It’s that time. There’s been a lot of talk about a clear out under CP and with rumours about Wright and Wordsworth it’s clear that he’s going to be ruthless.
Here’s my take, though it’s a bit of a mix of what I predict CP might do and what I would do, though of course finances, etc., come into play with every deal and could have a big influence that we don’t know anything about.
The following have their contract expire this summer:
Smith - KEEP - Decent back-up, once fit send him out on loan and see how he does. Cheap and clearly has potential, even if this injury has stalled his career a bit.
Oxley - KEEP - Give him what he wants.
White - KEEP - Great player to have in the squad, versatile and unlikely to cost as much as some of those who have contributed much less.
Turner - KEEP - Been crucial to our defence improving since CP came in, one more year with him leading the back line.
Wright - RELEASE - He’s gone. No massive loss but equally wouldn’t have been upset if he’d stayed.
Wordsworth - RELEASE - He’s gone, which is a shame as when fit and on form he’s exactly the kind of player we need to get into the play-offs. Unfortunately those two didn’t coincide often enough to justify the wages. He’ll do well at a decent club at this level next season.
McGlashan - RELEASE - Barely featured so assume he’s gone. CP didn’t fancy him but he was decent from the bench. The kind of player for a play-off push? Probably not.
Timlin - UNDECIDED - I’d like to keep him around as I think he adds a lot. Versatile, gives his all and breaks up play well. That said, someone who hasn’t been a big fan of his for the past 8 years may not have the same loyalty and I’m not sure he’s at his best anymore.
Cox - KEEP - Must keep, more quality than anyone else in the squad has in their little toe (other than maybe Kightly, only he has far less injury issues). May not be the long-term solution but think he’s vital to building a good spine.
Fortune - RELEASE - Shame if he goes as he’s the model professional and unbelievable how well he’s done this season at his age. But how’s much longer does he have left? And can we afford to keep someone who struggles to have an impact beyond 60/70 minutes?
Ladapo - RELEASE - Most disappointing signing we’ve made for quite a while (at least Kiernan might still come good, little to no hope with this one).
Others I might not be shocked to see depart despite being under contract:
Hendrie - Could have a future but CP was quick to ship him out and he’s hardly set the world alight at Motherwell.
Ferdinand - Can he/does he want to do another season? Injuries have taken their toll this season but towards the end he was looking more like the player of old.
Robinson - Superb the last few weeks but is that because we’ve played to his strengths or he’s upped his game knowing he may not have a future here if he doesn’t? If offers come in it could be a tough call.
And the loanees:
Mantom - I haven’t seen anything particularly impressive. An upgrade on Wright and Timlin possibly and he’s certainly a tidy player, but not convinced he’s done enough to justify signing him, especially given his injury record.
Harrison - No thanks, good technical ability but not yet ready for this level I don’t think.
Here’s my take, though it’s a bit of a mix of what I predict CP might do and what I would do, though of course finances, etc., come into play with every deal and could have a big influence that we don’t know anything about.
The following have their contract expire this summer:
Smith - KEEP - Decent back-up, once fit send him out on loan and see how he does. Cheap and clearly has potential, even if this injury has stalled his career a bit.
Oxley - KEEP - Give him what he wants.
White - KEEP - Great player to have in the squad, versatile and unlikely to cost as much as some of those who have contributed much less.
Turner - KEEP - Been crucial to our defence improving since CP came in, one more year with him leading the back line.
Wright - RELEASE - He’s gone. No massive loss but equally wouldn’t have been upset if he’d stayed.
Wordsworth - RELEASE - He’s gone, which is a shame as when fit and on form he’s exactly the kind of player we need to get into the play-offs. Unfortunately those two didn’t coincide often enough to justify the wages. He’ll do well at a decent club at this level next season.
McGlashan - RELEASE - Barely featured so assume he’s gone. CP didn’t fancy him but he was decent from the bench. The kind of player for a play-off push? Probably not.
Timlin - UNDECIDED - I’d like to keep him around as I think he adds a lot. Versatile, gives his all and breaks up play well. That said, someone who hasn’t been a big fan of his for the past 8 years may not have the same loyalty and I’m not sure he’s at his best anymore.
Cox - KEEP - Must keep, more quality than anyone else in the squad has in their little toe (other than maybe Kightly, only he has far less injury issues). May not be the long-term solution but think he’s vital to building a good spine.
Fortune - RELEASE - Shame if he goes as he’s the model professional and unbelievable how well he’s done this season at his age. But how’s much longer does he have left? And can we afford to keep someone who struggles to have an impact beyond 60/70 minutes?
Ladapo - RELEASE - Most disappointing signing we’ve made for quite a while (at least Kiernan might still come good, little to no hope with this one).
Others I might not be shocked to see depart despite being under contract:
Hendrie - Could have a future but CP was quick to ship him out and he’s hardly set the world alight at Motherwell.
Ferdinand - Can he/does he want to do another season? Injuries have taken their toll this season but towards the end he was looking more like the player of old.
Robinson - Superb the last few weeks but is that because we’ve played to his strengths or he’s upped his game knowing he may not have a future here if he doesn’t? If offers come in it could be a tough call.
And the loanees:
Mantom - I haven’t seen anything particularly impressive. An upgrade on Wright and Timlin possibly and he’s certainly a tidy player, but not convinced he’s done enough to justify signing him, especially given his injury record.
Harrison - No thanks, good technical ability but not yet ready for this level I don’t think.
