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Showing results for tags 'planning for next season and beyond'.
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Well, that is our season effectively over. There were a number of positives, not least the fact that we still have a club to support and it looks like we will have the ability to remain full time next season. Next season is shaping up to be a very different one with the likelelyhood of a full return of fans, the possibilities of 4 Highland derbies and a much more level playing field than for some time with three being no single club in the division with resources much greater than all their rivals. We have a number of positives with the nucleus of a decent settled squad including the ever improving Dave Carson and Daniel McKay now reaching the potential he showed as a 16 year old before injury set back his progress. On that basis, we have the foundation to genuinely challenge for automatic promotion for the first time in three seasons. However, there is a big decision to be made on the managerial and coaching front. I have every sympathy for John Robertson and the personal difficulties he is continuing to face and great appreciation for the 100% effort and commitment he has put into the role of manager over the last four years. That said, we need to take a dispassionate approach and decide whether he is the right man going forward even if he wants to continue with the role. Personally, and with considerable sadness, I doubt that he is. We have been treading water and, to an extent, stagnating over the last couple of years and, until not that many games ago, looked in at least as much danger of occupying a relegation play off spot than a promotion one. There seemed to be to be a clear and obvious uplift in altitude, performance and, most importantly, results when the interim team took over. My inclination would be to see whether McCann and Dodds would be prepared to accept two year contracts on terms within our budget constraints. If not, I would be inclined to look for a keen young manager with a point to make and a reputation to establish. Calum Davidson seems to be fulfilling just such a role at St Johnstone and may yet lead a club with a fan base no bigger than ours and from a city no larger than hours to an incredible cup double. Whatever we decide, it is important that a decision that a manager, new or existing, is in place as soon as possible to prepare for what, if we get it right, could be our most fruitful season for seven years.