We have asked our match reporting team to give an end of season report and then have an early look forward to next season, here is the first of the series, with the views of Eddie Blount
What was your highlight of the season
Appointment of Sven. It gave out a message of intent and aroused hope and expectation in equal quantities
What was your biggest disappointment
Sven's failure to produce a team which was capable of challenging for promotion in any real sense in spite of a fantastic outlay by City's owners
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 ?
The main reason was a lack of physicality in virtually all areas of the pitch. You cannot pass your way out of the Championship. If the players could do that they would be playing in the Premiership. The side's engine room – midfield – was the weakest part of the team.
Too many players lacking in pace and strength. You can carry the odd passenger but City's midfield was awash with them. Players like Gallagher, Dyer and King all have some outstanding qualities but they share the same weaknesses which is why we fared badly against the poorer sides both away and at home. We were a soft touch for them.
Kasper Schmeichel won all the official player of the season awards, would he have been your choice and who else impressed you this season
Schmeichel was a reasonable choice though he faded a little towards the end of the season. Nugent worked really hard without a great deal of support from midfield and Konchesky, in spite of the odd serious lapse, had a decent season
Which of the players failed to live up to your expectations ?
Mills of course, especially in view of how much he cost. Waghorn too though he was injured for most of the season; he looked a shadow of his former self. Finally Andy King went massively backwards even allowing for his carrying an injury. There were worse players than these but I had lower expectations of them!
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?
You can only be concerned at the financial situation though the new regulations will help prevent or at least lessen future financial disasters. The commitment of the Thais seems as strong as ever but they have already spent a fortune only to see us go backwards and even allowing for tax-saving £58M is a lot of money. They will clearly want to reduce wages as a percentage of turnover as will every other club. It will be a step in the right direction to see some downward pressure on players' wages
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
We surely cannot complain given how deep the owners have dug into their own pockets! I like the fact that admin and credit card charges have been dropped and that the Club has made every effort to give people extended credit. A very fair package in my view but there is less money about – and there will be even less in years to come – so it will affect attendances especially if we are not competitive. In the end we will have to return to sanity over players' wages and see the removal of the appalling Bosman ruling
Looking forward to next season, where do you think are the main areas that Nigel Pearson needs to make signings
Midfield, midfield, midfield!
Name two players that you would like Nigel to sign next season (and believe we have a realistic chance of signing)
Mark Davies of Bolton made a huge difference 18 months ago when here on loan and may be available given Bolton's relegation.
Before having any knowledge of the squad make up, how do you rate our chances of automatic promotion for next season
We have a decent manager and owners with ambition and determination so I expect us to challenge. Pearson knows the Championship better than Sven so is likely to spend more wisely
With 2 clubs left to be decided by the Play Offs, which 3 clubs do you as the main threat for promotion next season ?
You cannot look further than the clubs relegated from the Premiership as they alone have the money to buy quality players even allowing for the fact that they will lose their best players