It's a real concern, and has been to me for ages. The spine, and having players with leadership and fight is huge in this division. I was amazed when Warnock didn't sign an Ayala type at centre back, then Wilder didn't do it either. We still haven't replaced Ayala's dominance in both boxes and his nasty streak.
We'd have been better re-signing him than Lenihan who, although at least a supposed leader and organiser, is weak as **** for a centre half. I never saw Ayala get bullied in six years, he was hard as nails and as strong as anyone.
And look at the other big characters who've not been replaced - George Friend wasn't the best player in the world, but he was a leader with a massive heart and some bite in the tackle. Leadbitter obviously. Clayton - pedestrian and lacking quality, but played with heart, was a leader and a master of the 'professional foul'. Dimi a leader in goal. Karankas team was full of character and bite. If you have ambitions to get out of this division these are essential ingredients.
Tavernier was our only player left who played with real tenacity week in week out.