Mark Duffy

[Yewsman]

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.

I think the OP has forgotten that in the early part of the season and probably up to around January Duffy was MOTM or nearly for a considerable number of games. I agree that he has not been as prominent over the last 3 months or so and has generally only lasted for 60 minutes or so. It may be as is suggested he has been carrying a bit of an injury. But you also have to look at the amount of work he gets through. He always seems to be available to receive the ball all over the pitch. There is such a thing as cumulative fatigue which can develop over the season and it is hardly surprising if he got this towards the end. I think he can definitely do the same job next season and should be given the chance. The only reason he might move on is if a L1 club comes in with a good offer and he himself decides he wants to go.
Really hope Carruthers stays. Think he could be a great player for us.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

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.

Agree and perhaps the words of Wilder to Knill , McCabe .

Would be all change if start ain't what it should be but whatever happens we all agree 100% we are in good hands with Wilder who hopefully will also keep McCabe in tow .

 

[Houston_Blade]

Duffy (and the role he plays) is a bit of a luxury player and when playing in a confident and dominating team works perfectly. Backs against the wall in the Championship he's the kind of player who is good backup to try something different in the 2nd half. I think we'll have to set up more defensively in some games next season.

The opposite of this is why Monty was needed in the Premier League but useless in the Championship. Time on the ball and asked to create something he was clueless, man marking a good player he was useful.

 

[coolhandluke]

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.

Agreed .

Regardless of form etc Duffy never hides .

 

[sheffielder]

I thought some of us learnt a lot about writing players off last season, myself included. I think Duffy is more likely to flourish in the championship. He finds pockets of space and can get his head up. Find a striker who can stretch the defence and pull wide to give him options.

I wouldn't want any of what i consider to be this seasons starting 10 not to be here next season. Missing player is Billy's partner

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Hope he's given a proper chance. He really deserves it.

 

[Slim Man]

Why do people seem to think I've forgotten the contribution he's had this season? I made that abundantly clear in the opening post. He was paramount to us starting our good run, he was part of the brilliant midfield 3 we built our season around a

"He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again"

I just can't see how he we can keep 4 attacking midfielders happy, and when 1 is 32, 2 are newly signed this summer and 1 of them is a work in progress who's the most likely to be sold/loaned out?

 

[BushBlade]

Why do people seem to think I've forgotten the contribution he's had this season? I made that abundantly clear in the opening post. He was paramount to us starting our good run, he was part of the brilliant midfield 3 we built our season around a

"He'll never have to buy a pint in Sheffield again"

I just can't see how he we can keep 4 attacking midfielders happy, and when 1 is 32, 2 are newly signed this summer and 1 of them is a work in progress who's the most likely to be sold/loaned out?

Because you opened on a negative. You have to say negative things in the form of a shit sandwich. You say something positive, then something negative, then something positive.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

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.

I think he’s got a year on his contract and hasn’t been transfer listed so I expect that the intention for now is that he stick’s around. Whether he’ll be a regular started could be another matter. He struggles to last 90 minutes and doesn’t have loads of pace BUT he has an excellent first touch and is capable of producing a defense splitting moment of quality. I think he’ll still be here come august but will probably move on next summer as his role gradually reduces.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Personally I would much rather have Duffy than Carruthers.

Agree. He’s our best number 10 for me as it stands. Age will take it’s toll and he might gradually fade away from the first team (especially if we bring in any more players) but I feel more confident when he starts than either Samir or Jay. Then there’s also the scenario of a different formation. If we went 451 for example, they could potentially all play behind a front man.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

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.

I think part of the reason he tailed off a bit was that from the end of Jan onwards, we played with Sharp and a target man whereas before that, when he was playing his best football, we played with Sharp and Done/ Lavery who would stretch the pitch, press CBs and increase the gap between the opposition’s defence and midfield. This allowed Duffy to get on the ball more and in more space in that area. We also played almost exclusively on the deck before playing with a big man which suited Duffy.

 

[Slim Man]

Because you opened on a negative. You have to say negative things in the form of a shit sandwich. You say something positive, then something negative, then something positive.

So essentially a salad sandwich inbetween a freshly cooked oven bottom breadcake?

 

[coolhandluke]

So essentially a salad sandwich inbetween a freshly cooked oven bottom breadcake?

Bottom Bread Cake

Ffs , you having a pop at the BBC now

 

[BushBlade]

So essentially a salad sandwich inbetween a freshly cooked oven bottom breadcake?

No, other way round. A steaming turd between two slices of nice fresh bread.

 

[Slim Man]

No, other way round. A steaming turd between two slices of nice fresh bread.

Thats basically a salad sandwich then. No one really likes salad.

 

[Sheffsteel]

It all depends how a player is used.

Play Duffy as a winger then I think he'd struggle a bit in league 1, never mind the Championship

BUT give him a free role floating in the areas between attack and midfield then he's hard to pick up.
Hes not quick but can easily beat a man, has football intelligence, great control and passing ability.

He's easily been one of our best players, he's real quality and I'm surprised he's not more of a household name.

I don't think anything will change.
Wilder know his strengths and weaknesses, he lacks physicality and struggles to perform for 90 minutes.
So he'll either get plenty of starts and be subbed in the 2nd half or be a regular sub to bring on a create something.

 

[I should coco]

You have to say negative things in the form of a shit sandwich

No, other way round. A steaming turd between two slices of nice fresh bread.

I think for the last 5 years we have had an old crusty shit outer with fresh steaming shit inner. I have no recollection of the top and bottom being warm oven fresh bread or tasty sourdough. Just shit.....


.....lots of shit.....


.....and more shit.......

 

[coaxingstar71]

I think the OP has forgotten that in the early part of the season and probably up to around January Duffy was MOTM or nearly for a considerable number of games. I agree that he has not been as prominent over the last 3 months or so and has generally only lasted for 60 minutes or so. It may be as is suggested he has been carrying a bit of an injury. But you also have to look at the amount of work he gets through. He always seems to be available to receive the ball all over the pitch. There is such a thing as cumulative fatigue which can develop over the season and it is hardly surprising if he got this towards the end. I think he can definitely do the same job next season and should be given the chance. The only reason he might move on is if a L1 club comes in with a good offer and he himself decides he wants to go.
Really hope Carruthers stays. Think he could be a great player for us.

Yes I agree with you and I can't see Samir leaving after he only signed in January. Don't know about the OP but a lot of people tend to forget players contributions if they aren't 'flavour of the month' such as Scougall and Done in the earlier part of the season.

 

[FMBlade1]

I think the fact we're signing Jay O'Shea will probably means that he will stay. O'Shea will be there as back-up and Duffy will get his chance. If Wilder questioned having Duffy he would probably get him to play the O'Shea role instead

 

[lingsbord]

I also prefer Duffy in a more central or "floating" role rather than as a winger.

I think it would be hugely disappointing for him to be named in the L1 Team of the Year when Burton got promoted only to be sold back to League One, and then have that repeated again, getting into the League 1 team of the year again only for him to be sold back down again.

The lad has more than earned his chance to prove himself at a higher level.

My main concern is getting goals from other than Billy or a full-back. As they say, the jury's out on Chedwyn (What? Too soon?)

 

[I should coco]

As they say, the jury's out on Chedwyn

Oh dear.

I foresee a summer of similar legalese puns.

Wake me up when it is all over.

 

[Slim Man]

I also prefer Duffy in a more central or "floating" role rather than as a winger.

I think it would be hugely disappointing for him to be named in the L1 Team of the Year when Burton got promoted only to be sold back to League One, and then have that repeated again, getting into the League 1 team of the year again only for him to be sold back down again.

The lad has more than earned his chance to prove himself at a higher level.

My main concern is getting goals from other than Billy or a full-back. As they say, the jury's out on Chedwyn (What? Too soon?)

I think he probably has earned his chance but with 3 others to contend with (if we are looking at one that is, we should be and plenty are linked) will he?

 

[adebo]

Duffy was regularly a 60 minute player last season starting most games helping get us in front and replaced when his legs went, next season he will probably get the opposite and play the last 30 minutes replacing Carruthers or O'shea or Holmes or Adeyemi. when the difference in intensity has died down. He still has a big role for us!

 

[Fulwood Blade]

BUT give him a free role floating in the areas between attack and midfield then he's hard to pick up.
Hes not quick but can easily beat a man, has football intelligence, great control and passing ability.

Nail on head - everyone should go and watch Clarkes 2nd goal v Bradford a couple of weeks back.

It says everything about Duffy and what he brings to the team.

When you are tired of looking at that fantastic goal, go and look at Billy's goal away v Chezzer.

He may not be able to last the pace as much, but we saw exactly how CW & AK intend using Duffy since O'Shea and Sami were brought in.

It's a no brainer for me.

UTB

 

[Pinchy]

I'm delighted we have players of the ability to 'try to do too much'. No fear of that with Montgomery or Doyle, I recall.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I'm delighted we have players of the ability to 'try to do too much'. No fear of that with Montgomery or Doyle, I recall.

Careful - that lady on floor Q LOVES Monty to bits

Good progress btw - hope things are good at your end.

UTB

 

[lingsbord]

Oh dear.

I foresee a summer of similar legalese puns.

Wake me up when it is all over.

In this case Coco it was purely stream-of-consciousness stuff, the comment is valid after all, and the pun was not originally intended at all but when I realised, I left it in anyway. Don't get yourself stressed over it. It's only a sentence.

 

[Harryalec]

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.

Duffy is a very clever player and is pivotal to how we play. I mean getting people like and get people like Freeman and lafferty involved in our play higher up the pitch. Yes he holds the ball a lot and has the ability to do that in tight spaces in or around the opps Penalty area. But in my view his time on the ball and ability to hold it gives players the chance to get forward and feed off him. Not every ball he plays comes off, but that's his job. To create chances. Don't write him off too soon, I think he will have a huge part to play if we are going to set up the same way. I may be wrong but from watching us this season, our game has gone a little bit off when he has departed the pitch whether he's having a good game or not. Think pirlo for Italy. Or even totti. Inevitable age will catch up, but for me he's one of the first names on the sheet.

 

[mattbianco1]

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.

Ok.. Not 'deemed' good enough and shipped out on loan before being sold. He's played 7 games for them. (3 starts)

 

[blade67]

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.

we may be playing 4-2-3-1 at times so that's no longer 4 into 1 but maybe 5 into 3.

Deserves a chance to play his part for me.