u/franktortuga — reddlx

Season in Review
These are just my thoughts on the season as well as player ratings. Let me know if you agree, disagree or have your own thoughts on the season.

Overall rating 4/10: One word to sum up the season is frustration. We all went into the new season with high hopes and well it never really got going under Ryan Lowe. The decision to sack him and bring in former club captain and manager Gary Caldwell back into the club, was the main highlight of the season. Latics finished the season 16th, in what was, in my opinion, a very poor League One all around.

Ryan Lowe
Despite a solid start to the campaign and a refreshing 3-1 win on opening day, Lowe’s squad never really got going. Excuses can be made, red cards, injuries, referee decisions, a lack of transfer funds, but none can excuse the performances we saw at the end of Lowe’s tenure. A few wins scattered around lackluster draws and a crowded table made the first half of the campaign seem decent until results turned. Most notably the Blackpool at home game was one of the worst performances I’ve seen, from what was supposed to be an attacking side, we were dismal. Saydee, Costelloe and Mullin didn’t work, their goal records speak for themselves. If it wasn’t for Harrison Bettoni at Wimbledon, I don’t think Lowe would have continued. He again, in my opinion, saved his job with a very impressive performance away at PNE in the FA Cup. A refreshing performance and more what the fans were to expect under RL. Despite the addition of Joe Taylor in the window, the results showed the team just were not performing to the levels expected. The players looked clueless and we were never able to control games for long periods of time. After the Cardiff and then the Peterborough game, it was time and the choice was clear.

Gary Caldwell
What Gary Caldwell did in his 16 games in charge was a much needed breath of fresh air at the club. We saw, essentially, a brand new team with life, purpose, graft, drive and all together fighting for the same objective. Without GC changing too much tactically from RL, still playing 3 at the back, we were able to pick up 2 massive results immediately that gave us confidence for the end of the season. The return of Jason Kerr matched with the great form of Joe Taylor and Callum Wright were the standouts for me under Caldwell. Not to mention a few special saves from Sam Tickle and performances from Raphael, Jensen Weir, Fraser Murray and even Will Aimson improved drastically. All who looked like new players under GC, despite inconsistent first half of the season performances. 3 consecutive wins against Northampton, Rotherham and Mansfield were a great way to cap off the season before two meaningless games to end the season.

Gary, Gregor “Rioch” and the whole club have a big project upcoming this summer. The retained list will be out soon, we have several key players out of contract, with several key players heading back to their parent clubs. A lot of decisions will be made between now and opening day in August. Until then, let’s enjoy the sun, the World Cup and get back to winning ways next season.

Player Ratings (1,000 minutes min.):
Sam Tickle: 7.5/10 - Surely won us many points and even some crucial 3 points. A very consistent season and faced more adversity this season, he is starting to show his experience. If he can work on his kicking, he won’t be in L1 much longer.

Will Aimson: 5/10 - I don’t want to be too harsh here, but if Kerr did not return when he did, he may have gotten a 3/10. You can never doubt Aimson’s heart and desire. His decision making at times is questionable, however his goal against Northampton and solid displays at the end of the season will likely see him get a new contract.

Fraser Murray: 7/10 - Absolute grafter. A great addition to the squad, after 2 goals on opening day he seemed to be destined for double digit goals. The versatile winger ended with 13 goal involvements and a team high 8 assists.

Callum Wright 8.5/10 - Named the POTS by the club, the Leicester loanee was given a big role by RL and each game that was played saw the box to box midfielder grow with confidence. He ended the season with 7 goals and 6 assists, the most goal involvements this season.

Jensen Weir 6.5/10 - After a rocky first half of the season that saw JW slotting in at RCB at times, as well as inconsistent time in the starting XI, he quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet under Caldwell. His work rate and engine really helped smooth out our midfield in the final stretch.

Jason Kerr 8/10 - There’s usually not too much to say about Kerr who is solid as a rock. Only gripe was he was missing at the wrong time of the season! Results immediately picked up with his return. Would love to keep him, however would not be surprised to see Kerr move onto other ventures this summer.

Morgan Fox 6.5/10 - A very good late addition by Ryan Lowe who helped fill the LCB roll. The experience of Fox has certainly helped. After a few injuries he found himself in and out the squad at the end, however, I expect him to be a big component next season.

Matt Smith 6/10 - The passing maestro did not have his best season ever, however his quality on the ball always seemed to improve our play. I think a lot of the season was trying to figure out how and where to play Matt Smith to be most effective. He again started playing his best stuff at the end of the season. Another out of contract one to keep an eye on.

Raphael 6.5/10 - The wingback showed his quality at times on the ball and with his physical presence. However he struggled in the attacking 3rd for a majority of the season, Ryan Lowe had his wingbacks very deep and Raphael had very limited chances in front of goal. He ended with 1 goal and 3 assists, but had some very strong performances under Gary Caldwell.

Christian Saydee 4/10 - I mean this in the nicest way possible, we all wanted it to work out for him, but it hasn’t. 2 goals in 41 appearances as the 9 is not good enough for the club. He is still a young striker with potential, I genuinely am rooting for him as a person and a player.

Dara Costelloe 5/10 - Unfortunately like his counterpart, it didn’t work. The hustle and bustle was there, the quality was not. 3 goals and 1 assist in 38 matches speaks for itself.

Joe Taylor 8.5/10 - My player of the season. His quality was a joy to watch in a team that had not much quality all year. A player who is clearly in the wrong division, thank you for the 11 goals.

James Carragher 6.5/10 - Still a young CB who is starting to show his promise. Injuries saw his season shaken up, however at the end of the season he started to really look comfortable at this level.

Joseph Hungbo: 5/10 - Inconsistent performances from the wingback and maybe as mentioned the deeper wingback hurt him. He finished with just 3 assists all season and 2 were on opening day.

Special mention
Harrison Bettoni (794 mins): 7/10 - Think we have a real player on our hands. His goals quite literally saved Ryan Lowe and ended up being massive in our season.