In the third of our series of articles where we have asked our match reporting team to give an end of season report and then have an early look forward to next season, today Kate Thompson provide her thoughts
What was your highlight of the season
The return of Nigel Pearson. I was very unhappy at the way he was treated in 2010 and hopefully the new owners have realised that Pearson has a much better understanding of the Championship than Sven, however nice a man he is.
What was your biggest disappointment
The lack of commitment, energy and passion in most of the players. As a fan, all I expect is that the players give their all and for too many games too many players looked as if they were just playing for their (over-inflated) wages.
City started as one of the favourites for Promotion, yet failed to make the Play Off’s, what do you feel were the main reasons for this ?
It seemed like they believed that all they had to do was to turn up and the opposition would roll over. See the answer to the previous question, when they did play as I wanted them to they showed what they were capable of – but they did it all too rarely.
Kasper Schmeichel won all the official player of the season awards, would he have been your choice and who else impressed you this season
I would have gone for David Nugent, as one player who nearly always tried his best; he often worked his socks off with little reward, and nearly always with a smile on his face.
Which of the players failed to live up to your expectations ?
Quite a few, led by Mills and Beckford. The latter’s attitude was summed up for me in one match (I forget which); Beckford lost the ball and just shrugged his shoulders and strolled back up the pitch.
Off the pitch, the financial accounts up to May 2011 revealed significant losses, that wages equated to 95% of turnover and with further loans added since, the owners had now loaned the club £53m, what are your thoughts on these figures?
I find them very worrying but the owners must take some responsibility for wasting so much money on average players. As others before us have demonstrated, throwing money at a football club does not guarantee success. They obviously trusted Sven’s judgement, which was later proved to be flawed.
Season Ticket prices were recently announced for the 2012/13 season and while the Family Stand prices were frozen, the average price increase was 8%, with some areas as high as 15%, what is your reaction to the prices and do you feel attendances will be affected next season
My season ticket is going up by £60 (c 15%) so I am not happy. I expect I will renew, but I’m not rushing to do so. I think attendances will be affected because of the well-publicised changes affecting students.
Looking forward to next season, where do you think are the main areas that Nigel Pearson needs to make signings
A good defensive midfielder, in the Neil Lennon mould.
Name two players that you would like Nigel to sign next season (and believe we have a realistic chance of signing)
Mark Davies from Bolton – he was awesome when he was on loan with us a couple of seasons ago – and Jamie Vardy. We need young, hungry players.
Before having any knowledge of the squad make up, how do you rate our chances of automatic promotion for next season
I think we’ll make the play-offs rather than automatic promotion. The attitude has to change massively, but I believe Pearson can get it right given time.
With 2 clubs left to be decided by the Play Offs, which 3 clubs do you as the main threat for promotion next season ?
Any of those who were in the play-offs this season, especially the beaten finalists.
Any other observation you would like to make
I was worried by the number of red cards we received, although some were harsh. However, there is no excuse for getting sent off for foul and abusive language (Steve Howard take note). A big disappointment was yet again to fail to win the FA Cup. And I just hope our owners don’t try to follow the Cardiff City madness; City play in blue and are the Foxes, anything else is unacceptable and would mean a different club, not the one I have supported for 50 years!
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