In the third installment of our series of articles, Chris Griffin (CG) and Stuart Dawkins (SD) share their reflections on last season and their thoughts on the upcoming one.
**Pre-season Hopes:**
CG: The term “hopes” accurately captures my feelings before the 2023/24 season began. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.
SD: I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.
**Key Moments During the Season:**
CG: Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.
SD: By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.
**Confidence in Promotion:**
CG: I wavered later in the season after home defeats to Middlesborough, Leeds, and QPR, and further losses to Bristol City, Millwall, and Plymouth. Six defeats in ten games were concerning, but we turned it around with wins against West Brom, Norwich, and Southampton, helped by their own inconsistencies.
SD: My confidence never wavered because the promotion had already been achieved.
**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**
CG: We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.
SD: The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.
**Signings Review:**
CG: Hermansen was impressive, and Winks was outstanding, covering every part of the field and reminding me of Neil Lennon. Coady played little but seemed a positive influence. Mavididi, despite some criticism, had 12 goals and six assists. Cannon showed potential but needs more game time and service. Doyle was unlucky with injury but added balance with his left foot. Casadei had good moments, while Akgun struggled with the Championship’s pace. Fatawu was a great loan and signing.
SD: Winks was an excellent signing. Fatawu and Mavididi showed brilliance but need consistency in the Premier League. Coady’s limited playtime was surprising, though he is a good influence. Cannon had few chances but was decent. Doyle reinforced my skepticism about loanees from top clubs. Hermansen suited Maresca’s system; we’ll see how he fares in the Premier League.
**Most Progressed Player:**
CG: Fatawu improved both as an attacking winger and a defensive wing-back, scoring six goals and assisting 12 times. I expect him to improve these numbers in the higher league.
SD: Vestergaard’s re-invention was impressive, becoming a key part of the team. Dewsbury-Hall matured into a top player.
**Fan Support:**
CG: Fans were divided, with some critical of Maresca’s tactics, describing them as dull. Despite success, the team’s slow ball progression was unimpressive, ranking 21st out of 24 in the Championship. We want both wins and entertainment, which wasn’t always delivered.
SD: I don’t stress about fan reactions. Booing doesn’t help a demoralized team, but football is emotional and tribal. As long as fans don’t cross a line, they can express their support as they wish.
**Season Success Rating:**
CG: Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.
SD: Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.
**Next Season Expectations:**
CG: I expect Cooper to have more than one plan, and I’d like to see more forward play utilizing our wingmen’s pace and skills.
SD: The important thing is that the style and players work well together. I prefer a bit more variety than under Maresca, with the ability to mix things up.
**Strengthening the Squad:**
CG: We need a reliable striker since JV won’t be available every game, and Daka is not convincing. An attacking midfielder to replace KDH’s contributions and a left-sided full-back if playing four at the back are essential.
SD: We can’t rely on Vardy week in and week out, so we need another confident striker. A creative midfielder to replace KDH is also necessary.
**Balancing Youth and Experience:**
CG: We need improvements regardless of age. The key is bringing in players who enhance the team.
SD: A mix of both youth and experience is best. Financial constraints suggest utilizing Academy players, but experienced heads can help too. I’m cautious about loanees from top clubs, as they often lack motivation.
**Concerns and Predictions:**
CG: My main concern is the points needed to secure Premier League status, influenced by an unknown points penalty. Usually, 40 points are enough, but with a penalty, we might need 50 or more. It’s ironic and appalling that profit and sustainability rules harm clubs like City.
SD: I prefer to comment after knowing the points deduction. Even without a deduction, avoiding relegation will be challenging. I hope we avoid it, ideally securing safety before the last match.
**Season Ticket Concerns:**
CG: The club should align with fans regarding season tickets. Despite the club’s push for digital systems, 71% of cardholders prefer the card system despite the cost. The digital system’s limitations on usage times for family and friends are a step backward.
SD: A season of steady progress, financial stability, and unified fan support for a hardworking team would be nice. But with Leicester City, anything can happen.