Change, change, change – the mantra was clear from Michael Beale when asked about what was required in order to achieve the essential progress for next season, particularly when going toe to toe with Celtic.
There is a job to do in the here and now with short term objectives including working with players who will be surplus to requirements for the new campaign but that is just another part of the job for Beale.
In a wide ranging interview in terms of his responses and outlook after the bitter League Cup loss, he stated that he learned some new things, that things aren’t quite coming together as intended in some aspects and as is obvious, recruitment is going to be massive in the Summer ahead.
Several mentions of ‘change’ spoke volumes.
The manager was vocal on this theme at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the Kilmarnock game, as below:
“I think we need to recruit three or four that are going to make a massive impact on the team. We need to sort out the futures obviously of the ones that are there. And it may be that I feel that we need to change one or two that are in contract as well. So, there’s no exact number on it. I need to make a strong team. At the moment we have a recipe to a certain level.”
Beale also stated in January, very shortly before the Nico Raskin signing:
“It’s got to be the right players. I would like us to add a midfielder to the squad that’s powerful and who can run. I would like to add another centre-half to the squad and I think we’ll be looking at the goalie situation in the summer as well as looking for another No 9″
The need for more is visibly clear, it was never going to be addressed over one transfer window but the challenge as ever is to be able to recruit the required quality within the budget available.
Regardless of that, a significant turnover in the playing squad is set to take place at the end of the season. There is no more time to wait.
Change is coming.