Most of us last season saw Wolves as being head and shoulders above the rest of division and they ended the season with a record of 31 wins 10 draws 5 losses (103 points) and scored 89 goals while letting in 31. We will end up with a similar record this season of 29-12-5 (99 points) and so far goals of 86-36. With Wolves currently in 8th place (and Brentford 7th) this augurs well for a top 10 finish next year. If you were running the club what would be your top five priorities for delivering this objective in the Championship. Discuss.
Keep our players and manager Bring in another 4 or 5 players of Championship/Prem quality in the positions (CM,CD,CF,Forward,Keeper) Sign Tavernier and the other one Extend Cotteril's contract Begin another overhaul of our youth system
I don't think massive changes are needed - the squad is slightly on the small side, so we can add to it without needing to ship players out. While it's true that standing still is moving backwards in football, there's a great team here already that is probably already good enough to compete well in the Championship. With Wilbraham and Elliott being another year older, at least one striker and a midfielder are probably needed. I would be interested in the availability of Matt Smith, as I reckon he could be persuaded to come back permanently if the sums added up. A bit of a midfield destroyer could be very handy in certain games too. I think Fielding has done well, but another keeper to keep him on his toes/challenge him for a starting spot would be wise and if a really experienced centre back were available, he might help us cope with the step up in quality a bit better.
We need a slightly bigger squad including a new keeper, left sided Centre Back, central midfield and a couple of strikers, but I'm sure a couple will be leaving us. Matt Smith scored a great goal for Fulham at the weekend. I would be surprised if they let him go, and I'm not sure we want to be playing to a target man anyway.
Extend Cotteril's contract Only sign quality players making sure that the players coming in doesn't spoil the team spirit that Cotteril has created..ie not big time charlies. I agree with Angelic.....no target man signings...(GJ's mistake) Make sure we have a decent summer pre season Don't pay stupid high wages. For me, the manager has been the key this season......it doesn't happen very often, but he's just the right manager for City, fingers crossed he can continue that in the championship..Well done that man!
I leave the on-field suggestions to the posters who attend most games because you are in abetter position than I to offer your opinion. However the biggest change that has been evident to me this season is the fact that I truly believe that SC has put us firmly back on track in all departments when it comes to running a successful football team. Sure we can argue with some of his decisions but you can never argue with the level of commitment that he has brought to Bristol City and managing to put that effort out on the pitch consistently combined with last night's crushing victory has proven the point that he is the right man for the job. Sorry to tell you Steve but the real job starts again very soon, in the end of season decisions, and if you apply everything that you brought to us this season then you will be OK but if you need any help or advice please just call me.
First and foremost is securing championship status and whilst doing so becoming a team capable of improving. A top half finish would be my aim but staying up will be a great achievement. We need to be bringing is players better than what we currently have, not because they aren't good enough but because this is how the greater teams become even greater. I have no doubt in my mind Freeman will develop further and he WILL be one of the best players in the championship next year. So my 5 priorities will be Keep hold of our best players Sign better players (GK, CB, CM, RW, 2 strikers) Maintain championship status Keep playing our game, it's served us well Be loud.
I reckon depending on how well we do in the summer we can finish anywhere between 8th to 18th Changes made must be for the greater good and perhaps a bit more depth of squad
