The reality is, the only progress that's been made is that we now actually have a few players worth money should the club opt to sell them, because the same old failings have once again been there for all to see (And should any of those players be sold, along with the end of season collapse, season ticket sales will more than likely take a real hammering). 

Included on the list, are criticisms made of the team by just about every manager since we dropped down a division: a lack of 'mental strength', no 'killer instinct', and the players once again guilty of repeatedly 'failing to listen' to or 'take on board instructions' from management.

And, amongst the season's depressing statistics - as per usual - is the fact that Coventry City fired twelve blanks, and scored only one goal per game in twenty-three other fixtures, which is a truly woeful return over a season (As for the list of 'gifts' for opposing players, depressingly, it's way over double figures). That's progress?

As far as rectifying that situation goes, we can't afford to buy a 20-goals-a-season player for the next campaign, so we need our scouts to earn their money, or, alternatively, go to Arsenal or Manchester United and beg for a season long loan of one of their quality youngsters (To show how hard it is to find such a player, it's worth noting that only three players in the Championship managed said feat last season!). Preferably one with pace, and over 5'5" tall.

Coventry City have been a 'nothing club' for far to long now, and even a fair few of those die-hards supporters, that have been season ticket holders for longer than they can remember are wondering whether or not it's worth the bother next season, because they've had enough. Just what is wrong with 'our' club that whatever changes are made, absolutely nothing actually ever changes?

We've tried inexperienced managers, we've tried experienced managers; we've had small squads, we've had big squads; we've tried having no money, we've tried being financially secure, we've tried changing grounds, this season we've even tried playing a right-back at right-back .... and we're still no further forward than at any other time over the last however many years (While eighth position is our best placing so far since the drop, the closest we've been to a Top 6 finish was the 03/04 season, where we finished twelth, but were a mere eight points away from a play-off position).

This time, part of the reason/excuse might be that we needed a few more experienced heads to complement our very youthful side, but Chris Coleman was against such signings. It's not even hind-sight to know this would be a problem. To quote: 'you win nothing with kids....' And, while somebody after one last big pay cheque might not be part of the 'master plan', if it's the difference between an assault on the 'Top Six', or yet another season hovering around the wrong end of the table, said player would be worth every penny. Look what Dennis Wise did for the side a few years ago.

Aron Gunnarsson's contribution to the season has been exceptional for such a young, inexperienced player, but imagine what it might have been had it been complemented by a better quality player alongside him? (Somebody in the George Boateng mould?). Doing so next season (Presuming he stays) could see him edge nearer to the potential £18 million future valuation, as made by the 'Sky Sports Scout'! Not doing so will more than likely see hime leave....

If what happens on the pitch isn't bad enough, the attitude of to many supporters is equally as poor. How often do our supporters explain defeat away by saying: 'well we never get anything at that ground anyway'? It's a pathetic, defeatist attitude, and represents what has been wrong at this club for to long. And, if you work out how many sides we have a poor record against, continuing the trend probably means there aren't enough points left for a top 6 finish anyway.

As for the season that's just finished, while congratulations are in order to Mr. Fox and Mr. Westwood for making the Championship's 'PFA Team Of The Year', I never realised that Coventry City's players had made such little impact in football that nobody had ever made the list before. Truly shocking, especially when you consider we have had a few decent players at the club since those awards started.

I don't expect next season to be too different, but is it to much to ask that the players genuinely give their all next season? And dump the inferiority complex they seem to carry? Next season should see everything starting afresh, with Coventry City's players looking to get themselves in the record books for positive contributions to the game (Note to Jom Brown: any chance of working out a couple of easy ones for the players to aim for?!). And it's time Coventry City were more than just a team there to make up the numbers.

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