Glad this seasons over, one to forget.
Agree with that, worst season since the first in Conf North and that was only worse because of the cloud of going bust hanging over for most of it. Even the relegation threatened season from the Unibond was better than this.
As for next season, well jury is out on the manager. Wasn't keen on him when he applied, has been around alot of clubs, the managerial equivalent of a journeyman? He's had moderate success at a couple (Hemel and Windsor), the only real success is at St Neots where he had 2 promotions but on a budget rumoured to be in excess of teams at this level whils playing in the UCL/Evo South 1.
Happened to Listen to his interview on the radio after the game, liked the fact he said he was looking to bring in 7 players, and not just squad players he said they'd all be first 11. Didn't like the fact he said next season a 7th/8th place finish would be a success. That would be as big a failure as this season imo. I get he was trying to play it down but he needs positivity and he needs to convey that to the players. He should be saying we want to win it next year, not well if we flirt with the play-offs that'll be good. Seemed like he was getting his excuses in early.
Of last seasons squad I would have liked to have seen the following stay:
- Connor Marshall - been very steady in a dreadful defence. Has good distribution and has matured physically this season.
- Paul Lister - in the games I have seen has been head and shoulders above any of our other cb's. Has pace and again can pick a pass not just leather it out the ground like the other 3.
- Milnes - Has been steady but could be much better. In away games at Gainsborough and Guiseley looked much better than in most other games. The common denominator - no Ross.
- Newsham - His goal scored in a bottom 6/7 team is outstanding.
- Fairclough. Great pace and improved beyond recognition from the player that arrived here. Also now chipping in with goals.
- SWD. 14 isn't a bad return. Probably misses too many still and lacks pace (as does Newsham) but worth another go (a bit like N40's this is probably heart over head).
I'd bin the rest. I guess there's some controversials in there.
- Ross has had his chance, been a passenger for most of this season and only started playing since Greene came in. Think this is Greene's most risky signing.
- Mills hasn't shown anything like the quality I saw from him when he played for Telford/Worcester.
- Stainsfield, can't for the life of me think why he has been offered. No pace, distribution is dreadful (he punted a free kick out for a throw in yesterday for example). Is a 100% player which people like, but isn't good enough for this standard. Same can be said for Watt and Ward.
- Haystead, has made too many mistakes. GK's get blamed for too much and Haystead has took a lot off our fans some of which has ben unjustified. But he has been too error prone and needs to move on.
Needs? GK, 2 centre backs, left back, centre mid - a ball winner, another winger, a centre forward with pace. We'd then need a couple more for cover, along with Reed, Sanders and possibly Field (although he has said he doesn't want to be a bench warmer) - as I think these 3 can improve enough to make first team players but need to be eased in.
