Just goes to show what a gamble the loan system is. I know we have used it successfully before - before 2013, Scott Cuthbert and Charlie Adam spring to mind as good, successful examples.
Then, of course, the stars aligned in remarkable fashion as Dummett, Newtonnnnnnn and, of course, that big beautiful bastard Isma helped to give us all some wonderful memories, and a trophy.
But for each one of them - the ones who sense an opportunity, fit in well, and work hard to make the most of it - there are so many others that just don't work (in every sense of the word...) Just from the past 12 months, Campbell, Plummer, Drury, Magennis, have all been a waste of time and space.
We keep hearing that the loan system is essential for clubs like ours, and it's just the way of things now, and while the latter may be true, I really don't want to see us depending on loans again. Yes, use them to add gloss and depth to a squad, but they should never be integral.