Large parts of this squad could be revitalised under new management and a fresh challenge next season. I don't think we necessarily need to learn from Neil Young's mistakes, because with the exception of Scott Leather he was completely right to get rid of who he did, Young's problem was that he provided substandard replacements. That being said, we should be looking to retain a core of around 8-10 players from this season's squad.
I'd like to think that some of these lads want to put the situation right, and so they will stay on with a point to prove under (hopefully) new management next season. I disagreed with much of what Graham Heathcote had to say at the Strategic Review meeting because it was clearly a plea to be kept on - but he was right when he said that some of this squad are not bad players. Plus, keeping a nucleus to build on provides management an easier recruitment task in the summer. It is imperative that we find a goalkeeper, for example. That will be much easier to do if you aren't also focusing your efforts on two new strikers, two new central midfielders, three defenders. You get my point.
Goalkeepers: 0. Deasy is poor, I question Tomlinson's commitment to the cause and Jones shouldn't be near the bench (fine as a third choice.)
Defence: I picked Chris Lynch (starting right back), John Cyrus (starting centre back) and then Sam Patterson, Sam Heathcote, Kyle Brownhill and Harry Cain. Patterson and Brownhill can play in multiple positions, its not long since Heathcote was starting and holding his own in National League fixtures and Harry Cain could be an asset at that level. Four young lads who are still progressing.
Midfield: Sean Miller is a no-brainer for me (starting right winger) along with Jake Moult, Simon Richman and Laurence Taylor. I've pretty much hated the sight of Moult all season but after consideration I think he should be afforded the chance to once again prove his worth to the club, him and Richman have been playing together for years now and you would be silly to break that up as we drop in playing standard. Laurence Taylor has bags of potential. No Nicky Clee for me, I think someone referred to him as an 'ageing luxury' a couple of days ago? A tough one and the reasons for keeping him are obvious, but for what I'd imagine he's earning we could bring in two players fit for that level.
Forwards: James Lawrie, gulp, and Andy Owens (don't laugh.) It is mad to think Lawrie is only 26, feels like he's been here for a decade. His positives and negatives have been talked to death at this stage but I don't know why you would want to let a player like that go as he reaches his peak dropping into a poorer standard of football.