Having had a couple of weeks to reflect, we have asked our members who make up our team of match reporters to give their views of last season, with a brief look ahead. To kick off this series, Kate Thompson, who reported on the majority of our away games, gives her views.
At the start of the season, what would you have regarded as a successful return to the Premiership? Finishing 17th or above
Were your expectations raised following the 5 – 3 victory over Man Utd ? Yes
With Villa at home being the only victory in the first 3 months of 2015, did you think we would stay in the division going into April? I was beginning to have my doubts
What do you feel were the main reasons we went on such a long run without a win? I think we took longer than I expected to adjust to the Premiership
By contrast, the end of season run was an incredible set of results, what do you feel were the main reasons for the sudden success? Interestingly, I thought Nigel Pearson suddenly became more relaxed, after the ‘ostrich’ debacle and it was almost as if he thought – and said to the players – well we are going down, just enjoy what’s left of the season. With the shackles off, they suddenly began to play without fear
Was there any point during the season where you felt a change of manager would have been the best way forwards? Never!
What was your personal highlight of the season? It has to be the Manchester United game (at home of course!) but winning away at first West Brom and then Burnley were turning points
Esteban Cambiasso won all the official player of the season awards, would he have been your choice and who else impressed you this season? Yes, he would, although I think Robert Huth was a very close second. I was impressed with Schlupp and Albrighton and if these two carry on the same way next season I shall be delighted. And how can I miss out Vardy, what a fairy story!
A number of experienced heads were added to last season’s squad, which of this seasons signings did you think made the most significant impact? Huth, when he came in January, Cambiasso of course and I’d add Wasilewski and (rather surprisingly) Dean Hammond
A number of players made significant strides forwards with their career, which player do you think made the most progress last season and why? I’d have to go for Schlupp, who I hadn’t really rated in the past; the wing-back position seems to suit him and he doesn’t have to worry so much about the defensive side of his game.
Were there any players that failed to live up to your expectations? I was very disappointed at Drinkwater, who I really rated before. And Konchesky wasn’t very convincing despite being only one of a handful with Premiership experience. I have never been a fan of Knockaert and he didn’t do anything to change my mind!
What changes to the squad do you think are necessary to improve on this year’s Premiership Campaign? Nigel has already signed a left-back, which would have been my top priority. Another centre-back, unless Liam Moore stays and can fulfil his early promise, and a couple of midfielders, one offensive and one defensive
If you could advise Nigel Pearson on new signings, who would your suggestions be for additions to the squad? I wouldn’t presume! Nor do I know enough about who might be available to suggest any nailed-on signings. None of the many names rumoured to be linked with us are particularly inspiring. Perhaps Charlie Austin, if he would fit into our ethos
What do you feel is most significant element of our game we will need to improve next season? Playing with more energy and commitment, as they did in the last nine games. Apart from anything else, fans like to see players who show enthusiasm, passion and a never-say-die attitude
The King Power stadium, which has always compared unfavourably to Filbert Street for atmosphere suddenly came to life this season, with a number of visiting sets of supporters stating our ground had the most noise in the division, what do you think were the reasons for this? I suppose it has to be the clappers, although I think the way the team started to play got the fans motivated, and this then fed back to the players
Any other observation you would like to make I know it happened after the season had ended, but the shenanigans of three of our U-21s on a trip paid for by the owners, whose country they were visiting, worries me on a number of levels. I’m not sure what the outcome will be but I am saddened and distressed by the view of our club that many Thai people will now have
The Trust would like to dedicate this series of end of season reports to one of our match reporting team who has contributed since we first launched them. Mike King sadly passed away a couple of days before the final game of the season.