Linfield in need of rebuild after tough season

European football and a trophy on paper sounds like a favourable campaign but, for a club like Linfield, it will not be considered one.

Qualifying for Europe was crucial for their summer budget and this off season, the Blues will need a rebuild in the transfer window.

After winning last year's Premiership so convincingly, this season, they never really challenged the top three teams and their early Irish Cup exit against eventual Championship winners Limavady United did not act as the kickstart for a good league run that some thought it may be.

However, they did manage to lift the BetMcLean Cup after defeating rivals Glentoran meaning boss David Healy, impressively, still has only had one year in charge of the Blues without silverware.

Losing captain Chris Shields through injury for majority of the season was big blow but Healy will be keen for a season full of more positives next year if they get their summer business right.