As the final league games were played last weekend, as STE season was really all but finished anyway, the Manager had sneaked off for a week in the sun, flying out the day before the games were played. Rumoured to have watched the games from a sun-lounger via a grainy whatsApp video call, barking orders with a cocktail in hand. It mattered little in the bigger scheme of things, but the final two results were mixed - a 3-1 win against HIBs who were rock bottom after a difficult season, but the game wasnt as easy as it maybe could have been. Last weekend of the season can always throw out some surprise results, with managers prepared to push the endurance of top players that little bit further than they usually would. RR never looked like getting sucked into that relegation play-off battle ayway, but by this time they were well safe - with a mid table fiish secured, they had little to play for - it didnt stop them going all out for a win, and thats hwat they got. Final game of the season, for us a 4-2 defeat. 

So we finished 4th, on 52 points. It was the draws that stopped us finishing higher - 10 games. If we had converted some of those we woul dhave pushed up the table, but it would never have been enough to catch the MOT machine.  That means we have finished in the top 5 for the last 8 seasons (last 6 in Division 1) and extended our best ever run in the top flight. 

Render finished Top scorer on 22, but 7 off top spot Sam Dalby and also finished 5th top in the overall Player Ratings table. Jack Hamilton in goal finished 3rd in the Golen Gloves table, a very solid season. 

With the trade window re-opening there is little time to rest, but next season preprations have as usual been underway for some time at STE. In between the sticks, Jack has agreed a 1 year extension to his contract and is expected to train hard and play a key role throughout the season as Heston takes another season to learn and develop to his full potential. The full defensive unit will stay together and hopefully take that chemistry into next season. We will be on the lookout to but one more DF. 

in MF we always need some talent adding, but this will depend on available funds after pre-season purchases. We are weak here and it wont take much to strengthen in MF. 

Up to, Bear and Render will continue to lead the line, but as the depth up front is dropping, its expected that Blondie (UT) may play more time up front too next season)

Looking forward to it - if you have any bargains for sale, get on to our scouts and maybe we can do a deal