In my opinion, now that it looks like ICT won't get a top six spot this season, it's time to look at what's needed for next season. For me -
Goalkeepers
Ryan Esson
Johnny Tuffey
Max Johnson
I think I'm right in saying that both Esson and Tuffey are signed up for next season. Obviously these are two class goalkeepers, so there is no real need in bringing another challenger for the number 1 jersey in. I'm not sure what the circumstances are with Max Johnson but he's still a fairly young and up and coming keeper. IIRC he may well be only signed up for this season but it be worth retaining him for another year and he also has experience to a certain level in playing a part in the Newcastle United reserve team.
Renegade's Verdict - No need for any new personnel, unless one of the three leaves.
Defenders
Ross Tokely (Right Back, Centre Back, occasional Left Back, occasional Right Midfielder + often used as a target man striker when goal is needed with time running out)
Kenny Gillet (Left Back, can be used at Left Midfield and can play at Centre Back)
Grant Munro (Centre Back, occasional Left Back)
Graeme Shinnie (Left Back, can also play at left midfield)
Chris Hogg (Centre Back, but can play at Right Back)
Chris Innes (Centre Back)
David Proctor (Right Back, Centre Back, Right Midfield, Central Midfield, occasional Left Back)
Stuart Duff (Right Back, Central Midfield, occasional Left Back)
Stuart Golabek (Left Back, has been known to play at Centre Back and even more occasionally at Left Midfield)
NB - Ross Tokely signed a one year deal at the start of this season, but has the option to sign for another one.
On the whole, a feel that Innes offers little in any capacity for the team and him leaving would not be a big loss. Golabek may be old but he may offer some experience and cover for certain areas. I feel that Hogg is a good defender and I'd like to see him stay put. Duff, I'm a little unsure about but perhaps does offer cover in a number of different places.
Renegade's Verdict - Punt Chris Innes. Try and bring in perhaps one more centre half, preferably one that has a great deal of height to challenge for a first team spot.
Midfielders
Lee Cox (Central Midfield, can also play at Right Back)
Russell Duncan (Central Midfield, has been known to occasionally fill in at Right Back)
Eric Odhiambo (Striker, Right Wing, Left Wing, Attacking Midfield)
Roy McBain (Central Midfield, Left Back, Left Midfield)
Gavin Morrison (Central Midfield, Left Midfield)
Gil Blumenshtein (Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Left Wing, Right Wing, Striker)
Nick Ross (Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Left Wing, Right Wing)
Johnny Hayes (Left Wing, Right Wing)
Blumenshtein has been either constantly injured or deemed not good so should not be retained. I feel that despite his bright start to the season, Odhiambo offers little to anything to the ICT squad. He may be quick but he has no first touch, no cross and not much else. His effort levels have also come in to question at times. McBain, like Golabek may be old, but I feel that he may still be able to provide a significant amount of cover and experience for the team.
Renegade's Verdict - Punt Odhaimbo and Blumenshtein. Possibly retain McBain. I feel that ICT should look for perhaps one more winger and a good ball playing central midfielder for next season.
Strikers
Adam Rooney (Striker)
Richie Foran (captain) (Striker, Left Wing)
Shane Sutherland (Striker, Left Wing, Right Wing)
Dani Sanchez (Striker, Attacking Midfield, Left Wing, Right Wing)
Obviously retaining Rooney is a big issue and if he is to go and strong goal scoring striker is desperately needed. I'd also look at keeping Dani Sanchez.
Renegade's Verdict - Try and retain all current strikers, but even if Rooney is to go, I'd still likely to see another one being brought in. Preferably someone of a Craig Dargo esque physique.
End of Loan
Aaron Doran
Alex MacDonald
Renegade's Verdict - I wouldn't complain if either of these two were brought back for next season.
Name in:
Red is signed up for next season
Green is not signed up for next season but efforts should be made to keep them
Blue is not signed up for next season and should not be retained
Pink is not signed up for next season but should perhaps be retained
So what's needed? IMO another striker (maybe two), a big centre half, a central midfielder and probably another fast winger is what's needed for ICT to have a good squad for next season. While I can't think of many names right now, the only one I definitely keen to bring in would be Gregory Tade, as he cover a number of positions and offers a bit of bulk and speed, a combination of two in one is not something that is currently present in the ICT team. Whether he'd come or not is another issue, especially with Raith being in with a chance of promotion.
What are your thoughts on what is needed for next season?