Notwithstanding having an England call up goalkeeper, we have conceded the highest number of goals. We are in dire need of a solid central defensive leader. Bartley, despite being a great header and showing spirited commitment in recent games is positionally poor and sadly suspect to frequent unnecessary costly fouls. I’m not wishing to knock him, but to be honest he is a Championship bench player. No alternative substitute though.

At LB we have Conor on a 3 year contract...ok for the Championship. Gibbs’ contract expiring and is off.
RCB we have AJ and O’Shea both on 2 year contracts. ok at a push ? (Ivan’s contract expiring)
RB Furlong on 2 years and satisfactory. (Peltier contract expiring and will surely be released)
DM Yoku...on loan / in and Field on loan / return. Desperately need the former to stay.

So that’s it.

Whoever picks up the reigns, unless we strengthen at the back, I am fearful of us shedding another record of goals against with Button / Palmer under great pressure.