EEL - better yes, but good enough?

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Unless last night he was given instruction to have a poor game (wait for it WHAM wannabees) I'm not sure EEL is the answer.
OK, so Wright was out last night, but then good enough centre halves are good enough regardless of who they play next to.
We've have some great moments (let's face it, a goal-scoring centre half soon endears himself to fans, particularly after the recent dross we've had there) but last night and previous games if we're being honest showed his limitations. Good against poor league one attackers, a threat at corners, limited ability with the ball at his feet, but, along with the other 2, looked a complete numpty for the goal last night (not seen any Georgesque criticisms of Moore by the way, who hesitated and changed his mind before making the wrong decision)
Wolves fans have seen more of him that we have, and I'm beginning to feel their opinon of his limitations is more accurate than we'd hoped.
Yep, he's still got time to develop, but he's also got the same amount of time not to.
I desperately want him to become the rock of a defender that everyone else craves for, but I'm not convinced.

 

[Bladesway]

Unless last night he was given instruction to have a poor game (wait for it WHAM wannabees) I'm not sure EEL is the answer.
OK, so Wright was out last night, but then good enough centre halves are good enough regardless of who they play next to.
We've have some great moments (let's face it, a goal-scoring centre half soon endears himself to fans, particularly after the recent dross we've had there) but last night and previous games if we're being honest showed his limitations. Good against poor league one attackers, a threat at corners, limited ability with the ball at his feet, but, along with the other 2, looked a complete numpty for the goal last night (not seen any Georgesque criticisms of Moore by the way, who hesitated and changed his mind before making the wrong decision)
Wolves fans have seen more of him that we have, and I'm beginning to feel their opinon of his limitations is more accurate than we'd hoped.
Yep, he's still got time to develop, but he's also got the same amount of time not to.
I desperately want him to become the rock of a defender that everyone else craves for, but I'm not convinced.

He is limited but then again he is playing in the third division so I don't expect Alan Hansen to rock up. Lads probably having what is technically termed a dip in form. It happens.

 

[Clarkey87]

He is a decent league one player, and a million times (not hard really) than what we've had in a few years.
However, he is still young, learning and developing his game.

Champsionship player he is not at this stage and is quite a way off that but for what we need in this division, he does us a job.
Granted he didn't have the best of games last night, but apart from Duffy and Fleck, nor did anyone else to be fair.

 

[Stretch]

I don't have stats to hand but I wonder how many thanks goals have been conceded this season when Wright hasn't been on the field?

 

[Dalelane01]

Singing his praises one minute .one defeat in 16 and suddenly hes rank make your minds up!

 

[blackydog]

I may well be wrong (again ) but he seems to lack a little confidence sometimes, seeming too eager to lay the ball immediately to midfield. I think he actually looks stronger when he brings the ball out, but then I've always liked attack minded defenders.

 

[Esablade]

It's funny, cause he's started looking a bit 'off' only in the games where we're well on top and he's ending up in the wing or trying to overplay stuff.
He was mostly sound at Charlton and I'm sure he's more than good enough for L1 when sticking to his job, which is limited and which he does very well.

Overall I think the team are overplaying/struggling against the 'weaker' sides in an attempt to break them down...two ageing forwards are perhaps a little easy to defend against because of their lack of pace, though, you'd think a supposed 'big battering ram' in Clarke would be idea for these situations?...and I'm really not sure Lavery is the answer (from what I've seen)

Chapman, who does look the part, is on loan..which may(?) explain his absence from the starting 11 these past few games.

EDIT: Though of course, he made a right bollock of the goal last night

 

[BushBlade]

Need to get some perspective. A player comes in, does well, has a few really good games and everyone starts calling him God and shitting their pants in case Real Madrid or Rotherham come in for him.
Then he has a bad game and the shock from the realisation he's not really God, he's not even Chris Morgan, means that he's fucking rubbish.

 

[Slim Man]

He's plenty good enough for this division.

 

[itsinyerblood]

I think the word is overreaction.

EEL has contributed to our good form, no doubt about it, so has JOC, who will improve...but...the significance of Wright, which has been commented on before, cannot be dismissed easily. His organisational skills, his ability to instruct, to keep those around him on their toes, all of these and more have been the central proposition in our now broken run. Where you find this type of experience and football intelligence only those who work in the business of football will know. Wilder had already worked with Wright, so it wasn't too much of a masterstroke to realise what Wright could bring to our defence.

The last few games our level of performance has been good, but we either struggle to score, or those who are paid to put the ball in the onion-bag have hit a dip in form. I'm no different to most supporters, I'm hugely disappointed after losing to Walsall, but we weren't capable enough to deliver that killer blow. The plus in all of this is that it's we're still in November, Wilder has time to find a solution to our current blip, and I believe he will. I saw his interview after last night's game. A reasonable assessment I thought, but who know what's said in the dressing room? Player's like EEL and the others who have given us such good times this season will once again come good; what we have to hope for is that the players shake themselves down and find that missing element that made their rise up Div 1 seem so effortless.

 

[I should coco]

The plus in all of this is that it's we're still in November, Wilder has time to find a solution to our current blip, and I believe he will. I saw his interview after last night's game. A reasonable assessment I thought, but who know what's said in the dressing room? Player's like EEL and the others who have given us such good times this season will once again come good; what we have to hope for is that the players shake themselves down and find that missing element that made their rise up Div 1 seem so effortless.

Agree completely.

It's only November and no-one died.

Ignore Sunday as the run is over anyway, so a good chance to give Chapman, Lavrey, Whiteman et al 90 minutes?

We pick ourselves up and we go again at Coventry. No post mortems, endless whingeing or sniping.

 

[Wards]

Good for this division but not good enough if we get up - we'd be a bit foolish to outlay any decent funds on him in my opinion.

JO'C is the future for us, outstanding talent.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Like several of our players, EEL struggles against pace. He was shocking last night but has generally done well for us.

I think he is good enough for L1 but he would struggle in the Championship where many of the attacks have more pace. I think we should try to stick with having him on loan.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I thought the forgotten man Wilson started the season better than O'Connell so unless he has injury issues, I'd be happy to go with him and JOC tbh although I wouldn't mind keeping EEL for the season.

Still not convinced he's better than League 1 level so another 25 plus games on trial wouldn't go amiss.

 

[Tezza1889]

Isn't it the other end of the pitch where the problem is ??

done needs to come back, or sharp needs dropping...

We are dominating and not scoring, why analyse the defence ??

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Isn't it the other end of the pitch where the problem is ??

done needs to come back, or sharp needs dropping...

We are dominating and not scoring, why analyse the defence ??

Why analyse the defence? It's because teams only have one or two attacks and still score. I agree the attack needs looking at too though.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Isn't it the other end of the pitch where the problem is ??

done needs to come back, or sharp needs dropping...

We are dominating and not scoring, why analyse the defence ??

True, but the way we play, it's all building from the back with the defenders bringing the ball out of defence (in order to negate the need for Coutts to come and fetch it). It was double heart in mouth last night with EEL and Basham. You could argue that this is the reason why we seem to spend so much time in our own half which also gives the opposition time to get back and re-group.

 

[maxtheblade]

I think the word is overreaction.

EEL has contributed to our good form, no doubt about it, so has JOC, who will improve...but...the significance of Wright, which has been commented on before, cannot be dismissed easily. His organisational skills, his ability to instruct, to keep those around him on their toes, all of these and more have been the central proposition in our now broken run. Where you find this type of experience and football intelligence only those who work in the business of football will know. Wilder had already worked with Wright, so it wasn't too much of a masterstroke to realise what Wright could bring to our defence.
.

Completely agree with this - we missed Wright's leadership at the back last night. Basham definitely needs someone to talk him through games and I wonder if EEL does as well to an extent? JOC will develop it in my opinion - think he's got potential to be very good.

I think Chris Wilder needs to be looking at bringing in another experienced leader of a centre half in January - not necessarily old just someone with lots of games under their belt. This is good contingency if EEL gets recalled (hopefully last night put that one to bed) but in my opinion is needed anyway. Someone like Byron Webster (but not necessarily him) - potential to play in division above also.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Completely agree with this - we missed Wright's leadership at the back last night. Basham definitely needs someone to talk him through games and I wonder if EEL does as well to an extent? JOC will develop it in my opinion - think he's got potential to be very good.

I think Chris Wilder needs to be looking at bringing in another experienced leader of a centre half in January - not necessarily old just someone with lots of games under their belt. This is good contingency if EEL gets recalled (hopefully last night put that one to bed) but in my opinion is needed anyway. Someone like Byron Webster (but not necessarily him) - potential to play in division above also.

Agree with all of that mate. Trouble is, where do you find these players? It's like goalscorers, every team are after the same few players who can deliver the goals we seek.

I sense that both Wilder and Knill are well equipped when it comes to knowing who's out there and available. Patience (something that's in short supply) may be what we need as Wilder seeks to correct this current malaise. I'm sure he'll put in the hours to get us back on track, so my advice to other Blades is trust in our manager to get this right.

 

[FriethBlade]

Completely agree with this - we missed Wright's leadership at the back last night. Basham definitely needs someone to talk him through games and I wonder if EEL does as well to an extent? JOC will develop it in my opinion - think he's got potential to be very good.

I think Chris Wilder needs to be looking at bringing in another experienced leader of a centre half in January - not necessarily old just someone with lots of games under their belt. This is good contingency if EEL gets recalled (hopefully last night put that one to bed) but in my opinion is needed anyway. Someone like Byron Webster (but not necessarily him) - potential to play in division above also.

That's why we keep getting linked with Webster, I can see us signing him whether EEL stays or not as Wright isn't getting younger and Wilson seems to be permanently injured .

 

[Teddy]

Agree completely.

It's only November and no-one died.

Ignore Sunday as the run is over anyway, so a good chance to give Chapman, Lavrey, Whiteman et al 90 minutes?

We pick ourselves up and we go again at Coventry. No post mortems, endless whingeing or sniping.

Have you already written off the Swindon game? Think we should at least give it a go.

 

[I should coco]

Have you already written off the Swindon game? Think we should at least give it a go.

I've tried really hard to think of some stunning witty riposte but I'm struggling.

Swindon it is then!

My point still stands that we shouldn't take the cup too seriously and play some of the fringe players.

 

[Teddy]

I've tried really hard to think of some stunning witty riposte but I'm struggling.

Swindon it is then!

My point still stands that we shouldn't take the cup too seriously and play some of the fringe players.

I definitely agree, but I also want to win it, would be disappointing not to make the 3rd round. I'd play a strong team but give minutes to our stronger fringe players. I'd want to see Chapman, Hussey, Lavery and Brooks get some minutes. I would not like to see Reece Brown or any real shake up of the back three.

 

[BushBlade]

I definitely agree, but I also want to win it, would be disappointing not to make the 3rd round. I'd play a strong team but give minutes to our stronger fringe players. I'd want to see Chapman, Hussey, Lavery and Brooks get some minutes. I would not like to see Reece Brown or any real shake up of the back three.

Two reasons why winning would be good:

We could do with the cash.

It stops Bolton from getting a potential big 3rd round tie and the money that goes with it, meaning they're more likely to have to sell someone.

 

[Teddy]

Two reasons why winning would be good:

We could do with the cash.

It stops Bolton from getting a potential big 3rd round tie and the money that goes with it, meaning they're more likely to have to sell someone.

Agreed, and Two further reasons:

1- would be a psychological boost to beat our promotion rival on their own patch and return us to winning ways after a little falter;

2- I seem to remember someone on here saying we have a pretty lengthy record for making the 3rd round, so it would be a shame to lose that.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Anyone know how to remove a question mark and insert the word 'not' into a thread title please?

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

There's some wise words earlier in this thread

 

[Roygbiv]

Ebanks Landell is the Achilles EEL of the team. Get it?

 

[Slim Man]

What the fuck was he playing at for their second?

 

[Lmaobob]

Ebanks Landell is the Achilles EEL of the team. Get it?

That was terrible. But have a like