No EEL No promotion !!!!!

[Benny and the Blades]

There was a guy on FBH saying that if EEL is recalled we can kiss good bye to promotion for this season ?
I think this is on a par with that, we must sign Brayford at any price to ensure promotion, thinking a couple of seasons ago.
I'm a big fan of EEL and would love him to stay but to think we couldn't get anyone to replace him if he left is barmy.
With Brayford it turns out we already had his replacement sat on the bench and I don't doubt for a minute EELs replacement is already down in Mr Wilders little book should that situation arise...
Losing EEL "IF" it happens would be a set back for sure, but I very much doubt it would put an end to any chance of promotion we have.

Lighten up Blades,in Wilder we trust.........

UTB...

 

[Stretch]

Absolutely agree that EEL is not the be all and end all, good yes but also replaceable. Wilder will know soon enough whether EEL is staying and I am sure will move quickly if he is recalled.

At present I would even argue that Wright is a more crucial player. He's the defensive leader. We need an EEL type to do the heavy lifting though.

 

[bornablade]

My concern is the longer term. If we can get EEL on loan to the end of the season then go for it. But if we need to sign him on what maybe a 3 year deal then I think we'll all be disappointed with him in the Championship.

 

[SwissBlade]

I think when the EEL came in, it was the impact, the heart and spirit which he epitomised. Players like EEL, Brayford and Bob Booker don't always need to be that good, but they have something in common - they actually give a shit.

Sometimes fans need to see that and i think it rubs off on players. They hear the crowd react to that player and it lifts the entire side.

Would we miss Eel if he was recalled? Of course, he's made the place his own and is a recognisable player for the fans to connect with, but he's not irreplaceable. Its almost like his job is done now.

 

[Benny and the Blades]

I would agree that in the Championship he would need a speedy partner, but he is one of the few (perhaps the only) decent header of the ball we have at the back..

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Some had better be careful what they wish for - We are dominating games because the opposition doesn't get near our defenders very often.

We have a decent 3 for L1 that's all.

The inside story is that CW has someone lined up if ELL goes back - might even strengthen the team.

UTB

 

[sitwell]

I think it would be a big mistake for him personally to go back.

 

[DifferentClass]

The inside story is that CW has someone lined up if ELL goes back - might even strengthen the team.

That you Sun?

 

[Clarkey87]

There was a guy on FBH saying that if EEL is recalled we can kiss good bye to promotion for this season ?
I think this is on a par with that, we must sign Brayford at any price to ensure promotion, thinking a couple of seasons ago.
I'm a big fan of EEL and would love him to stay but to think we couldn't get anyone to replace him if he left is barmy.
With Brayford it turns out we already had his replacement sat on the bench and I don't doubt for a minute EELs replacement is already down in Mr Wilders little book should that situation arise...
Losing EEL "IF" it happens would be a set back for sure, but I very much doubt it would put an end to any chance of promotion we have.

Lighten up Blades,in Wilder we trust.........

UTB...

To be fair. I head that call and though the bloke was a pig pretending to be a blade. Just everything about the call screamed pig. Turned it off after that

 

[Lmaobob]

The inside story is that CW has someone lined up if ELL goes back - might even strengthen the team.

UTB

Ebanks landell landell? who's that?

 

[mancunianblade]

My concern is the longer term. If we can get EEL on loan to the end of the season then go for it. But if we need to sign him on what maybe a 3 year deal then I think we'll all be disappointed with him in the Championship.

You do know we have him on loan until the end of the season dont you? the issue is Wolves choosing to recall him, if they dont he remains ours.

 

[Blade58]

EEL has been great for us thus far, but I thought the Cov game he looked very pedestrian. Hopefully just a one off

Same for a number of players that night.

They are all entitled to an off game, but please not all at the same time. Up to CW now to make sure that it was a one off

 

[Ricky]

Wolves won 2-0 at Forest today. That makes them even less likely to recall him. They'd be daft to do so.

The importance some are placing on keeping EEL here is ridiculous. Anyone would think he's Sol Campbell in his prime! He's a good solid player but he's not irreplaceable, and we have a manager who plans properly. So he'll already have a number of alternatives in mind, and if we do lose EEL, he'll make absolutely sure that he gets one of them. We'll push the boat out for Webster if we have to - I think we might even sign him anyway.

 

[bornablade]

You do know we have him on loan until the end of the season dont you? the issue is Wolves choosing to recall him, if they dont he remains ours.

Apologies. I thought the loan was up at the end of the year.

 

[mancunianblade]

Apologies. I thought the loan was up at the end of the year.

Nope, season long loan, But Wolves did however put a recall clause in there that can be triggered in January.

 

[Grizzly blade]

We need to write off the Coventry game. Very unusual for a team to be unable to actually communicate with each other and unable to tell if the ref has blown his whistle.

To pass the ball well communication is crucial

 

[Sheffsteel]

To be fair. I head that call and though the bloke was a pig pretending to be a blade. Just everything about the call screamed pig. Turned it off after that

I thought the same or maybe he was a Blade that rarely goes to matches.

I agree with Ricky. EEL had a fantastic initial impact and was a bit of a talisman and cult hero BUT his performances of late have levelled off and many are now seeing him for what he is. Simply an above average league 1 defender with potential to get better. He's good but not indispensable and it wouldn't surprise me that if Wilder has a replacement lined up he ends up being even better than EEL.

 

[mancunianblade]

I thought the same or maybe he was a Blade that rarely goes to matches.

I agree with Ricky. EEL had a fantastic initial impact and was a bit of a talisman and cult hero BUT his performances of late have levelled off and many are now seeing him for what he is. Simply an above average league 1 defender with potential to get better. He's good but not indispensable and it wouldn't surprise me that if Wilder has a replacement lined up he ends up being even better than EEL.

Could you not attribute this to Wright being absent,and EEL becoming the senior amongst the 3 CBs? I don't count Basham in this as he's a stop gap. I think once Wright does take his place in the heart of the back 3 EEL and JOC will start to really flourish.

 

[Englebert Wincobank]

Definitely a Wednesday fan.

 

[Clarkey87]

I thought the same or maybe he was a Blade that rarely goes to matches.

I agree with Ricky. EEL had a fantastic initial impact and was a bit of a talisman and cult hero BUT his performances of late have levelled off and many are now seeing him for what he is. Simply an above average league 1 defender with potential to get better. He's good but not indispensable and it wouldn't surprise me that if Wilder has a replacement lined up he ends up being even better than EEL.

I don't listen to FH much anymore as it's just pointless with the same boring mouthpieces coming on talking bollocks, including the hosts, was more curious to the hyped up over reaction to the Coventry game, then that bloke came on, sounding like it was the end of the World.

I agree, he had that initial impact.
I'm not overly concerned that he will go back because despite Wolves being rubbish at the minute, EEL will not be their answer. I have said it before, he is a good league one player, and one day as he develops he can be a good Championship defender, however at this moment in time he is not good enough for the Championship and will get found out very quickly against much better players.

I think he could develop well with us but if he does go back, we move on, I believe Wilder will already have a replacement in mind in case it does happen. I also believe that we are probably in discussions to buy EEL in January if he isn't recalled.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

The beauty of what Chris Wilder's creating is that it's all about the team, not about individuals. But, in saying that, I'd be gutted if we lost the EEL tbh because he's been a big, big part of helping bring the spirit back to the place (& he's put in some heroic performances along the way).

Even so, he's not our player &, if we can't have him for the rest of the season, then so be it.

In the same way that CW lined Ebanks up to come in (presumably after other targets fell by the wayside, given how relatively late he arrived), he'll have other targets primed & ready. And they'll probably be left-field & unexpected, just like EEL himself was at the time.

 

[TJB.]

It all rests on how the Wolves owners want to play it.

I'm not an expert on the matter, but it seems like they've got some dosh behind them, they want to make the playoffs as a minimum, and they're doing relatively poorly at the moment.

Now, if that's the case, is a reserve player on loan at a third division club going to be the answer to your problems? Did he not come here for a reason initially?

I'm confident he'll see out the season with us. But as has been said, it won't be the end of the world if he leaves.

It's bloody fun to have a cult hero, though

 

[Benny and the Blades]

I think EEL will still be here after Christmas and I would be very surprised if where we are in the Div.right now and the way we've been playing dosen't make it a lot easier to bring in players who wouldn't have risked it preseason.......

 

[Bladesthorpe]

EEL has been great for us thus far, but I thought the Cov game he looked very pedestrian. Hopefully just a one off

Same for a number of players that night.

They are all entitled to an off game, but please not all at the same time. Up to CW now to make sure that it was a one off

Have you forgotten how the striker ran past him for Walsall's winner or his pass back at Coventry that nearly cost us, not bothered one way or the other if he stays or goes, as others have said CW will have it sorted.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

I don't think our fans should be so blase about losing EEL in January, it took over 2 years to properly replace Maguire, one of the reasons being there's not that many big f**k off centre halves around anymore.

I would agree with those who are saying EEL has not been as good without Wright there. The defence looks much more balanced with Wright as the spare man and EEL facing up to an opposing striker (he's definitely not as good when he's the spare man), with JOC on the left. I also think the team is missing Wright's leadership qualities and drive too. Get him back in and get Basham on the bench.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

I don't think our fans should be so blase about losing EEL in January, it took over 2 years to properly replace Maguire, one of the reasons being there's not that many big f**k off centre halves around anymore.

I would agree with those who are saying EEL has not been as good without Wright there. The defence looks much more balanced with Wright as the spare man and EEL facing up to an opposing striker (he's definitely not as good when he's the spare man), with JOC on the left. I also think the team is missing Wright's leadership qualities and drive too. Get him back in and get Basham on the bench.

Get Basham back on the bench your joking he's been our best defender the last 2 games, also would bring to your attention Bash has not been on the bench only suspended because CW realises what an important player he is.

 

['Doc' Pace my hero]

I have a lot of respect for Chris Wilder,but his obsession with finding a starting place for Basham at any cost does worry me.I am not that keen on 'utility' players,it usually means that they can do a job in a crisis,but they are not a specialist,i think that sums up Basham perfectly!! I personally think the return of EEL would be a real loss,i get the feeling that his worth to the team is much greater than what he does on the pitch,although i do think he is very capable at this level,i really hope he stays.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

Get Basham back on the bench your joking he's been our best defender the last 2 games, also would bring to your attention Bash has not been on the bench only suspended because CW realises what an important player he is.

The defence of EEL-Wright-JOC is much stronger, physically, mentally and effectively than the defence with Basham in it. A midfield of Coutts-Duffy-Fleck performs better and more effectively than one with Basham in. For me he doesn't have enough drive and personality to be a first team fixture, not if we want promotion. Basham's fine as a utility player and as you said he can come in play well when needed, but when all the regulars are fit, as far as I'm concerned, he goes back on the bench.

 

[Ricky]

There are a lot of pros to playing Basham at RCB but our most solid defence doesn't include him, and our best midfield doesn't include him. His selection is something that has to be decided on a game by game basis, but for most games in this division he should be in the team. For some games though we should go with our strongest defensive trio at the back.

He improves the pace of the back three. He improves the technical ability of the back three. He helps us play on the front foot. His one on one tackling is very good. He gives us flexibility without making a substitution. All very good reasons to play him and why more often than not he will be in the team.

 

[GrayBlade]

There was a guy on FBH saying that if EEL is recalled we can kiss good bye to promotion for this season ?
I think this is on a par with that, we must sign Brayford at any price to ensure promotion, thinking a couple of seasons ago.
I'm a big fan of EEL and would love him to stay but to think we couldn't get anyone to replace him if he left is barmy.
With Brayford it turns out we already had his replacement sat on the bench and I don't doubt for a minute EELs replacement is already down in Mr Wilders little book should that situation arise...
Losing EEL "IF" it happens would be a set back for sure, but I very much doubt it would put an end to any chance of promotion we have.

Lighten up Blades,in Wilder we trust.........

UTB...

The guy Callum was a Pig pretending to be a Blade Sandy. I posted about him at the time. He kept on sniggering with his mate. The sad bit is Statton still gave him air time but I expected nothing less from him.