Goalkeepers that are now fighting it out are a hopefully fit again Matt Murray, arguably THE best keeper outside the top flight as well as potentially one of the best English keepers available. Then there’s our academy graduate Hennessey. Fresh from his first season at first team level, and in doing so beating the clean sheet record set by Matt last season as well as establishing himself as Wales no. 1. And then there’s Ikeme who seems to be forgotten. 

Defence is a sticky wicket so to speak, full backs it appears we’re well covered for.  

At right back we have the improving and comfortable Kevin Foley. Someone who started really well, had a dip but recovered to end the season well and looks an excellent player for the future closely followed by our very own Mark Little who has since returned from a successful loan at Northampton. 

Left back we have Elokobi (or Ewok affectionately I’ve heard) who is a raw, yet talented powerhouse of a man with pace to burn and a decent cross to boot. Nowhere near the finished article but as with most of our squad has youth on his side. Coupled with another academy player in Dan Jones. Another success on loan at Northampton, so much so it seems Stuart Gray would like him permanently. Whether his career lies in this position or further upfield remains to be seen but he does have quality. 

Central defence in my opinion is in need of major work. Only really Craddock can be placed there with some credence. 

Midfield on paper would be our strongest department.  

In Henry we have a player who goes about defensive duties so effectively well it goes unnoticed by a lot of people. He can break up play, win a ball, everything a defensive midfielder should do and pop up with the occasional goal. 

Olifinjana is a source of frustration for me. He has the ability and composure, but why oh why doesn’t he use it enough. Maybe he is more suited to the premiership? Who knows, but he now has competition in Edwards who likes to get forward from the limited chances he’s had, regrettably through injury (definite curse) and hopefully Davies will get himself fit and sorted and push for a claim. 

The wings for me are a conundrum. We have two excellent first choice wingers in Kites and Jarvis, with, providing a new contract is agreed, Michael Gray, and a hopefully soon to be fit for more than a week Lewis Gobern. To me that needs serious strengthening because out of the 4, 3 have been long term injured. 

Forwards are more of a puzzle. 

In SEB we have our ultimate goal scorer on first impressions. I only hope he carries on. And in Keogh (I’m gonna get shot down for this) the perfect foil. Someone who can drag away defenders and he creates acres of space. People point out his goal return of 11 goals for the season. My argument to that is that 3 were before a settled partnership was established in January where SEB was bought. Since then front pairing goal tally of 19 was achieved. Not that bad really. As well as Keogh providing the most assists over the season. 

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