Today is Eddie Blount’s turn as part of the match reporting teams view on last season and aspirations for next…
Before the season started what were your hopes on what we could achieve ?
Very difficult question to answer given the last two seasons had been so wildly different. To say mid-table would have suggested a lack of confidence in a squad which had virtually performed a footballing miracle, yet to say qualifying for one of the European competitions was a giant step above our previous norm. I decided not to address this question but just see what happened
So on that basis out of 10, how would you rate last season overall and why?
6 but would have been 7 had they finished in the top half of the table (as they would have done but for a poor decision by an assistant referee)
Why do you think we had relative success in the Champions League while struggling in the Premier League ?
We were very lucky to find ourselves in a group that was less competitive than any other and to play the weakest team first was also a bonus. The win at Bruges gave us -team and fans – the confidence that the dream might continue. Plus the atmosphere at Champions’ League home games was extraordinary and played a big part in our victories. I really thought that had we scored a second goal against Athletico we would have got a third. We stretched them to the limit!
When it was announced, did you agree with the sacking of Claudio Ranieri ?
Sad but necessary. We have a wonderful owner by footballing standards and he showed he could take the hard decisions
And now with the benefit of seeing the results, were the owners proved right ?
Undoubtedly the subsequent results proved the owners 100% right
What was your personal highlight of the season?
Reaching the Champions’ League quarter-finals! A continuation of the wonder world of 2015-6
Kasper won the Player of the Year Awards, would he have been your choice and who else do you think deserves praise for their performances
Kasper gives so much to the team and no player has a better rapport with the fans so who could begrudge him the honour. I would also give great praise to Albrighton and Simpson who both gave everything in every game I saw plus a special mention for Vardy who kept going through thick and thin and was always a goal threat
Which player do you think made the most progress last season and why?
I was very impressed by the play and potential of Ndidi who might yet replace the unreplaceable Kante. Chilwell had his moments but his defending (tackling and positioning) still need working on
Which player did you think underperformed the most last season and why ?
Unfortunately Mahrez by a mile! Simpson performed wonders doing his job and the defensive duties of Riyad as well, but it meant he hardly dare venture over the halfway line!
What were your views on the signings made during last season ?
Mixed bag! For £30M I want more from Slimani, starting with being fit for more games. I am far from convinced that he is significantly better than Ulloa. Biggest disappointment was Musa who lacks the strength you need in the Premiership. The young Pole may be one for next year. Mendy showed some promise but we must reserve judgment until he is injury-free. The balance of the signings was wrong as we needed midfielders and centre backs plus a back-up right-back. The back-four situation cost us dearly at the end of the season
Moving onto next season
What changes do you think are necessary to improve on this year’s squad?
More centre-backs and a right-back plus an attacking midfielder. I would also look for a back-up keeper
While watching Premiership games during the 2016/7 season, which player from another club would you advise Shakey to sign?
The Middlesborough flyer Traore should be available and not too expensive
What would you set as the target(s) for next season ?
Europa league qualification is not unrealistic I feel, though target-setting before the squad is completed is not ideal
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation