Who do we keep?

Players out of contract.

Max Crocombe
James McKeown
Danny Amos
Adam Crookes
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Jaz Goundry
Scott Burgess
Giles Coke
Ben Fox
Evan Khouri
Erico Sousa
Max Wright
Luis Adlard
Lennell John-Lewis
Sean Scannell
Ryan Taylor.

That's a lot of bloody players out of contract.

Also do we try to permanently sign any of the loan players here if possible.

Andy Smith
Joey Jones
Arjay Raikhy
Tristan Abrahams
Manuel Dieseruvwe

Tricky.

If it was me, I’d definitely want:

Crocombe
Amos
Cropper
Fox
Taylor

There are some very difficult decisions which need to be made but it is with regret but if I was Hurst the following players will not be offered contracts

McKeown
Crooks
Goundry
Burgess
Coke
Khouri
Sousa
Wright
Adlard
John -Lewis
Scannell

And of the loanees i would look to re-sign Smith and Raikhy, with my sincere thanks to Abrahams and Mani who have both offered something different for us and have played their part.

We need to continue to improve so I’d keep:

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Ben Fox

I'd want to keep

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Ben Fox
Erico Sousa
Max Wright
Sean Scannell

Plus another year of loan for Smith.

I'd also sign Mani D.  Think there's something in there.  But he'd be back up to a replacement for Taylor.

I think we'll see a lot of players back and the continuity will do us good. Realistically, I'd be happy to keep the majority of this squad together and focus on bringing in only  3 or 4 additions that will improve the team.

So I'd try to keep

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Ben Fox
Erico Sousa
Sean Scannell (this one's a tricky one)
Ryan Taylor

And offer contracts to Mani and Smith

If we managed that, we'd essentially already have a starting 11 without signings that I'd feel confident could hold its own in league 2. And as I said, focus on a few quality signings and we'll be good.

It'll be nice to have stability rather than wholesale changes for once.

Smith has had a taste of first team football and there is no way he wants to be playing U23 football next season. If we could sign him permanently that would be great but if we could get him back in on loan, it would still be a good move for everyone.

I wouldn't be surprised if Coke is retained as a coach.

Crocombe, Amos, Cropper, Efete, Fox, Taylor all need retaining. If we can get Raikhy back and sign Dieseruvwe, we've got a very good starting point in my opinion.

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Giles Coke ( fully expect to see him move into a coaching role)
Ben Fox
Erico Sousa
Ryan Taylor.
.
Attempt to Get back

Andy Smith
Arjay Raikhy
Manuel Dieseruvwe

     
.

Max Crocombe
James McKeown
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Jaz Goundry
Ben Fox
Evan Khouri-not sure as dont know enough about YPs
Luis Adlard-not sure as dont know enough about YPs
Ryan Taylor.

Also do we try to permanently sign any of the loan players here if possible.
Andy Smith
Manuel Dieseruvwe-adequate backup

I was thinking about this earlier today and my keep list is also what I think Hurst's will be

Extend
McAtee

Max Crocombe 2 year
Jordan Cropper 2 year
Michie Efete 2 year
Scott Burgess 1 year
Ben Fox 2 year
Ryan Taylor 1 year

Andy Smith 2 years if we can
Tristan Abrahams 1 year
Manuel Dieseruvwe 1 year

I have a feeling that he will loan out Wright, Clifton, Battersby if he can bring in better

Our late finish and early start to next season may be a factor here with some catch up to do on positions for bringing in new players. Partly for that reason I think more of current squad will be retained then most posts above with adds on needing to be of definite quality

Quoted from BeijingMariner

I was thinking about this earlier today and my keep list is also what I think Hurst's will be

Extend
McAtee

Max Crocombe 2 year
Jordan Cropper 2 year
Michie Efete 2 year
Scott Burgess 1 year
Ben Fox 2 year
Ryan Taylor 1 year

Andy Smith 2 years if we can
Tristan Abrahams 1 year
Manuel Dieseruvwe 1 year

I have a feeling that he will loan out Wright, Clifton, Battersby if he can bring in better

Clifton must have made getting on for 200 appearances. Not sure loaning him out serves any purpose.

I’d echo what’s been said, but I think Sousa should be retained also. Yes, he struggles with end product, but his driving runs put defenders on edge, which is a very useful option to have.

Taylor
Maguire Drew, McAttee, X
Fox Holohan
Amos Smith Waterfall Efete
Crocombe

Looks solid enough to me, I’d love us to sign Sbarra to partner Fox, and maybe a new winger for the first team.

Holohan, Raikhy, Pearson, Cropper is a every good bench to challenge the starting 11 - as we’ve seen all season.

Buzzing for the new season

Last time we went up we were knocking on the top spots until Hurst, Bogle etc left.

UTM- let’s hope we use this momentum!

Quoted from smokey111

Clifton must have made getting on for 200 appearances. Not sure loaning him out serves any purpose.

Almost forgot Clifton - he’s got an incredible engine, plays for the shirt - League 2 Milner

Would love to get Joe Sbarra in.
Looks a real player.

Quoted from Nutsy

I’d echo what’s been said, but I think Sousa should be retained also. Yes, he struggles with end product, but his driving runs put defenders on edge, which is a very useful option to have.

Taylor
Maguire Drew, McAttee, X
Fox Holohan
Amos Smith Waterfall Efete
Crocombe

Looks solid enough to me, I’d love us to sign Sbarra to partner Fox, and maybe a new winger for the first team.

Holohan, Raikhy, Pearson, Cropper is a every good bench to challenge the starting 11 - as we’ve seen all season.

Buzzing for the new season

Last time we went up we were knocking on the top spots until Hurst, Bogle etc left.

UTM- let’s hope we use this momentum!

Sbarra is a winger

Max Crocombe long term
Danny Amos one year with option
Jordan Cropper one year with option
Michie Efete long term
Ben Fox long term
Erico Sousa one year with option
Ryan Taylor.one year with option

Andy Smith long term - convince him the starting point of his career is regular football in League Two rather than U23

Manuel Dieseruvwe one year with option

Arjay Raikhy depends what's available to us, late window loan if needed

Giles Coke coaching role?

Sean Scannell show how far we've come as a club by keeping him on through his rehabilitation and see how he recovers

David Longe-King available for transfer
Shaun Pearson keep as cover and to progress into coaching
Luke Waterfall keep
Gavan Holohan keep
John McAtee extend contract
Jordan Maguire-Drew keep
Harry Clifton keep

Continuation, loyalty. plus six, seven or eight signings to improve the squad and starting eleven, but transfer windows always provide a few unexpected surprises..

Quoted from BeijingMariner

I was thinking about this earlier today and my keep list is also what I think Hurst's will be

Extend
McAtee

Max Crocombe 2 year
Jordan Cropper 2 year
Michie Efete 2 year
Scott Burgess 1 year
Ben Fox 2 year
Ryan Taylor 1 year

Andy Smith 2 years if we can
Tristan Abrahams 1 year
Manuel Dieseruvwe 1 year

I have a feeling that he will loan out Wright, Clifton, Battersby if he can bring in better

keep scott burgess and loan out Harry??

i thought id drank a lot last night...!  

Quoted from Bigdog

Max Crocombe long term
Danny Amos one year with option
Jordan Cropper one year with option
Michie Efete long term
Ben Fox long term
Erico Sousa one year with option
Ryan Taylor.one year with option

Andy Smith long term - convince him the starting point of his career is regular football in League Two rather than U23

Manuel Dieseruvwe one year with option

Arjay Raikhy depends what's available to us, late window loan if needed

Giles Coke coaching role?

Sean Scannell show how far we've come as a club by keeping him on through his rehabilitation and see how he recovers

David Longe-King available for transfer
Shaun Pearson keep as cover and to progress into coaching
Luke Waterfall keep
Gavan Holohan keep
John McAtee extend contract
Jordan Maguire-Drew keep
Harry Clifton keep

Continuation, loyalty. plus six, seven or eight signings to improve the squad and starting eleven, but transfer windows always provide a few unexpected surprises..

Spot on for me, can’t disagree with any of that.

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Jaz Goundry
Ben Fox
Evan Khouri
Erico Sousa
Ryan Taylor.

Andy Smith - resign on loan
Tristan Abrahams - would say sign but not sure itd be enough game time
Manuel Dieseruvwe - definately sign

Ive left the youngsters on however i cant say how good they are but better to send them on loan at least and see how they do

Quoted from Nutsy

I’d echo what’s been said, but I think Sousa should be retained also. Yes, he struggles with end product, but his driving runs put defenders on edge, which is a very useful option to have.

Taylor
Maguire Drew, McAttee, X
Fox Holohan
Amos Smith Waterfall Efete
Crocombe

Looks solid enough to me, I’d love us to sign Sbarra to partner Fox, and maybe a new winger for the first team.

Holohan, Raikhy, Pearson, Cropper is a every good bench to challenge the starting 11 - as we’ve seen all season.

Buzzing for the new season

Last time we went up we were knocking on the top spots until Hurst, Bogle etc left.

UTM- let’s hope we use this momentum!

Sbarra plays off the flanks and Holohan has been immense, especially in the play-offs.

I think I've just read that someone wants to keep Burgess......well, at least it wasn't Jones.

big job there for your manager , as usual who,s  heads have been turned , who wants to stay , as well as go , same everywhere this time of season , but you have a guy who is not just a good manager he seems a decent human being .   again  very  !  well done yesterday , i have to catch a game down there soon .

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I think I've just read that someone wants to keep Burgess......well, at least it wasn't Jones.

It was me, I think he has depth Look, I know zero about football ok so please, feel free to be as merciless as you like and people are already, I got 7 red crosses hahahaha

It's a difficult one, I love Mcatee and Taylors partnership. But, If we're to consider moving forward and aiming for a top half finish I feel we need to try aim for more of a goal scorer than Taylor.
It's down to wages and available players to us. I'd be happy if we keep the large majority of the squad.

Anyone 50/50 over - give them a contract!

If there's a lesson to be learnt from the 15/16 promotion, we should've kept the momentum with the team that took us up.

Give them what they want for an extra year, what's the worst that could happen? Don;t want another Podge situation do we...

Quoted from Bigdog

Max Crocombe long term
Danny Amos one year with option
Jordan Cropper one year with option
Michie Efete long term
Ben Fox long term
Erico Sousa one year with option
Ryan Taylor.one year with option

Andy Smith long term - convince him the starting point of his career is regular football in League Two rather than U23

Manuel Dieseruvwe one year with option

Arjay Raikhy depends what's available to us, late window loan if needed

Giles Coke coaching role?

Sean Scannell show how far we've come as a club by keeping him on through his rehabilitation and see how he recovers

David Longe-King available for transfer
Shaun Pearson keep as cover and to progress into coaching
Luke Waterfall keep
Gavan Holohan keep
John McAtee extend contract
Jordan Maguire-Drew keep
Harry Clifton keep

Continuation, loyalty. plus six, seven or eight signings to improve the squad and starting eleven, but transfer windows always provide a few unexpected surprises..

I agree with most i think
Crocombe & Fox 2 year deals
Efete 1 year with option

Not overly fussed about Raikhy, he's not stood out since his return, would be more interested in possibility of Hunt back on loan

I think there are a lot of rose tinted spectacles here. We’ve been vulnerable to crosses all season as the full backs don’t stop them coming in. I’d therefore replace Cropper and Crooks, and borderline Amos.

Further up Coke, Khouri, Wright, Sousa, Burgess, Jones and Taylor can go. Whilst Taylor links well with McAtee, I’m not convinced he has enough to move up a division.

We need to be aspiring for better players now we have moved up.

Retain Crocombe, Efete, Waterfall, Fox, Clifton. I think we have a chance of getting Smith back on loan now we are in League 2.  

Last time we went up, PH had a pretty big cull of the team and this promotion has probably come earlier than expected in our progress, so I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few are replaced.

Some say that he got rid of too many last time and the continuity went, but when he left for the Shrews, we were on the edge of the play off places. The continuity of the team went when he went and the board let things slide.

I wouldn't be surprised to see 6 or 7 new faces in the starting line up next season.

Thinking in terms of players capable enough for League 2, we will need Crocombe, Battersby and one more in goal and we certainly need to improve our centre back options with Smith going back to Hull. Full backs are all out of contract, Efete and Amos should be kept, Cropper has a great throw but would that get used if he was back-up to Efete? Crookes can be improved on. Of the centre mids, Holohan is under contract and keeping Clifton and Fox is essential so that probably leaves space for an addition.

Regarding wide midfield, Scannell, Sousa and Wright. Really tough call. Sousa was poor yesterday and, regrettably, that sums his career up, he's never made it into league football and yesterday probably shows why. Scannell showed, albeit briefly, that he is the real deal. I'd be for us looking after him till he's fit and getting a loan in till that time. Max is sadly never going to be fit enough for full time football.

Obviously, we need to keep McAtee and also Taylor for another year, although it wouldn't surprise me entirely if we don't. Same with Mani, he's not a starter in non-league, so why sign him for League football?

Big decisions and I don't envy PH at all. Thing is, he gets more right than he gets wrong and I think he might be possibly more ruthless than some think.

There's one thing for sure: the players he will be looking at bringing in will be up at the top of his wish list rather than bottom.

This gives us a much better bargaining tool in terms of wages offered, contract lengths and possible success in the future as a team on the up in the EFL.

We are a more attractive proposition now and players that may have been slightly out of reach, no longer will be.

Quoted from BeijingMariner

I was thinking about this earlier today and my keep list is also what I think Hurst's will be

Extend
McAtee

Max Crocombe 2 year
Jordan Cropper 2 year
Michie Efete 2 year
Scott Burgess 1 year
Ben Fox 2 year
Ryan Taylor 1 year

Andy Smith 2 years if we can
Tristan Abrahams 1 year
Manuel Dieseruvwe 1 year

I have a feeling that he will loan out Wright, Clifton, Battersby if he can bring in better

Keep Scott Burgess but loan out Harry Clifton. Did you have too much to drink yesterday?  

Quoted from Les Brechin

Players out of contract.

Max Crocombe
James McKeown
Danny Amos
Adam Crookes
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Jaz Goundry
Scott Burgess
Giles Coke
Ben Fox
Evan Khouri
Erico Sousa
Max Wright
Luis Adlard
Lennell John-Lewis
Sean Scannell
Ryan Taylor.

That's a lot of bloody players out of contract.

Also do we try to permanently sign any of the loan players here if possible.

Andy Smith
Joey Jones
Arjay Raikhy
Tristan Abrahams
Manuel Dieseruvwe

Players out of contract.

Max Crocombe - Offer new contract
James McKeown - regrettably release. On too much money to be on the bench.
Danny Amos - keep as back up only
Adam Crookes - release
Jordan Cropper - Offer new contract as back up RB
Michie Efete - Offer new contract
Jaz Goundry - Release
Scott Burgess - Release
Giles Coke - Release
Ben Fox -  3 year contract if possible
Evan Khouri - Release
Erico Sousa - Difficult one. I have a feeling he will be released, not enough end product in NL let alone L2.
Max Wright - Difficult one. I would probably release with regret but no point having a player that only plays 15 games a season.
Luis Adlard - Release
Lennell John-Lewis - Release
Sean Scannell - Sort out his rehab and see what he looks like when fit again.
Ryan Taylor. - Offer new contract

Andy Smith - Attempt to sign
Joey Jones - No thanks, awful
Arjay Raikhy - I reckon we could get a better loanee next season but thanks for your efforts and best of luck in the future.
Tristan Abraham - Thanks for your efforts and all the best.
Manuel Dieseruvwe -  Offer a contract. There's something in there that's worth working with.

Then I think you'd be looking for a couple of centre backs, a new first choice left back, two new wide players, at least one new centre mid to challenge Fox and Holohan and a new striker as the bare minimum for signings. Oh and tell Maguire-Drew that he really needs to actually get fit or he'll be forever on the bench. He was puffing more at the start of extra time than Clifton was who'd played an hour more.

I suspect this time PH will be supported properly by the board. He will get the backroom staff and facilities he needs. And he'll be backed in the transfer window. The signings coming in will be a damn sight better than James Berrett and Ashley Chambers.

I think a lot answer themselves really and can’t add much than others can.

The debate will be over all 3 wingers. Wright will no doubt need to leave and hope he gets fit elsewhere for his own sake. Scannell, I love him and I’ve backed him even when our fan base criticised him simply for being injured but this injury is a huge one and he’s on big wages, I’ll be shocked if he stays.

Just leaves Sousa, personally I’d say let him go, he was really poor yesterday and he’s not consistent enough to play in the EFL imo.

One thing is for sure the budget should be much better this time over with no fenty penny pinching.
Didn’t they say somewhere it’s worth a million quid to get in the league.
With that and all the extra season tickets which I would say 6k is a realistic target things are looking rosy.

Could we see Jon Nolan back now we are in the league? Even Omar lol

Quoted from blundellpork

I think there are a lot of rose tinted spectacles here. We’ve been vulnerable to crosses all season as the full backs don’t stop them coming in. I’d therefore replace Cropper and Crooks, and borderline Amos.

Further up Coke, Khouri, Wright, Sousa, Burgess, Jones and Taylor can go. Whilst Taylor links well with McAtee, I’m not convinced he has enough to move up a division.

We need to be aspiring for better players now we have moved up.

Retain Crocombe, Efete, Waterfall, Fox, Clifton. I think we have a chance of getting Smith back on loan now we are in League 2.  

Totally agree with this. Every player deserves credit for the season, they’ve all played a part BUT we must keep
Improving. Whilst it will be quite sad to see some go , there isn’t any time for sentiment in football and we must build a squad capable of handling league two. Paul hurst has a really difficult job of letting some of these lads go in the coming days but it’s a part of the job and it’s something I have no doubts he will get right. He will take into account the whole season and what challenges league two has to offer and make some tough decisions.

I think we have a really decent spine that I’d like to see kept together. Crocombe, waterfall, hopefully Smith back, fox, hologram, mcatee and Taylor provides a decent base. The likes of Clifton, efete , Pearson and possibly Amos will be kept. In my opinion, we need better out wide in particular, sousa just hasn’t delivered with a lack of end product, maguire drew despite moments of quality hasn’t quite done Enough. Max wrights injury problems are just incredibly sad. So wingers will be a priority as will firepower. Taylor has been excellent but hasn’t got the goal return and unlikely to change in the league above. The likes of abrahams/dieseruvwe have had moments and played there part but in truth, we will need more. There’s better out there and we simply cannot stand still. Burgess/coke/Jones have played their parts too, but again, we finished 6th, we had a poor spell , is anyone convinced they’d step up another level?

In summary, The first 11 that got us through the play offs, with the exception of probably cropper/sousa I’d certainly like to see stay, but if we’re to keep improving, and keep moving forward, there does have to be a reality and a ruthlessness in the coming days. It’s imperative we get the next few days right and then hope we can recruit properly ahead of our return

Crocombe - a few (myself included) thought we might need better if we were to go up, but he's been brilliant in the play offs, especially at claiming balls into the box - KEEP
McKeown - has been an incredible servant to the club and will always be a town legend, but I think all parties know his time as our first team keeper is up, and I doubt he'd be happy to warm the bench, would be happy for him to stay in a coaching/backup role on a reduced wage, otherwise - RELEASE
Battersby - wasn't overly impressed with him against Eastleigh but it seems that Hurst sees something there and can't imagine he's on a high salary, this coming season might be an opportunity for him to really cement his place as the no 2 with some EFL trophy games - KEEP

Waterfall - absolutely immense in the play offs and all season in truth, his goals and defensive work more than make up for the occasional error - KEEP
Pearson - always steady and did great when he came on against Wrexham, from his interview the other day seems he'll be transitioning into a coaching role which would be fantastic - KEEP
Smith - so composed for his age, plays with the nous of a centre half ten years older than he is but with the pace of a young man, hopefully Hull will be happy to let him stay - KEEP
Longe-King - by all accounts was decent at Woking but looked really poor for us whenever I watched him and doesn't make sense to retain him when we've got great options in defence - AVAILABLE FOR FREE

Cropper - think he is pretty steady defensively and is capable of putting in a good cross (was class at Eastleigh), plus his long throws add another weapon to our arsenal that showed their value in the play offs - KEEP
Efete - provides fantastic energy down the right and is so dangerous when he comes inside, if he can stay injury free think he has the quality to be a league 1 player at least, would be happy to see Hurst rotate him and Cropper based on the opposition - KEEP
Amos - another steady player who was an instant improvement on what we had when he came in, think he could maybe work on his final ball a bit but clearly gives his all and gets up and down as a modern full back should - KEEP
Crookes - was one of our best players at the beginning of the season but has never really recaptured that, unfortunately I think that Amos is clearly the better option and we could probably find better - RELEASE

Fox - wow, what a player, just an absolutely brilliant engine in that midfield, nothing more to say other than I hope he's with us for years to come - KEEP AND EXTEND LONG TERM
Holohan - hasn't blown me away but seems a good partner for Fox and has that knack of popping up with crucial goals, hopefully with more time we'll see him really kick on - KEEP
Raikhy - have seen some say they haven't been too impressed since his return from injury but in fairness to him I think he's made 3 sub appearances so not much of an opportunity, personally I think he's brilliant, uses his body to shield the ball really well and is able to switch the play with ease, hopefully villa will be happy to loan him to us again - KEEP
Burgess - has never really happened for him, think there might be a decent player in there but seems to go missing from games a bit too easily and I'm sure we can find better - RELEASE
Jones - has 1 brilliant game for every 2 awful ones, really not sure why it is, but not sure he would have been good enough even if we had stayed in the NL - RELEASE
Coke - a great leader but I think his legs have gone, would keep only as an emergency backup in a coaching role - KEEP AS COACH

Clifton - absolute workhorse who never stops going, and personally think that this wide role suits him much better than playing in central midfield, if he can add a few more goals to his game he will be an absolute star - KEEP
Sousa - yes his end product isn't good enough, but he has that ability to really frighten defenders and tracks back well, think we've seen with players like dembele that sometimes these tricky wingers need a bit of time and once they start scoring goals they're unstoppable, for that reason I would - KEEP
JMD - very tough one, goes into town folklore for his goal and clearly has real technical ability but was puffing after about 10 mins yday and appears to be quite unfit/slow, Hurst will know better than us whether he'll be able to get up to speed with a proper preseason but if he's limited to 30 min cameos then I'd - RELEASE
Scannell - absolutely love him and he's such an exciting player to watch, clearly loved in the dressing room as well, but if his injury issues continue to plague him then we're without a player for large parts of the season, for me it comes down to whether his injury is likely to recur/his general fitness and whether he'd be willing to move into a coaching role/pay as you play sort of contract, but if he's not going to feature for more than 5/10 games a season then sadly I would - RELEASE
Wright - clearly a lot of talent and works so hard but it feels like he's made of glass, such a shame for him but unless Hurst feels his injury problems are behind him then I think it would very sadly be sensible to - RELEASE

McAtee - incredible - KEEP AND NEVER LET HIM GO
Taylor - the work he does is so undervalued and he is so important for letting McAtee play his game, getting on a bit but I would still - KEEP
Mani - his goals per minutes is nuts and I actually think he's brilliant at winning the ball in the air, bringing it down and releasing midfielders, maybe doesn't quite have the nous of Taylor but has proved his worth even if only as a sub option - KEEP
Abrahams - very tough one, works very hard and seems like a good lad but has missed some big chances and think there might be better options available - RELEASE

In terms of incomings:

A left back, either first team or as cover for Amos.
A centre half with some pace - if we can't get Smith back or if he gets injured then we're stuck with two very slow defenders.
A tough tackling midfielder.
A couple of tricky wingers, to replace the outgoings - Sbarra would be interesting, as others have suggested.
A clever number 10 - to give us an option when McAtee is injured/needs to come off, preferably someone who could also play deeper in midfield or out wide as well.
A poacher - love Taylor but think we do need an alternative option.

Quoted from MaccasBoots

Crocombe - a few (myself included) thought we might need better if we were to go up, but he's been brilliant in the play offs, especially at claiming balls into the box - KEEP
McKeown - has been an incredible servant to the club and will always be a town legend, but I think all parties know his time as our first team keeper is up, and I doubt he'd be happy to warm the bench, would be happy for him to stay in a coaching/backup role on a reduced wage, otherwise - RELEASE
Battersby - wasn't overly impressed with him against Eastleigh but it seems that Hurst sees something there and can't imagine he's on a high salary, this coming season might be an opportunity for him to really cement his place as the no 2 with some EFL trophy games - KEEP

Waterfall - absolutely immense in the play offs and all season in truth, his goals and defensive work more than make up for the occasional error - KEEP
Pearson - always steady and did great when he came on against Wrexham, from his interview the other day seems he'll be transitioning into a coaching role which would be fantastic - KEEP
Smith - so composed for his age, plays with the nous of a centre half ten years older than he is but with the pace of a young man, hopefully Hull will be happy to let him stay - KEEP
Longe-King - by all accounts was decent at Woking but looked really poor for us whenever I watched him and doesn't make sense to retain him when we've got great options in defence - AVAILABLE FOR FREE

Cropper - think he is pretty steady defensively and is capable of putting in a good cross (was class at Eastleigh), plus his long throws add another weapon to our arsenal that showed their value in the play offs - KEEP
Efete - provides fantastic energy down the right and is so dangerous when he comes inside, if he can stay injury free think he has the quality to be a league 1 player at least, would be happy to see Hurst rotate him and Cropper based on the opposition - KEEP
Amos - another steady player who was an instant improvement on what we had when he came in, think he could maybe work on his final ball a bit but clearly gives his all and gets up and down as a modern full back should - KEEP
Crookes - was one of our best players at the beginning of the season but has never really recaptured that, unfortunately I think that Amos is clearly the better option and we could probably find better - RELEASE

Fox - wow, what a player, just an absolutely brilliant engine in that midfield, nothing more to say other than I hope he's with us for years to come - KEEP AND EXTEND LONG TERM
Holohan - hasn't blown me away but seems a good partner for Fox and has that knack of popping up with crucial goals, hopefully with more time we'll see him really kick on - KEEP
Raikhy - have seen some say they haven't been too impressed since his return from injury but in fairness to him I think he's made 3 sub appearances so not much of an opportunity, personally I think he's brilliant, uses his body to shield the ball really well and is able to switch the play with ease, hopefully villa will be happy to loan him to us again - KEEP
Burgess - has never really happened for him, think there might be a decent player in there but seems to go missing from games a bit too easily and I'm sure we can find better - RELEASE
Jones - has 1 brilliant game for every 2 awful ones, really not sure why it is, but not sure he would have been good enough even if we had stayed in the NL - RELEASE
Coke - a great leader but I think his legs have gone, would keep only as an emergency backup in a coaching role - KEEP AS COACH

Clifton - absolute workhorse who never stops going, and personally think that this wide role suits him much better than playing in central midfield, if he can add a few more goals to his game he will be an absolute star - KEEP
Sousa - yes his end product isn't good enough, but he has that ability to really frighten defenders and tracks back well, think we've seen with players like dembele that sometimes these tricky wingers need a bit of time and once they start scoring goals they're unstoppable, for that reason I would - KEEP
JMD - very tough one, goes into town folklore for his goal and clearly has real technical ability but was puffing after about 10 mins yday and appears to be quite unfit/slow, Hurst will know better than us whether he'll be able to get up to speed with a proper preseason but if he's limited to 30 min cameos then I'd - RELEASE
Scannell - absolutely love him and he's such an exciting player to watch, clearly loved in the dressing room as well, but if his injury issues continue to plague him then we're without a player for large parts of the season, for me it comes down to whether his injury is likely to recur/his general fitness and whether he'd be willing to move into a coaching role/pay as you play sort of contract, but if he's not going to feature for more than 5/10 games a season then sadly I would - RELEASE
Wright - clearly a lot of talent and works so hard but it feels like he's made of glass, such a shame for him but unless Hurst feels his injury problems are behind him then I think it would very sadly be sensible to - RELEASE

McAtee - incredible - KEEP AND NEVER LET HIM GO
Taylor - the work he does is so undervalued and he is so important for letting McAtee play his game, getting on a bit but I would still - KEEP
Mani - his goals per minutes is nuts and I actually think he's brilliant at winning the ball in the air, bringing it down and releasing midfielders, maybe doesn't quite have the nous of Taylor but has proved his worth even if only as a sub option - KEEP
Abrahams - very tough one, works very hard and seems like a good lad but has missed some big chances and think there might be better options available - RELEASE

In terms of incomings:

A left back, either first team or as cover for Amos.
A centre half with some pace - if we can't get Smith back or if he gets injured then we're stuck with two very slow defenders.
A tough tackling midfielder.
A couple of tricky wingers, to replace the outgoings - Sbarra would be interesting, as others have suggested.
A poacher - love Taylor but think we do need an alternative option.

Interesting that Sbarra keeps popping up, I actually think their other winger, Barnett, who played for Hurst at Shrewsbury, is a better footballer.

Quoted from MaccasBoots

Crocombe - a few (myself included) thought we might need better if we were to go up, but he's been brilliant in the play offs, especially at claiming balls into the box - KEEP
McKeown - has been an incredible servant to the club and will always be a town legend, but I think all parties know his time as our first team keeper is up, and I doubt he'd be happy to warm the bench, would be happy for him to stay in a coaching/backup role on a reduced wage, otherwise - RELEASE
Battersby - wasn't overly impressed with him against Eastleigh but it seems that Hurst sees something there and can't imagine he's on a high salary, this coming season might be an opportunity for him to really cement his place as the no 2 with some EFL trophy games - KEEP

Waterfall - absolutely immense in the play offs and all season in truth, his goals and defensive work more than make up for the occasional error - KEEP
Pearson - always steady and did great when he came on against Wrexham, from his interview the other day seems he'll be transitioning into a coaching role which would be fantastic - KEEP
Smith - so composed for his age, plays with the nous of a centre half ten years older than he is but with the pace of a young man, hopefully Hull will be happy to let him stay - KEEP
Longe-King - by all accounts was decent at Woking but looked really poor for us whenever I watched him and doesn't make sense to retain him when we've got great options in defence - AVAILABLE FOR FREE

Cropper - think he is pretty steady defensively and is capable of putting in a good cross (was class at Eastleigh), plus his long throws add another weapon to our arsenal that showed their value in the play offs - KEEP
Efete - provides fantastic energy down the right and is so dangerous when he comes inside, if he can stay injury free think he has the quality to be a league 1 player at least, would be happy to see Hurst rotate him and Cropper based on the opposition - KEEP
Amos - another steady player who was an instant improvement on what we had when he came in, think he could maybe work on his final ball a bit but clearly gives his all and gets up and down as a modern full back should - KEEP
Crookes - was one of our best players at the beginning of the season but has never really recaptured that, unfortunately I think that Amos is clearly the better option and we could probably find better - RELEASE

Fox - wow, what a player, just an absolutely brilliant engine in that midfield, nothing more to say other than I hope he's with us for years to come - KEEP AND EXTEND LONG TERM
Holohan - hasn't blown me away but seems a good partner for Fox and has that knack of popping up with crucial goals, hopefully with more time we'll see him really kick on - KEEP
Raikhy - have seen some say they haven't been too impressed since his return from injury but in fairness to him I think he's made 3 sub appearances so not much of an opportunity, personally I think he's brilliant, uses his body to shield the ball really well and is able to switch the play with ease, hopefully villa will be happy to loan him to us again - KEEP
Burgess - has never really happened for him, think there might be a decent player in there but seems to go missing from games a bit too easily and I'm sure we can find better - RELEASE
Jones - has 1 brilliant game for every 2 awful ones, really not sure why it is, but not sure he would have been good enough even if we had stayed in the NL - RELEASE
Coke - a great leader but I think his legs have gone, would keep only as an emergency backup in a coaching role - KEEP AS COACH

Clifton - absolute workhorse who never stops going, and personally think that this wide role suits him much better than playing in central midfield, if he can add a few more goals to his game he will be an absolute star - KEEP
Sousa - yes his end product isn't good enough, but he has that ability to really frighten defenders and tracks back well, think we've seen with players like dembele that sometimes these tricky wingers need a bit of time and once they start scoring goals they're unstoppable, for that reason I would - KEEP
JMD - very tough one, goes into town folklore for his goal and clearly has real technical ability but was puffing after about 10 mins yday and appears to be quite unfit/slow, Hurst will know better than us whether he'll be able to get up to speed with a proper preseason but if he's limited to 30 min cameos then I'd - RELEASE
Scannell - absolutely love him and he's such an exciting player to watch, clearly loved in the dressing room as well, but if his injury issues continue to plague him then we're without a player for large parts of the season, for me it comes down to whether his injury is likely to recur/his general fitness and whether he'd be willing to move into a coaching role/pay as you play sort of contract, but if he's not going to feature for more than 5/10 games a season then sadly I would - RELEASE
Wright - clearly a lot of talent and works so hard but it feels like he's made of glass, such a shame for him but unless Hurst feels his injury problems are behind him then I think it would very sadly be sensible to - RELEASE

McAtee - incredible - KEEP AND NEVER LET HIM GO
Taylor - the work he does is so undervalued and he is so important for letting McAtee play his game, getting on a bit but I would still - KEEP
Mani - his goals per minutes is nuts and I actually think he's brilliant at winning the ball in the air, bringing it down and releasing midfielders, maybe doesn't quite have the nous of Taylor but has proved his worth even if only as a sub option - KEEP
Abrahams - very tough one, works very hard and seems like a good lad but has missed some big chances and think there might be better options available - RELEASE

In terms of incomings:

A left back, either first team or as cover for Amos.
A centre half with some pace - if we can't get Smith back or if he gets injured then we're stuck with two very slow defenders.
A tough tackling midfielder.
A couple of tricky wingers, to replace the outgoings - Sbarra would be interesting, as others have suggested.
A clever number 10 - to give us an option when McAtee is injured/needs to come off, preferably someone who could also play deeper in midfield or out wide as well.
A poacher - love Taylor but think we do need an alternative option.

Maguire Drew is under contract

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Interesting that Sbarra keeps popping up, I actually think their other winger, Barnett, who played for Hurst at Shrewsbury, is a better footballer.

Barnett and Dallas from the Solihull side in a heartbeat..

Quoted from Hagrid

Maguire Drew is under contract

Fair enough, thought we signed him on a 6 month for some reason, may as well keep then

Hope we can keep hold of Andy Smith for at least another season. Did some great work for us yesterday and whenever he's played and will only get better.

I'm not going to name names (bar one) but generally I want to keep as much of this squad who it's realistically possible to keep. 1. Keep that winning mentality. 2. We've got 8 weeks an entire squad rebuild would be hard. 3. How anyone can say release 18 and 19 year olds is beyond me - i bet no-one on the Fishy has the first clue whether these kids will be good enough.

If I could keep one player out of the out of contract list it's Ben Fox - best central midfielder we've had since Nolan.

Was Barnett their right-winger? A really good player who I thought caused us all sorts of problems in the two games I saw us play again them - would be an excellent signing. Sbarra was decent as well, but Barnett was more effective.

Dallas looks a good player and scored a lot of goals this season, but he was playing a sort of McAtee-type role yesterday. If we can keep McAtee, I'm not really sure how he would fit in.

A lot depends on what formation Hurst has in mind for next season. I suspect we'll retain a lot more of the squad this time around. I seem to recall Hurst has admitted he perhaps moved too many on after our last promotion out of non-league (possibly due to the budget on offer from Fenty, of course).

At full-back, I personally prefer Cropper to Efete because that throw-in is such a weapon and he's probably a better 'defensive' full-back than Efete. Also the fitness situation to consider because he's not been fit for a third of the season due to recurring muscle injuries. I'm aware that Cropper has had his injury problems in the past as well. I had a sneaking feeling that Efete would leave us this summer to head to a club down south, but this was before we won promotion. League status makes it more likely he'll sign again if offered a contract, unless a League club in the south comes in for him.

I suspect that Crookes will be released, with thanks for his efforts. Amos has done very well considering his lack of prior experience and I think he'll do well next season with a full pre-season behind him.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Longe-King. He was obviously signed with the intention that he would be starting games but never really settled even when we were doing so well at the start of the season. He's under contract, so might be kept on as a backup. I suspect it depends what happens with Smith who I would hope we'll try to sign on a season-long loan.

We can't give a contract to Wright or Scannell due to their respective injury issues. Tough for Scannell who was eventually coming good and on Wright who I hope will find himself a Conference club where he gets the chance to play himself into some fitness, because he certainly looks to have some ability. JMD simply has to sort his fitness out this summer. Can't do anything about the fact that he's got no pace, but even if he's not as natural an athlete as the likes of Clifton and Sousa, he's got to be able to run more than he has been doing this season. A great amount of ability and creates and scores goals (a lovely cross for McAtee's effort which he toed just past the post) but he's simply got to be able to keep running for 90 minutes.

Burgess is obviously going to be released, as will LJL who will no doubt be leading the line at York next season.

Providing we keep Taylor for another season (and I hope we do), I'd probably keep Dieseruvwe but I think Abrahams will want to be starting games so will probably move on elsewhere down south.

Of course, all bets are off if somebody in League One (or the National League!) comes in with big offer for McAtee because at that point, we'd probably have to change our style of play unless a suitable replacement could be found.

Coke shouldn't be playing for us next season as he's well past his best but may join the coaching set up. Jones will probably be looking for a contract in the NLS. Clifton will obviously stay but I don't think we want to be seeing him playing left wing for us next year. He's scored a reasonable number of goals but has missed some relatively easy chances which could have cost us but, more importantly, I just don't think he creates enough and his left-foot isn't strong enough to play on that side. Incredible energy, great versatility so worth a place in the squad at the very least but unless he can cement a place in the centre of the field, I think he'll remain a utility player who can put in a good shift in lots of positions as required.

I obviously hope we can keep Fox who has been fantastic since coming back into the team after his last injury and think that what happens with midfield signings will entirely depend on whether or not he stays. Same goes for McAtee up front as well, I suppose.

Quoted from Maringer

Was Barnett their right-winger? A really good player who I thought caused us all sorts of problems in the two games I saw us play again them - would be an excellent signing. Sbarra was decent as well, but Barnett was more effective.

.

Barnett is their right winger and would be a massive upgrade on Sousa. Hearing a couple of rumours which would be fantastic signings and a real statement.

Quoted from Maringer

Was Barnett their right-winger? A really good player who I thought caused us all sorts of problems in the two games I saw us play again them - would be an excellent signing. Sbarra was decent as well, but Barnett was more effective.

Dallas looks a good player and scored a lot of goals this season, but he was playing a sort of McAtee-type role yesterday. If we can keep McAtee, I'm not really sure how he would fit in.

A lot depends on what formation Hurst has in mind for next season. I suspect we'll retain a lot more of the squad this time around. I seem to recall Hurst has admitted he perhaps moved too many on after our last promotion out of non-league (possibly due to the budget on offer from Fenty, of course).

At full-back, I personally prefer Cropper to Efete because that throw-in is such a weapon and he's probably a better 'defensive' full-back than Efete. Also the fitness situation to consider because he's not been fit for a third of the season due to recurring muscle injuries. I'm aware that Cropper has had his injury problems in the past as well. I had a sneaking feeling that Efete would leave us this summer to head to a club down south, but this was before we won promotion. League status makes it more likely he'll sign again if offered a contract, unless a League club in the south comes in for him.

I suspect that Crookes will be released, with thanks for his efforts. Amos has done very well considering his lack of prior experience and I think he'll do well next season with a full pre-season behind him.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Longe-King. He was obviously signed with the intention that he would be starting games but never really settled even when we were doing so well at the start of the season. He's under contract, so might be kept on as a backup. I suspect it depends what happens with Smith who I would hope we'll try to sign on a season-long loan.

We can't give a contract to Wright or Scannell due to their respective injury issues. Tough for Scannell who was eventually coming good and on Wright who I hope will find himself a Conference club where he gets the chance to play himself into some fitness, because he certainly looks to have some ability. JMD simply has to sort his fitness out this summer. Can't do anything about the fact that he's got no pace, but even if he's not as natural an athlete as the likes of Clifton and Sousa, he's got to be able to run more than he has been doing this season. A great amount of ability and creates and scores goals (a lovely cross for McAtee's effort which he toed just past the post) but he's simply got to be able to keep running for 90 minutes.

Burgess is obviously going to be released, as will LJL who will no doubt be leading the line at York next season.

Providing we keep Taylor for another season (and I hope we do), I'd probably keep Dieseruvwe but I think Abrahams will want to be starting games so will probably move on elsewhere down south.

Of course, all bets are off if somebody in League One (or the National League!) comes in with big offer for McAtee because at that point, we'd probably have to change our style of play unless a suitable replacement could be found.

Coke shouldn't be playing for us next season as he's well past his best but may join the coaching set up. Jones will probably be looking for a contract in the NLS. Clifton will obviously stay but I don't think we want to be seeing him playing left wing for us next year. He's scored a reasonable number of goals but has missed some relatively easy chances which could have cost us but, more importantly, I just don't think he creates enough and his left-foot isn't strong enough to play on that side. Incredible energy, great versatility so worth a place in the squad at the very least but unless he can cement a place in the centre of the field, I think he'll remain a utility player who can put in a good shift in lots of positions as required.

I obviously hope we can keep Fox who has been fantastic since coming back into the team after his last injury and think that what happens with midfield signings will entirely depend on whether or not he stays. Same goes for McAtee up front as well, I suppose.

Can play anywhere in a three behind the main striker and a great alternative to McAtee if he's out injured anytime..

Quoted from Bigdog

Can play anywhere in a three behind the main striker and a great alternative to McAtee if he's out injured anytime..

Are you his agent?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Barnett is their right winger and would be a massive upgrade on Sousa. Hearing a couple of rumours which would be fantastic signings and a real statement.

Go on then...

I know Max has been offered a trial at York City

Ryan Bennett has moved back to the area and bought down Humberston Ave, still contracted to Swansea though so cant see this personally!

Quoted from Hagrid

I know Max has been offered a trial at York City

Ryan Bennett has moved back to the area and bought down Humberston Ave, still contracted to Swansea though so cant see this personally!

Quite a few suggesting Coke not be retained but be given a role as a coach. I think from a few snippets of interviews in the last week or two, there were discussions with Shaun Pearson about moving into coaching. So if there are, albeit tentative, plans for that then I couldn't see us giving Coke a coaching role, even if it's another year or so away before Pearson would take up such a role. Don't know what Coke's background is with coaching but Shaun has obviously been making inroads into this for years already within the Academies both here and at Wrexham.

I'd try to keep the final match day squad, less Sousa and Abrahams. Keep the young lad Battersby as a backup goalkeeper and pay Scannell a retainer to be increased with match day bonus once he becomes fit. As for the rest thank you but goodbye.

I trust Hurst to find a few gems to fill the boots of those that leave. We're on the move upwards and need better players for our promotion push to League1. The squad has self-belief, a never say die attitude, and an excellent team spirit and the players coming in need to blend in with this sort of attitude.

I think we'll struggle to keep Fox as he's out of contract and will surely have offers from League One (Lincoln are rumoured to be interested).  We were only able to get him because of his long-term injury; he'd been playing regularly in the third-tier before that.  Would be a real boost to keep him though.

I don't think we'll be signing any of the loanees.  Smith has been outstanding and I reckon Hull might want to fast-track his development at a L1 club.  Raikhy was coming along quite nicely until his injury: he's an option but I think Hurst could find an upgrade.  Abrahams and Mani were game-changers off the bench and will be cult heroes for a while, but I think we'll need better options if we are to compete in L2.  I do agree with others, though, that there's a real goal poacher in Mani if he gets the right coaching.  Jones didn't seem to impress.

We'll need upgrades at full back as I've seen us concede too many back-post headers this season.  Amos has been promising though, he's worth another year.  We definitely need some more quality in wide areas too; both of Solihull's wingers looked really good.

Also worth noting that McAtee is likely to miss the start of next season from what I've gathered, so if we're to play a similar system we'll need another number 10.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

I think we'll struggle to keep Fox as he's out of contract and will surely have offers from League One (Lincoln are rumoured to be interested).  We were only able to get him because of his long-term injury; he'd been playing regularly in the third-tier before that.  Would be a real boost to keep him though.

I don't think we'll be signing any of the loanees.  Smith has been outstanding and I reckon Hull might want to fast-track his development at a L1 club.  Raikhy was coming along quite nicely until his injury: he's an option but I think Hurst could find an upgrade.  Abrahams and Mani were game-changers off the bench and will be cult heroes for a while, but I think we'll need better options if we are to compete in L2.  I do agree with others, though, that there's a real goal poacher in Mani if he gets the right coaching.  Jones didn't seem to impress.

We'll need upgrades at full back as I've seen us concede too many back-post headers this season.  Amos has been promising though, he's worth another year.  We definitely need some more quality in wide areas too; both of Solihull's wingers looked really good.

Also worth noting that McAtee is likely to miss the start of next season from what I've gathered, so if we're to play a similar system we'll need another number 10.

Agree with a lot of what you say, however I wouldn’t say Ben fox was a league on regular. He’s only played 37 league one games, over the course of being involved for 2 years, unsure on how many of these appearances were substitute appearances. Although this could have been affected by his injuries, so I see what you’re saying.

I think the midfield is generally upper league 2 ready - Holohan, McAttee and Fox; coupled with Clifton and another

It’s mainly clarity with Smith, a LB to challenge for the first team, a first team winger and a new striker

It is more difficult to fully-access players when changing  from a deserved relegation to a new team, which goes top of the league early in the season.  Then we have a virtually new team again.  Only Waterfall, Clifton, McAtee and Taylor are first team regulars from when we were top of the table,

We also have new loan players and Wright and Scannell injured. If Hurst wants to keep any of the loanees then it is down to the parent club.

There is less time this close-season to finalise all decisions.  At least we are now in a better position to attract higher-quality loan players and are on an upward projection.

Some very tough calls to make.

The 2 full back positions are undoubtedly areas we'll need to be stronger. Cropper has the long throw which has been pivotal in the last two games, but I'm not sure I'd be confident with him being a regular in L2 (which there's every chance of with Efete's injuries). Similar with Amos, he's definitely progressed since he's been with us, and I'd keep him in the squad, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Hurst bring in someone better.

Hopefully we've got an option to exercise on Fox's contract because the guy has been class in the last few games. Him and Holohan are the best midfield pairing we've had since Bolland & Woodhouse in my opinion.
We'll need reinforcements for the squad here though as the other centre mids in the building will be moved on I'm sure.

That leads me to my next point - Harry Clifton. First of all, he's a must-keep as far as I'm concerned. But, I wouldn't be too comfortable about going into next season with him till playing wide left. He's done a great job there in general and doesn't really let you down wherever you play him, but I'd like to see him used in the middle or as a stop-gap elsewhere in other positions rather than a permanent fixture somewhere other than CM. League 2 is a step up in quality despite what many say about the lack of a gap between the two leagues, and I'd expect us to have wingers playing in those positions (in the main, maybe with HC used there in certain matches).

Wingers is another interesting one. Maguire-Drew's technical ability would see him able to play at League One level really, but physically he isn't up to standard yet. Needs to lose weight, get fitter and be able to play at his peak level for longer. He's under contract anyway obviously, but just thinking as it may impact what we need to bring in if he still isn't capable of completing 90 minutes at a good level.
Sousa the enigma could go either way. I suspect PH will release him but I wouldn't be disappointed to see him get one more year. I thought he did OK yesterday and with some better finishing from others would have had a couple of assists. It seemed like he was focused a bit more on getting early balls into the box yesterday and a few chances came from him.

Up top, what's massively important for me is to bring in someone who can play as a no.10 so that when McAtee is injured or cramping up in games, we don't need to change the system or change the way we play too much unless we want to. We struggled in that spell when he was injured, and I'm sure PH will address that this summer. Taylor I would keep, but as he seems to not really last many 90 minutes any more it'd be worth bringing in another one who could compete with him for a start or become the main no.9.

Mani and Abrahams couldn't really have done much more to stake their claim for a new deal, more so Mani. But these two may be on the end of disappointing news I think. Purely because if we want to bring one or two new forwards in we need to make room in the squad for them. Mani perhaps has a chance of being offered a deal and almost being the "plan b" option 5th striker who would maybe just have a bit part role.

Hurst has got a job on his hands because he has built a bloody good squad  . Hard working , enthusiastic,   brilliant Team Spirit.  The bulk I would reward with contracts and then just add 2 or 3 .  In PH I trust.

Quoted from Tommy

Some very tough calls to make.

The 2 full back positions are undoubtedly areas we'll need to be stronger. Cropper has the long throw which has been pivotal in the last two games, but I'm not sure I'd be confident with him being a regular in L2 (which there's every chance of with Efete's injuries). Similar with Amos, he's definitely progressed since he's been with us, and I'd keep him in the squad, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Hurst bring in someone better.

Hopefully we've got an option to exercise on Fox's contract because the guy has been class in the last few games. Him and Holohan are the best midfield pairing we've had since Bolland & Woodhouse in my opinion.
We'll need reinforcements for the squad here though as the other centre mids in the building will be moved on I'm sure.

That leads me to my next point - Harry Clifton. First of all, he's a must-keep as far as I'm concerned. But, I wouldn't be too comfortable about going into next season with him till playing wide left. He's done a great job there in general and doesn't really let you down wherever you play him, but I'd like to see him used in the middle or as a stop-gap elsewhere in other positions rather than a permanent fixture somewhere other than CM. League 2 is a step up in quality despite what many say about the lack of a gap between the two leagues, and I'd expect us to have wingers playing in those positions (in the main, maybe with HC used there in certain matches).

Wingers is another interesting one. Maguire-Drew's technical ability would see him able to play at League One level really, but physically he isn't up to standard yet. Needs to lose weight, get fitter and be able to play at his peak level for longer. He's under contract anyway obviously, but just thinking as it may impact what we need to bring in if he still isn't capable of completing 90 minutes at a good level.
Sousa the enigma could go either way. I suspect PH will release him but I wouldn't be disappointed to see him get one more year. I thought he did OK yesterday and with some better finishing from others would have had a couple of assists. It seemed like he was focused a bit more on getting early balls into the box yesterday and a few chances came from him.

Up top, what's massively important for me is to bring in someone who can play as a no.10 so that when McAtee is injured or cramping up in games, we don't need to change the system or change the way we play too much unless we want to. We struggled in that spell when he was injured, and I'm sure PH will address that this summer. Taylor I would keep, but as he seems to not really last many 90 minutes any more it'd be worth bringing in another one who could compete with him for a start or become the main no.9.

Mani and Abrahams couldn't really have done much more to stake their claim for a new deal, more so Mani. But these two may be on the end of disappointing news I think. Purely because if we want to bring one or two new forwards in we need to make room in the squad for them. Mani perhaps has a chance of being offered a deal and almost being the "plan b" option 5th striker who would maybe just have a bit part role.

Agree on Clifton, he’s had a decent season but I think yesterday really exposed his limitations as a left winger, I thought he had a really poor game and Hurst said similar (said he had a good game, for Solihull!) . We need better in that position for a league above IMO, a good squad player and an absolute machine who gives everything.

Whoever managed to get the players fit and capable of playing three games to extra time in quick succession would be high on my list of people to make sure they're staying.

Although they might have to work on Crocombe's fitness with all that cramp he had

Last promotion season we somewhat limped over the line, this year we've only lost 2 in the last 25 games.

I'd look to next season for a bit of continuity with some incremental evolution of the playing squad rather than a dozen new signings.

Specifically on the young players I was rather hoping we'd binned off this approach of 'one and done' seasons as a make or break. Now we've got better access to funding can't we go down a u23 squad route to give them a few years of development before we release them?

Quoted from ginnywings

Last time we went up, PH had a pretty big cull of the team and this promotion has probably come earlier than expected in our progress, so I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few are replaced.

Some say that he got rid of too many last time and the continuity went, but when he left for the Shrews, we were on the edge of the play off places. The continuity of the team went when he went and the board let things slide.

I wouldn't be surprised to see 6 or 7 new faces in the starting line up next season.

I'd agree with this. Am told 1878 have their sights on a double promotion; that being the case changes my thoughts on who will be kept.
Think we can do, and will need , better than Crocombe (although he has improved as he's had the run of games), Amos, Cropper, Crookes, Sousa, Abrahams ,Burgess, Jones.
Macca, Coke & The Shop will be released, and i suspect that it will also be the case for Scannell & Wright (although i'd be v. happy if PH gave them another contract, as both are decent league 2 players)
Taylor, Pearson and Waterfall must all have question marks against them, simply because of their age - they'll be a year older and trying to compete against a better standard of player

I could see Adlard being released but Goundry retained.
Fox and Efete are musts .The only remaining is Mani which could go either way, but i do wonder whether PH will be able to recruit someone slightly more tried and trusted, or with a better level of ability/potential

looking at it, does seem really harsh , but if the owners want to get to League 1 then I'm not sure too mnay of the current squad are capable of that level

I see Clifton as a squad player with a lot of versatility.  If we need him as cover in an emergency then he will do a creditable job.  His technical skills would be more exposed in a higher division if in the first-team.    Always works hard and gives 100%.

Hurst is good as finding good players.  Easier to do after a promotion.  The budget and who comes in might determine which of the fringe players are kept or released.  

Quoted from forza ivano

I'd agree with this. Am told 1878 have their sights on a double promotion; that being the case changes my thoughts on who will be kept.
Think we can do, and will need , better than Crocombe (although he has improved as he's had the run of games), Amos, Cropper, Crookes, Sousa, Abrahams ,Burgess, Jones.
Macca, Coke & The Shop will be released, and i suspect that it will also be the case for Scannell & Wright (although i'd be v. happy if PH gave them another contract, as both are decent league 2 players)
Taylor, Pearson and Waterfall must all have question marks against them, simply because of their age - they'll be a year older and trying to compete against a better standard of player

I could see Adlard being released but Goundry retained.
Fox and Efete are musts .The only remaining is Mani which could go either way, but i do wonder whether PH will be able to recruit someone slightly more tried and trusted, or with a better level of ability/potential

looking at it, does seem really harsh , but if the owners want to get to League 1 then I'm not sure too mnay of the current squad are capable of that level

Taylor and Waterfall have been immense. You can see how much McAtee appreciates Taylor and aside from McAtee Waterfall has been POTY. As many have said there isn't much between the top end of NL and mid table L2.

Clifton is our level of Milner, or an updated Cumming !

Hursty has always been defence minded until the end part of this season, so a strong defence will be priority 1.

Several of his loan signings have been "researched" over several months, so I bet his "want" list is already on the desks of the owners.

It doesn't matter a fig who the fans want to keep or lose, as we know that he does his "secret rabbit out of the hat" trick every year, and will be strong in his decisions.

With a really short pre-season, the cull may not be as fierce, unless he can make fast signings as League status.

I can see new incomers of a younger age than early 30's, just to ensure better long term fitness, and the conditioning coach can have fun keeping the more mature players fit for sub or cameo roles.

Taylor may be in that area, for example.

Could a reserve team keep fringe squad players fit and competitive?

How many make up a squad for this League?

Who could be tempted by League 2 wages?

We also don't want a superstar forward - there's no "I" in team, but we need players to know which is the better pass or shot option.

Chesterfield threw their money at one option which blew up badly from a single long term injury, so that is a warning against one big buy.

So much to look forward to next season !!

This is going to be controversial as he’s had a great season but I do think Waterfall still has a lot to prove as a League 2 centre back, I’d like to think we’ll have stronger alongside him come the start of the season.

I think sometimes we overlook how important morale, atmosphere, friendship and character type are in successful teams and that this requires 20 plus players getting on and supporting each other. To see Mani and Abraham’s celebrate with such passion at the end emphasised to me how important these factors are.

Whilst I would expect 7 or 8 newcomers maybe only 4 or 5 will be able to get straight into the first eleven and the number of newcomers may depend on the availability of the two loans Smith and Raikhy next year. With Scannell’s injury we certainly need a new wide player and hopefully a much fitter version of McGuire Drew. Personally I would like Mani to stay as he’s scored goals and looked pretty decent when holding the ball and bringing other players into the game. Definitely a good addition to the squad IMO and surprised some are so keen to move Amos on as again he’s played well for us and at a minimum would provide a great back up.

Quoted from Tommy

Quite a few suggesting Coke not be retained but be given a role as a coach. I think from a few snippets of interviews in the last week or two, there were discussions with Shaun Pearson about moving into coaching. So if there are, albeit tentative, plans for that then I couldn't see us giving Coke a coaching role, even if it's another year or so away before Pearson would take up such a role. Don't know what Coke's background is with coaching but Shaun has obviously been making inroads into this for years already within the Academies both here and at Wrexham.

Regarding Coke, I think some fans have put two and two together and come up with five. He was in and around the coaching staff during the play offs, but most forget he is club captain and that is probably why he was involved on the sidelines.

He lifted the trophy yesterday but I don't think he has any future here as a player, or a coach for that matter. I could be wrong, but I don't see it.

As for the rest of the squad, It'll be interesting to see how many are let go and who is retained, but I think the turnover will be larger than some imagine. It's easy to get attached to players that have won promotion if you are a fan, but for the manager, he is looking at it differently. You can't stand still in football if you want to progress and there is no room for sentiment.

Quoted from pontoonlew

This is going to be controversial as he’s had a great season but I do think Waterfall still has a lot to prove as a League 2 centre back, I’d like to think we’ll have stronger alongside him come the start of the season.

This could be wrong but in a decent side i think he played in a play off semi final in lge 2 i could be wrong though , pollock was too similar to waterfall now if keep smith he will be fine

Players out of contract.

Max Crocombe
Danny Amos
Jordan Cropper
Michie Efete
Jaz Goundry and loan out
Ben Fox          
Erico Sousa          
Ryan Taylor.            

Andy Smith try and loan again or sign perminantly
Manuel Dieseruvwe lets take a punt offer him a 1 year deal with an option

Gonna sound naff but after a promotion I don't really want to put out there who I think we should release, they've all played their part and I trust PH to make the right calls. Some are pretty obvious. What I will say though, is that i'm surprised PH is to inform the released players tomorrow, the day of the victory bus. The day after would feel like the right timing to me

Quoted from immariner

Gonna sound naff but after a promotion I don't really want to put out there who I think we should release, they've all played their part and I trust PH to make the right calls. Some are pretty obvious. What I will say though, is that i'm surprised PH is to inform the released players tomorrow, the day of the victory bus. The day after would feel like the right timing to me

It's a day when all the players will be in. Wouldnt be surprised if it's their last day in and they'll be on their hols from Wednesday.

Quoted from immariner

Gonna sound naff but after a promotion I don't really want to put out there who I think we should release, they've all played their part and I trust PH to make the right calls. Some are pretty obvious. What I will say though, is that i'm surprised PH is to inform the released players tomorrow, the day of the victory bus. The day after would feel like the right timing to me

Makes sense to me. Wouldn't want to get them all back in again just to discuss their future, and the quicker they know, the quicker they can start to look for another club.

Will be looking to see who has a glum face on the bus.  

Quoted from ginnywings

Makes sense to me. Wouldn't want to get them all back in again just to discuss their future, and the quicker they know, the quicker they can start to look for another club.

Will be looking to see who has a glum face on the bus.  

I'm not talking about logistical sense though. They'll still be employees of the club on Wednesday so if the club asked them to come in they would obviously have to come in. Would 24 hours make much difference regards the prospects for their next employment? I dunno, the victory parade is going to be tinged for a few of them, just seems a bit sad but I guess that's the life of a short contract footballer. Not wishing to bash and you could well be right and the released players would prefer to know sooner. I fully respect they all deserve a holiday, none more so than PH

Quoted from chaos33

Tricky.

If it was me, I’d definitely want:

Crocombe
Amos
Cropper
Fox
Taylor

This is hard - but out of those - I’d definitely want Crocombe, Cropper and Fox - those 3 are quality - along with McAtee.
Get Smith back in as well.
Diessewerre! definitely worth a place in the squad.
So hard - considering how well the team did in its last 4 games.
You can’t buy togetherness - and this is where Paul Hurst has managed to find it for the current group - outstanding.
To dismantle this is not a good option - I feel.

Quoted from mariner91

Players out of contract.

Max Crocombe - Offer new contract
James McKeown - regrettably release. On too much money to be on the bench.
Danny Amos - keep as back up only
Adam Crookes - release
Jordan Cropper - Offer new contract as back up RB
Michie Efete - Offer new contract
Jaz Goundry - Release
Scott Burgess - Release
Giles Coke - Release
Ben Fox -  3 year contract if possible
Evan Khouri - Release
Erico Sousa - Difficult one. I have a feeling he will be released, not enough end product in NL let alone L2.
Max Wright - Difficult one. I would probably release with regret but no point having a player that only plays 15 games a season.
Luis Adlard - Release
Lennell John-Lewis - Release
Sean Scannell - Sort out his rehab and see what he looks like when fit again.
Ryan Taylor. - Offer new contract

Andy Smith - Attempt to sign
Joey Jones - No thanks, awful
Arjay Raikhy - I reckon we could get a better loanee next season but thanks for your efforts and best of luck in the future.
Tristan Abraham - Thanks for your efforts and all the best.
Manuel Dieseruvwe -  Offer a contract. There's something in there that's worth working with.

Then I think you'd be looking for a couple of centre backs, a new first choice left back, two new wide players, at least one new centre mid to challenge Fox and Holohan and a new striker as the bare minimum for signings. Oh and tell Maguire-Drew that he really needs to actually get fit or he'll be forever on the bench. He was puffing more at the start of extra time than Clifton was who'd played an hour more.

I suspect this time PH will be supported properly by the board. He will get the backroom staff and facilities he needs. And he'll be backed in the transfer window. The signings coming in will be a damn sight better than James Berrett and Ashley Chambers.

Would agree with this but i'd release Sousa,struggled for us in the National league so definitely not good enough for EFL league 2.

Offer new contract:

Max Crocombe - Shown how massive he can be and playoff games has seemingly turned into Thibaut Courtois. Continuity building from the back.

Danny Amos - Would keep him as back-up as a solid enough player all round. Think we will have to improve should we want to be at the battling end of L2 next year.

Michie Efete - Shown that he can be such a dynamic player from RB. Hope we can keep hold of him and give him a decent 2 year contract. Will no doubt have offers from elsewhere so hope we can give him a competitive deal.

Ben Fox - Key of them all I think. Been absolutely instrumental and compliments the team so well. Think he will build on this season and go from strength to strength. If the rumours are true of our neighbours up the road offering him a deal in L1 then I think he may have his head turned. Fingers crossed that Fox signs.

Erico Sousa - Whilst I think his end product is very wasteful at times he has the ability to beat a man and give us a different option. I'd offer Erico a one year deal plus an option for us to extend. Wouldn't probably be my first choice but maybe an option off the bench should we be chasing a game and have the lions share of possession.

Ryan Taylor - Been instrumental for McAtee this season and think he will be the same in L2. A fighting forward who is so clever with his touches and link-up play aswell as being a target man. Definitely offer him another year to see how he gets on in L2.

Release:

James McKeown - Fantastic servant and cannot thank him enough for the past 10 years. Can't be having a back up goalkeeper as one of the top earners in the squad though. With a heavy heart I'd have to say goodbye to James.

Adam Crookes - Got injured and never really consistently had a run in the team, think he has been ousted out the team by Amos and believe we will need even better in L2.

Jordan Cropper - A hard one to fathom to most as his long throws have been instrumental to getting us promoted but think he is a little suspect defensively and prone to a few mistakes. Maybe I am being a little harsh here but I want us to be able to compete and dominate teams in L2 next year.

Jaz Goundry - Not really heard alot of him even after his loan?

Burgess - Forgot he was even here if I'm honest.

Coke - Glad he's finally managed to get a promotion under his belt and another one of the players I feel has been brilliant in the changing room. When I've seen him this year just looks like his legs are that year older. Enjoyed seeing him play for town though.

Evan Khouri - Never kicked on since L2 and hasn't managed to feature much this year.

Max Wright - Feel ever so sorry for the lad as every time he looks to get going his body breaks down on him. Hope he manages to get fit and build his way back up the leagues.

Luis Adlard - Just doesn't seem ready for mens football at this current time.

Lenell John-Lewis - Another player given his all for town whenever he's played but I hope he gets fixed up at York or another National League club. Love him to bits.

Sean Scannell - Horrible how it's ended for Sean but can't see him getting offered a deal. Would love to see him have rehabilitation at the club and see how he gets on after that. On his day absolutely unplayable.

Loan Players:

Andy Smith - Try get in contact with Hull immediately and get him back for L2 on loan for the season or try sign him permanently. Gone from strength to strength and matured beyond years while he's been here.

Joey Jones - No thank you

Arjan Raikhy - Probably will stand out more at L2 level as more time on the ball and more of a classier player, wouldn't mind having him back but wouldn't be too disappointed if he didn't return.

Tristan Abrahams - Offered nothing but 100% whilst he's been here and can't ask for more than that, personally not good enough for L2 for me but hope he gets fixed up with a team.

Manuel Dieseruvwe - Would gamble on Mani and have him with Taylor in pre-season learning off him as I feel he is one of those rough gems that could be polished and obviously has something about him.

Re Sbarra, rumour is he’s likely to go to Wrexham. Their fans thought a deal had been done in the January transfer window, but as Solihull didn’t get promotion, a move to Wrexham will have appeal for him as they are likely to win the Vanarama next season.

Quoted from Stockport Mariner

Re Sbarra, rumour is he’s likely to go to Wrexham. Their fans thought a deal had been done in the January transfer window, but as Solihull didn’t get promotion, a move to Wrexham will have appeal for him as they are likely to win the Vanarama next season.

Without turning this into a different thread, I'm a bit intrigued by who Wrexham sign this season, and also very relaxed about it aswell!

There’s not many posts above I’d disagree with but would offer a word of caution Fox will surely have interest from elsewhere the same maybe for Waterfall, Taylor & Efete could be of interest to others too.

These lads clearly have been engaged and invested with the club and the support but this is their living and you couldn’t blame them for looking after themselves.

Some clubs in the league below us (feels good to say) as well as clubs alongside or above us in the EFL (feels even better to say) will still be able to pay more than us.

I’d doubt we will keep all we’d want to or expect to, let’s see. In Hurst we trust and thankfully this time in the Board we also trust.

Not wanting to keep Sousa by some is mind blowing.
Remember when Dembele was here, some fans said the same (I'm not saying he's as good as Dembele), then all of a sudden he leaves, and you realise how good he was.

Get half that feeling with Sousa. I would hate to play against him, and as I said in a previous thread after the Notts county match, if he could finish, or find that assist on most occasions, he would probably be in the Championship.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Not wanting to keep Sousa by some is mind blowing.
Remember when Dembele was here, some fans said the same (I'm not saying he's as good as Dembele), then all of a sudden he leaves, and you realise how good he was.

Get half that feeling with Sousa. I would hate to play against him, and as I said in a previous thread after the Notts county match, if he could finish, or find that assist on most occasions, he would probably be in the Championship.

But he can't, so he won't be.

As unfit a JMD clearly is, he has pi$$ed all over Sousa stats wise. It's about end product and at 26, you would think Sousa isn't going to get much better.

If we keep him, then fair enough, but it's hardly mind blowing if he's released. There's a reason PH only gave him a 1 year deal.

I like Sousa. I think he has some great qualities and a fantastic attitude. But…..his stats at this level, this season, in terms of assists and goals would strongly suggest that L2 will be beyond him and we’ll need better. If Hurst keeps him, I’d back his judgement, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to strive for better.

Ryan Bennett in for next season is a strong rumour with some supporting evidence

Dave Moore leaving after many years service another one emerging today

Quoted from chaos33

I like Sousa. I think he has some great qualities and a fantastic attitude. But…..his stats at this level, this season, in terms of assists and goals would strongly suggest that L2 will be beyond him and we’ll need better. If Hurst keeps him, I’d back his judgement, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to strive for better.

Completely agree, though he appears to have done better when Efete plays.

Quoted from Lincspoacher

Ryan Bennett in for next season is a strong rumour with some supporting evidence

Dave Moore leaving after many years service another one emerging today

What’s the ‘supporting evidence’, please?

Quoted from Lincspoacher

Ryan Bennett in for next season is a strong rumour with some supporting evidence

Dave Moore leaving after many years service another one emerging today

Supporting evidence?

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Offer new contract:

Max Crocombe - Shown how massive he can be and playoff games has seemingly turned into Thibaut Courtois. Continuity building from the back.

Danny Amos - Would keep him as back-up as a solid enough player all round. Think we will have to improve should we want to be at the battling end of L2 next year.

Michie Efete - Shown that he can be such a dynamic player from RB. Hope we can keep hold of him and give him a decent 2 year contract. Will no doubt have offers from elsewhere so hope we can give him a competitive deal.

Ben Fox - Key of them all I think. Been absolutely instrumental and compliments the team so well. Think he will build on this season and go from strength to strength. If the rumours are true of our neighbours up the road offering him a deal in L1 then I think he may have his head turned. Fingers crossed that Fox signs.

Erico Sousa - Whilst I think his end product is very wasteful at times he has the ability to beat a man and give us a different option. I'd offer Erico a one year deal plus an option for us to extend. Wouldn't probably be my first choice but maybe an option off the bench should we be chasing a game and have the lions share of possession.

Ryan Taylor - Been instrumental for McAtee this season and think he will be the same in L2. A fighting forward who is so clever with his touches and link-up play aswell as being a target man. Definitely offer him another year to see how he gets on in L2.

Release:

James McKeown - Fantastic servant and cannot thank him enough for the past 10 years. Can't be having a back up goalkeeper as one of the top earners in the squad though. With a heavy heart I'd have to say goodbye to James.

Adam Crookes - Got injured and never really consistently had a run in the team, think he has been ousted out the team by Amos and believe we will need even better in L2.

Jordan Cropper - A hard one to fathom to most as his long throws have been instrumental to getting us promoted but think he is a little suspect defensively and prone to a few mistakes. Maybe I am being a little harsh here but I want us to be able to compete and dominate teams in L2 next year.

Jaz Goundry - Not really heard alot of him even after his loan?

Burgess - Forgot he was even here if I'm honest.

Coke - Glad he's finally managed to get a promotion under his belt and another one of the players I feel has been brilliant in the changing room. When I've seen him this year just looks like his legs are that year older. Enjoyed seeing him play for town though.

Evan Khouri - Never kicked on since L2 and hasn't managed to feature much this year.

Max Wright - Feel ever so sorry for the lad as every time he looks to get going his body breaks down on him. Hope he manages to get fit and build his way back up the leagues.

Luis Adlard - Just doesn't seem ready for mens football at this current time.

Lenell John-Lewis - Another player given his all for town whenever he's played but I hope he gets fixed up at York or another National League club. Love him to bits.

Sean Scannell - Horrible how it's ended for Sean but can't see him getting offered a deal. Would love to see him have rehabilitation at the club and see how he gets on after that. On his day absolutely unplayable.

Loan Players:

Andy Smith - Try get in contact with Hull immediately and get him back for L2 on loan for the season or try sign him permanently. Gone from strength to strength and matured beyond years while he's been here.

Joey Jones - No thank you

Arjan Raikhy - Probably will stand out more at L2 level as more time on the ball and more of a classier player, wouldn't mind having him back but wouldn't be too disappointed if he didn't return.

Tristan Abrahams - Offered nothing but 100% whilst he's been here and can't ask for more than that, personally not good enough for L2 for me but hope he gets fixed up with a team.

Manuel Dieseruvwe - Would gamble on Mani and have him with Taylor in pre-season learning off him as I feel he is one of those rough gems that could be polished and obviously has something about him.

Agree with all of that save, depending on wages, offer something to Cropper. Mani again did a great job when he came on yesterday, PH has him ahead of Abrahams as a go to as hold up / general nuisance sort of player. Would be chucking a fair amount of budget to keep Fox.

Would want to see more from JMD - needs to up the work rate. For all Sousa's end product limitation he's been absolute grafter in play-offs.

Need to think about targets from the NL - will the Halifax team break up with Wild going? Easier to attract players to GY from Yorkshire than Borehamwood...