Retained list announced

Don't know if anybody else noticed on Sunday, but Toto looked to have a face like a wet week before kick-off. Not sure what that might or might not relate to, but he certainly didn't appear to be overly happy!

Hope he stays though because I think he's improved in general this season and his pace and strength will always be an asset, especially if he cuts out most of the errors.

In comparison to most I thought Toto had a very good game.

Yes, it's the end of a chapter and there's a clear need for a step up on quality to mount any sort of a challenge in League 2. I said to a friend of mine a few weeks ago that wherever we ended the season, we'd need a fundamental restructuring of the squad. So much of the season after Christmas (and the departure of Townsend), was turgid and lacking in entertainment value. Cheltenham showed a cohesiveness and consistency which no other team in the division could match and they go up as worthy champions. Frankly, though, I thought that the National League overall was poor this year and yet we were still a trifle fortunate to get to the final of the play-offs, even though we were too good for FGR on the day, not least with the help of our passionate supporters. But the inconsistency was a thread which ran through our later performances and now we need better players to provide that extra consistency and quality.

Exactly the list I had in mind. Good choices. Real shame about nolan though as really wanted him to stay but we could be looking at a new centre midfield partnership or 3 next season with maybe Dis being used more sparingly.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

In comparison to most I thought Toto had a very good game.

So did I. His pace and strength are vital and although he does the odd rash thing, his decision making has improved. Still young and has a lot to offer. Plenty of teams would like a player of his type. Hope he stays though.

Quoted from GrimRob

Glad to see we're starting from a small core of players. It's a big step up, thought PH might keep a few more of "his" players to be honest. It's refreshing to see he has been ruthless. I've a feeling we may regret letting Clay go in a few years, on the other hand we don't know who he is talking to.

I liked Clay but he had one glaring weakness, he just could not finish when through on goal, I hope he finds another club soon, thanks for the memory!

If Hursty lets this many players go then he must have them already lined up and ready to sign

On the whole very pleased with what Hurst has done. Certainly surprised me how ruthless he has been. Would have liked to see Clay stay but I'm sure we will replace him with a player or two with even better physical attributes and definitely better ball skills and vision. Could he have been retained as a "budget balancer"?

Not sure of spending budget on Disley, great servant that he has been to the club. He struggled last season physically and I can't see it getting any easier for him in League Two at 35. Maybe an impact sub?. A wise head to settle things down seeing out a game when the opposition's tired? Certainly don't want the team to be built around him next season.

Expect Amond to go and possibly Nsiala. I'd be more sorry to see Toto go out of the two as I think he's better equipped physically and pace wise for the step up than Podge.

Look forward to the new signings over the next few weeks and will be interested to see how Hurst sets up his team with half a new squad..

It's worth remembering that only four players are actually signed up on contract already.

The other seven have only been offered terms. We don't know what those terms are and how they will compare with offers from other clubs which they can take up like Nolan.

It will be some time before that situation becomes clear and it isn't a given that Amond and the others will all sign.

The side for the first game in L2 will bear no comparison with the side that won the play off final and this close season will be a lot busier than last year.

You'd expect Dis to sign first and then Tait and Arnold, I think we'll keep Podge, I'm more worried about Toto.