We thought we would wait a week or so from the end of the season before asking our match reporters for their thoughts…so Kate Thompson kicks off the series of articles with her thoughts…
Before the season started what were your hopes on what we could achieve?
Higher in the table than last year and possibly the Europa League; but, above all, to give the FA Cup a really good go
Given how the season panned out, in terms of success how do you rate it out of 10 and why?
I would say 7 out of 10. Yes, I would have taken 5th and the cup results before the season started, but the amazing success up to Christmas made me realise what we could achieve. Sadly, they fell away badly in the second half of the season and were lucky to get the Europa League in the end
Overall how do you rate Brendan Rodgers performance?
I’m reasonably satisfied. His management skills seem to be good but I have been a bit worried about his lack of a back-up plan on occasions. I get the impression that he is quite stubborn, but I hope he is listening to his assistants whose views he respects
Jamie Vardy won the Player of the Year Awards, would he have been your choice and who else do you think deserves praise for their performances?
Overall, yes, but if Pereira had played a full season I think he would have run Vardy close
What were your views on the signings made during last season?
Perez flattered to deceive although he is clearly a talented player. I like what I have seen of Justin and think he has a bright future. Similarly I like Praet although he suffered from the general malaise once the season had resumed. Although Soyuncu was not a new signing, he burst on the season to replace Maguire, and some rashness apart, was impressive
Which player do you think made the most progress last season and why?
Harvey Barnes showed what a good player he can be although, like others, his consistency leaves a lot to be desired. And, as already mentioned, Soyuncu is the stand-out player in this respect
Which player did you think underperformed the most last season and why?
Yet again, Demerai Gray; he is clearly talented but he drifts in and out of games. I don’t understand how he can be so good off the bench but ineffective when he starts games (apart from West Ham away when he was good). I have been so disappointed that Tielemans has not continued his excellent form as a loan player although he showed in flashes why is still the highest transfer
What was your personal highlight of the season?
How can I look beyond the 9-0 drubbing of Southampton, even though I wasn’t there! Other good matches were Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, both away
VAR – how do you feel about its effectiveness last season and what would you change?
It is incredibly frustrating and for the life of me I don’t understand why the referees do not use the pitchside monitors more. On the odd occasions when they did, they made a very quick decision
Moving onto next season
If you had to choose one position where we needed to strengthen, what would it be?
Another striker
What other changes do you think are necessary to improve on this year’s squad?
We need another attacking midfielder and a new wide man
Would you be looking to add some experience to a fairly youthful squad or would you continue bringing in younger players and develop them?
If we can get experience without paying a king’s ransom, I think this would be beneficial but the youngsters have not disgraced themselves, eg Thomas at the end of the season
If you had a chance for a word in the owner’s ears, which player(s) would you be advising to sign?
As usual, I haven’t a clue, although I like the look of the Portuguese boy we are supposed to be interested in
What are your expectations and fears for next season?
I would like to think that we will build on this season- to be honest, anything less would be a severe disappointment. And, as every year, I hope we can at last win the FA Cup!
With the Europa League, Premier League and 2 Cup competitions, along with a condensed season, what would you give priority to and what would you be prepared to sacrifice?
I guess it has to be the League Cup
Any other observation you would like to make
I just wonder when I will be back at the KPS!
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