however i really struggle to see where these players would be able to go (outside the top flight), and acquire a better wage than what we can offer (especially if we do get promoted back to the champ this year).
I like all three players (Simmo, Willo, Ched) to some extent, but looking at their entire spell with us, how they've done individually and how we've done as a club, AND considering the money we've spent on them, they've not met our expectations. I think the club will keep that in mind when they discuss if they're worth pushing the boat out for a second time.
Personally I think we'll look for a new goalkeeper (there have been loads linked, but as Simmo has improved we haven'r rushed into a decision). Williamson is one of my personal favourites, but under four managers he's failed to win a consistent spot in his favourite position. He'll be 30 this year and his injury + suspension record is poor. I can see us offering him a new deal, but I don't think we'll make him a priority, which means he'll probably get better terms from a club that want to make him a key player.
I think we'll stretch ourselves as far as we can when it comes to Ched. But if he keeps up his form I don't think it'll be enough to compete against a club that's better off financially, maybe a club that comes down from the Premiership this season or wins promotion from the Championship.
"Wanted by bigger clubs"- again bergs, this is all dependant on whether we get back up or not - bigger at present but promotion could quickly change this - i still instist that none of the below players are ready or of the required standard for Prem footy (i don't see Maguire playing there for a long time as he's still learning hard at this level never mind the champ or even prem!)
I also hope they'll stay. They're under contract and it would be up to the club to decide between the fee or keeping them. I don't think Maguire's ready for the Premiership either, but the following make him quite attractive:
- He's young and can improve
- He's had good experience this season, being ever present for us
- His registration won't need to take up a place in Premiership 25 man squads for the next three seasons
- He's big and strong
- He's comfortable on the ball, more than most centre halves
It's his pace that is his limitation, but not many 18 year olds have similar CVs.
In summary, a lot of this is pretty much a pointless exercise at present, a lot of the decisions which will be made by players and the club alike, all depends on the outcome of this season - promotion would mean the strengthening of the current team and an ability to tie down our better players, while missing out will more than likely result in the more damaging weakening of the squad you have aluded to above
I'm generally an optimistic fan and always believe that it's possible to turn things around if the right decisions are made. But if we want long terms success I think we need to make decisions at first team level that also benefits us beyond the current season. We are good at the moment and have a great chance of going up. But it will be of little comfort if we find ourselves with a squad that'll be unable to carry on the momentum next season.
