Adrian
Officially the Premier League’s best goalkeeper it seems. There’s no doubt about it, he made some fantastic saves. I can’t explain why but he still leaves me squirming in my seat sometimes, but you can’t argue with his shotstopping abilities. And three consecutive penalty saves ia almost Rob Green-esque. VERDICT: KEEP. Obvs
Jussi
Jussi has served us well but he’s 40. Even he can’t keep going forever. He’s been a brilliant goalkeeper for Bolton and us, but all good things come to an end. Southend’s David Bentley could well be his replacement. VERDICT: RELEASE
James Tomkins
An in and out season for James Tomkins, mainly because of injuries. When he’s played he’s been his normal reliable self and having now signed a long term contract I can’t think anyone would think selling him ought to be on our agenda. A class act. VERDICT: KEEP
Winston Reid
Winston Reid hasn’t had his best season mainly due to several injuries but it’s hard to think of a game in which he has had a stinker. The contract shenanigins didn’t help either, but that’s seemingly over now. Until his head is turned the next time. The truth is that no one came in with an offer. VERDICT: KEEP
James Collins
Of our three central defenders Collins had by far the best season. At the beginning of the season you’d have put him as third choice, but I suspect most of us feel that he deserves better than that. Apart from a couple of glaring howlers he was an absolute rock. He also scored a brilliant own goal! He’s getting on and won’t get any quicker, but he’s Mr Reliability. VERDICT: KEEP
Reece Burke
What a pleasure it has been to see Reece Burke break into the first team and get a few games. He has the grace of Rio Ferdinand combined with the tenacity of James Collins. He certainly hasn’t let anyone down. He also isn’t afraid to shoot when he gets near the opposition penalty area. His distribution could improve, but all in all a very promising few games. VERDICT: KEEP
Carl Jenkinson
Carl has developed into one of my favourite players. I just hope we can persuade Arsenal to either loan him to us again or even better sell him to us. Frankly he’s worth whatever they want. He hasn’t had a bad game and like Aaron Cresswell has almost operated as a wing back. VERDICT: SIGN!
Aaron Cresswell
A brilliant initial season for the former Ipswich left back. Nothing has phased him at all. He’s brilliant on the left wing whether bounding forward or overlapping. His only weaknes is sometimes getting out of position and leaving gaps for opposition players to fill. He’s played every game and only had one stinker – at Stoke. He’s also got a rocket of a shot on him and I reckon he’ll be in the goals next season. VERDICT: KEEP
Joey O’Brien
Joey never lets anyone down and every team needs a Joey. He can play anywhere across the back or in midfield. He’s never going to be an exciting player and I’d be sorry to see him leave. However, he may decide that at his age he needs to be playing more. he’s the sort of player that ought to be interesting the three promoted clubs, but I for one hppe he stays. VERDICT: KEEP
Guy Demel
Guy Demel didn’t really get much of a lookin last season with Jenkinson ruling supreme down the right. I can’t see that changing if Carl stays. Demel is very athletic but he’s possibly getting long in the tooth to play the role of an attacking right back. Again, I’d be sorry to see him go, but I think he’s one who could be let go. VERDICT: SELL
Doneil Henry
We haven’t really seen him yet, but by all accounts he was outstanding when he went on loan to Blackburn. If he hadn’t been injured I suspect he’d have made the first team in front of Reece Burke. Definitely one for the future. VERDICT: KEEP
Dan Potts
I really regret that Dan Potts hasn’t been given the opportunity to build on the excellent start he made a couple of years ago. He made one of the mos timpressive debuts I have ever seen but inexplicably he’s been virtually ignored since then. With the purchase of Stephen Hendrie that is unlikely to change. There are rumours that Luton want him. I suspect he would well advised to go if he wants to kickstart his career. VERDICT: SELL UPDATE: I’m now told Potts has formally been released.
VERDICT
Bearing in mind we have Stephen Hendrie joining us from St Mirren, it seems to me we don’t need to spend an awful lot of money on defensive reinforcements. Assuming we can retain Carl Jenkinson and Joey O’Brien stays, we’re covered at right back. And with five central defenders, do we really need another one? Well, the demands of the Europa League might well suggest we do.