Looking back and forward

Andy Munro casts an eye over a season at St Andrews.

Now the season is over here is a resume on the core of the squad, commenting on their overall performance with marks out of ten.

James Beadle (6):
Made some brilliant saves but also conceded goals when he should have done better. Much of his long kicking was wayward and there is no case for us to spend shedloads of money to make his transfer permanent.

Bright Osayi-Samuel (7):
Improved as the season went on and whilst his attacking prowess was never in doubt, occasionally he was vulnerable defensively. Therefore worth keeping Ethan Laird to compete.

Phil Neumann (7):
Despite early inconsistency, he eventually made his case to play alongside Klarer as first choice.

Christoph Klarer (9):
apart from a couple of rare mediocre performances, he was immense and a shining example to team mates.

Kai Wagner (8):
Undoubtedly our best full-back by a country mile. classy touch, and great passing and crossing ability. Occasionally suspect defensively but that was generally a very rare occurrence.

Jhon Solis (7):
Sign him up! Not the finished article but at 21 has massive potential which he is already showing. think N’Daw, the original footballing wardrobe!

Tomoki Iwata (7):
Whether at full-back or in midfield he always puts in a shift. A better class Maikel Kieftenbeld, if fans can cast their minds back!

Paik Seung-ho(7):
Occasionally went missing but generally reliable, with a touch of class.

Tommy Doyle (6):
Back to Wolves in all probability. Classy in patches but a little lightweight.

Jay Stansfield (8):
Scored a decent quota of goals and his work rate up front was indispensable.

Marvin Ducksch (6):
A decent chance taker but usually needed the ball on a plate with a knife and fork!

Carlos Vicente (7):
Like the proverbial off the shovel and showed a refreshing directness.

August Priske (7):
Not the finished article but just give him time!

Ibrahim Osman (7):
Frighteningly quick and although his final ball could be hit and miss, most fans would love to see him back on loan given the £15 million price tag!

On the basis of the above, we probably a quick and mobile centre-forward as an option for Priske, another creative midfielder, another centre-half and a keeper option to challenge Ryan Allsop.