Screw that, I'm more looking forward to the Euros.
But to answer the question, whilst the season isn't quite over yet, the fat bint is certainly clearing her throat. Assuming as is overwhelmingly likely we're in the champo next season, I think a lot of our chances for promotion next time out will depend on our ability to keep hold of the players we can build the team around who offers will invariably come in for (Dieng, Rav, Hackney, Lath and probably Jones and Forss if fit) and making sure they're all fit and stay so as long as possible, the same going for other long term absentees.
We need to learn from our mistakes. Whilst Carrick is undoubtably still learning, the two biggest reasons we've not matched the 22/23 campaign are our playing a side of strangers at the start that effectively bu&&ered our autos chances whilst they settled and the horrendous unseen before long injury list that has all but knackered our chances of the playoffs into the bargain. If we can keep that core, have a largely settled side who are used to playing together and avoid a huge overhaul that scuppered our chances in the first 7 games of the season, it gets us off to a better start and please God if we can find out what went wrong that ensured we became Middlesbrough Hospital for the Critically Infirm then we should already do a great deal better. I'd suggest that an expected points tally of 80 points minimum if we do so could rightfully be expected. Arguably also it's less likely there will be 3 sides that will almost certainly hit over 90 points next season as those are something of a rarity.
Only after these should we prioritise those we're bringing in. Depending firstly on how many of that dependable 6 we keep hold of (easier at least than our core being made up of loans that were certain to go) and need replacing as a priority if we fail in this regard foremost.
If we want to have a stab at the autos, it's about those final few we bring in to enhance the side. O'brien is far from guaranteed to be here, Howson will be yet another year older, and Barlaser can blow hot and cold, so I'd make a CDM a priority even over a striker. Lath & Forss are definitely top championship standard if fit, with Coburn as a back up for Cup games, injury cover (provided its not 23/24 level injury cover) and to bring on for the last 20 - 30 minutes when the opposition tire. Another striker would definitely be handy, especially if other injuries put Forss out on the right, but I'd put CDM first on the list.
Regarding LB and RB it depends on how well Bangura recovers and beds back into the side as his pace can be frightening and with him on one side, Jones on the other and an also speedy Lath up top to aim at then we could have speed merchants wreaking havoc from both sides. This is coupled with an unknown concerning Smith's return, so a lot is a mystery for now. Ayling has shown enough so far IMHO so I'd get him signed properly and it would cost sweet fu(k all. Again LB would be a priority IF Bangura isn't up to scratch.
