Next Season Starts Now

First of all, you'll notice that this article is tagged as Huddersfield Town, "Championship", because we are not officially a Championship Club. What we are capable of achieving in the Championship however comes down to what the squad looks like come August next season. So who do we want to get rid of and who do we want bringing in? Exciting times ahead in the next couple of months!...

Goalkeeper - For me Smithies should be number 1, he's been poor in general (but a hero on Saturday) since returning from injury but with a full pre-season under his belt should be back to his best, and he'll only get better. Give Bennett a new deal, he's earned it, and he will be great backup.

Defence - I have doubts over our captains capabilities at a higher level (MOTM on Saturday for me though) but think he deserves a shot after leading us very well for the last 3 seasons. Sean Morrison is a must to play alongside him, I'd be massively disappointed if we don't bring him in permanently or at least on a season-long loan. Tony Kay can leave, as can Nathan Clarke, while McCombe and Wallace will offer competition. Jack Hunt has the potential to really make me look foolish so should continue at right back, while the likes of Tom Clarke, Callum Woods and Liam Ridelagh (loan him out again) all make good squad players. I'd like a new starting left-back though and I'd look no further than our semi-final opponents skipper Dean Lewington, a real "Mr. Reliable" could do a steady job in the Championship.

Midfield - This is where it gets interesting. Starting on the wings, Danny Ward and Kallum Higginbotham are more than capable of improving in the Championship. Gary Roberts for me would be offered a new deal to see what he can do at a higher level after being brilliant for us in his time here despite his problems this season. Cadamateri can be released while another winger, preferably with plenty of pace, could be brought in to offer competition for places. In this middle, Gobern would be loaned out for me as he has potential but is nowhere near ready for the Championship. Robinson needs to be let go, possibly back to Bournemouth, and Tommy Miller can be released. Scott Arfield offers versatility so would make a good squad player and Damien Johnson deserves a new deal and if fit would easily be a good championship ball winner. Therefore a couple of new midfielders are needed, with one possibly being Kevin McDonald of Sheffield United who is now out of contract - he'd be high on my list of priorities.

Strikers - Keep Jordan Rhodes and see if he can continue his form at a higher level, he's on decent money already and seems really level-headed so hopefully he'll want to stay here. Novak can do a job when needed, and I'd also retain Alan Lee - a character who's great in the dressing room and could still do a job as a plan B in the Championship. Loan Jimmy Spencer out again, and then bring in the final piece of the puzzle. I'd love it if we made it happen - Oooooh Benik Afobe!

So that could give us this starting 11 which I think would steer well clear of the relegation zone next season and possibly even push inside the top 10 (maybe getting ahead of myself):

Smithies
Hunt Clarke Morrison Lewington
Higginbotham McDonald Johnson Ward
Rhodes Afobe

What does everyone else think? Who do you not want to see in a Town shirt next season? Who'd be on your summer shopping list?