By AD
June 13 2011

With thanks to AD for this article, because I was asleep far too often last season to be able to give a fair opinion....

MANAGERS 

Aidy Boothroyd 5

His direct style of play caught a few managers by surprise early on, probably not expecting such a physical battle against Coventry City, but once they’d got over the initial shock they seemed to deal with it with ease. Largely refused to change style, and on those occasions he did quickly reverted to type even when the change seemed to be working. Tactics won him no admirers in the stands, who found it turgid to watch and was thankfully sacked after an abysmal run. 

Andy Thorn 7.5

Brought in as caretaker after Boothroyd’s departure and completely changed the ethos of the tactics. Results improved, the fans found it more enjoyable and the players seemed to have a smile back on their faces. Not perfect, with the attacking style leading to a few sloppy late goals conceded, but a vast improvement on before. 

KEEPERS 

Colin Doyle 5

Came on loan from Birmingham, played in the debacle at Morecambe and got recalled. Not exactly a memorable Sky Blue career. 

Danny Ireland 6

Had the second half of the Bristol City away game after Westwood got injured. Only conceded one of the four goals but spent most of the season injured so wasn’t available when he was needed. 

Michael Quirke 7

Wasn’t expected to play at all this season, but injuries forced 4 appearances out of the rookie, and he wasn’t on the losing side once. Did a decent enough job and can probably consider himself a bit unlucky to have been released. 

Iain Turner 6.5

Another loanee, this time from Everton, who lasted quarter of an hour of his debut before getting clattered and taken off injured. Had one more appearance two weeks later, letting in three at Millwall. 

Kieren Westwood 6.5

Another decent enough season for the highly rated stopper, but not up to his usual high standards. Shot stopping was as good as ever, but he flapped at a few crosses and his distribution was quite poor, with most of his kicks either going straight through to the opposition keeper or out of play. Had a bit of a spat with Aidy Boothroyd over his contract and the odd fan as well. 

DEFENDERS 

Nathan Cameron 7

Surprise starter on the opening day, and showed promise throughout the season. Made a few errors on occasion but far fewer than the likes of Ben Turner or Jermaine Grandison at this stage of their career. Could turn into a very good no-nonsense centre-half. 

Cyrus Christie 6

Came on as a sub in the Morecambe league cup tie.  Didn’t make any glaring mistakes but it wasn’t the best game to judge someone’s potential. 

Jordan Clarke 5.5

Improvement on last season, and used a lot by Andy Thorn. Defensively shaky, especially against skill and pace, but it’s easy to forget just how young he is having being fast-tracked a year early. Got drawn into an unfortunate social media furore, and will need to learn to keep some things to himself. 

Martin Cranie 7

Mr Versatile, playing all across the back four and in midfield at times. Dependable if unremarkable – the type of player you build a defence around. 

Jermaine Grandison 5

Only played once against Morecambe in an unfamiliar holding midfield position, and unsurprisingly struggled despite the weaker opposition. Sold to Shrewsbury and seems to be learning his trade better with regular football at a lower level. 

Chris Hussey 6.5

Unfavoured by Aidy Boothroyd but used a lot with the more attacking ethos of Andy Thorn, he looks a bright, energetic prospect going forward, but needs to improve defensively. 

Richard Keogh 7

Ever present in the league, an impressive debut season from the right back. Another who looks at his best getting forward, but sturdy enough defensively and was drafted in at centre back under Thorn ahead of more established players. 

James McPake 6.5

Typical fearless, all-action performances from the Scot, albeit lacking at times in his reading of the game. If only we could figure out a way to stop him getting injured for months on end every time he sneezes…  

Stephen O’Halloran 5.5

Bit of a gamble by Boothroyd, bringing in a player with a long history record, and took him months to get on the pitch. Looked OK initially but managers seemed to work out his defensive weaknesses and exploited them mercilessly before he was taken out of the team.  

Ben Turner 8

A player I’ve been quite critical of over the years, but it seemed to start coming together for Ben this year, with performances matching the effort. Has become quite a threat in the opposition area too, and was badly missed after his injury. Potentially a future captain? 

Richard Wood 6.5

Another solid enough, if unremarkable, season, for Woody. Surprisingly dropped in favour of Keogh under Thorn, who often used him as left back, where he did OK but it’s not really a position best suited to his physical stature.