Freed Perry

Surprisingly perhaps, pint-sized defender Chris Perry (affectionately known as 'the rash') has not been offered a new contract. Although he is indeed in the twilight of his career, he has been one of our most consistent players in recent seasons and surely worthy of a one-year extension even in the context of the Sorondo/Gibbs signings.

As I write this, it seems Jay Bothroyd is also departing the Valley for pastures new, a decision (given his younger age) which is driven by his lack of true Premiership quality. Unfortunately this does now leave Kevin Lisbie as our third choice striker, though perhaps if there is one manager who can perhaps give him the kick up the backside he so desperately needs, it might just be Dowie.

It would be interesting to know exactly what role Iain Dowie played, if any, in the decisions to release Perry (as well as the four strikers). When Richard Murray mentioned that Dowie had 'done his homework', perhaps it was with these types of decisions in mind. Similarly the decision to offer Jonathan Fortune an extension seems a smart move - an under-rated player if ever there was one.

By my reckoning, since January the following senior players have left the squad: Kiely, Murphy, Smertin, El Karkouri, Jeffers, Bartlett, Johansson, Perry, Bothroyd to be replaced only by Gibbs and Marcus Bent. Given some of the dross that still remains, it only goes to emphasise the huge rebuilding job that Dowie has on his hands - I suspect his relationship with his wife and kids is going to get even more distant in the weeks ahead.