I'm afraid I don't share in the optimism that many of our better-performing loanees are likely to be here next season. First and foremost Maxi Oyedele is destined for far bigger next season than a return to Altrincham, but Tyrese Sinclair is contracted at Rochdale through next season and would command a big fee and wages. I can see him landing himself a move to League 2 club, it's the Elliot Newby scenario all over again.
Chris Conn-Clarke is one that there is going to be a lot of expectancies around but he signed a new deal shortly before his Waterford loan and it would be a big shock if we managed to prize him away, in my opinion. Then you've got the likes of Miles Welch-Hayes and Kyle Ferguson who certainly feel a little more achievable but both would have to take a significant pay cut to come and play here permanently.
I know it's a pessimistic post towards the end of a season that has given us real cause for optimism but I'm still painfully aware of where we are budget-wise and the (lack of) pull that our club has to attract these marquee players on a permanent basis.
I think I agree with pretty much all of this. Of the loanees I can only realistically see Welch-Hayes staying with us.
Tyrese performs like a player who is enjoying himself at Alty and faced with an uncertain future at Rochdale (who knows how relegation will impact on them) it would probably be in his best interests short term to sign for us (but money talks).
PP will look at the number of goals we have conceded and will need to weigh up whether Kyle Ferguson is a gamble worth taking given that he's still pretty much in preseason mode at present.
Someone earlier mentioned players like Kurt Willoughby (Chester) and Connor Hall (Chorley). Now, they are definitely players we should be aiming to sign.
Realistically, we may as well forget about signing Stockport players - they seem to end up at either Oldham or Halifax, clubs clearly higher up the food chain than we are.
Either way, the obvious problem remains - yet another large turnover of players. Is this just something we are going to have to learn to live with or will we ever be able to break out of the cycle?