Not to say we're a one man team, but we did lose a certain spark when Higginbotham left. It wasn't so much his work on the ball, but off it was superb. The way the system we play works relied on a player like that to link midfield and attack, play a part in both too, which I felt he managed. He was our top player for creating goal scoring chances, or assists.
However, as well as that, I don't think Kieran Duffie had a good second half of the season either, in an offensive sense. It seemed any time he got the ball for a cross it would be way over hit. Having played the majority of our games throughout the season I think it shown through and hopefully a rest with good pre-season can see him get his good form back.
I agree with you though, I don't think we'll do as well as last year. Replacing Farid will be next to impossible as well as Millar with his set pieces. We have to bring in some quality or we'll be in this division for years to come.