First of all I'm glad we've extended Smith for another year. He performed well for us during his time in the top squad. I hope he keeps up the form next year.
Secondly, you could look at the number of players we have off contract at the same time as either a good or a bad thing. We may lose some players that are going well. But even if we lose some players we'd like to keep it gives us two years to keep picking the eyes out of the junior ranks to get our lower grades full of exciting prospects. If the club is serious about relying heavily on youthful players we will become far more appealing for young players that deserve a shot, but are stuck behind established players. It gives Pay or whoever is our coach by that time to recruit players with the skills and attributes to fit the playing style we want when we have both space in the roster and some coin to spend. It is a gamble but I think our management are up to the task.