Next Season

[Rez1862]

Yesterday's result (and many this season) we're not good enough. But I think we're a bit in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater here.

The recruitment over the last 18months has actually been pretty good imo. Which is why we're currently in 5th place - only 4 wins off top in a season where the top 2 have got significantly more points than in previous seasons.

I'd try to keep the nucleus of this squad together. We just need a bit of backbone. We need to prioritise experienced NL energetic, competitive and aggressive first-team-ready signings at GK, CB (to play alongside Cameron), CM (to replace Arter) and CF (to replace Wootton).

I'd consider selling and replacing CR or RR if the right offer comes in for them. And the key question for me about IB is not whether he can win the play-offs, but if he can learn from his mistakes and build a team who can play a bit more rough and direct when needed.

I think this is spot on. This is the most competitive the NL has ever been and I feel there are only a couple of aspects that need looking at closely if we are to go up next season (we are too fragile at the back to gain promotion this season).

Firstly we need to make sure we recruit the right players. Easier said than done, I know, but as a lot of other posters have alluded to, we need some "bruisers" in the middle who can get stuck in and really grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

I know people are saying we need a proven goalscorer at this level but they simply don't exist (Tshimanga aside). If they are that good, they get snapped up by clubs higher up the pyramid, or need a lot of money to tempt them here.

Overall, I think recruitment has been good - looking at players like RR and Cal who will surely leave this summer for a decent fee + sell on. There has been the odd dud (looking at you, Brunt) but there have been far more hits than misses - especially when compared to the PTSD triggering summer of Trew/Moniz/Branston.

We are heading in the right direction, but IB needs to sort out the leaky defence and quickly. It's been an issue since he arrived and it's concerning that a year or so down the line it hasn't been addressed. As DSR mentioned, we look so much more threatening when playing more direct and less vulnerable faffing about at the back.