Where will our dross end up?

[derfblade]

Why wish someone a horrible life over a game of football?

For all the dross inflicted on the club and it's fans I hope Adkins has a horrible life including hoping all.managerial posts he takes end in horrific fashion.

 

[alcoblade]

Don't worry your little head about Cuvelier or us. I'm sure we'll get the most of out him, as we do out of most players, that haven't performed elsewhere.

It's amazing what professionalism and excellent sports science can do to get players fit, keep them fit and performing to their best. If he was overweight for you, what does that say about your coaching staff and techniques, and dieticians? He looks in tip top condition after a short pre-season with us.

You keep paying wages for names, and we'll pick up the scraps and get the most out of them.

I reckon Flo will play 30+ games this season, and will be as influential as when he last played for us. It's nice to be loved.

#TEAM #NOTINDIVIDUALS

He wasn't overweight for us. Just shite.

Good luck, those YouTube videos were a long time ago.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

For all the dross inflicted on the club and it's fans I hope Adkins has a horrible life including hoping all.managerial posts he takes end in horrific fashion.

"All the dross" = Hammond and Woolford

Though Adkins deserves no praise whatsoever, I think your anger is somewhat misdirected.

 

[GrayBlade]

"All the dross" = Hammond and Woolford

Though Adkins deserves no praise whatsoever, I think your anger is somewhat misdirected.

Agreed, but although we arent lumbered with him now, please let's not forget that big, useless lump Sammon, that we were lumbered with all season.

 

[alcoblade]

Agreed, but although we arent lumbered with him now, please let's not forget that big, useless lump Sammon, that we were lumbered with all season.

Conclusively signed by Mr Clough himself, and lumbered on Adkins.

UTB

 

[Barney]

Conclusively signed by Mr Clough himself, and lumbered on Adkins.

UTB

You don't know that's the case. He may have signed him completely independently, but even if wheels were set in motion by Clough, what is near certain is that Adkins had the choice over whether to go ahead with it, and was too weak to do anything other than nod along.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

You don't know that's the case. He may have signed him completely independently, but even if wheels were set in motion by Clough, what is near certain is that Adkins had the choice over whether to go ahead with it, and was too weak to do anything other than nod along.

Whoever instigated the signing is now a bit irrelevant , as we all know the disastrous consequences . What surprises me is how some really poor footballers still can get a job . The other side of the coin is that individually they are bang average , but collectivly they were just bang piss poor shite .

Management , players , club culture who knows . Just glad we have started again .

Nigel Adkins , Dave Jones , Paul Jewell , are they all yesterday's men . If and when Clough gets the boot at Burton he will no doubt join them and many other LMA members.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

You don't know that's the case. He may have signed him completely independently, but even if wheels were set in motion by Clough, what is near certain is that Adkins had the choice over whether to go ahead with it, and was too weak to do anything other than nod along.

It's been confirmed by numerous sources.

Thoug even if you'd witnessed it first hand it wouldn't have altered your agenda.

UTB

 

[Barney]

It's been confirmed by numerous sources.

Thoug even if you'd witnessed it first hand it wouldn't have altered your agenda.

UTB

"Numerous sources" - I'm all ears...

 

[Sothall_Blade]

It's been confirmed by numerous sources.

Thoug even if you'd witnessed it first hand it wouldn't have altered your agenda.

UTB

Have you got a link to one of this numerous sources?

Even if you have, it wouldn't alter the fact that Adkins could have vetoed the transfer or at very least state that a deal had already been done (as with Wilder and Hammond)

 

[alcoblade]

"Numerous sources" - I'm all ears...

Are you? Really?

 

[alcoblade]

Have you got a link to one of this numerous sources?

Even if you have, it wouldn't alter the fact that Adkins could have vetoed the transfer or at very least state that a deal had already been done (as with Wilder and Hammond)

Have you a link to the statement that Adkins could have vetoed it?

I've heard it from people I trust. Several posters on here (nopigfansintown for one) claim to have been told this by insiders, and several people were told at a Q&A session with McCabe and confirmed on here.

I'll throw in the Derby / Clough / Brannigan connection as a smoking gun too.

Perhaps not good enough for you, but I suspect based on far more fact than your assertion that "Adkins could have vetoed it".

So.......

UTB

 

[Esablade]

You don't know that's the case. He may have signed him completely independently, but even if wheels were set in motion by Clough, what is near certain is that Adkins had the choice over whether to go ahead with it, and was too weak to do anything other than nod along.

It does make one wonder how many signing's at United over the years are actually by the manager or by people 'within the club'...would be fun to speculate..perhaps I'll start a thread!

 

[Barney]

Have you a link to the statement that Adkins could have vetoed it?

I've heard it from people I trust. Several posters on here (nopigfansintown for one) claim to have been told this by insiders, and several people were told at a Q&A session with McCabe and confirmed on here.

I'll throw in the Derby / Clough / Brannigan connection as a smoking gun too.

Perhaps not good enough for you, but I suspect based on far more fact than your assertion that "Adkins could have vetoed it".

So.......

UTB

If Adkins couldn't veto it, why wasn't it announced in the days following his appointment?

 

[alcoblade]

If Adkins couldn't veto it, why wasn't it announced in the days following his appointment?

Eh?

 

[Barney]

Eh?

If Adkins couldn't veto the Sammon deal, and it was already done and dusted, why wasn't the signing announced straight after Adkins was appointed?

 

[alcoblade]

If Adkins couldn't veto the Sammon deal, and it was already done and dusted, why wasn't the signing announced straight after Adkins was appointed?

I have no idea about that, or how to cure world hunger.

However, I'm done with the engagement with you, after breaking my rule again. I'll save the energy for someone who actually wants to debate it.

I'll wait for Sothall Blades evidence if you don't mind.

UTB

 

[Barney]

I have no idea about that, or how to cure world hunger.

However, I'm done with the engagement with you, after breaking my rule again! I'll save the energy for someone who actually wants to debate it.

I'll wait for Sothall Blades evidence if you don't mind.

UTB

So you can't answer then.

I knew you couldn't obviously, that's why I asked it but thanks for the confirmation any way.

 

[SwissBlade]

Don't worry your little head about Cuvelier or us. I'm sure we'll get the most of out him, as we do out of most players, that haven't performed elsewhere.

It's amazing what professionalism and excellent sports science can do to get players fit, keep them fit and performing to their best. If he was overweight for you, what does that say about your coaching staff and techniques, and dieticians? He looks in tip top condition after a short pre-season with us.

You keep paying wages for names, and we'll pick up the scraps and get the most out of them.

I reckon Flo will play 30+ games this season, and will be as influential as when he last played for us. It's nice to be loved.

#TEAM #NOTINDIVIDUALS

Completely agree with this.

Cuvelier was signed by Weir, but then got his ACL injury and with Weir gone he was already up against it. I seem to remember Clough liked him and said he was a tidy footballer, plus Adkins also said similar. The problem was that he never managed to stay injury free.

Looked decent in some of the cameos he played under Clough, but can't really comment about Adkins as he played too many players out of position and with strange tactics.

As for the professionalism and excellent sports science that you mention, Clough never did any strength and conditioning work (widely recognised to help prevent injuries), focussing on fitness through football training. Nutrition was left to the players, some of them then had to go elsewhere for nutrition and S&C work. Adkins claimed at the start that he wanted to make us the fittest side in the division, but we often looked the least fit and we still got the injuries. Both Clough and Adkins used the Catapult GPS and HR training gear, but i'm not sure if this was used as well as it could be. Adkins did talk about training zones after Man U in the cup, especially for recovery though. Wilder is also using the same kit.

Something that SUFC could benefit from is taking the S&C, Rehabilitation and nutrition away from the manager and give the responsibility to a fulltime, dedicated team of professionals. Let the manager focus on the football side.

 

[Bladesman]

If Adkins couldn't veto it, why wasn't it announced in the days following his appointment?

Adkins probably couldn't veto it but the club could have cancelled the loan deal. Although that would cost the club a cancellation fee. I would guess the fee to cancel could be 30 to 100k maybe more. It's up to the club to cancel and pay it, not the manager.

I assume Adkins will have been told to make do with Sammon which explains why Sammon wasn't used that much.

 

[alcoblade]

I assume Adkins will have been told to make do with Sammon which explains why Sammon wasn't used that much.

Contrast that with Hammond, who was played regardless of on the field performance.

UTB

 

[1danewhitehouse]

You missed Woolford and Coutts.

What has McNulty actually done to annoy people so much?
I read that he had a jumper over his shoulders and sucking a lollipop but is that it? I couldn't be bothered to wade through all the threads slagging him off.

I think his dad and mates acting like nobs on Twitter gets him a lot of bad press. He also seemed desperate to stay at Portsmouth rather than coming back here. So much so Billy had to tell him on Twitter to get his cover photo changed back to a blades one when he came back.


He also managed to get his face caved in on a night out in Scotland under Clough.


Just seems to like the “laddish” lifestyle a bit too much. Hopefully he grows out of it and fulfils his potential whilst still here but I won’t hold my breath.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Surprised by that opinion. I recall one game last year where Scougall hit the deck so many times. Even the most innocuous of contacts and he was down and asking for treatment. I do not see what he offers at all. He does not assist, does not score and never produces any kind of end product. He runs around but is a classic headless chicken. If we are relying on the likes of him, Reed, Coutts in midfield we are mid table at best again. Even with Fleck signed we need 2 more midfielders of me. One of size and presence and one who can get in the box and score goals.

For me it will be a midfield based around Fleck and Basham this season. Then either Scougall/Adams in the number 10 role or 2 up top.


I’ll be surprised if Scoguall holds down a place regularly but he’s an alternative from the bench I suppose.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

What a load of nonsense. Cuvellier was here for 3 seasons and never was able to stay fit. When he did play he was useless. He was here under 4 managers and none of them saw him as a first team regular. He was on very good wages and did nothing at all for SUFC. To blame the club, managers, sports science would be wrong (United's facilties are second to none at this level). The fact he piled on the pounds and looked absolutely useless when he played was mostly down to one person. Him. No tactics, fitness or sports nutrition is to blame for the fact he could barely control a football when he did play..

I will be amazed if he plays 30 games. He has played 22 games in over 3 seasons!!! You are welcome to him.

I blame our kit designer as at Rochdale, Flo was playing ever so well until he tried to spread the play out to the Steward on the touchline. It all went downhill from there. As long as Wallsall don’t have a day-glow away kit, he’ll be fine.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

For all the dross inflicted on the club and it's fans I hope Adkins has a horrible life including hoping all.managerial posts he takes end in horrific fashion.

He’s only inflicted Woolford and Hammond on us. We’ve got rid of one already and the other will be gone before long.


Clough inflicted Higdon, Alcock, Coutts, McEveley, J. Wallace and many more.


Robson left us with Carney and Hendrie to dispose of.


Blackwell left us with Andy Taylor, Bogdanovic, Ertl, Nosworthy, Simmonsen etc.


Adams gave us Collins and Doyle.


Wilson left us with Porter, Hill, Flynn, Higginbotham, Williams, Westlake etc.


Weir gave us the gifts of King, Cuvelier, Baxter, McGinty, McGinn and Johns.



Adkins’ offence is a misdemeanour by comparison.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Have you got a link to one of this numerous sources?

Even if you have, it wouldn't alter the fact that Adkins could have vetoed the transfer or at very least state that a deal had already been done (as with Wilder and Hammond)

I think we can probably safely assume both of the following:-


1. Sammon was identified as a target by Clough and both he and Brannigan instigated the transfer.

2. Regardless of whether Adkins had any say or not, he didn’t seem flat out against it as Wilder was with Hammond. But then he’d not seen Sammon struggle in our team the previous season as Hammond had.


I think on paper, Sammon didn’t look a bad signing. He started well too. Problem was that for a big bloke he was crap in the air. The other problem was that he didn’t have the mental strength and self belief to turn it round once the fans were on his case (harshly in the first instance in my opinion). Instead he retreated into his shell and got worse.

 

[Rodders]

Why would Adkins veto a signing he'd not seen play? Especially one from the league above whom you would have imagined would come with some quality.

 

[Bladesman]

Contrast that with Hammond, who was played regardless of on the field performance.

UTB

Well regardless of Hammonds on the field performances, it was a player Adkins wanted unlike Sammon. That said he did not play Woolford that often and he signed him.

Shame those two signings were his downfall because had he seen Hammond as more of a player/coach and brought another midfielder in then maybe things would have turned out better.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Have you a link to the statement that Adkins could have vetoed it?

I've heard it from people I trust. Several posters on here (nopigfansintown for one) claim to have been told this by insiders, and several people were told at a Q&A session with McCabe and confirmed on here.

I'll throw in the Derby / Clough / Brannigan connection as a smoking gun too.

Perhaps not good enough for you, but I suspect based on far more fact than your assertion that "Adkins could have vetoed it".

So.......

UTB

I'm quite happy to stick to the facts as we know them:-

25th May 15 - Nigel Clough is sacked
2nd June 15 - Nigel Adkins is appointed
30th June 15 - Players contracted to Sheffield United return to pre-season training
18th July 15 to 23rd July - Sheffield United play three pre-season friendlies
25th July 15 - Sheffield United confirm they have signed Connor Sammon on a one year loan (along with Billy Sharp).

Adkins only reported comment on the signing of Connor Sammon is:- "Delighted to get both players over the line and I'm looking forward to working with them," said boss Adkins. "Billy is someone I know well and Conor is a player we have admired from afar and have monitored his progress since he was at Kilmarnock."

Adkins selects Sammon in his starting eleven throughout most of the early months of the season. Ahead of Adams, McNulty or other options.
He doesn't try and sign an alternative striker to replace Sammon, even in January and we're not even linked with a replacement striker.

At no point does Adkin mention that he didn't want to sign Sammon and he was already signed before he came.
Not even a hint and not even when things had turned sour. Contrast that with Wilder and Hammond etc.

Those are the facts. So, if Clough signed Sammon before he left at the end of May? Why did Sammon not join us until the end of July?
Why did he therefore miss most of vital pre-season training and pre-season friendlies?
Why did Adkins regularly select him if he didn't rate him? Why did he not try to sign a replacement at any point?
I would be genuinely interested to know what your sources explanation are for all this.

I think the probable truth is that Clough/Brannigan had started working on transfers for the new season (e.g. McFadzean, Sammon).
Adkins reviewed their list and being an "admirer" of Sammon he readily agreed that we should continue to try and sign him.
Others like McFadzean he didn't pursue, preferring to bring in his own choices (I.e. Woolford, Burn, Hammond, Sharp)

 

[Treeton Blade]

Before anyone says who cares; I just want them gone, I do agree with that but be interesting to see where we think our collection of misifts might end up when most move on at the end of the season as 'free agents'

Also I have done a bonus section for those not out of contract / loanees but will probably move on..or should!

I am hoping none of them return but I am going to play a game with best cased scenario and worst cased scenario where they may end up. Using some of background and geographical roots to help me choose location!

Feel free to join in or say I don't give a damn! It is quite cathartic.


Best Scenario =BS (for them and us in some cases!)
Worst Scenario = WS (for them)


---

George Long -

BS = A further year at United; maybe as back up.
WS = York City as first choice keeper after being released.

Still young enough for a club to gamble on him for a short term contract
---

Mark Howard -

BS = Back up at somewhere like Leyton Orient back in London.
WS = Aldershot in the Conference South

A League One back up; he is not going to get another club higher than us.
---


Neill Collins -

BS = Might get a year at somewhere like Notts County.
WS = Back to his first club in Scottish Championship, Dumbarton.

He has played enough years as a regular for us, gulp, that he may earn himself another year somewhere in England otherwise the safety net to finish his career in the backwaters of Scotland.
---

Bob Harris -

BS = Someone like Chesterfield might give him a year in League One due to links with Morgan.
WS = Hamilton in lower Scottish Premier.

Too many injuries but done enough for maybe a side in League One/Two to give him a pay as you play. If not back to Scotland.
---

Jay McEveley -

BS = A further year at United or a 1 year deal at somewhere like Rochdale.
WS = Accrington in League Two. Made captain.

He has the experience and probably enough footballing back catalogue to get another year or so in the league.
---

Harrison McGahey -

BS = Southport in National League.
WS = Chorley in National League North.

Not sure anyone in League football would have someone who was not even good enough for football club Tranmere and is a reserve in League One.
---

David Edgar -

BS = Back to USA and maybe gets a year for Toronto FC - actually that might be preferrable to playing for us for another year which was my other consideration.
WS = Hartlepool. He has roots in North East so could see him here.

Not even sure he would be good enough for the MLS and may end up somewhere like the delicously named Niagara United in Canadian league if he leaves British football. He is 29 end of season so not a kid.
---

Kieron Freeman -

BS = Gets a year or so at Portsmouth after having loan spell there.
WS = Mansfield where he was on loan before and local side for him

There are worst players than him and sure he will hang around the lower leagues for a while but he cannot defend well enough nor is consistent enough to play any higher. Looks the sort with his man bun and athletic type style but mostly all fluff and little substance.
---

Callum McFadzean -

BS = Gainsborough Trinity. Not even sure he will get regular games in the National League and may have to go one down from there.
WS = Hallam FC/Sheffield FC. That sadly is where he will end up in a few years I feel.

Could not even get in the Burton or Stevenage sides in League Two. A player lacking in ability and attitude. Remember him saying he did not want to go same way as his brother re drinking/knuckling down and although he was involved in the court case a few years ago after a fight; it is more his ability. He is just not very good sadly.
---

Terry Kennedy -

BS = Not been able to hold down a place at Cambridge so not sure with his knee injuries he will stay in the League. May get a short term contract in Non League at somewhere like Lincoln or Grimsby.
WS = Retires. Feel in a year he may be out of the game completely.
---

James Wallace -

BS = Fleetwood; if they go down may have him a short contract .
WS = Back at Tranmere in National League or worse still has to pack up completely.

Shrewsbury don't seem to fancy him but seems sort that would play for a local-ish side and his injuries dictate it would be League Two at best.
---

Ryan Flynn -

BS = Scunthorpe. A League One side might give him a year but that is a push and more likely....
WS = Falkirk. Head back to his first club. they may go up and thus he could still get a deal at lower Scottish Premier League.

Flynn is not worst player in the world but a steady eddy at best and with injury problems unsure he is going to get many offers in England aside from maybe League Two.
---

Dean Hammond

BS = Blades give him a year and make him skipper!
WS = Luton Town. The manager Jones was big mates with him at Brighton.

Think it is inevitable he will sign if Adkins stays sadly. Reality is his legs are done and even League Two is a stretch.
---

Florent Cuvellier

BS = Port Vale might give him a month to month contract. If he stays in England though reastically Carlisle might be as good as he gets until he gets injured again
WS = Sportvereniging Zulte Waregem. A mid table Belgian League side. Will play 3 games straight and then break down and have to pack in.

Not sure he will be able to get any kind of fixed deal in England with injury record over last 3 years. He may have to go back home.
---

Jose Baxter -

BS = Could see him going back to Oldham; especially if they go down. They will be desperate and so will he.
WS = Tranmere. Back to Merseyside/Wirral and he can toss it off most weeks in the Non League and concentrate on his main hobbies outside of football. Allegedly.

He has enough talent that a league club will give him a deal based on some goals and promise he has still occasionally shown but is not a kid anymore and sadly other League One teams will have seen what a weakness he is due to his lack of effort/fitness.
---


Stefan Scougall

BS = Hibs. Back to Scottish League. If they go up he may be deemed not good enough for Scottish Premier League ironically.
WS = Livingston or St Mirren. Scottish Championship (2nd tier) about his level.

Not a free agent but sure the club will release him or pay him up. He will head back to Scotland. He has shown he does not have any particular quality after looking a real talent when he first came.
---

Connor Sammon

BS = Dundee United. Their big money signing (free) that will spearhead their promotion charge.
WS = Derry City. League of Ireland about his level.

Will have his pick of rubbish in Scotland or Ireland. His days in English League football are surely done after a series of loan moves has seen him plummet down the leagues.
---

Jamal Campbell Ryce

BS = Colchester in a side going for Promotion.
WS = Back to London and a deal with somewhere like Barnet or Wimbleon.

Actually they are both the same but a player approaching mid 30's will probably not get a club at this level. Still could be a real asset for one of those type sides.
---

Diego Di Girolamo

BS = Chesterfield / York. Morgan's influence may see him get a short term contract but even Morgan did not see m to fancy him so he may end up back at York but they have changed management so even this would be a push.
WS = Stavely Miners Welfare. Northern Counties East Premier League. I cannot see him ending up anywhere but non league. For all the talk of Italy, he seems a bit of a home bird ; seen him drinking milkshakes in Chesterfield market (not quite McNulty stalking - for the record he did not have a jumper draped over him) and his girlfriend works at the college.

Just not done it and all the dream moves to Italy that were mentioned seemed to be a figment of his imagination. Not even involved in the Italian young squads now as too old; not sure anything but non league football awaits him. Most talked about prospect without actually ever doing anything of note since Ian Ross.
---


Marc McNulty

BS = Pompey sign him for a longish contract. If they go up ironically they may feel they can do better but they seem to like him and he probably will stay there.
WS = Back to Scotland. Pick a middling - rubbish Scottish club. Lets go Inverness. Do they sell Lollipops?

He is one that could still score goals given half a chance but is quite in and out and plays well maybe 1 in 3 or odd sub games. No sure he has the attitude to make it any higher than middle of League One at best.
---

Missed anyone?

Ah. Feel better now I have got rid of them all.