We are all disappointed at what might have been. Whatever the reasons, and we have all posted and commented. At end of the day, we are simply not good enough. I am not casting blame but we are where we are and the sun shines and Spring is around the corner. It was always going to be a tough challenge adapting, and KM learning his trade at the top level. Our mixed recruitment plus a run of major injuries coupled with constant changes has meant our team has not been able to perform as we would like. The likes of Delap will be off, so we need to recruit wisely in the summer and get a really good pre-season in where we can build on field relationships and patterns of play so we can really hit the ground running come August.
Summer recruitment will be more important and, arguably, tougher than last. On one hand, we appear to have attempted to recruit with relegation in mind and aside from Delap and potentially Cajuste there's no one who we own who's stood out enough to attract premier league vultures, Leeds, Burnley and 3rd promoted team won't necessarily be looking for failed players either. On the other, whole squad is another year older and there will be plenty of other gaps to fill and it's much harder to sell the dream when you've gone the wrong way. Or... We still hope Wolves implode and we get lucky, still points to play for
If (when) delap goes, we will need a striker. Other than that, I think we are covered in all positions other than central midfield where we will need 2 new signings. Would like to sign cajuste but can’t see him playing in championship. Also if Leif goes, need cover at LB - happy for Townsend to start. Next season, we could have GK - palmer, slicker and even Walton (get rid of Muric if poss) RB - Axel, Clarke, Johnson LB - Leif & Townsend (+ 1 if Leif leaves) CB - O’Shea, greaves, Wolfie & Burgess CM - Taylor & Morsy. Both as reserves - Morsy maybe as coach. Area definitely needs strengthening RAM - Burns, Ogbene, Hutchinson (if he stays) & Jaden CAM - szmodics, Chaplin, Hutchinson (again) LAM - Broadhead, Clarke CF - Hirst, +1, Al-Hamadi (3rd) looks a pretty strong championship squad to me
Last night was extremely disappointing as has been 2025. But let me just say whilst the fat lady is clearing her throat she's not singing yet.
I think we’re underestimating the potential amount of outgoings. Teams that go up this season - probably Leeds, Burnley, and Sheffield United - will be fishing in similar waters to us this year. I am caveating this by saying the below is on the presumption we’re going down. Defensively, I’d be impressed if we can keep hold of Davis, O’Shea, and Tuanzebe. Clubs might also take a punt on a defender like Burgess or Woolfenden, who have the right age and profile for an upwardly mobile Premier League club. As others have said, midfield needs a lot of work regardless of what division we’re playing in. Cajuste will be a big miss - if we go down - and I think he’s likely to stay at a top flight side, not necessarily in England. Phillips will depart with no tears shed - Leeds will possibly look to take a chance on him, if he lowers his salary expectations. That leaves us with Morsy, Taylor, and Luongo - which won’t be enough to cut it a couple of seasons on from the promotion season. I’d expect us to use our new found financial muscle to bring in a couple in this area. Attacking midfield sees us with plenty of options. I’d be surprised if we can keep hold of both Hutchinson and Szmodics. We’ll likely keep hold of the others. At centre-forward, Delap will be on his way - I just hope we can maximise the value in that departure. Hirst and Al-Hamadi won’t be enough to mount a promotion campaign. I’d expect at least one centre forward to come in, even if it’s initially as back up to Hirst.
