There's little doubt that Bristol City's season has been a productive one, making progress both on and off the pitch that has set them up for a play-off challenge next campaign.
It won't live long in the memory with a 14th place finish but there are some notable takes over the last 10 months including the further emergence of City's youngsters, an FA Cup run that ended in memorable fashion against Manchester City, and a clear identity to the style of play.
It didn't come without difficult moments as Nigel Pearson's job hung in the balance around Christmas as City flirted with the bottom three but a run of 12 games undefeated showed the character and resilience instilled in the side.
With the right additions in the transfer market and an opportunity to address the balance of the squad, there's no reason why City can't be among the clubs aiming for promotion next season. As the players head off on their well-deserved holidays, we take a chance to provide final player ratings for the entire campaign.
We've only picked players who have made five starts or a total of 10 appearances and you can have your say halfway down...
Max O'Leary - 7
Started the season as second choice but came into the side on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Birmingham in October and retained the No1 jersey. Added a presence in the area from set-pieces and instilled confidence in the backline particularly when coming to command his area.
His performance away at Middlesbrough was the highlight of his campaign, emphasising his shot-stopping ability. His distribution improved as the season progressed and he rarely made an error. One or two avoidable moments such as goals against Millwall and Watford but largely consistent.
Deserves to keep the jersey next season but could benefit from an experienced No2 to provide competition between the sticks.
Dan Bentley - 6
Feels like a lifetime ago when the former club captain made his final appearances for the club against Birmingham. He played 15 times in all competitions, conceding 23 and keeping four clean sheets.
A combination of the uncertainty over his contract coupled with a weakness to command his area ultimately led to Nigel Pearson replacing him for Max O'Leary. Was a key figure in the team when they went eight games unbeaten including moving up to third in the table.
George Tanner - 7
The young right-back has come on leaps and bounds over the course of the campaign, showing no signs that he's struggling with the physicality or rigours of Championship football. Featured 32 times over the season, having only made one league appearance up until the end of October.
The switch to a back four has allowed Tanner to come into his own and play to his strengths and that is defending. Showed signs of improvement in attack but it's certainly an area of his game he can focus on heading into next season. Cemented his reputation as a reliable Championship right-back.
Zak Vyner - 8
What a transformation from 12 months ago. Being crowned Players' Player of the Season is a fitting accolade for the centre-back who instilled consistency to his game that was lacking last season.
Started 45 times in the Championship, missing just one match through illness around Christmas time and his ability to stay injury-free, particularly given the shortage of defensive options over the course of the season, can't be overlooked. Difficult to recall a time when he had a difficult game and he also emerged a leader at the back summed up by wearing the captain's armband against Swansea in March.
Rob Atkinson - 7
It's been a mixed campaign for Big Rob who has prided his game on carrying the ball out of defence. His aerial presence has been a major advantage in both boxes. His season was cruelly ended early with an ACL injury that will rule him out until around November.
Had a difficult spell around the middle of the season when Pearson left him out of the side for six matches but Atkinson admitted it helped improve his game and we saw a number of impressive performances up until that injury picked up at the Stadium of Light. There's more to come from Atkinson when he returns but he has the potential to be a top centre-back.
Cam Pring - 8
Will feel rightly unfortunate not to win Player of the Season considering how he has developed over the season. Had to remain patient to break into the first-team picture with his first start of the season coming at the end of October against Swansea.
He then played every minute of every league game from that moment, including being asked to step in at centre-back where he performed admirably out of position. Is a real threat going forward on the flanks with six assists to his name. Has shown all the attributes to become a major driving force for any success next season.
Kal Naismith - 6
Had a difficult early start to life as a City player with a number of high-profile mistakes costing points in the early stages of the season but showed his character to bounce back and take responsibility, not shying away from being the catalyst to playing progressive football.
Two calf injuries have had an impact on his campaign but his absence highlighted his importance in the side with his leadership qualities and ball-playing ability. Looked more comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder.
Timm Klose - 3
Pearson claimed he lost his drive and the decision to mutually terminate his contract was beneficial for both parties as Klose called time on a successful playing career. Looked a yard slower from last season and his performance in the cup defeat at Lincoln City proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Jay Dasilva - 6
Looks set to leave at the end of his contract unless there's a U-turn but Dasilva will be able to leave with his head held high. Performed consistently over the course of 38 appearances, remaining injury-free. One assist and no goals highlight a lack of impact going forward but can't be critical with his defending.
Mark Sykes - 7
An impressive debut campaign in the Championship having made the step up from League One. Spent the first half of the season at right wing-back, keeping Kane Wilson out of the side. Took a while to adapt to the new position but his energy and defensive side of the game remained influential.
Looked more at home when pushed forward into an attacking role which culminated in a run of five goals in six games. Adds an extra bite to the side and knows the dark arts.
Andy King - 6
Probably played more football than he was initially expecting having signed as a player/coach. Made 31 appearances across all competitions, including stints at centre-back where he had difficult games against Birmingham and Stoke City.
Enjoyed a really good run of form as a defensive midfielder from March onwards alongside Matty James and has earned the opportunity to extend his playing career for another season if he wants to. A huge influence on the younger players, in particular Alex Scott and Tommy Conway has to be noted.
Joe Williams - 7
Has seemingly overcome the worst of his injury problems, although the hamstring issue picked up against Cardiff still leaves a lingering doubt about his fitness over the course of the season. Aggression and tenacity in midfield are missed when he's unavailable.
Was brilliant in the victory over QPR on the final game of the season but perhaps didn't show that form regularly enough across the course of the campaign. His goal at West Brom, a first in City colours, was a highlight of the season.
Matty James - 7
Difficult to recall a bad game this season. An instrumental figure in the midfield who has rightly stepped out of the shadows and earned the plaudits for the levels of consistency in his game.
Pep Guardiola's praise for the 31-year-old following the FA Cup defeat against Manchester City was entirely justified. Keeps things organised and tidy in front of the defence and remained smart in possession. It's easy to see why Pearson relies so heavily on him. Levels of consistency almost raised his score to an eight.
Alex Scott - 9
What else is there left to say about Scott? The Championship Young Player of the Year is a massive accolade for him alongside winning the Bristol City Player of the Year. Has dealt with the expectations and constant speculation over his future admirably, being able to shut out the noise and concentrate on his football.
The only criticism, and this is nit-picking, was his lack of goals and assists. He scored once and assisted five and he'll look to improve those figures wherever he may end up and there's no doubt he will do that. A pleasure to watch and a special talent that is impossible to replace.
Andi Weimann - 5
Was always going to be difficult to replicate his form from last season after scoring 22 goals. City's newest captain has struggled to cement his role and position in the team over the season, particularly since the switch of formation to play 4-3-3.
Scott's position as the No10 has meant Weimann was pushed out on the right and his favoured role where he struggled to make an impact. Never shy of totally committed performances, his strike at Blackpool stands out in the memory. Also scored his 50th club goal in the victory over Rotherham which is a fine achievement.
Nahki Wells - 7
Started the season superbly, looking to make up for lost time after a hugely frustrating campaign. Scored six goals in his first eight starts with City loitering around the play-offs but only hit the target twice in the last 19 league matches - both of which came from the penalty spot.
His impact on the side lessened when playing the lone role up front often looking isolated and frustrated. Workrate and professional faultless in every game which deserves big credit. Ended the season on 11 goals, one shy of Golden Boot winner Tommy Conway.
Sam Bell - 7
His winning goal in extra-time against Swansea in the FA Cup remains one of the Champagne moments of the season. Made his mark on the side in the second half of the season playing out on the left- his pace and finishing make him a frightening prospect if he can add consistency to his game.
Drifted in and out of matches, although that will improve with experience and will have a greater role and responsibility to play next season.
Tommy Conway - 8
A brilliant breakthrough season and one in which, if you told him at the beginning of the season that he'd win the golden boot, probably would have laughed in your face. Ended the season on 12 goals and missed 15 games with a hamstring injury midway through the season.
Has bulked up to deal with the physicality of the league and it's been paying off. There's little reason why Conway can't become a 20-goal-a-season striker next season with this year's experience under his belt. His next challenge will be how he deals with the increased expectancy.
Harry Cornick - 5
Arrived at the club in January to bolster forward options but has yet to ignite his City career. Some positive glimpses including his performance in the 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough but yet to see it consistently. Chases down every lost cause and can be a handful for defenders but the jury still remains out.
Looking forward to seeing how he develops with a full pre-season under his belt ready to hit the ground running.
Anis Mehmeti - 5
Arrived as one of the transfer coups of the January window and barring a handful of glimpses, including his assist against Wigan, he hasn't quite hit the ground running. Has all the potential to be unplayable but his lack of game time (one start in his last seven matches) is evidence that he's not quite at the levels required just yet. Could be a massive player next season once he adapts to new surroundings.
Antoine Semenyo - 6
Secured his Premier League move to Bournemouth during the January transfer window in a deal that suited all parties. His absence hasn't particularly been felt despite that excellent run of form in the build-up to the New Year. Had a slow start to the campaign having missed pre-season due to an injury picked up on international duty.
Chris Martin - 4
Quickly fell victim to Pearson's switch in tactics to play aggressive football on the front foot. Couldn't replicate the levels of form shown last season and managed one goal in the first home game of the campaign against Sunderland. The decision to move him on in January wasn't wholly unsurprising.
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