The Plan for Promotion : The Retained list
So this is it, Burnley find themselves at a crossroads for the third time in five years following relegation from the premier league.
The club has announced its retained list today, with two senior players leaving, one midfielder out of contract and two still in discussions - it’s set to be a busy summer at Turf Moor.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Vclav Hladky will depart at the end of their contracts on the 30th June.
Hladky has only made one league appearance in 18 months, with his last appearance coming in the 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Lancashire rivals Preston North End.
Dubravka on the other hand signed from Newcastle United last summer and made 35 premier league appearances before being dropped for Max Weiss.
The goalkeeper had a really mixed bag season, producing top performances against Manchester United at home and Liverpool away. His save against Wolves, which arguably was match winning, was nominated for save of the season.
On the other hand, the goalkeeper had some poor performances towards the end of the season, particularly against Leeds away and Fulham.
Defence
The only out of contract player in defence is Axel Taunzebe, with the Manchester United academy graduate penning a 1 year deal last summer.
The defender would miss 24 games all season with a spite of injuries and lack of fitness, however he is due to play at the upcoming world cup with national side Congo. The defender is still in discussions with the clarets over a new deal. He may be a useful addition to the squad given his promotion experience with Ipswich Town.
Midfield
Josh Laurent has extended his contract at Turf Moor for another season. The midfielder signed from stoke city for an undisclosed fee and has gone on to make 33 premier league appearances. The midfielder was a rotation option before the injury to Josh Cullen, before making somewhat of a defensive partnership with James Ward Prowse in the second half of the season. Often producing more solid performances than fellow midfielder Florentino.
On the other hand, cultured midfielder Ward Prowse has returned to West Ham United following the conclusion of his loan. His future is somewhat unknown given a breakdown of his relationship with Hammers boss Nuno Espírito Santo at both Nottingham Forest and the east London outfit.
Forwards
Club legend Ashley Barnes is still in discussions with the club about his future, with the striker seeming to say goodbye at the end of the game against Wolves.
The striker has played a bit part role this season. Despite this, he has two goals in the FA cup against Millwall. He could have had a first premier league goal in nearly four years against Brentford, as VAR ruled it out for an accidental handball.
The striker, despite not having the on pitch ability anymore due to his age - will almost certainly be involved next season in some capacity. A future in coaching almost looks like a certainty for the modern legend. The club may well adopt a similar approach to Jack Cork - two years after retirement the Englishman is now a first team coach for Burnley after spending a season coaching the under 21s.