In the end the season finished with a whimper. Apart from a barely five minute spell after Eddie scored, we didn't really threaten our hosts. Just for a moment we looked like we might rediscover the attacking verve that has propelled us into the play-off shake-up. But no. Dollar-Soaked FC scored a third and that was that. Of the three money-bloated tiny teams in the division, one won the league and the other two will be playing the play-off final. All very predictable and horribly dispiriting.
The whimper-finish to the season was by no means entirely Liam's fault, but in the final analysis he was the person who dictated that during the last month of the season we adopt such a negative method of play. Wingers were despatched to the substitute bench. Seven defenders packed the middle of the park and Eddie was given lofted punts to try to feed off. We definitely adopted a safety first, second and third approach with a view to hopefully pinching something in the last twenty minutes. It was almost as if the management had forgotten that we had only got as far as the play-offs because we'd put it all out there and gone for it over the second half of the season. We seemed to have got scared that we'd squander our play-off place if we'd continued to attack the opposition. A shame as those fans who swelled out gates towards the end of the season saw only subdued April-Poppies and not the swashbuckling March-Poppies who blitzed their way up the league table in the first place. Are they likely to return in such numbers next season to watch us try to bore our way to the odd win? Doubtful.
Post season, minds turn to the playing staff and who we'd like to keep. As much as I'd like to keep a large number of the players I fear another Poppies post-season bloodbath. With a mixture of ending contracts and disappearing loan players I feel the Poppies team that takes to the baked, cracked Latimer Park pitch this coming August will bear little resemblance to the one that trudged off the field at Bedford.
As for last seasons players, these are my thoughts, and my guesses as to loanees and contracts....
I would gladly keep either of the goalkeepers we had this season. I assume White was on a year's contract, so he'll be a free agent. I was never sure of Alexander's status. It seems he lives in a bit of a twilight area where he's always at the end of a phone to answer our emergency call.
In defence loanees Mensah and Coyle will be heading back to Bedford Town. I'd have them both back here in a shot should we get the chance. I assume Peters is on contract for next season - why would he come here so late in the season else? He looks useful but I need more of a look to come to a firm decision. Issacson falls into the same category. I wouldn't be disappointed to see him back, but if we lost him I'd survive. Andoh went from looking like the weak link in our defence to an occasional world-beater. Definitely worth another punt. I'd have no issue with seeing Rowe, one of Liam's early acquisitions, again next season, but, sorry, but Forsyth's tenure must surely be over - he can't really nail a place in either defence or midfield. And then there's Glennon. Is he our player or not? I vote "not."
In midfield Van Lier will be heading back to Inbred Central (aka Kings Lynn). I'm not sure I'd fight too hard to get him back. Same with Bitemo returning to Hereford. I doubt we'll see him again. Had some good games but if he never pulled on a Poppies shirt again would I lose any sleep? I'm guessing Fatadjo is at the end if his contact. Good player and Liam seems to like him. But is he worth his presumably large wedge. Don't know? I'd keep him but somehow doubt we will. Thanoj is unlikely to return for the new season. This won't bother many people (particularly my other half) but I often see more in his play than others and has been one of his biggest defenders. Even so I think his Poppies race is run....Another contract presumably now run it's course is York's. I love what Wes brings to the team but it's obvious Liam doesn't, so it's farewell to Wes. Of the two Kai's I can't see Fifield returning. Skillful as the day is long, but lacking fitness and heart. Williams has been under-used but I'd like to see him come back as he is the type of direct winger the opposition defenders hate. Lewis, curiously, faded this season as our results improved. Back next year? Not really fussed either way. Nor is he I suspect.
Upfront I think Jeche is worth persevering with. He desperately needs more game time but is a handful whenever given the chance. Panter's retention is the the proverbial "no brainer". Horrible nasty little shit on the pitch he may be, but he's OUR horrible, nast little shit, and our season would have been a far drabber affair without him. If Powell can't find his way back from Alvechurch I won't be fussed. The saving on his wages will be more welcome than him. Shame really as he was, for a short time, as good as we've had in years.
Let's play a game.
Players from this Season I woukdn't mind seeing return for 2026-27.
White or Alexander (sorry, really can't split them!)
Andoh / Coyle / Mensah
Fatadjo / York / Williams
Panter / Jeche
Players from this Season that Liam will probably retain for 2026-27.
Panter
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| Eddie can look forward to single-handedly carrying the Poppies again in 2026-27 (c) Shorty |
