List of 'undroppables' exposes a wider issue

BLUES’ success last season, other than the financial advantage they enjoyed over their League One rivals, was built on consistency of selection.

- By BRIAN DICK

Manager Chris Davies often speaks of his Blue Machine and in 2024/25 the cogs within it were both predictable - in a good way - and well-grooved. There were established partnerships all over the field.

Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies were the bedrock, flanked by fullback pairing Ethan Laird and Alex Cochrane.

Paik Seung-ho and Tomoki Iwata played relentlessly through the autumn, winter and into the spring until the title was won. Up front, Alfie May and Jay Stansfield dovetailed, often in tandem, sometimes in each others’ stead.

If there was any tinkering and, to be honest, there wasn’t much it came with the wingers and number tens. Even then, Willum Willumsson managed 41 league appearances and Keshi Anderson 37.

It was felt that continuity would serve Blues well when they resumed in the Championship. And so it did.