Once again, we've gathered our writers at TF towers to deliver their final verdict on the season just past. Strap yourself in... Part 2 tomorrow.
**In three words, the 25/26 season was:**Two steps back
**Player of the season:**Malick Thiaw. Not without blemish - who has been? - but his contribution has been remarkable. Having never played Premier League football before he only played 36 minutes in our first five matches, during which he looked like a particularly startled rabbit. But after that, he started 51 of the remaining 53 matches, completed all but one, and played more minutes than anyone else by some distance. Not bad for a debut season.
**Signing of the season:**See above. I’ll just point out that Thiaw also scored more goals than Elanga and Wissa combined. Whoever was responsible for last summer’s unspeakable transfer catastrophe should be nowhere near this summer’s dealings.
**Goal of the season:**Sandro’s second vs Villa, FA Cup. There were probably better goals but this was a cracking strike combined with a match situation that made it one of those joyous away end moments. On the end of disgraceful refereeing incompetence, righteous indignation drove us on at Villa Park. When Sandro spanked home his second to put us in the lead, we reacted with suitably unrestrained ecstasy.
**Sliding doors/‘if only’ moment:**None. We got what we deserved throughout the season, even while we spent long periods kidding ourselves it was all ok. Let’s not make the same mistake now and think that somehow it could have been different.
Personal highlight: During such a disappointing season, I was lucky enough to enjoy some top notch away days, the undoubted highlight of which was Everton at the shiny Hill Dicko. Great company, great beer, and a scarcely credible 4-0 up after an hour. If Carlsberg and all that…
Before August 2026, NUFC should: Put in place a succession plan for the manager. They’re going to need it when they crack the glass some time before Christmas.
If this season had a theme song, it would be: *Summertime Sadness -*Lana Del Rey. Where it all began and where it’s ended.
Season Rating: 5/10.
Matthew Philpotts
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**In three words, the 25/26 season was:**Bang bloody average.
**Player of the season:**It’s hard to look past Bruno. Top scorer in the league for us, a real leader and so impactful we can’t really win without him. He’s also a great reason to support Brazil in the summer.
**Signing of the season:**Hardly spoilt for choice, but I still struggled to pick either Big Nick or Jacob Ramsey. Big Nick has a high ceiling I think and will go on to be a very good player, hopefully for us. I also really like Jacob Ramsey. He’s technically excellent, especially when running with the ball and he covers every blade of grass. But Big Nick will go on to have a big NUFC career so I’ll say him.
**Goal of the season:**Big Nick against Everton. The fact it was against T-rex Pickford really adds to it. But it’s classy and it’s impudent and I love it. And him.
**Sliding doors/‘if only’ moment:**The Barcelona penalty at SJP. I’m not saying we’d have gone all the way or anything but I think a win there changes the second leg a little and possibly our season too, given the positivity and belief it would have given us. The reality is that there were so many points dropped from winning positions, there were way too many “if only moments” and that’s the real issue of the season.
Personal highlight: The Osula goal against Man U. Absolute worldy and I think I nearly gave the dog a heart attack when celebrating. That was also a proper backs to the wall performance in many ways and a game which reminded me why we do all this. Plus, I hate Man U. So that helps.
Before August 2026, NUFC should: Sign Harry Wilson on a free.
If this season had a theme song, it would be: Complicated - Avril Lavigne. I love you Eddie, but this has been a stinker mate. Why d’you have to make things so complicated for me?
Season Rating: 5/10. The league form has been super inconsistent but the European games were great fun. Would have been 6/10 if we hadn’t been so shite in both derby games.
Dai Rees
**In three words, the 25/26 season was:**Europe was fun.
Player of the season: Lewis Hall - a rare bright spot in a largely dull and somewhat frustrating campaign.
**Signing of the season:**Malick Thiaw - injuries probably mean he has been overplayed at times, leading to fatigue related mistakes, but still believe he has the potential to be a Mags defensive icon. Honourable mention to Jacob Ramsey, who finished the season well.
**Goal of the season:**Big Willy Osula vs Manchester United.
**Sliding doors/‘if only’ moment:**If Isak had stayed, even just for one more year. Sorry, I had to say it. Players moving on is one thing, but the Isak saga disrupted pretty much the entire preseason, saw our best player leave, and the big transfer fee we received combined with a late need for a replacement meant selling clubs had us over a barrel.
**Personal highlight:**Reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time - came crashing back to Earth at Barca, but still it was the one part of the season you could actually describe as ‘fun’.
Before August 2026, NUFC should: Get at least 99% of transfer business done. If we need to sell, sell early - even if it’s painful in the short term and it means banking some of the fees - and look to have a settled squad as early as we can for preseason.
If this season had a theme song, it would be: The Middleby Jimmy Eat World
**Season Rating:**5/10 (one mark removed for the abysmal display at Fulham, which really underlined how crap it’s been at times this season)
Rob McGregor
***
**In three words, the 25/26 season was:**A dispiriting trudge
**Player of the season:**I’d probably plump for Bruno, narrowly pipping Lewis Hall. Our captain has his limitations, but he remains our heartbeat. He’s the type of player who can drag you over the line. All the above is evidenced by our rancid results when he’s not around.
**Signing of the season:**Tough one. I’m going to say Jacob Ramsey, as I’m becoming a real fan. I think he’s been criminally underused by Eddie, but can see much greater things for him in the future.
**Goal of the season:**Definitely Will Osula’s amazing effort v the Mancs. Everything about it was superb. The way he carried it forward, cut inside and unleashed such a curling pearler. The timing of it. The opposition. Mint.
**Sliding doors/‘if only’ moment:**I reckon had Sven Botman’s header which crashed against the woodwork versus Sunderland gone in, the world would be looking a slightly better place currently. We’d have gone into the break 2-0 up, and I think they may have caved. Beating them would’ve been wonderful. Plus, we’d now probably be in a Euro spot.
**Personal highlight:**The trip to Baku. I took one of my sons, Joe and he absolutely loved it. A stunning city with excellent bars and restaurants. Really friendly folk too. Winning 6-1 v Qarabag properly topped it off.
Before August 2026, NUFC should: Do a great deal. We know that a few ‘stars’ will depart. There are also a few ‘deadwood’ types who will be following them. I’m praying the DOF & manager are in accord this time, as this window will make or break us. They should have targets sorted now. They need to act quickly and decisively. Replace the likes of Gordon with younger ‘up & coming’ talent. Amongst those brought in should definitely be a proper number 9 and goalkeeper who can kick the ball.
**If this season had a theme song, it would be:**The theme music from Benny Hill would be apt.
**Season Rating:**4/10. Harumph.
Nick Clark