Here I give my own thoughts on the squad. I've done them in numerical order.
1 Lee Grant - started the season where he left off in May. A great shot stopper, but does he command his box effectively? Dropped more than a couple of clangers during the run in. He would escape my axe, but some serious competition is needed to deflect any comfort zone that he might have enjoyed.
2 Cyrus Christie began the season well and linked up nicely with whoever was playing in the wide right attacking role. His defensive play needs some serious work though. Errors made have cost us goals. He is young and stepped up a division. Maybe a squad player whilst still getting to grips with the game at this level.
3 Craig Forsyth as much as it may surprise some fans, statistically is up there with the best in the division as a left back. He hasn't performed as well as last season but I believe he will escape the chop.
4 Craig Bryson in contrast to last season where he was one of the best players in the Championship has gone backwards this season. Injuries have not helped, but if he's not fit he shouldn't be playing. It'd be unreasonable to expect sixteen goals again from the midfielder, but he needs to justify the improved new contract. I could see him being sold for the right offer. He ended the season behind Jeff Hendrick in the pecking order.
5 Jake Buxton you can say what you want about him. He's not the most gifted of players, but he's a true warrior. Gives his all every time he's on the pitch. Other pro's would do well to adopt his attitude. I can see him as a squad player. Bucko Time anyone?
6 Richard Keogh for me has had a very mixed season. In some games he's put in a great shift whilst in others he has looked like a player struggling. He made the Championship team of the year which suggest that he is respected by fellow professionals. If we could see the Captain Keogh of two seasons ago I've no doubt that we would have a safe pair of hands in the middle of defence. One does wonder how much of any loss of form is down to him having extra work to do in order to cover the shortfall of his colleagues in the back four.
7 Simon Dawkins is a frustrating player. His ball retention is good, but often after making some nice plays he wastes opportunities. Fitness is a question too!
8 Jeff Hendrick has been hit and miss. He can look quality and poor within the space of a few minutes. It's now time for him to become a dependable player and move on from the promising youngster.
9 Chris Martin is the most important player in the squad for me. His hold up play and his twenty plus goals have again been the highlights of the season for me. Such a shame he got injured at such an important time.
10 Jamie Ward I can see moving on. He was once one of very few bright lights when we were struggling. His opportunities to start are becoming rarer too.
11 Johnny Russell overall had a very good season. His work rate was good and let's not forget he is really a striker in s 442 formation. He's not a lone striker or winger though he's done remarkably well in the latter role.
12 Lee Naylor hardly featured.
14 John Eustace was again key in several matches. It's just a shame that our Head Coach took so long to realise it. We looked far stronger in defence when Eustace was playing in front of it. His season ending injury couldn't have come at a worse time. He could probably do another year in the squad.
16 The original wearer of the shirt was moved on to Sheffield United. Paul Coutts never looked like being in McClarens plans and the second player to get the number sixteen was Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard. I was initially excited by his signing, but apart from a few flashes, he didn't do enough in my opinion. I hope we don't look to bring him in again. He wasn't a good replacement for Jordon Ibe whom Liverpool recalled in January.
17 I was unsure about offering Zak Whitbread a place at the start of the season. He's injury prone and can flap under pressure. An American who has Premier League experience yet hasn't made the national side says not good enough to me.
18 Conor Sammon spent nearly the whole season out on loan. First at Ipswich and then Rotherham. He failed to impress those clubs and he is surely heading for the exit door. A million pound flop albeit a Nigel Clough one.
19 Will Hughes had a fantastic time in midfield. He looked tougher, stronger and more mature. Despite being put in a holding role earlier in the campaign he has gone about the task in hand professionally. He has deservedly won player of the season and made his 100th appearance before his 20th Birthday which is an achievement in itself. Let's hope we can hold on to our most prized asset.
20 Mason Bennett has had very limited chances this season. Injury has hampered his progress. He needs to be in the Matchday squad or loaned out again to gain experience.
21 Kelle Roos has spent the season on the bench apart from a few cup games. He hasn't looked out of place when given the opportunity, but when Grant got injured Jack Butland was brought in on loan rather than give Roos a chance. I ask the question 'If he's not good enough to play when the need arises then why have him in the squad?'
22 Alban Bunjaku former Arsenal youngster wasn't given any chances so it wouldn't be appropriate to comment on him.
23 Tom Ince came in on loan from Hull and to be perfectly honest I was unsure about signing him. He failed to impress at Forest, however he made an immediate impact at Derby. Can frustrate you at times but I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at him joining us full time.
25 Shaun Barker finally got himself on the pitch in under-21 games. Great to see him back playing even if not for the first team.
26 Jamie Hanson played a few games towards the end of the schedule and didn't look out of place. He is a work in progress, but another promising youngster who graduated through the academy. Could have a big future.
27 Ivan Calero had a couple of cameos and is a fringe player. Haven't seen enough of him.
28 Farrend Rawson had a succesful loan spell at Rotherham.
30 Isak Ssewankambo we never saw.
31 Alefe Santos one appearance only.
32 Ryan Shotton is a player whom I don't know what his natural position is. He has played right back and centre half. He's yet to convince me he is a long term investment.
33 Omar Mascarell played the holding role, but not as effectively as Eustace. A little lightweight and I wouldn't be looking at brining him back for a second season from Real Madrid.
34 George Thorne was reduced to minutes rather than matches due to injury and I believe he was rushed back too early. Hopefully he will have an injury free 2015/16.
35 Jonathan Mitchell third choice keeper, no appearances.
36 Raul Albentosa signed in January and spent most of his time on the bench. Doesn't look to have settled and is slow. Certainly no Igor Stimac!
37 Stephen Warnock was a strange signing. Got sent off on his debut and what little part he has played since has not been up to scratch.
39 Darren Bent has done well to score a dozen goals since he arrived in January. Not really suited to our style of play, but has done well nevertheless.
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