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Well, that’s a wrap to the 2016/17 season…
You didn’t think we were going just end it like that did you? Of course not!
Leading up to the game, we all assumed we’d be talking about a Whites’ victory… if not because of pride but just because Leeds was better than Wigan in every aspect of the game.
But alas, a Chris Wood penalty in the 50th minute merely erased an early strike from Wigan’s Ryan Tunnicliffe to salvage a single point in the final game of the season.
Chris Wood is the 6th Leeds player to score 30 goals in a season - Tom Jennings, John Charles, Peter Lorimer, Lee Chapman, Jermaine Beckford
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) May 7, 2017
We’ll have more about this season in the days to come, but here’s a look at three talking points following Sunday’s draw:
Talking Point 1: Thirty goals is something special
Chris Wood joined a select club of Whites after scoring the penalty in the 50th minute. He not only joined a very short list of former Leeds players to hit that mark, but the tally was also his 100th of his career.
Wood has continued to improve since arriving at Elland Road in 2015. In his first season with the Whites he scored 13 goals in 36 appearances. His tally of 30 this season shows his continued maturation with the club and is certainly something to look forward to next season, assuming we hold on to him.
A really healthy, productive season dragged down by a horrible last month. Wood getting a deserved ovation from the away end. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) May 7, 2017
Talking Point 2: Garry Monk must stay
It’s not even the elephant in the room… Leeds fans made sure of that from the away stand Sunday following the game. Leeds United must keep Garry Monk. There should be little time between the team arriving back at Elland Road and Andrea Radrizzani sitting down the manager and offering him a long-term contract.
Not easy to express what I feel. We've just ended a very special season here and I'd like to thank everyone at Leeds... #MOT 1/3 pic.twitter.com/QNHwq3u6eq
— Pep Clotet (@pepclotet) May 7, 2017
Of course, everyone knows what our take on the Monk contract situation is. And, by the way, that display by Whites’ fans is a testament to why it is important to keep him: to ensure the atmosphere isn’t poisoned for next season.
Talking Point 3: Time to open the checkbook, fill some holes
While Radrizzani will have to pony up and get a deal together for Monk, there are other considerations for the team.
Kyle Bartley is an obvious need for the Whites. The defender has been on loan from Swansea, but it would be worth it for Radrizzani to attempt to make the loan move permanent, something Monk said would be a top priority should he return. Transfermarkt has Bartley’s value set at 1 million Euro, and for what he brings to the table on the pitch alone, that should be worth it.
Of course, we would also be remiss if we didn’t bring about the debacle that was Charlie Taylor’s refusal to play Sunday.
First up from Monk's presser - says Charlie Taylor refused to play today and said he's been "terribly advised all season". #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) May 7, 2017
There is no doubt that a player willing to sit out and not help the club shouldn’t be with the club to begin with. With Taylor surely gone, other loanees leaving, and with obvious need still on offence, Radrizzani better be ready to open his wallet this summer.
To be sure, we will take a look at the loan situation for the Whites as well as examine needs, wants and desires for the team heading into what could be a productive off-season in the days and weeks to come. For now, a 1-1 draw at Wigan ends a successful yet unfulfilling season, and we look forward to what might be in 2018. MOT.