Brooks

[Fanny magnet]

You need to pay closer attention. My appreciation of David Brooks' excellence has been evidenced several times. I'm just not obsessed by him and Sharp to the exclusion of our other excellent players.

I was clearly and unequivocally talking about Little Louis and De Juve, both of whom I identified as mediocre quite a long time ago. I have many other examples. I know quality when I see it. Brooks has it; Others don't and that won't change however much you wish upon that Bladey star.

Reed scored a goal for Chesterfield a few weeks ago. Fancy that, a goal. It sparked an embarrassing renewal of Bladey Boyband fervour, led by the Star-Wisherupon-In-Chief, Woody.

I'm simply redressing the balance, in the interests of common-sense and sanity. It's what I do. It's a thankless but essential task. The loonies will run free if I don't tighten the straps on their jackets from time to time.

At the end of last season you were saying the exact same bollox about playing Brooks as you are now about (for some reason)reed and de girolamo

I can understand why you keep to trying to divert the argument away from that fact and bang on about two players I've never mentioned ,not on this thread or probably any other

If I'd said Brooks wasn't good enough and made a tit out if myself the way you did i probably would too
Or I could just admit I was wrong

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

I'm simply redressing the balance, in the interests of common-sense and sanity. It's what I do. It's a thankless but essential task. The loonies will run free if I don't tighten the straps on their jackets from time to time.

Your capacity for self-sacrifice earns our gratitude as ever. But you have now made me wonder whether the lunatic has taken over the asylum?

 

[SUFC Guy]

We don't need to sell Brooks as we do very well without spunkin moneh.

WE DON'T NEED THE CASH !!!

 

[B14Nco]

Said last week he should start in this game, many disagreed.

How wrong can you get it peeps. A legend is born.

I was saying the same thing only last week... however after watching his last two cameos I think he's the real deal. Looked head and shoulders above anything on the pitch.

Not saying he's ready to start and play 45+ games this year but he looks like he's going to be a pretty special player.

I was also right. And also wrong. If he plays 45 games for us we'll be in a much better position in the league than if he doesn't!

 

[Pinchy]

I was also right. And also wrong. If he plays 45 games for us we'll be in a much better position in the league than if he doesn't!

Ah, but cause or effect? Subtle. Well done.

 

[Pinchy]

At the end of last season you were saying the exact same bollox about playing Brooks as you are now about (for some reason)reed and de girolamo

I can understand why you keep to trying to divert the argument away from that fact and bang on about two players I've never mentioned ,not on this thread or probably any other

If I'd said Brooks wasn't good enough and made a tit out if myself the way you did i probably would too
Or I could just admit I was wrong

I have not said that which you suggest. I could not and would not have done so, not having seen him play. What I doubtless said is that he should play only if and when he's good enough and that Tufty was in a better position to decide that matter than Bladey Boybanders. That's the sort of unassailable common sense that I provide selflessly as a service, time-consuming and free of charge and which some find so difficult to assimilate.

Givemallarun is a remarkably stupid proposition and a recipe for failure.

 

[Baw Heid]

If what happens and why will it necessarily be good for us?

Just replying to an earlier post so can't be bothered going over it again

 

[Fanny magnet]

I have not said that which you suggest. I could not and would not have done so, not having seen him play. What I doubtless said is that he should play only if and when he's good enough and that Tufty was in a better position to decide that matter than Bladey Boybanders. That's the sort of unassailable common sense that I provide selflessly as a service, time-consuming and free of charge and which some find so difficult to assimilate.

Givemallarun is a remarkably stupid proposition and a recipe for failure.

You did exactly then as you are now you belittled people who had seen him play or suggested he might be good enough

You compared him to past failures and you added a few paragraphs resembling a lunatics cell wall just as you have now

 

[Pinchy]

You did exactly then as you are now you belittled people who had seen him play or suggested he might be good enough

You compared him to past failures and you added a few paragraphs resembling a lunatics cell wall just as you have now

Really? I didn't say he was mediocre or not good enough, then? I perhaps pointed out that most young tyros fail? Maybe I urged caution about building him up too high; too far; too soon? As ever, I saw the whole of the moon.

He's a terrific young player, brought on perfectly by Tufty, who knew when, where and how often, to play him. A complete contrast to the naive Gerriminatallcosts Brigade. I have never, ever said any different.

 

[Pinchy]

Just replying to an earlier post so can't be bothered going over it again

Because 'it' is not inherently 'good for us' is it? It rather depends, doesn't it?

 

[Fanny magnet]

Really? I didn't say he was mediocre or not good enough, then? I perhaps pointed out that most young tyros fail? Maybe I urged caution about building him up too high; too far; too soon? As ever, I saw the whole of the moon.

He's a terrific young player, brought on perfectly by Tufty, who knew when, where and how often, to play him. A complete contrast to the naive Gerriminatallcosts Brigade. I have never, ever said any different.

You ridiculed people who suggested playing him

Comparing him to failures of the past

You seemed to be rather enjoying yourself finding another aspect of Sheffield United you could disparage

 

[nopigfansintown]

In relation to the Academy lads playing at under 23 The two Centre backs will be in contention towards the end of the season Sam Graham is improving but is young and needs more time. Callum Semple is due back soon and should be in contention later in the season, he is a modern Centre Back and we have missed his distribution out from the back. Harvey Gilmour is getting some good reports and Regan Slater is very promising but needs to channel his aggression. We have two Forwards who have been improving and Ti Smith is impressing me but needs some time. Finally Jordan Hallam keeps scoring goals, I'm a big fan he can be missing for long spells but when a goal is scored its usually him that gets it. Very calm and laid back, I think he lulls defenders into a sense of false security. He has scored at every age group. Is he ready to step up? Probably not but if he got a game don't be surprised if he scores.
The lads I have mentioned have come through from Under 9s and are Blades through and through.
One other that has been missing is Steve Mallon, very similar to Brooks but decision making a bit poor. They will work on him. I sometimes got him and Brooks mixed up, similar style on the ball.
Its worth a visit to watch the 18s or 23s The coaches are loud but encouraging. particularly Travis Binnion, top man. The Academy operate with a smallish number of players and when they get to the 23s you know they will do well. The big question is what happens then, 23s, fringes of the first team, loan or sell them on. Recently I sense a willingness to keep them close to home, I hope that is the case.

Excellent assessment.Would reiterate my own surprise at Jo Cummings moving on.I still think there's a very good player in there

 

[larkymasher]

It is very easy to harp on about young players who don't make the grade as 99% never make it. Even playing professional youth football 95% don't make it. When you do get a couple with genuine ability it IS exciting for a club to have some home grown players in the team.
Why bring theses kids through the academy system at a cost and then bring in another player of equal ability?

He's one of our own...... is the loudest chant I hear about CW. So it does have an impact on the club when you have home grown players in the team or as manager.

Slagging off young players for not making the grade at our club is very very easy to do.
Certainly a couple on this forum seem to revel in doing this.

I have watched Brookes from the day he arrived on trial. He was weak, didn't work hard and left me very underwhelmed.
Over that season he improved. Still thought he would be released.

Morgan played him in a holding midfield role with the u21s and it didn't work. Binnion tried him in a number 10 role and BINGO.

From then on he has got better and better.

All young players need is the opportunity sometimes to sink or swim. A couple will swim, the magority will sink, but it's a poor effort to harp on about the ones that sink.......

Thankfully Brookes was given the opportunity and he has taken it.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Watched him closely last night and he has plenty enough pace alright.

 

[RetfordBlade96]

Just been picked for Wales

 

[LoxBlade]

What a meteoric rise this lad is having

 

[drinksmat]

Him and Bale on the same team. They must be nearly worth the same.

 

[Pinchy]

Him and Bale on the same team. They must be nearly worth the same.

£20, at least...

 

[I should coco]

That's the sort of unassailable common sense that I provide selflessly as a service, time-consuming and free of charge and which some find so difficult to assimilate.

If you replace 'common' with 'non', 'selflessly' with 'tediously' and 'assimilate' with 'accept, you might be closer to the mark.

As Fanny magnet says, your constant belittling of fellow Blades does your cause no credit.

Of course you aren't daft and you know this, as a WUM extraordinaire. On a happy day in a very happy week, I'm just unsure as to why you keep trying to goad and tease?

 

[snootyfenooty]

Just been picked for Wales

This is a fucking unmitigated disaster. He's gone from a nobody, our secret weapon, to the international stage in two months. Fuck.

 

[I should coco]

This is a fucking unmitigated disaster. He's gone from a nobody, our secret weapon, to the international stage in two months. Fuck

I think the Toulon thing alerted the big boys.

Turning over Wendy alerted everyone in this division so Wolves were ready and waiting for him. Fat lot of good it did them in the first half though.

Brooks at pace is a sight to behold and a wonder of the modern world. I can't think of any player in recent times who glides so effortlessly past the opposition, although bits of Cockerill and TC come to mind.

If his final ball and his defensive play improve as he matures, he really will be a player to behold. Sadly I don't think that will be at the Lane.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Wonder if he will accept?

Will England try and keep him? Once he’s earned one cap that it....Giggs style.

Stick with Wales I say, ok they might not make many tournaments, but they will be closer to the style and exposure he’s used to at United.
A tremendous opportunity for the lad, to train alongside one of the worlds top players in Bale....incredible for him.
Sadly, as we are all too aware, this means unwanted (by the fans at least) attention from clubs with wads of cash.

I’m resigned to enjoying him for the next 6 months. Let’s see if the club can reward him with a new improved deal, and extend his contract even further. At least then when they come we can literally let them fight it out for his services.
£20 million coming up IMHO.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

This is a fucking unmitigated disaster. He's gone from a nobody, our secret weapon, to the international stage in two months. Fuck.

Nonsense. He'll learn a he'll of a lot training with the likes of Bale, Allen, Ramsey and the rest. Great for his development.

 

[FinchleyBlade]

This is a fucking unmitigated disaster. He's gone from a nobody, our secret weapon, to the international stage in two months. Fuck.

By increasing his value even more?

Wales call up or no Wales call up we would still be selling him down the road eventually, all this does is increase his value even more.

 

[DaveBassettsgoneonholiday]

All of a sudden World Cup Qualifying matches become interesting for once
I usually just ignore them (especially England) but may be tempted to give the Welsh a watch.

 

[Dellas Cowboys]

Nonsense. He'll learn a he'll of a lot training with the likes of Bale, Allen, Ramsey and the rest. Great for his development.

They'll probably think he's the mascot! Clark's post match interview last night was insightful on Brooks recent development.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Really? I didn't say he was mediocre or not good enough, then? I perhaps pointed out that most young tyros fail? Maybe I urged caution about building him up too high; too far; too soon? As ever, I saw the whole of the moon.

He's a terrific young player, brought on perfectly by Tufty, who knew when, where and how often, to play him. A complete contrast to the naive Gerriminatallcosts Brigade. I have never, ever said any different.

Of course "most young tyros fail" and it's an easy game to play on here being a grumpy ultra-pessimistic fan who bangs on about each and every one of them failing at every given opportunity. When anything positive is posted you are there at hand to pour cold water all over it.

Brooks is exceptional and you may not have been so negative about him but your praise has been rather more faint than many others until recently. So pleased it seems you will give the lad encouragement now he has got this far.

Your damning of other young players is cruel at times. I would like to say it is irrelevant and the lads will never read it but that is not so. Why you need to make such seriously damaging comments as a Blade I will never fathom but it must give you some sort of satisfaction and you may enjoy the reactions you get.

Please explain what earthly good it can ever do, arguing the toss with posters who are looking for positives in our stocks of development players and offering each and every one of them good wishes and support. True support is not cursing and decrying the abilities of our young lads, it's about helping them to build on their strengths and whatever future they have in the game, it's about them going away thinking they were fully helped and supported by our club and our fans. They are part of the S2 'family' and each of our 'family members' have to do their bit. This does not mean over-egging comments just for the sake of it, more building on strengths and providing encouragement.

And always remember Blade, there are not so many Brooks's around but we can create supporting players for stars at various levels of the game. More players who can stay with the club and perform vital roles which are mutually beneficial to player and club for years and years. They do not all have to be stars.

 

[Woodwardfan]

It is very easy to harp on about young players who don't make the grade as 99% never make it. Even playing professional youth football 95% don't make it. When you do get a couple with genuine ability it IS exciting for a club to have some home grown players in the team.
Why bring theses kids through the academy system at a cost and then bring in another player of equal ability?

He's one of our own...... is the loudest chant I hear about CW. So it does have an impact on the club when you have home grown players in the team or as manager.

Slagging off young players for not making the grade at our club is very very easy to do.
Certainly a couple on this forum seem to revel in doing this.

I have watched Brookes from the day he arrived on trial. He was weak, didn't work hard and left me very underwhelmed.
Over that season he improved. Still thought he would be released.

Morgan played him in a holding midfield role with the u21s and it didn't work. Binnion tried him in a number 10 role and BINGO.

From then on he has got better and better.

All young players need is the opportunity sometimes to sink or swim. A couple will swim, the magority will sink, but it's a poor effort to harp on about the ones that sink.......

Thankfully Brookes was given the opportunity and he has taken it.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I had not seen your post larky b

It is very easy to harp on about young players who don't make the grade as 99% never make it. Even playing professional youth football 95% don't make it. When you do get a couple with genuine ability it IS exciting for a club to have some home grown players in the team.
Why bring theses kids through the academy system at a cost and then bring in another player of equal ability?

He's one of our own...... is the loudest chant I hear about CW. So it does have an impact on the club when you have home grown players in the team or as manager.

Slagging off young players for not making the grade at our club is very very easy to do.
Certainly a couple on this forum seem to revel in doing this.

I have watched Brookes from the day he arrived on trial. He was weak, didn't work hard and left me very underwhelmed.
Over that season he improved. Still thought he would be released.

Morgan played him in a holding midfield role with the u21s and it didn't work. Binnion tried him in a number 10 role and BINGO.

From then on he has got better and better.

All young players need is the opportunity sometimes to sink or swim. A couple will swim, the magority will sink, but it's a poor effort to harp on about the ones that sink.......

Thankfully Brookes was given the opportunity and he has taken it.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Fascinating post and insight. Many thanks.