We've had this debate before haven't we and I do understand the argument to that effect (different teams, different scenarios etc) but for me I do feel it is relevant.
No use treading over old ground though. I want Mowbray to learn from this season's mistakes and put it right next time.
I feel we have had too many lightweight players in our team and that next season, although trying to continue the good footballing philosophy, we also need more bite and strength and fight about us and for once and for all we need to stop the leaky defence and silly goals we consistently let in.
We also need a better spirit about us. It's no use having players like Maddison and Murphy who won't track back and whose heads drop too quickly. You look at Leicester (and the likes of Burton for that matter) and to a man they work so hard and chase and harry everything and never give up on a seemingly lost cause. Even their flair players work their socks off.
I have been very defensive of Murphy, but I think next season we need to be looking more for the Jody Jones type player, who has skill and pace, but always runs all day for you, rather than the fade in, fade out players that are Maddison and Murphy. Lameiras has to up his game for me too. I have been very disappointed in him. Odd flashes here and there, but he just doesn't impose himself upon games enough.
I am fine if Fleck goes. He is too inconsistent for my liking. Be interesting to see what Gadzhev can bring next season. It could well change our dynamic for the better, though TM himself has admitted the bloke has been rather shocked at how much work he is expected to do.
We need players who will run all day for you, with splashes of skill and trickery. We also need better quality balls in from the flanks and fullbacks who can support the attack.
I know there's been a few people critical of Rose, but he does fit the bill in terms of the type of player who will run all day for you and get from box to box, with very high energy levels.
I accept we need to utilise the loan system, but I really think our best chance next season is in having a talented player from the academy making the step up and being a top player for us. The three front runners by all accounts are Harries, Stevenson and Thomas.
If one of those three could totally break through and be a really important player for us it will be just like a new signing. Bringing the kids through really needs to be our bread and butter. We may well have to sell them within a year or two, but as long as we can keep churning them out we can keep functioning as a club.
I am hopeful that at least one of the talented kids can make the step up next season.
