Shrimpy wrote:Mark Hughes
Andy Wright
Jack Sampson
Ryan Williams
Kevin Ellison
Alan Goodall
Stewart Drummond
Andy Fleming
Laurence Wilson
Andreas Arestidou
Padraig Amond
This Summer could be a bloodbath! 11 players out of contract, many of whom have underperformed this season. What will Jim do? Will he let most go and use the money to bring several quality and consistency, or will he just let a couple go and bring in just 1 or 2 new faces?
For me, the only clear "keeper" is Padraig who's scored nearly as many goals as Jack & Kev, but has been on the pitch far fewer minutes. He's usually consistent and hard working which makes up for lack of skill. I'd be really sad to see him go and hope that Jim can keep him. Wilson is at least consistent and we do seem to struggle for left back position - he's better than Diagne and Threlfall anyway.
I wouldn't be surprised to see most of the others move on. Surely it's time for Drummy to hang up his boots, but will that save any money - will we have to pay the same for his management duties? What about Kev - strange that there's been no announcement sooner as his last renewal was announced just before Christmas a couple of years ago a good few months in advance. Unless he's willing to take a pay cut and accept less time on the pitch, can we afford to keep him and is it fair to Mullin not to get regular starts? Can we afford to pay Kev for coaching as well as Drummy?
I don't think Wright, Flemmo, Andreas, Hughes or Goodall are worthy of new contracts unfortunately - far too inconsistent. But then again, can Jim find anyone better for the money to replace Hughes? I once thought that Edwards and Paz would suffice if Hughes goes (backed up by Doyle), but recent performances by Paz make him look very unsure and dithering so now I'm not so sure.
Probably obvious that Williams and Sampson are on their way too. A real shame - they were real hard workers last season but have been sidelined this season. Got their noses pushed out big time.