IT was a season that promised much for Holyhead Hotspur, but they were left wondering what might have been after a dismal run of form since the turn of the year.

After an impressive start to the campaign for the Holy Islanders, their gradual slump saw them finish significantly lower than anticipated despite having a wealth of talented littered within their squad.

Manager Campbell Harrison saw his side lose eight straight Huws Gray Alliance contests during the run-in before their final fixture victory over Caersws, and there is plenty of work ahead this summer if they wish to get back to prominence within the second tier.

One of the main features of their success over the years has been their outstanding home form, but their fearsome reputation at The New Stadium took something of a knock this year which was the catalyst behind them finishing fourth-from-bottom in the standings.

This is a talented group who, at least on paper, have the ability to finish much higher, but their lack of consistency cost them dear in relation to other sides around them who thrived in what was a hughly competitive division once again.

Although they may have finished in the bottom half, there were plenty of positives to take, not least the efforts throughout the season of club mainstay Kenleigh Owen.

The gifted playmaker was at the heart of everything goof for Spurs during the season, and his leadership was a crucial element to a young squad who learnt some significant lessons.

New signing John Littlemore showed glimpses of his potential and looks an absolute natural in front of goal, while youngster Alex Boss enjoyed short period of good form despite being hampered with injury.

Tomos Clarke was another that caught the eye on occasions for Harrison’s side, while veteran shot stopper Paul Pritchard continued to show why he is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers operating outside of the JD Welsh Premier League.

Losing skipper Rhys Roberts to Caernarfon Town last summer was a big blow and one they felt heavily at times and especially during their difficult run of results, so the onus will be on Harrison and his dedicated staff to come up with solutions during the summer to ensure they hit the ground running next time around.

When a team finishes so low in the standings, it might give the impression that wholesale changes need to be made. However, I do not see that as the case with the Holy Islanders given the amount of talent they have within their squad.

Maybe another summer of working together and improving cohesion as a unit will turn things round so they can improve next year in what is sure to be another second tier season that takes no prisoners.