Nigel Pearson's signings 2009/10

[flanimal]

I'm not sure if a thread like this open, but just thought it might be good to rate the signings from this season:

Weale 9 - Superb goalkeeper, made excellent saves throughout, almost player of the season

Wellens 8 - Unsure at first, but become the key player in midfield. Prone to a bit of hoofball and reckless tackles.

Gallagher 7 - Flashes of quality, then sometimes totally average. If he was more reliable, would be a great.

Waghorn 9 - Considering no one had heard of him, be became a real player here. Excellent for a loaner.

Neilson 5 - Fairly unimpressed. He's an OK deputy, but he isn't that good.

N'Guessan 7 - Shows such potential but he is so inconsistent and frustrating. Should get better.

McGivern 4 - I don't rate him at all.

Kermorgant 5 - A lot of people will give him a 1 for his penalty miss, but I think he could develop. Hasn't been given the chance. But I'd say this was a disappointing season.

Solano 7 - Surprised he was so good. Had energy, calm, and some of his passing was great.

Spearing 7 - Added something to the side.

Vaughan 6 - It's hard to evaluate, sometimes he seemed really good.

Bruce 6 - Had two good games in the play offs. Think he has some quality.

[Guest Bilo]

Weale 9 - Superb goalkeeper, how Bristol City must regret letting him go. A huge asset to the club.

Wellens 7 - Had a great start, followed by a long spell in which he was indifferent. Superb performance in the second leg though.

Gallagher 7.5 - Major hope for us next year if slightly inconsistent this. A couple of goals early in the season and he'll be on his way.

Waghorn 9 - If only we can make his signing permanent it'll be such a boost to the club. Real grafter, pace, strength and loves the club. Would love him to stay.

Neilson 4 - Poor signing and a rare miss from Pearson in the transfer market. Would have been OK in League One against some of the middling teams but CCC is out of his range.

N'Guessan 6.5 - Rapidly improving here and vindicates the decision to sell Gradel in my opinion. Can do everything Maxi could but a better crosser and useful in the air. Consistency issues still a problem though.

McGivern 4 - Going back to Man City and won't really be missed.

Kermorgant 6 - Has shown glimpses of decency and a screamer against Boro shows he could do a job in the right frame of mind. Will he be able to return in any kind of form after his lunacy on Wednesday though?

Solano 5 - Hasn't done a huge amount to impress me and at 35 isn't going to improve much. Bit part player next season.

Spearing 7.5 - Gave us the extra bite and energy in midfield we were craving. Played a big part in the end of season run.

Vaughan 6 - Not around long enough to judge but showed glimpses.

Bruce 6 - Same as above, didn't really get a chance till Wayne Brown's mysterious disappearance. Looked solid enough though and unlucky to give away a penalty to Michael 'Tom Daley' Chopra on Wednesday.

[milan_foxes]

Weale - 9

Wellens - 8

Gallagher - 8.5

Waghorn - 9

Neilson - 2

N'Guessan - 7.5

McGivern - 3.5

Kermorgant 1.5 I personal can't forgive for his penalty.

Solano 6.8

Spearing - 8.5

Vaughan 7

Bruce 7.5

[dandannieldanok]

Weale - 8 (Solid no.1, hopefully for a few years to come, can still improve though)

Wellens - 7 (Hit and miss, great attritional qualities, can do some bewildering things in possessions, both great and terrible things)

Gallagher - 7 (Slow start but has shown great quality since January, needs a bit more physical presence)

Waghorn - 9 (Quality, lionhearted)

Neilson - 5 (Competent enough in defence, limited everywhere else)

N'Guessan - 6 (Shown real promise at times, other times he's been very ineffective, needs to find some consistency of performance)

McGivern - 1 (Woeful, genuinely one of the worst defenders I've ever seen play live)

Kermorgant 2 (One goal, one appalling penalty, other than that no impact whatsoever)

Solano 6 (Reasonable, decent in possession, still not sure of him in defending situations)

Spearing - 7 (Workmanlike, ok in possession, tenacious in the tackle)

Vaughan 6 (Signs of promise but too injury prone to rely upon)

Bruce 6 (Decent defender at this level, error of judgement for the Chopra penalty will stick in my mind though)

[Guest Mee-9]

Weale - 9.5

Wellens - 9

Gallagher - 8

Waghorn - 9

Neilson - 1

N'Guessan - 7

McGivern - 2

Kermorgant-5.

Solano - 8

Spearing - 8.5

Vaughan 7.5

Bruce 8

[Callabinho]

Weale 9 - Shone, a brilliant level headed guy too ! i really rate him

Wellens 8 - Started well had a funny patch, but then grew every game i saw him, his awareness and reading of the game was at time amazing.

Gallagher 7 - Bags of potential, but he isn't a winger, i would like to see him as a striker or behind the front too !

Waghorn 9 - I think every fan can sum him up on their own, ill just say i think he is a brilliant breath of fresh air, strong, pacey and seems like a nice guy, may his future be long and prosperous.

Neilson 5 - hmm, lacks pace, good stamina but just cant cut it at this level.

N'Guessan 7 - Shows such potential, he is young and i like him, he can turn a game on its head and terrifies defenders, i think next season he will find his feet a bit more.

McGivern 4 - quirky player, drifted out of position far to often and played a dangerous game.

Kermorgant 5 - I don't think he is a bad player, he needs to find his feet in the english game and just work on decision making, however i feel once he settles he could be a good player.

Solano 7 - I thought he was a good signing, he offered a wise head, and his experience proved vital at times, id like to see him stay for one more season.

Spearing 7 - Added energy and tenacity to the side, i think he was again another good signing.

Vaughan 7 - I think he finds it hard to stay fit, but he did have two nasty injuries, has bags and bags of potential, and would destroy this league if he found his scoring form.

Bruce 6 - Played excellently in the play offs, i would like to see him stay here on a permanent basis

[Salieri]

Weale - 9 Superb signing and hopefully will be our keeper for many years to come.

Wellens - 8 Got better as the season progressed, important player.

Gallagher - 8 Frustrating at times but technically excellent. Versatility give us options.

Waghorn - 9 Breath of fresh air and praying he'll be back next season.

Neilson - 5 Looked out of his depth.

N'Guessan - 7 Good impact player probably not used enough, more to come i reckon.

McGivern - 6 Provided cover andgot maybe a little more stick than deserved.

Kermorgant - 6 Penalty shocker aside, still think he could turn out to be a decent player.

Solano - 7 Good stopgap signing and didnt let us down.

Spearing - 7 Bags of potential and would like to see him back.

Vaughan - 6.5 Shame about his injuries because showed glimpses of real quality.

Bruce - 7 Stepped up admirably in the absence of Brown.

[Man Of Faith]

Weale - 9 - Excellent signing, Unlucky not to get player of the season, so consistent

Wellens 8.5 - I rate him, I did at Doncaster aswell, has so much ability and great vision, adds somethin more creative

Gallagher 7 - Clearly talented, Useful on deadball situations, just can be so inconsistent and ineffective at times, but technically gifted

Waghorn 9 - Fantastic - Great find!! Hardworkin, powerful, strong, epitomises what we were tryin to do!!

Neilson 4 - Dont rate him, not good enough for this level, Slow and terrible distribution

N'Guessan 7 - Clearly has potential and is quick and very direct, more of an impact player at the moment though

McGivern 4 - Not really good enough to be honest, I had higher hopes for him at the beginning but didnt really cut it

Kermorgant 5 - I personally have never seen enough from him and what kind of position or part he can really play (regardless of the horrific pen)

Solano 7 - I admit I had my doubts due to age, but it was irrelevant, such good positional sense and great ability with his feet meant pace didnt matter, plus calm and a exp head

Spearing 7.5 - Came in exactly the right time, good call Pearson!! Just when Oakley was really strugglin (plus injured) Spearing filled in with ease

Vaughan 7 - .Clearly has great ability, Just due to injuries we never saw the best of him, which Im sure he would have done well

Bruce 6 - Excellent in both playoff legs and looks comfortable alongside hobbs, plus better distribution than brown, looked good at times

[Bert]

Weale 9 - When we first signed him, I wasn't convinced as he was 3rd choice at Bristol City, proved everyone wrong.

Wellens 8 - We've been missing someone like Wellens since Muzzy. Can pick a pass, tackle and gives everything he's got.

Gallagher 7 - Scored some crucial goals, not fast enough for a winger but deadly at set pieces.

Waghorn 9 - Unheard of, with a funny last name. What a signing this was, best of the season for me. Waghorn gave everything and just wanted to do the best for our club.

Neilson. 5 - Fantastic effort and commitment, just not good enough, similar to the last full back we got from Hearts.

N'Guessan 7 - Potentially unstoppable. Our most frustrating player by far, genius one minute, class the next.

McGivern 3 - Shit.

Kermorgant 5 - Showed glimpses, great in the air, thinks he's better than he is though.

Solano 7 - Very dependable, can't think of anytime he's let us down this season.

Spearing 7 - Great work rate and enthusiasm.

Vaughan 7 - If he can get over his injuries he'll be a very good player, and hopefully for us next season.

Bruce 7 - Much better than brown simply because he can defend just as well, but pass, had to wait his turn and got unlucky with an injury. One great last ditch tackle that sticks in my mind, Sign him up.

A 75% success rate is very good, Credit not only to Pearson, but the whole "scouting network" we've got here.

[Sods]

How anyone can put Bruce below 7 is a disgrace, the lad has played 30 minutes then getting injured, pretty much a practice match against boro and then two crucial semi finals, fair play to the lad I say, fantastic how he stepped up for these two games, the game could of been over in the first leg if it wern't for him. And those saying he didnt do very good against Boythrod, the lad is the complete forward in this division, but my he stepped up and made me proud.

[pooleyLCFC]

Weale 9 - Shone, a brilliant level headed guy too ! i really rate him

Wellens 8 - Started well had a funny patch, but then grew every game i saw him, his awareness and reading of the game was at time amazing.

Gallagher 7 - Bags of potential, but he isn't a winger, i would like to see him as a striker or behind the front too !

Waghorn 9 - I think every fan can sum him up on their own, ill just say i think he is a brilliant breath of fresh air, strong, pacey and seems like a nice guy, may his future be long and prosperous.

Neilson 5 - hmm, lacks pace, good stamina but just cant cut it at this level.

N'Guessan 7 - Shows such potential, he is young and i like him, he can turn a game on its head and terrifies defenders, i think next season he will find his feet a bit more.

McGivern 4 - quirky player, drifted out of position far to often and played a dangerous game.

Kermorgant 5 - I don't think he is a bad player, he needs to find his feet in the english game and just work on decision making, however i feel once he settles he could be a good player.

Solano 7 - I thought he was a good signing, he offered a wise head, and his experience proved vital at times, id like to see him stay for one more season.

Spearing 7 - Added energy and tenacity to the side, i think he was again another good signing.

Vaughan 7 - I think he finds it hard to stay fit, but he did have two nasty injuries, has bags and bags of potential, and would destroy this league if he found his scoring form.

Bruce 6 - Played excellently in the play offs, i would like to see him stay here on a permanent basis

This

[DJ Barry Hammond]

Everyone seems to be forgetting the 'BIG' signing of the season - young Mr Hobbs (who's a 10 in my opinion). He was on loan the season before, with Pearson making it pernament this season.

[Fox92]

Weale 8 - Think he needs to communicate more, other than that, great signing.

Wellens 8 - Fantastic signing. Great first touch, some lovely passes and gets stuck in. Very creative. Can tell Manchester United difference.

Gallagher 7 - Technically a great player. Would love to see him down the middle.

Waghorn 8 - Pace, can finish, strong, works the channels. Everything you want a striker to do. Superb signing.

Neilson 5 - Decent back up player, not a Championship full back though. But, gets stuck in well.

N'Guessan 6 - Hot and cold player. Sometimes great, sometimes poor. Average.

McGivern 5 - A centre back more than a full back.

Kermorgant 5 - More of a midfielder. Good tackler and has a powerful shot on him.

Solano 7 - Calm, cool and overall a good signing considering his age.

Spearing 7 - That player every team wants. Sits in well to allow others to get forward. Should become a good player.

Vaughan 7 - Although mostly injured, strong, fast, and when given the chance can score. Good in the air to.

Bruce 7 - A good Championship defender. Really impressed.

[ousefox]

Weale - 9

Wellens - 8.5

Gallagher - 8

Waghorn - 9

Neilson - 2

N'Guessan - 7

McGivern - 3

Kermorgant 4

Solano 6.5

Spearing - 7

Vaughan 6

Bruce 7.5

[Mikey]

Weale - 9

Wellens - 8.5

Gallagher - 7

Waghorn - 9

Neilson - 5

N'Guessan - 7

McGivern - 4

Kermorgant - 5

Solano - 7.5

Spearing - 7

Vaughan - 7

Bruce - 7

[dandannieldanok]

How anyone can put Bruce below 7 is a disgrace, the lad has played 30 minutes then getting injured, pretty much a practice match against boro and then two crucial semi finals, fair play to the lad I say, fantastic how he stepped up for these two games, the game could of been over in the first leg if it wern't for him. And those saying he didnt do very good against Boythrod, the lad is the complete forward in this division, but my he stepped up and made me proud.

That's all true, but he made a huge huge error of judgement for the Chopra penalty. I know it's harsh to penalise him for one mistake, but let's face it, it was a huge mistake. That doesn't mean I wouldn't want him next season though.

[shiv]

How anyone can put Bruce below 7 is a disgrace, the lad has played 30 minutes then getting injured, pretty much a practice match against boro and then two crucial semi finals, fair play to the lad I say, fantastic how he stepped up for these two games, the game could of been over in the first leg if it wern't for him. And those saying he didnt do very good against Boythrod, the lad is the complete forward in this division, but my he stepped up and made me proud.

Well said mate. Totally agree.

[marbelladave]

Interesting thread though I have to admit I do not see things the same way as many of you, so tin hat on and flak jacket at the ready;-

Weale 7 - Decent enough but does not command his area as well as he should, could well be a communications issue. Looked a little edgy towards the business end of the campaign but hopefully the experience of playing a full season will do him good.

Wellens 6.5 - Not sure what people see in him, plenty of effort and very involved but for me produces very little. Likes to sit deep but is, at best, only average defensively and his long passing is wasteful. Gets forward but runs out of ideas about 20-25 yards out, no penetration, few assists, no goals and precious few shots.

Gallagher 6.5 - Talented player still looking for a role. Too slow to play on the wing, does not have the instincts or the aerial ability to be effective close in but is at his best around the edges of the 18 yard box. Can't really see him making it at Leicester.

Waghorn 7.5 - Tremendous effort and commitment has made him a crowd favourite, thought he was at is best playing cutting in from the right to support Fryatt. Not that effective leading the line though our long ball game did him no favours, tends to go it alone too much when there are players in better positions.

Neilson 4 - Barely competent in defense he is hopelessly out of his depth when asked to get forward, a wholehearted player simply not good enough at this level.

N'Guessan 5.5 - Tremendous attacking potential, rarely utilised this season. He is ineffective defensively and in midfield so gets little gametime, would have loved to have seen him lead the line instead of Waghorn.

McGivern 3 - Half decent center back that we did not need and a poor fullback that we did. Whatever he cost us was too much.

Kermorgant 4.5 - Looks a decent player but simply never got started this season. Sadly I think the fluffed penalty will be his last kick in a City shirt.

Solano 6 - Not bad but not great either. Despite managing the whole 120 minutes on wednesday he regularly ran out of steam after an hour, didn't get forward enough and gave away too many free kicks late in the game.

Spearing 5 - Another midfield journeyman, hard working but without enough quality to make a real difference. Better than a lethargic Oakley, but not better enough to be worth getting back as anything but a squad player.

Vaughan 5 - Impressive player when fit, but that was only about 10 minutes in all.

Bruce 6 - Looks like a good player but cocked up twice on wednesday and cost us 2 goals. Maybe a bit rusty given how little game time he has managed but I would swap him for a left sided central defender in an instant.

Hobbs 9 - First season as a proper City player and has been exceptional all season. Has even managed to come to terms with playing on the left, something he had difficulty with earlier this season, outstanding.

[samjohnson]

Weale - 9.5 - So level headed you could balance your pint on his head, dispite the Derby "incident"

Wellens - 8 - Great pick from NP and has dominated over the defensive lines of many teams this season

Gallagher - 8.5 - Fantastic crosser of the ball and not half bad at taking freekicks either

Waghorn - 9 - 'nuff said

Neilson - 3 - Other than his long throws, shite

N'Guessan - 7 - Pretty good on the wing and can score, given the chance

McGivern - 3 - Yeh... well...

Kermorgant - 6 - Dispite his absolute fook up at Cardiff, he's not had a half bad season on the bench.

Solano - 6 - Still good at 83 and a half...

Spearing - 7.5 - Nice little youth product, given the time, he will be the new Stevie G

Vaughan - 6 - Injury riddled, but can score... Just needs to shake off the injuries.

Bruce - 7 - Will go places with Ireland. Pretty solid defender. Showed himself against Cardiff. Just wish he would tell his dad to let us have Waggy

[The Doctor]

Interesting thread though I have to admit I do not see things the same way as many of you, so tin hat on and flak jacket at the ready;-

Weale 7 - Decent enough but does not command his area as well as he should, could well be a communications issue. Looked a little edgy towards the business end of the campaign but hopefully the experience of playing a full season will do him good.

Wellens 6.5 - Not sure what people see in him, plenty of effort and very involved but for me produces very little. Likes to sit deep but is, at best, only average defensively and his long passing is wasteful. Gets forward but runs out of ideas about 20-25 yards out, no penetration, few assists, no goals and precious few shots.

Gallagher 6.5 - Talented player still looking for a role. Too slow to play on the wing, does not have the instincts or the aerial ability to be effective close in but is at his best around the edges of the 18 yard box. Can't really see him making it at Leicester.

Waghorn 7.5 - Tremendous effort and commitment has made him a crowd favourite, thought he was at is best playing cutting in from the right to support Fryatt. Not that effective leading the line though our long ball game did him no favours, tends to go it alone too much when there are players in better positions.

Neilson 4 - Barely competent in defense he is hopelessly out of his depth when asked to get forward, a wholehearted player simply not good enough at this level.

N'Guessan 5.5 - Tremendous attacking potential, rarely utilised this season. He is ineffective defensively and in midfield so gets little gametime, would have loved to have seen him lead the line instead of Waghorn.

McGivern 3 - Half decent center back that we did not need and a poor fullback that we did. Whatever he cost us was too much.

Kermorgant 4.5 - Looks a decent player but simply never got started this season. Sadly I think the fluffed penalty will be his last kick in a City shirt.

Solano 6 - Not bad but not great either. Despite managing the whole 120 minutes on wednesday he regularly ran out of steam after an hour, didn't get forward enough and gave away too many free kicks late in the game.

Spearing 5 - Another midfield journeyman, hard working but without enough quality to make a real difference. Better than a lethargic Oakley, but not better enough to be worth getting back as anything but a squad player.

Vaughan 5 - Impressive player when fit, but that was only about 10 minutes in all.

Bruce 6 - Looks like a good player but cocked up twice on wednesday and cost us 2 goals. Maybe a bit rusty given how little game time he has managed but I would swap him for a left sided central defender in an instant.

Hobbs 9 - First season as a proper City player and has been exceptional all season. Has even managed to come to terms with playing on the left, something he had difficulty with earlier this season, outstanding.

what about the penalty v middlesborough?

and spearing only a 5? He's done well this season - better than solano at least and streets ahead of this seasons oakley

[ThorpeAstleyFox]

Please note that all of these ratings are for how good a signing I feel they have been - this is not necessarily the same as how good a player they are

Weale - 9

I was very worried when we signed a Bristol City cast-off as our first choice 'keeper but Weale has been simply brilliant all season long.

Nielson - 5

Clearly out of his depth at this level. Hopefully an SPL team will come and take him off our hands this summer and we'll sign a decent right-back.

Solano - 6

Has come in and done a reasonable job. His reading of the game is excellent but his distribution has been woeful at times.

McGivern - 4

Has had a few poor games for us and has looked the weak link in the team a lot of the times that he has played. He may yet develop into a good Championship defender as he is still young but he seriously needs to take a reality check as he thinks that he is going to break through at Man City!!!

Bruce - NA

Has only started 4 games so it's a little difficult to judge. Personally I have been very impressed with what I have seen of him and I wouldn't be disappointed if we signed him in the summer.

Hobbs - 10

I know that a lot of you haven't included Hobbs (or Brown) as he was here on loan last season. To sign him on a permanent contract was a masterstroke by Pearson and Jack has come on leaps and bounds in the last year. I hope that he is the captain of our club for many seasons to come.

Brown - 7

Has always looked solid and has been a good leader on the pitch.

N'Guessan - 6

Dany has played his part and scored some important goals to boot. He is nowhere near the finished article but is a valuable squad player.

Wellens - 8

It took me a while to realise just how good Richie is. He is tenacious in chasing the ball and plays some excellent balls. If he could shoot for toffee then he'd be in the Premier League.

Spearing - 7

Injected some much needed energy and terrier-like enthusiasm into the midfield. Most importantly for me, he allowed to drop Oakley out of the team (and the squad!) who has had an appalling season. I would like to see him back here again next season.

Kermorgant - 4

Has been played a lot out of position but still took way too long to score his first goal. He wins his fair share in the air and the backroom staff absolutely rave about him in training. I'm prepared to forget "that" penalty and feel that he will have a role to play in the squad next season. On the other hand, I wouldn't be upset if he were to leave.

Gallagher - 6

A year on and I am still unsure as to Gallagher's best position. He clearly isn't a winger but he also doesn't look comfortable as an out-and-out striker. It has been suggested that his best position would be "in-the-hole" a la Paul Scholes - but since we have never played a formation to accommodate this position I fear that we are never going to see the best from Paul. Technically he is fantastic and I am pleased that he is in the squad; however I feel that this money could have been better spent.

Waghorn - 9

Waghorn came into his own once Fryatt got injured. He has scored some amazing goals and always puts himself around well. I'd like to see him back here next season but would certainly not break the bank to get him as some members on here are suggesting. If we can get him for £1m then I'd sign him, otherwise I trust Nigel to find us another gem in the loan market.

Vaughan - 6

I have always been impressed whenever he has played. That said, he was told to come and prove his fitness and that he has done! He is quite simply too injury prone to be relied upon, however if we could get him on loan again next season then I would still take a punt.

[marbelladave]

what about the penalty v middlesborough?

and spearing only a 5? He's done well this season - better than solano at least and streets ahead of this seasons oakley

Sorry, my original draft said goals in open play, must have got lost in the edit...

The point is that although he is fiesty and committed, which is great and makes him very likeable, I find it hard to see what else he brings to the team. Not only does he not score goals, he never even looks like scoring and for a supposed playmaker, far too many of his passes are wayward. He likes to sit quite deep but defensively he is not very good, positionally poor he commits too many fouls and picks up too many cards for my liking.

Spearing is another player who works hard and gets involved but for me, does not produce very much. A solid player who is not going to let you down but is not going to win you much either. Useful enough as a squad player but on what I have seen, not really a starter at our level.

[iancognito]

Weale 9 - Signing of the season for me (allowing for the fact we technically had Hobbsy signed up already)

Wellens 7 - Pulled most of the strings but let down by his goalscoring record

Gallagher 7 - So inconsistent it's untrue. Great goal in one game, anonymous the next.

Waghorn 9 - More Robbie Fowler than Michael Owen but better than most at this level.

Neilson 5 - Maybury in disquise?

N'Guessan 7 - Another inconsistent performer, plenty of flicks & tricks but not enough to be a regular.

McGivern 3 - Worst signing Pearson's made this season or last. Makes other players nervous as well as fans.

Kermorgant 4 - Ignore the penalty, he's been poor. Might get better but I can't see it happening.

Solano 6 - Some lovely through balls but he's not a right back.

Spearing 7 - Would love to have him here for a season, nervous start but he's got huge potential.

Vaughan 6 - Like Fryatt, if he gets a full pre-season he'll have a great season but needs to stay niggle-free.

Bruce 7 - More cultured than Brown but not as sturdy as Brown.

[okie fox]

Sorry, my original draft said goals in open play, must have got lost in the edit...

The point is that although he is fiesty and committed, which is great and makes him very likeable, I find it hard to see what else he brings to the team. Not only does he not score goals, he never even looks like scoring and for a supposed playmaker, far too many of his passes are wayward. He likes to sit quite deep but defensively he is not very good, positionally poor he commits too many fouls and picks up too many cards for my liking.

Spearing is another player who works hard and gets involved but for me, does not produce very much. A solid player who is not going to let you down but is not going to win you much either. Useful enough as a squad player but on what I have seen, not really a starter at our level.

I think that you expect an awful lot of everybody. Wellens always makes himself available as an outlet and links up the play well. You seem to expect him to make killer passes all the time, score goals as well, and not make an occasional cockup! Without Wellens, there would be a lot more hoofing the ball upfield. King gets forward into the box and scores goals. Wellens job is to stay back more and link up play.

Spearing worked hard, closed down well, won the ball back, and chased back to make vital tackles. I was skeptical about him at first, but he won me over. Don't forget he doesn't have much experience at our level, and will improve.

[Tommeh]

Weale - 9....Easy to forget his huge impact especially early on for me, easily worth a good 15 points and a real success.

Wellens - 9.....Warrior, Hero, Machine. I absolutely love the guy, true he blew hot and cold over winter but in both play-off games he was incredible

Gallagher - 7....Sublime quality but I don't think we always used him in the best way. A real assett, and his free kick against Forest was worth the transfer fee alone.

Waghorn - 9.....Inspired business, a huge success and a player I'd happily have here for life. Still hope he can return if we can pull Blackpools trousers south in a DJ deal.

Neilson - 5....Sorry Robbie, just didn't happen. I'll blame the English game, certainly not the first Scot to struggle at us as Mr. Levein's signings showed.

N'Guessan - 8....I love Dany, at a loss to why he didn't get more games and more pitch time in the play-offs. Some vital goals and contributions.

McGivern - 1......I'm never one to go over the top criticising players, but he was the very worst.

Kermorgant - 6....Will sadly be remembered purely for the penalty but made some decent contributions up top, if lacking the goals.

Solano - 7....Really liked his solid contributions. Played out of his skin in Cardiff also.

Spearing - 8....Grafted at a vital time to see us into the top 6. Bright boy.

Vaughan - 6.....Wasn't fit but added another threat to the attack no doubt.

Bruce - 7.....Bloody good job we had him for those play-off games, even if he is behind a good number of our centre halves.

Some great signings made by Pearson and if some of those 9's I put are 7's then we finish between 10th and 15th in my opinion. Great work.