- Firstly, it's been a pleasure to witness play-off football at Portman Road this season after a decade without. Hopefully we can replicate that achievement next season, or maybe even go one better. Our football is often perceived as being 'long ball' or 'negative', and that stereotype has rang true of late. However, our football and form between September and December was encouraging, hopefully we can go back to that next term and avoid the inconsistency of early 2015.
- He gets a bit of stick on here, but I still believe Mick McCarthy is the right man for the job. Yes, eventually a move towards a more progressive coach, with an attractive playing philosophy, would be ideal. Yet implementing that strategy would require a squad overhaul and, ideally, a bit of spending power. I believe that in football we should reward success with patience. McCarthy has more than delivered in this campaign, and by providing him with a few million to invest in areas where we need freshening up, I hope we can build. Keeping the nucleus of this competitive and loyal bunch of players is imperative.
- Regarding player performances, kudos to Daryl Murphy, who has had a phenomenal campaign. Credit also to Freddie Sears, who came into the side mid-season and contributed to our impressive league standing. Christophe Berra, Luke Chambers, and Tyrone Mings have, on balance of the season, put in some brilliant defensive performances. Teddy Bishop looks like a promising player, hopefully Mick keeps the faith and he remains at the club. Carl Skuse, as much as I have doubted him, has done better than expected this term, so credit to him.
- Regarding changes, we need a new right-back. Push Chambers in the middle of defence alongside Berra, with Smith at cover. Chambers has done a good job in a position where he has had to adapt, but his forward play and crossing can undermine his performance. Mings, a player who is still developing, is a promising individual. Ideally, we'd keep him and he would improve. However, should a club come in with a silly offer, then we should probably accept and reinvest it in midfield. We need a couple of wingers and at least one central midfielder.
- Play 4-3-3. A front line of Murphy, Sears, and McGoldrick would frighten any Championship defence, especially considering their goalscoring record over the past couple of years.
Yeah, I know it said 'in a nutshell', but you guys know me too well.
