting for the defensive role(s). Cadogan, Joniesta, De Silva, Ambrose, Garvan all looking for the productive midfield role. Up front not so good with (imo) Scannell and Murray with Easter, Pedrosa, pushing them.
For any players missed out my apologies and here are my hopes for a slightly better season than the previous two and the last half a one.

I think the proof of the last two thirds of the season is that, "negative tactics is not a garantee of positive results".

Dougie has said in interviews that he wasn't pleased with some parts of the season (assume he means the end) and that some players underperformed. Other players have stated that was down to inexperience from the players and management, so hopefully lessons have been learnt!

He also said that the aim for this season was to avoid a relegation battle, which we did, and when we were safe he wanted to start playing some of the younger players such as De Silva, Parsons, Pedroza, etc who I'm sure will feature more in next season.

So HOPEFULLY we will have a fresh start and can push for the play-offs. It might depend on what players we get in and what players we lose? I read that Tunchev has been released

For me I am a bit disappointed with all the negativity at the end of the season. We were odds on favourites to get relegated at the season start and to avoid that is a great achievement let's be honest. Of course I am as frustrated as anyone after seeing us more or less roll over since we lost to Cardiff in the penalty shoot out but I am optimistic for next season that we can finish in the top half of the table. I think playoffs are a bit out of reach at the moment.

So lets look at positions:

Goalkeepers: With Speroni and Price let's be serious we are blessed here. Fitzsimmons is supposed to be a good prospect- it's a shame that Fodderingham moved on.

Defenders: We can pinpoint the exact moment when Gardener got injured we went to pot at the back. He has been immense this season and he seems to calm Paddy Mc no ends as when he was a bit eratic in his absense. We need him to sign that extention badly. Parr, player of the season by a freaking mile, can easily play at RB for next season when Clyne goes, a great player who must have some crazed genetics to play something like 80 games this year. Moxey has been terrific also so much better than Hill at LB. We need additional cover in the middle so if we can get McShane on the cheap or pick up Dembuya to replace Natty I think we are looking good back there. My only minor complaint perhaps is not enough goals from set pieces from them.

Midfield: We seem to collect midfielders as of late. I think we need to get rid of Dorman, Ambrose and Wright straight away as they are going to be on reasonably high wages. I am done with Ambrose, he just doesn't offer enough over the full 90 minutes for me. Holding players we have in Jedinak, Marrow and KG who we need to rotate to avoid tiredness and get some competition going. For attacking players we have Zaha, Williams, De Silva, Garvan & O'Keefe (who I think has perhaps been out of position through necessity). We can also look forward to having back Cadogan as I thought he looked promising and may offer a different dimention to what we have. Additions wise I would love to see Boyd come in on a free. As he is a Palace fan, I think this is a realisitic top target for us to get. I think we also need a Neil Danns type player a real link between attack and midfield for next year and can grab some goals himself.

Forwards: I would get rid of Scannell personally. Controversial one I admit but he just doesn't seem to suit our style of play and he is too inury prone. He had a chance to attone his penalty miss against Cardiff on Saturday and he didn't give a feck. Murray and Easter have done reasonably well considering the defensive set up we have had and the poor service through limited chances. I hope we can get someone to link them to the midfield as above or get some decent wing play as Murray will create havoc in the box with a good partner. Youth wise we have Appiah, Pedroza and Pinney who all look really good, genuinely excited about seeing all three of these next year. I would like us to try and get a veteran from a Prem team or get a good youngster. Harry Kane has been immense for ****wall this year. The sale of Clyne should raise a few million and hopefully we can invest in this department for next season.

It will be interesting to see what tactics are used next season. Most of the season (and our best results) came from playing 4-2-3-1 but in the last few games when we've been on a bad spell we've played 4-4-2. This might just be down to the simple fact of the injuries and having to change tactics. However it makes you wonder whether he's going to start with Zaha upfront next season or go back to 4-2-3-1?