Lennie McQueen looks back on a season of stymied progression for the Red men.

How has this term compared to pre-season expectations?

Pretty much as expected. Stupid result to start the season at WBA and the corresponding fixture at home. Not good enough against the big boys and daft dropped points against the supposed lesser sides. Fancied us to get 6th, so 7th is a tad below par.  Inconsistency still being the biggest problem, since 1990.

Happy with the gaffer?

On the whole, yes. Bit disappointed with his response to Skrtle cock up against City in first home game. All very well having principles on how to play, but a rollicking is needed sometimes, especially when causing points to be dropped.

Who has been the stand-out performer?

Suarez. Decent end to the season by Sturridge and Coutinho could be a great find. Good improvement from Henderson and Downing.

Is there anyone you’d happily open the exit door for?

Shelvey as a definite. If ever there was a Gerrard wannabe who just didn’t have it. Seems a liability more than anything.

What would you have done different if installed in the dug-out last summer?

Eased the new ideas onto the side, instead of the gung-ho, this is how it will be, approach he took. The pre season was a waste of time. Senior pro’s missing and using the kids and squad players to press home new ideas of playing did not work. Come early season, it was very rusty and we looked caught between two stools as to how we should play.

What has been your own personal highlight of Liverpool’s 2012/13?

Decent performance, with ten men (Shelvey sent off) against United at home. And thumping Newcastle away 6-0. Could quite easily have been double figures.

Have you noticed Rodger’s grand plan developing throughout the season? Has there been a progression?

From a shaky start and looking like the Barca style was not for us, there has been slow progression, towards the end of the season. It was probably a case of one step forward and two steps backwards at times and still, the 6 second pressing rule does not apply. Given a good pre season and plenty of work on the pressing side of the game, a 4th place next season may not be out of reach. If he manages to instill consistency too.

Is there a future at Anfield for Andy Carroll?

No. The lad does have ability and in other sides will be a real handful. Our defenders would not relish playing against him. But Rodgers plan B, is just a tweaking of Plan A and I think Carroll would be a square peg in a round hole in the approved style of play.