Retained list

After a mixed season, now comes the time for the clubs released list to be revealed.

In this piece, I will be rounding up the main talking points of this potentially controversial time of year.

Keep the defence together

After a record number of clean sheets and goals conceded, it's imperative that the defensive unit is kept together.

Jamie Cumming is unfortunately returning to parent club Chelsea, so a new goalkeeper is at the top of the pecking order, but keeping Terrence Vancooten and the widely impressive Luther Wildin is a huge task in itself.

With Ben Coker seemingly on to pastures new (much to my dismay), a new left side of defence is clearly much needed.

Possible signings

Ryan Sweeney (Mansfield)

Mal Benning (Mansfield)

Will Aimson (Plymouth)

Fraker Blake-Tracey (Peterborough)

Goals, goals, goals

Despite a brilliant defensive record, the not so thrilling problem of last season was unfortunately goals.

Creation never seemed to be the issue, with plenty of chances created in the final third, just not a natural finisher there to convert them into goals.

Kieran Agard (MK Dons)

Aaron Collins (Forest Green)

Frank Nouble (Plymouth)

Andy Cook (Bradford)

Freddie Sears (Ipswich)

Midfield solidity

With Chris Lines, Tom Pett, Romain Vincelot and Arthur Read reportedly leaving the club, the centre of midfield will obviously be a position of focus. Revell will need someone to partner Young Player Of The Season Jack Smith in his preferred central position, maybe an experienced head or a more physical presence would benefit the team.

If Lines stayed that would be ideal as he perfectly matches the criteria as a box-to-box experienced head, but it seemingly looks like he's onto pastures new.

Possible signings

Sean Goss (Shrewsbury)

Luke Joyce (Port Vale)

Houghton (MK Dons)

Midfield creativity

Boro have not lacked creativity, but there nothing wrong with adding more experience to a very solid midfield that in my opinion went very under the radar.

The flat midfield four that Revell stuck with for the majority of the season certainly did its job and will definitely of attracted potential suitors from higher divisions.

Possible signings:

Ben Reeves (Plymouth)

Wes McDonald (Walsall)

Matty Warburton (Northampton)

With lots of clubs yet to releases their retained list, Boro will for sure not be short of options, and will be looking to strengthen their side for a promotion push next season.