kirsikka
UTC Legend
There's some discussion elsewhere that this will be a quieter summer considering the windows we've had recently. That does make a lot of sense, and I do think incomings are going to be heavily dependent on outgoings and the money they raise, but there is a possibility the summer could see some significant upheaval.
Some thoughts on the potential outgoings for players linked to the first team squad, even if some aren't near it anymore, with guesswork on my part as to how likely they are to leave permanently or on loan.
Neto
Came here to be first choice somewhere and even ended up as team captain. Then had something of a 'difficult second album' for his follow up season and has lost his place to Travers. Doubt he wants to sit on the bench so may seek some assurances in the summer but, with his wage reportedly being hefty, not sure he will move on anywhere. Unless a Begovic-style loan materialises.
Mark Travers
25 in a few days so unlikely to want another season as second choice since he's getting close to no longer being "young for a keeper". Has acquitted himself well in the last few matches so might get to keep the gloves. My guess is he'll stay and start the season as number one but, equally, he could also angle for a move if he thinks he'll be overlooked again in favour of Neto.
I suspect neither he nor Neto will leave but I don't think either can be ruled out entirely.
Lloyd Kelly
As I see it, he's off. The contract might not be signed at another club yet but I think that's merely a formality. As has been pointed out many times, it's a double blow as we're losing someone who can cover LB and CB.
Milos Kerkez
Linked with Chelsea earlier in the season by the rumour mill. I think that's a touch too soon for him still and I guess he'll be here at least one more season, probably more, as there is a rawness to his defending at times.
Illya Zabarnyi
Looks like the kind of Rolls Royce defender who ends up at a Champions League club. I think he's another who will be here for at least one more season but I wouldn't entirely rule out bids coming in already. He will be hot property in the transfer market next summer if he continues to progress.
Chris Mepham
He's racked up over 100 league appearances in six years, but, during that time about the only period he was first choice centre back was last season before the arrival of Zabarnyi dropped him down the pecking order once again. Apparently, he wanted a move in Jan to boost his international prospects. I can see him asking to move on this summer.
Lewis Cook
I don't think anyone would want him to leave after the season he's just had but he only has 12 months left on his contract. We aren't a club that can afford to see a prize asset walk away for free every summer yet, assuming Kelly is off, then we've lost:
2020: Baron Greenback
2021: Josh King (ok, slightly more complicated but he had significant transfer value before his strop)
2022: (Nobody of major transfer value)
2023: Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Zemura
2024: Lloyd Kelly
Yes, there can be value in keeping a player for that final season and some of them were crucial to what we did. Also, relegation certainly played its part in some of these contract situations developing. However, hopefully we're now in a better place to tie key players down or sell them. If Lewis Cook was to join the above list in 2025 it wouldn't make pretty reading. Hopefully he signs a new deal but if not... sell...?
Gavin Kilkenny
Ok, he's only been part of the first team when we were depleted of numbers and suffering an injury crisis but he's still worth a mention. One year left on his deal. Let the kid spread his wings and become part of a first XI somewhere.
Joe Rothwell
The right player at the wrong time? Hasn't worked out for him so hopefully someone will see his value and fork out what it takes to bring him to their club. Otherwise, another season on loan beckons which may end up being the outcome if his wages are too high for a Championship team.
Philip Billing
Crucial to both promotion and staying up last season but has been somewhat sidelined since the Cook-Christie-Kluivert holy trinity was discovered. There's an aura around his reputation which indicates he isn't an ideal fit for an AI team but, equally, he only signed a new deal at the start of this season.
I think he's got it in him to fit the system in the Christie role (shh... quiet down at the back... it's just an opinion) but I can't imagine he's delighted with how the season went for him.
My guess is he'll still be here next season but if someone comes in for him, it won't be dismissed out of hand and he may also be interested in seeing what's on the table.
Some thoughts on the potential outgoings for players linked to the first team squad, even if some aren't near it anymore, with guesswork on my part as to how likely they are to leave permanently or on loan.
Neto
Came here to be first choice somewhere and even ended up as team captain. Then had something of a 'difficult second album' for his follow up season and has lost his place to Travers. Doubt he wants to sit on the bench so may seek some assurances in the summer but, with his wage reportedly being hefty, not sure he will move on anywhere. Unless a Begovic-style loan materialises.
Mark Travers
25 in a few days so unlikely to want another season as second choice since he's getting close to no longer being "young for a keeper". Has acquitted himself well in the last few matches so might get to keep the gloves. My guess is he'll stay and start the season as number one but, equally, he could also angle for a move if he thinks he'll be overlooked again in favour of Neto.
I suspect neither he nor Neto will leave but I don't think either can be ruled out entirely.
Lloyd Kelly
As I see it, he's off. The contract might not be signed at another club yet but I think that's merely a formality. As has been pointed out many times, it's a double blow as we're losing someone who can cover LB and CB.
Milos Kerkez
Linked with Chelsea earlier in the season by the rumour mill. I think that's a touch too soon for him still and I guess he'll be here at least one more season, probably more, as there is a rawness to his defending at times.
Illya Zabarnyi
Looks like the kind of Rolls Royce defender who ends up at a Champions League club. I think he's another who will be here for at least one more season but I wouldn't entirely rule out bids coming in already. He will be hot property in the transfer market next summer if he continues to progress.
Chris Mepham
He's racked up over 100 league appearances in six years, but, during that time about the only period he was first choice centre back was last season before the arrival of Zabarnyi dropped him down the pecking order once again. Apparently, he wanted a move in Jan to boost his international prospects. I can see him asking to move on this summer.
Lewis Cook
I don't think anyone would want him to leave after the season he's just had but he only has 12 months left on his contract. We aren't a club that can afford to see a prize asset walk away for free every summer yet, assuming Kelly is off, then we've lost:
2020: Baron Greenback
2021: Josh King (ok, slightly more complicated but he had significant transfer value before his strop)
2022: (Nobody of major transfer value)
2023: Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Zemura
2024: Lloyd Kelly
Yes, there can be value in keeping a player for that final season and some of them were crucial to what we did. Also, relegation certainly played its part in some of these contract situations developing. However, hopefully we're now in a better place to tie key players down or sell them. If Lewis Cook was to join the above list in 2025 it wouldn't make pretty reading. Hopefully he signs a new deal but if not... sell...?
Gavin Kilkenny
Ok, he's only been part of the first team when we were depleted of numbers and suffering an injury crisis but he's still worth a mention. One year left on his deal. Let the kid spread his wings and become part of a first XI somewhere.
Joe Rothwell
The right player at the wrong time? Hasn't worked out for him so hopefully someone will see his value and fork out what it takes to bring him to their club. Otherwise, another season on loan beckons which may end up being the outcome if his wages are too high for a Championship team.
Philip Billing
Crucial to both promotion and staying up last season but has been somewhat sidelined since the Cook-Christie-Kluivert holy trinity was discovered. There's an aura around his reputation which indicates he isn't an ideal fit for an AI team but, equally, he only signed a new deal at the start of this season.
I think he's got it in him to fit the system in the Christie role (shh... quiet down at the back... it's just an opinion) but I can't imagine he's delighted with how the season went for him.
My guess is he'll still be here next season but if someone comes in for him, it won't be dismissed out of hand and he may also be interested in seeing what's on the table.
Last edited: