Some concerns about the forthcoming season ..

[colinwhite]

Like most people I am pretty happy with the state of the club at the moment . We have done well so far to get in some good players in the pre -season.We continue to be linked with many of the type of players which would definitely improve the team , so I feel sure we are going to see quite a few more positive changes in the near future .
Kit Symons seems rejuvenated and full of confidence that the season is going to go well.In a roundabout way ,and with some style , he has hinted that last seasons pre-season was in part to blame for our lapse after christmas , and maybe he is right . The club is making a clear and successful effort to improve relations and communication with the fans ,which I applaud.We seem to have a lot of clarity in where we are going and how we aim to achieve that . One positive aspect of retaining KS as coach ( Rigg seems to be the overall football boss ) is both the continuity it brings and that it is the club ( and that its not just down to say Allerdyce or whoever ) that is implementing the much needed change of course and strategy .
I do however also have a number of concerns with the obvious one being the state of our defensive play . This needs to be addressed both in terms of tactical approach and personel .I would like to see the club tackle this problem by bringing in a defensive coach , to specialise on set pieces and our defensive shape . The person who would benefit most from this would be Kit Symons himself .

The other major shortcoming in last years team/squad was a total lack of genuine pace (Hugo was our only asset in this department ).I would  like to see the club push the boat out to get in one or two really fast players which would enable us ,especially away from home to hit teams on the break , and even alleviate problems home matches when we are under pressure particularly near  the end of matches .
We have lots of good ball retainers but we also need at least one physically strong ball winner (who can play ). Tunnicliffe isn't good enough for this role in my book . I am looking for someone better .
If we can address these issue then I think we will do very well this season and hopefully get back into the top flight . Last time it took us 32 years to get back amongst the elite of english football so it is not going to be easy , but the signs so far are looking good !

[filham]

Yes, we have made a few good signings that will give us much needed options in midfield but a strong centre back and left back are still needed.

We really mustn't expect too much, hopes of converting last season's relegation fighting team into a promotion chasing outfit is expecting too much. This season is more likely to be one of development and a mid table position the most likely.

A lot will depend on how our youngsters perform. If Roberts, Hyndman, LVC , Dembele and Woodrow all come of age then maybe , just maybe, we could challenge for a top six place.

[Twig]

Yes, we have made a few good signings that will give us much needed options in midfield but a strong centre back and left back are still needed.

We really mustn't expect too much, hopes of converting last season's relegation fighting team into a promotion chasing outfit is expecting too much. This season is more likely to be one of development and a mid table position the most likely.

A lot will depend on how our youngsters perform. If Roberts, Hyndman, LVC , Dembele and Woodrow all come of age then maybe , just maybe, we could challenge for a top six place.

Tend to agree, we should certainly expect a comfortable mid table position with absolutely no relegation fears but promotion would be a stretch. Fix the defensive situation however and there is no reason why we couldn't at least challenge make a for a top six finish.