Scougall

[Davie Blade]

Let's examine these foundations he was laying;

Mark Howard
Bob Harris,
Harrison McGahey
Jay McEveley
Florent Cuvelier,
Ryan Flynn (Extension)
Jamal Campbell-Ryce.
Kieron Freeman
Kieran Wallace
James Wallace
Stefan Scougall
Connor Sammon

And let's also give credit to others who he let add to our wonderful base, Chris Porter's contract extension and a host of other names so dismal they escape me.

To a man, all off to footballing oblivion.

UTB

the star of all stars CAPT Higdon FFS!

 

[blade too long]

Don't think Done was happy playing where he was asked to play last season. Hopefully our new manager will find the Done that we had two seasons ago. An attacking player capable of getting goals.
As for Scougall, we never really saw him last season. When he was bought I think I remember Clough saying he was one for the future and then he played him almost straight away. Maybe we will see the Scougall who scored at Wembley. Fingers crossed.

These are 2 players totally mismanaged by Adkins. not all players especially of league one standard can play in any position , you find what they are good at and use them there.
Adkins should have used his own geese analogy and put put them in the formation they can make headway with

 

[Davie Blade]

And Coutts is the new Messi - I despair.

6 goals is 8 years from the maestro midfielder.. play him along side Reed, Scougal/Holt and wonder why we get out muscled in midfield and can't defend set plays.
Apparently it's called 'Building a team and laying the foundations'

Meanwhile back on planet zog the building genius, despite a record of wasting millions by signing shit after shit to the power of 25, wanted to be allowed even more money to sign 8 more players in the close season.

 

[boo radley]

I wouldn't want to defend Adkins, but I disagree that the players were playing for Clough in the end. The first season Clough did what he does best - make do, three wheels on my wagon, someone else's players etc. Plus he got the loan players (Coady was already here). 2014-15 was his team. Don't get thrown by the cup run. Where it matters, in the league, those players did not perform. In the end the players looked scared to try anything half the time and the football was boringly dire, mechanical and unincisive.

Clough's pursuit of O'Grady was at least on a par with the Adkins and Burn scenario and he did nothing to solve the centre half problem created after he fell out with Collins and Butler. The loss of the loan players from the previous season was a problem. Without Maguire it became a massive problem which only got worse with whatever happened between Clough, Butler and Collins. I don't pretend to know what it was, but something self-evidently did. It was Clough's job to sort it. He didn't. Instead we bought a full-back for an excessive amount for this division. Clough's answer for this season was rumoured to be signing another Derby crock as CH (Barker). Nothing has been said about any other buy's Clough intended other than that he extended McEveley's contract and set up the loan signing of not Billy, but Sammon. At least Edgar was fit enough to play - unlike Coutts, Higdon and Wallace -when signed.

As for the players playing for Clough, we ended the season with 4 points out of the last 15. Were they playing for him in the draws with Crawley, Scunthorpe,Oldham and Chesterfield - the home defeats to Crewe, Fleetwood and Peterborough and the awful,awful display away at Yeovil? Then came the farce of the play-offs where Clough was forced to play the 5'8" Alcock at CH because he had fallen out with his centre halves and Brayford was injured, losing to a team that went on to lose 4-0 in the play-off final.

Now is not the time to look back at Clough with rose-tinted specs. He is as much history as is Adkins.

How many managers since the prem have made progress with teams?
Oh and as for the cup runs, don't you be fooled. They were more impressive than any since we made a final because of the low base which we were at and the teams we beat. Oh and all away in the FA cup with the exception of Charlton if I remember right? So in other words miles more impressive than the tripple assault season where we ultimately failed as well.
There is only one man to blame for the constant failures and it is not the Managers.

 

[blade too long]

How many managers since the prem have made progress with teams?
Oh and as for the cup runs, don't you be fooled. They were more impressive than any since we made a final because of the low base which we were at and the teams we beat. Oh and all away in the FA cup with the exception of Charlton if I remember right? So in other words miles more impressive than the tripple assault season where we ultimately failed as well.
There is only one man to blame for the constant failures and it is not the Managers.

just blackwell
sacked for finishing 8th in the championship after a play off final
standards must have been higher back then

 

[PeteBlade]

I would say if you add Billy Sharp and John Brayford to that squad with a couple of loans a decent manager should get promoted from this division

Yet the new manager comes in and releases the lot?

What incompetence, releasing a promotion winning squad.

 

[PeteBlade]

This false obsession with Clough being some sort of tactical genius laying foundations and having a plan is ridiculous.

Look at all these garbage players we're getting shut of/trying to get shut of, all Clough's men!

These players that were 'playing for Clough' were they doing so when we lost 3 home games in a row to the likes of Bury and Crewe?

The tactical genius they started the second leg of the play offs with no centre backs and shipped 5 goals?

If he were laying foundations, they were old, average, expensive foundations barely fit for purpose.

Beggars belief.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Scougall doesn't score goals, create goals, tackle or win headers but apart from that is the complete midfielder.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Football is a team game and like all sports a confidence game as well as skills based.

The same players in a different environment can change from also-rans to world beaters.

Maybe 50% of those on the transfer list could do well in the right environment. Maybe more than a couple of those released could also.

With the right leadership and a run of good results players start to express themselves.

Wilder has had individual decisions to make about each player to include their ability, character, fitness record, age and playing positions.

A couple may well have been unlucky to find that the new manager wishes to make a bold statement of intent with wholesale changes which certainly change the mind set of everybody concerned with the club, most importantly the players who are still here.

There is still time for a couple of those transfer-listed players to earn the right to be taken off the transfer list if they want to stay; some will get better offers, some may not get another job.

Of the retained more senior players not transfer-listed, a couple have a lot to prove and have a 50/50 chance at best and Scougall is one of those. A couple of them may be sold yet so the remaining nucleus of the squad can get even smaller. The younger hopefuls, Reed, Whiteman, Lewin all have their personal challenges to establish themselves in the first team too.

Good luck Chris Wilder, I hope the Board and the fans give you loads of support and encouragement and patience.

We could start the first game next season with as many as 6 brand new players/ young lads and almost a totally new bench.

 

[PeteBlade]

I think the telling thing will be when none of the released players end up playing at a higher level and most drop.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I think the telling thing will be when none of the released players end up playing at a higher level and most drop.

Probably, though such as Lyle Taylor, Tony McMahon, Andy Taylor, and the like re-emerged with the right breaks.

 

[PeteBlade]

Probably, though such as Lyle Taylor, Tony McMahon, Andy Taylor, and the like re-emerged with the right breaks.

Yes you're right with those guys, can't believe Tony McMahon could have been a championship player again.

 

[boo radley]

just blackwell
sacked for finishing 8th in the championship after a play off final
standards must have been higher back then

Yes that is what I'm getting at. Even the managers that have made progress have been sacked. Blackwell 3 games in to a new season!! Then look what happened.
People want progress and stability then when it looks like it might be potentially offered the man at the top panicked.
Yeah right, some of the foitball was cack.
The fact remains his diplomacy with managers is rubbish. Non foitballing reasons indeed .what does that even mean, he swore at him, piccked his nose when he should not have? If Cloughs side was crap then he should have allowed him time to prove it. It would have been 10x better than what we did see this last season.

 

[blade too long]

Yes that is what I'm getting at. Even the managers that have made progress have been sacked. Blackwell 3 games in to a new season!! Then look what happened.
People want progress and stability then when it looks like it might be potentially offered the man at the top panicked.
Yeah right, some of the foitball was cack.
The fact remains his diplomacy with managers is rubbish. Non foitballing reasons indeed .what does that even mean, he swore at him, piccked his nose when he should not have? If Cloughs side was crap then he should have allowed him time to prove it. It would have been 10x better than what we did see this last season.

was down to fan pressure getting shot of Blackwell
Some werent happy we werent prettuy enough to watch
some couldnt see the restrictions we had , only mccabes money compared to mother clubs who had several benefactors funding them

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Yes that is what I'm getting at. Even the managers that have made progress have been sacked. Blackwell 3 games in to a new season!! Then look what happened.
People want progress and stability then when it looks like it might be potentially offered the man at the top panicked.
Yeah right, some of the foitball was cack.
The fact remains his diplomacy with managers is rubbish. Non foitballing reasons indeed .what does that even mean, he swore at him, piccked his nose when he should not have? If Cloughs side was crap then he should have allowed him time to prove it. It would have been 10x better than what we did see this last season.

It perhaps could have been different if it wasn't 3-0 , QPR and Warnock . Bit of a knee jerk reaction but is now light years away . Progression none in previous years but let us see what Wilder can do.

Blimey , at one time we were not satisfied or content with mid table championship . Now we would settle just to be in the championship . ( this would only be for one season , and if we didn't get promotion to the premiership , we would again sack the manager )

We are getting there slowly . Patience is a virtue and we ain't got any.

 

[boo radley]

It perhaps could have been different if it wasn't 3-0 , QPR and Warnock . Bit of a knee jerk reaction but is now light years away . Progression none in previous years but let us see what Wilder can do.
You mean the man at the top has not.

Blimey , at one time we were not satisfied or content with mid table championship . Now we would settle just to be in the championship . ( this would only be for one season , and if we didn't get promotion to the premiership , we would again sack the manager )

We are getting there slowly . Patience is a virtue and we ain't got any.

 

[Bladezz]

I think Scougall is one we may keep a hold of but at the same time if Fleetwood come in and say we will take him I think he will be allowed to leave.

I think the mass culling of players isn't just down to the players abilities. I read a lot about Northampton town having a great team spirit etc and we didn't appear to have any.

We need a fresh faces just to take away all the doom and gloom.

 

[sitwell]

It perhaps could have been different if it wasn't 3-0 , QPR and Warnock . Bit of a knee jerk reaction but is now light years away . Progression none in previous years but let us see what Wilder can do.

Blimey , at one time we were not satisfied or content with mid table championship . Now we would settle just to be in the championship . ( this would only be for one season , and if we didn't get promotion to the premiership , we would again sack the manager )

We are getting there slowly . Patience is a virtue and we ain't got any.

Blackwell was done with me when he resigned after the play off final ,McCabe should have accepted. He had already fucked us off for Leeds once too don't forget. He has been proven to be a poor manager since ,good understudy to Warnock but very poor man manager.

 

[Bartleby]

And that is exactly why he will be no good for us in this Division ...... referees do not give a foul for shoving / throwing / hurling / shouldering / pushing Scougal off the ball ......

UTB & FTP

I would welcome a return to the more physical game that used to exist, but that ref was a joke for doing nothing about that judo throw. McArdle could have broken Scougall's neck and it was bordering on a criminal assault, almost as bad as the one Duncan Ferguson went to jail for.

 

[Benny and the Blades]

Best of luck Mr Wilder,

your going to need it..............

 

[Champagneblade]

Scougall doesn't score goals, create goals, tackle or win headers but apart from that is the complete midfielder.

Is it still acceptable these days to be undecided on a player?

I wasn't against not listing Scougall because when he first arrived he seemed a decent ball carrier from midfield and scored a couple with you hoped he could build in.

From that early potential he somewhat descended into a midfield dogger (so to speak!). His game became more about his energy levels and ability to close down opposition. This wasn't his label when he came from Livi.

I find myself nodding at your points. They are the same issue I see in Coutts. Decent footballer in terms of ball control and ability to retain possession. But doesn't create goals bar about one exception. Doesn't score goals at all. Unlike Scougall who at least adds something from a defensive harrying perspective, just has no interest in defending.

If Wilder can get him back to when he first joined and he can get him in scoring positions more then he could hold a place down in a successful squad. If not, all that you say above is still bang on and we need to get rid.

Let's see what Wilder can make of him.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Is it still acceptable these days to be undecided on a player?

I wasn't against not listing Scougall because when he first arrived he seemed a decent ball carrier from midfield and scored a couple with you hoped he could build in.

From that early potential he somewhat descended into a midfield dogger (so to speak!). His game became more about his energy levels and ability to close down opposition. This wasn't his label when he came from Livi.

I find myself nodding at your points. They are the same issue I see in Coutts. Decent footballer in terms of ball control and ability to retain possession. But doesn't create goals bar about one exception. Doesn't score goals at all. Unlike Scougall who at least adds something from a defensive harrying perspective, just has no interest in defending.

If Wilder can get him back to when he first joined and he can get him in scoring positions more then he could hold a place down in a successful squad. If not, all that you say above is still bang on and we need to get rid.

Let's see what Wilder can make of him.

I think it was Revolution who said on here a midfield of Scougs, Coutts, Woolford and Hammond would mean no promotion next season.

Thankfully we are left with just one of those 4 fuckers.

 

[PeteBlade]

I think it was Revolution who said on here a midfield of Scougs, Coutts, Woolford and Hammond would mean no promotion next season.

Thankfully we are left with just one of those 4 fuckers.

The slowest, most invention and chance creation free midfield I've ever witnessed.

No idea why managers thought these guys were a good choice to play together.

Can't wait for a pacy midfield that create numerous chances per game next season.

 

[TonyAgana]

Scougall thrived in amongst a strong midfield but was completely lost when his height / weight was closer to the average. As for not being "strong enough for this agricultural division", he came from Livi, FFS! If he's used as the one little man in an otherwise hefty midfield, I'd wager him coming good again.

 

[Bladesway]

Just a thought here, with the clear out in the first team well underway wouldn't it be good if we cleared the decks of the shit of our own? Clough is gone, Adkins is gone. No amount of venting is going to change that. We have a new Manager who has hopefully the good will of every single one of us. We are arguing over things we will never agree on. I doubt it will happen but wouldn't it be a good place to draw a line under the disagreements of the past and look forward with positive intent to the future? I for one have given up of changing opinions that will never be changed.

Perhaps a clean slate across the board and positive intentions into the future would help us all move forward and actually be United together rather than it just being a platitude from a former Managers mouth.

 

[Revolution]

I think it was Revolution who said on here a midfield of Scougs, Coutts, Woolford and Hammond would mean no promotion next season.

Thankfully we are left with just one of those 4 fuckers.

I did say that, and I claim no special insight. Luckily, for the first time in a few years, we might have a manager who notices the connection between our poor midfield and our poor form.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I remember seeing a thread on blades mad about 18 months ago referring to Scougall as the "cowardly lion" in that he often hid and didn't want the ball in certain areas. It wasn't something I'd particularly noticed but when I last saw him against Rochdale, he most certainly hid. Didn't want to know about having the ball at all. Admittedly the crowd hat turned on them at that point but Matty Done for example kept wanting the ball and trying to do something with it where as Scougall couldn't wait to get rid every time it came near him. His only attribute is his ability to run at defenders. If he's opting out of that then he's completely useless. Needs to get his head right if he's to have any future here.

 

[Lord Eddard Muir]

Sounds from this like he'll get a fair crack of the whip.

Wilder "is known to be an admirer of the youngster’s talents and views him as a potential solution to United’s goalscoring problems from deep lying roles", apparently.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...ts-chance-to-fight-for-blades-place-1-7932394

Good news as far as I'm concerned. Yes, he lost his way in the last 18 months but he's still only 23. If he can get back to the kind of form he had when he first joined he can give us the creativity our midfield has lacked.

 

[BushBlade]

Sounds from this like he'll get a fair crack of the whip.

.

Shex Masochism?

 

[Kenilworth]

Scougs is ok, but for me tho, it's his lightweight frame that lets him down

Agreed to some extent but if the other midfielders has an ounce of bravado, nastiness and strength on them then Scougs could do his stuff and damage the opposition as opposed to winning the ball back because others have failed to do their job