Mark Duffy

[Slim Man]

Just a hunch, not a rumour or anything - does anyone else think Wilder might get rid of Duffy this summer?

With us already having Carruthers (I don't believe these rumours about him wanting out), offering O'Shea a contract and apparently being after Ricky Holmes again that's 4 players competing for 1 position. 2 of which are approaching 30 and Duffy who is 31 soon to be 32.

I don't think he's got the legs to play on the wing anymore, and when he did for Birmingham 4 years ago in this division he did the square root of fuck all and was sold before long. Holmes, Carruthers and possibly O'Shea could all operate on the wing.

And let's be honest he flatters to deceive a lot of the time, makes the wrong decision, hangs on to the ball for about 10 seconds too long, it's just something you can't afford to do in the Championship.

He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up, he's played a big part and we should always be thankful for that. He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again but is his time up? Switching up levels at his age, legs going, fitness going (tends to blow after an hour), it's going to be difficult for him.

Will he be the surprise sale this summer? It wouldn't surprise me - put it that way.

 

[Danny_Blade]

What length of contract did he sign for us? It may be difficult to move him on but surely a L1 club would be interested in him and his transfer fee would only command a nominal fee anyway you'd think.

I agree about that you say and think he won't feature much in a higher league so we should look to try and move him on, maybe he'll go out on loan at some point and then it made permanent in the JTW.

 

[INTAKE BLADE]

I think he's earnt at least a chance of playing to make his mark, but I can see where you are coming from.

 

[coolhandluke]

Just a hunch, not a rumour or anything - does anyone else think Wilder might get rid of Duffy this summer?

With us already having Carruthers (I don't believe these rumours about him wanting out), offering O'Shea a contract and apparently being after Ricky Holmes again that's 4 players competing for 1 position. 2 of which are approaching 30 and Duffy who is 31 soon to be 32.

I don't think he's got the legs to play on the wing anymore, and when he did for Birmingham 4 years ago in this division he did the square root of fuck all and was sold before long. Holmes, Carruthers and possibly O'Shea could all operate on the wing.

And let's be honest he flatters to deceive a lot of the time, makes the wrong decision, hangs on to the ball for about 10 seconds too long, it's just something you can't afford to do in the Championship.

He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up, he's played a big part and we should always be thankful for that. He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again but is his time up? Switching up levels at his age, legs going, fitness going (tends to blow after an hour), it's going to be difficult for him.

Will he be the surprise sale this summer? It wouldn't surprise me - put it that way.

Unnecessarily harsh on Duffy there and , imo , innaccurate too .

But , in answer to your question , I don't think Duffy will be offloaded but I'd be absolutely astonished if this position isn't strengthened in the summer ( indeed with the signing of o'shea it could be argued that it already has ) .

This isn't an indicator that CW thinks Duffy is surplus to requirements , this is an indicator that CW is preparing for life in a higher Division . Furthermore , CW will adopt a similar role for virtually every position throughout the side and rightly so . This isn't an indicator thst CW doesn't rate the players it's just common sense .

 

[Slim Man]

What length of contract did he sign for us? It may be difficult to move him on but surely a L1 club would be interested in him and his transfer fee would only command a nominal fee anyway you'd think.

I agree about that you say and think he won't feature much in a higher league so we should look to try and move him on, maybe he'll go out on loan at some point and then it made permanent in the JTW.

A player who's been in the team of the year 2 seasons on the bounce, I think teams would be queuing up for him.

 

[Slim Man]

Unnecessarily harsh on Duffy there and , imo , innaccurate too .

But , in answer to your question , I don't think Duffy will be offloaded but I'd be absolutely astonished if this position isn't strengthened in the summer ( indeed with the signing of o'shea it could be argued that it already has ) .

This isn't an indicator that CW thinks Duffy is surplus to requirements , this is an indicator that CW is preparing for life in a higher Division . Furthermore , CW will adopt a similar role for virtually every position throughout the side and rightly so . This isn't an indicator thst CW doesn't rate the players it's just common sense .

How have I been harsh?
And him looking at Holmes (if true) as well as signing O'Shea is enough of an indicator to me. Thats 4 players for 1 position.

 

[I should coco]

And let's be honest he flatters to deceive a lot of the time, makes the wrong decision, hangs on to the ball for about 10 seconds too long, it's just something you can't afford to do in the Championship.

is his time up? Switching up levels at his age, legs going, fitness going (tends to blow after an hour), it's going to be difficult for him.

Will he be the surprise sale this summer?

I think you may have answered your own question:

He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up

If he's not on big wages and CW likes his spirit and attitude, then I would expect he'd want to keep him.

He certainly won't get the same number of minutes on the pitch over the season, but he's a useful option to have around, so it's a 'NO' from me.

 

[coolhandluke]

I don't think he's got the legs to play on the wing anymore, and when he did for Birmingham 4 years ago in this division he did the square root of fuck all and was sold before long

And let's be honest he flatters to deceive a lot of the time, makes the wrong decision, hangs on to the ball for about 10 seconds too long, it's just something you can't afford to do in the Championship.

That's how your ' view ' is both harsh and inaccurate .

Duffy was unquestionably one of our best player's last season .

Didn't you also absolutely hammer Basham at the beginning of the season aswell ?

 

[Ricky]

We've offered O'Shea a deal and are nailed on to sign another attacking midfielder so it's a valid question about Duffy.

I hope he stays, he certainly deserves the choice to. But if he's told that he won't be starting many games he may choose to leave - he's not someone who'll just be happy to pick up his money and not play. I don't think he'll want to leave us though, certainly not before January.

He's got something to offer at that level too, IMO. He's not previously had the chance to play centrally in a good footballing team at that level. He has now, and after a rest and a pre season he could hit the ground running. Although age isn't on his side now.

 

[Slim Man]

That's how your ' view ' is both harsh and inaccurate .

Duffy was unquestionably one of our best player's last season .

Didn't you also absolutely hammer Basham at the beginning of the season aswell ?

Yeah, when he was playing in central midfield and was clearly (still isn't) good enough in that position. He's grown a million miles in both confidence and ability in that RCB position. And at 28 his legs aren't going either.
I fail to see how that's relevant in any way.

What I said is correct, he DID fail in the championship on the wing last time out. He often DOES make the wrong decision and often DOES hold on to the ball for too long.

Duffy was in our top 5/6 players of the season probably, that doesn't make him good enough at the level above I'm afraid. It's nothing to do with being harsh, what a load of bollocks.

 

[Slim Man]

We've offered O'Shea a deal and are nailed on to sign another attacking midfielder so it's a valid question about Duffy.

I hope he stays, he certainly deserves the choice to. But if he's told that he won't be starting many games he may choose to leave - he's not someone who'll just be happy to pick up his money and not play. I don't think he'll want to leave us though, certainly not before January.

He's got something to offer at that level too, IMO. He's not previously had the chance to play centrally in a good footballing team at that level. He has now, and after a rest and a pre season he could hit the ground running. Although age isn't on his side now.

If we sign Holmes I just struggle to see how we can keep 4 attacking midfielders happy. Not disputing Duffy might be able to offer something in the championship considering he'd be playing a different role to last time - but I think it might be time for him to say au revoir. He's played a huge part this season like I've said but can he do the same in a much better league where the defenders don't make as many mistakes or rash decisions, and where they aren't all hoofing carthorses?

 

[coolhandluke]

Yeah, when he was playing in central midfield and was clearly (still isn't) good enough in that position. He's grown a million miles in both confidence and ability in that position. And at 28 his legs aren't going either.
I fail to see how that's relevant in any way.

What I said is correct, he DID fail in the championship on the wing last time out. He often DOES make the wrong decision and often DOES hold on to the ball for too long.

Duffy was in our top 5/6 players of the season probably, that doesn't make him good enough at the level above I'm afraid. It's nothing to do with being harsh, what a load of bollocks.

What was it you said to me when I was strongly in favour of Basham's inclusion in the team ???? Ah , that's it , ...... " you'll be happy watching us in the fucking meadowhall league if that twat plays like you want " ...... how could I forget

Back on topic ..... CW will sign better , stronger players in defence , midfield and attack ready for next season . That's sensible recruitment for the division above . There's a world of difference between doing that and saying Duffy et al are wank .

 

[mattbianco1]

My concern is that Duffy wasn't good enough in a poor Birmingham side this season and last season. With the exception of a little stint with Scunthorpe, he's not really done anything in the Championship.

Not sure he's good enough to be a starter next term as much as he has been quality this.

Edit - forgot he had a spell at Donny too. Still only ~50 games at Champs level. He's played ~400 career games.

 

[Slim Man]

What was it you said to me when I was strongly in favour of Basham's inclusion in the team ???? Ah , that's it , ...... " you'll be happy watching us in the fucking meadowhall league if that twat plays like you want " ...... how could I forget

Back on topic ..... CW will sign better , stronger players in defence , midfield and attack ready for next season . That's sensible recruitment for the division above . There's a world of difference between doing that and saying Duffy et al are wank .

Totally irrelevant to this in any way...?
How am I saying he's wank? Do you just type words and hope they make sense?

 

[I should coco]

My concern is that Duffy wasn't good enough in a poor Birmingham side this season and last season. With the exception of a little stint with Scunthorpe, he's not really done anything in the Championship.

And Basham, Freeman, Coutts and sometimes Billy, didn't look great in poor Blades side last year.

Duffy is a 'confidence' player and needs to run at the opposition. The fact he failed in a poor Birmingham side has some relevance, but not much.

He's been a major part of the reason why we've gone up and can terrify defenders. For that reason alone I'd keep him even if he mainly plays from the bench.

 

[BushBlade]

Depends what we're offered. He's not listed so that means he'll stay unless someone makes a decent offer for him and CW thinks the money will come in handy to strengthen. I'll be surprised if he plays a big role next season but I said that about Jake Wright.

 

[coolhandluke]

Totally irrelevant to this in any way...?
How am I saying he's wank? Do you just type words and hope they make sense?

" legs have gone " " flatters to decieve "
" hangs on to the ball too long " " done the square root of fuck all " ....... do you want me to go on ?

We all agree that we need to strengthen next season . We also agree that we need to strengthen in every area next season aswell . By saying that though there's no need to attempt to validate it by slating the players who got us promoted .

 

[JohnDenver]

Duffy will predominantly be a bench option next season. Wish he was ten years younger but I don't think you play with his intelligence at that age. He was the key man in getting this team to play, but inevitably will have less impact from now on.

 

[BladeInIreland]

Duffy defiantly has a place. Maybe not starting every game but with wilder it seems he wants to be able to switch things in games more frequently. Like you say Danny duffy probably wouldn't hack it on the wing in a four so wouldn't be surprised if we signed a winger. But it doesn't necessarily mean the end of duffy. O'Shea is there to cover many positions , id be surprised if he got more game time than duffy. I think the plan was always for Caruthers to replace Duffy but I think that will be done over the season and not the start.

 

[Slim Man]

" legs have gone " " flatters to decieve "
" hangs on to the ball too long " " done the square root of fuck all " ....... do you want me to go on ?

We all agree that we need to strengthen next season . We also agree that we need to strengthen in every area next season aswell . By saying that though there's no need to attempt to validate it by slating the players who got us promoted .

So being factually correct means I'm calling him wank? I didn't say he was wank so really you're trying to put words in my mouth to suit a poor argument from your end as per usual.
Presumably you just bypassed this whole section?

"He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up, he's played a big part and we should always be thankful for that. He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again"

As per usual, you're talking bollocks.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Legs are fine....not a winger....4 years more experienced than last time he was there with Brum....Wilder as manager.
I wouldn't be writing him off, but if he wants to play every week he might struggle. We shall see.

 

[coolhandluke]

So being factually correct means I'm calling him wank? I didn't say he was wank so really you're trying to put words in my mouth to suit a poor argument from your end as per usual.
Presumably you just bypassed this whole section?

"He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up, he's played a big part and we should always be thankful for that. He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again"

As per usual, you're talking bollocks.

Ok . Thanks for clearing that up

 

[Tyler Durden]

Would have to agree with the OP to an extent. His trademark of trying to dance around 4 players in a row and pissing about with the ball when a simple pass or cross would suffice has been a very frustrating aspect of his play this season and it will prove costly at a higher level.
Thing is, he doesn't lack the required ability, but these are the things which need to be ironed out.

 

[coaxingstar71]

FWIW, I think he'll stay, I also think, if he plays in the same position as he has for us that he could do a good job too. I also think that he's been carrying an injury since around Christmas/New Year when he was out with his knee because he's generally had 60 minutes a game since then.

I think he's been a vital part of the side, when you watch us, he's always available for the ball and picks it up in various areas making him a nightmare to mark. I don't think pace is a necessity in that role and although he does sometimes tries to do too much, I think the amount of assists and general involvement in our attacking play outweighs the negatives.

That said, I can also see a scenario where CW might say he's not guaranteed a starting place and will have to compete with Samir, Jay and possibly others too, then he might consider a move and I'm sure there would be plenty of suitors.

 

[sitwell]

Personally I would much rather have Duffy than Carruthers.

 

[Jehovah]

Sadly, there is no room for sentiment next season. If they're not good enough, they will have to be replaced quickly, from Moore to Sharp.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Personally I would much rather have Duffy than Carruthers.

From what I've seen, so would I. I've not been totally convinced by Samir, he's obviously a good footballer and CW must rate him. It will be interesting to see what happens once he's had a pre-season with us under his belt. Of course it's all guesswork at this stage, CW might sign someone else and neither of them might be 'regulars'.

 

[WestwoodBlade]

Duffy should definitely be part of the squad, he's earned it. But having said that, I think he'll be more of a bit-part player next season, lacks a bit of pace and sometimes final ball which will hamper him in a ruthless league. For me he ended the season with a bit of a whimper, maybe his legs caught up with him, but based on the majority of this seasons performances, he would still be an asset to the squad.

 

[sitwell]

Talking to a forest fan this morning and his description of Zac Clough was Carruthers ,very talented footballer ,unplayable at times but can be equally awful at other and disappears altogether when youre up against it. One thing I really like about Duffy despite his frustrations he will keep going.

 

[Esablade]

Just a hunch, not a rumour or anything - does anyone else think Wilder might get rid of Duffy this summer?

With us already having Carruthers (I don't believe these rumours about him wanting out), offering O'Shea a contract and apparently being after Ricky Holmes again that's 4 players competing for 1 position. 2 of which are approaching 30 and Duffy who is 31 soon to be 32.

I don't think he's got the legs to play on the wing anymore, and when he did for Birmingham 4 years ago in this division he did the square root of fuck all and was sold before long. Holmes, Carruthers and possibly O'Shea could all operate on the wing.

And let's be honest he flatters to deceive a lot of the time, makes the wrong decision, hangs on to the ball for about 10 seconds too long, it's just something you can't afford to do in the Championship.

He's been a fantastic signing for us and without him we probably wouldn't have gone up, he's played a big part and we should always be thankful for that. He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again but is his time up? Switching up levels at his age, legs going, fitness going (tends to blow after an hour), it's going to be difficult for him.

Will he be the surprise sale this summer? It wouldn't surprise me - put it that way.

Like so much it all depends on whose coming in...don't think we'd sell him without an upgrade in place...