17 first team players(several of which we don't want) - arguably a side that would struggle to gain auto promotion again.Gutted about O'nien, he would currently be first choice Right Back, Centre Half and Midfield (no doubt whatsoever he is a better player than Dobson and Winchester). Hume needs to stay fit and improve as a defender and final ball/decision making, being in a settled back 4 and a side that played the same formation and game plan would help like, think he's got the ability.
Assuming we intend to promote 3 of the U23 squad.
Assuming none of the four hold outs are going to sign new contracts.
We will go into July with a first team of 16, that would struggle to make the playoffs and my big concern is our idiot manager has convinced the board that its glass half full to save his job.. Obviously we are going to sign a half dozen players for the first team, but then the squad is going to be much of a muchness if those signings turn out to be all one-paced and lets face it, the weird optimism post playoff defeat has dried up judging by the dropoff in happy clappers.