Linfield assistant boss Ross Oliver has sympathy for Kyle Lafferty after the club's gamble on the striker backfired.
Northern Ireland international Lafferty joined the Blues back in February after being released by Kilmarnock.
It was a high-profile arrival at Windsor Park, with the 35-year-old expected to inject some fresh impetus into the Blues' title drive.
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Lafferty failed to score in eight appearances for David Healy's side, who eventually finished a distant second to Larne.
Oliver believes the veteran striker was "unfortunate" during his time in South Belfast.
"Kyle has been carrying a few knocks which have really hindered his progress. He has been unfortunate with a couple of niggles," Oliver said.
"He has been here for a short period of time so hasn't been able to get up and running. And those injuries have prevented him from getting consistent game time.
"So it has been difficult for him. I am sure he will be the first person to say he is disappointed with the way things worked out.
"Every signing you make or decision you make, it is always a gamble. It doesn't matter who it is.
"It might work and it might not work. It is just unfortunate for Kyle that with the injuries he picked up that he wasn't able to pick up any speed."
Eetu Vertainen finished as the club's top scorer this season, the Finnish striker bagging 19 goals for the Blues.
Robbie McDaid failed to fire in his debut season before picking up a serious injury, while Chris McKee and Ethan Devine chipped in with single figure goals during the course of the campaign.
Some fans believe a striker should be a priority this summer, with Larne hitman Andy Ryan and Glenavon forward Matthew Fitzpatrick just two names being linked with a move to Windsor.
But Oliver says Linfield are not concentrating on one area of the pitch, and insists any player who can strengthen their squad will be targeted.
"One of the things at Linfield is we are always looking at strengthening all areas. We don't target one area," he added.
"If we can and there are options there, then we will look at them. But they have to be players who can strengthen our squad and have the right character and mentality to play for Linfield."
Asked if there is a major rebuild required at Windsor, Oliver added: "You always have to hit the reset button, and find new ways to keep up with your rivals.
"If you're asking me is there change needed, there is always change needed. And it is important that we have the right mindset and we refocus and get ready to go again.
"We need to be stronger mentally, because you don't always get it your own way. At Linfield wee know you don't have divine right to win trophies.
"We don't have a divine right to be champions every year or be in Europe every year. You have to earn it."
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