Not a top 6 squad

[BladeTillIDie]

'CW tonight: "We're certainly not strong enough to challenge at the top. That's absolutely plain and clear. If we have to get through to the end of the season with this group of players it's going to be a struggle (top 6)." He knows. We know. Do the owners? #sufc #twitterblades'

Always said we expect too much of these current players and CW knows that too. Top 6 would be a miracle and wba will be promoted with that quality.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

Unless Wilder can pull a few rabbits out of hats in January we'll not be finishing top 6 then. When that happens I think CW will be off because he's obviously been lied to by those muppets in the boardroom over the summer.

When we don't go up and Wilder's gone i'd like to be the first on this board to raise a glass and say thank you KMc what a great job you're doing at the Lane!!!

 

[haich1889]

'CW tonight: "We're certainly not strong enough to challenge at the top. That's absolutely plain and clear. If we have to get through to the end of the season with this group of players it's going to be a struggle (top 6)." He knows. We know. Do the owners? #sufc #twitterblades'

Always said we expect too much of these current players and CW knows that too. Top 6 would be a miracle and wba will be promoted with that quality.

Here here

 

[Roygbiv]

Its natural the expectations levels will rise due to the results and league position but I think most Blades know top 6 isn't realistic. People who are saying "but we are 4th" should listen to Wilders interviews. He knows we aren't strong enough to stay there.

These players have performed to their max almost every game for two seasons. I love watching us and I love the fact we have a team who leave everything out there. That's all we were asking for 3 years ago.

We've made huge strides but now we've hit the ceiling and to go any further we need more quality. Its really as simple as that for me. We are a good Championship side and have good foundations to move forward but right now we just aren't quite good enough to challenge the very best in the league. There is no shame in that considering where we have come from and what we have spent.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

Against the top 6? Or the sides I perceive to be the 6 best not including ourselves:

Boro, Leeds, Norwich - I think we could hold our own on our day.

Villa, Derby, West Brom - the harder challenges, in my book.

 

[Roygbiv]

Against the top 6? Or the sides I perceive to be the 6 best not including ourselves:

Boro, Leeds, Norwich - I think we could hold our own on our day.

Villa, Derby, West Brom - the harder challenges, in my book.

Agree with Norwich who just seem to be running on momentum like Millwall at the end of last season but Boro and Leeds have far stronger squads that will eventually tell. Leeds have a fair few injured but are still 2nd.

 

[Rob86]

Correct ! we don’t have a top 6 squad. I didn’t think we’d did at the start of the year, nor did I change my mind when we went top.

But we are probably better, or as good as 14 teams in the division and if we win those games we’ll not be far off it regardless of how we get on against the top 10 teams. In reality we will drop points but it’s not impossible even with this squad.

We are in a false position really but we are beating who we need to beat and the others at the top aren’t. If we go and win at Ipswich, lose to Derby, then beat Blackburn and draw/win at Wigan, it’ll still be a good month with 10/12 points and I think it’d keep us in touch.

Win in the play offs if we get there ? Not a chance over 3 games, still would be a remarkable achievement.

You just look at last night. They lost the ball in dangerous areas but we lack the pace to finish anything off. Their 1st basically highlighted what you have to do in those situations, but we don’t have the players to do it. Barnes with the pace and skill creating the goal. I actually thought Basham was excellent against Barnes on the whole but one turn of pace did him.

The 2nd again, turn of pace puts Egan on the back foot and under pressure. Ball in the box and the full back finishes it off.

With both of their goals it is questionable whether we would have even created a chance.

 

[Stretch]

Our best 11 is top 6 but we just don't have the depth and I can't see that changing massively with the current circus act in the boardroom.

Wilder and Knill are likeky to be off in the summer as things stand. They can't keep turning water into wine with a bottom end budget.

If that happens, then I wish a plague on those responsible.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Don’t let the fact we have been top 6 all season fool any of ya.

Or Wilders carefully chosen words aimed fairly and squarely at the clubs pay masters 2 weeks before a transfer window

UTB

 

[BridBladesman]

Wilder interview...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06vn7w6

 

[South Bucks]

Yes we're not top 6 material but the main reason is not a lack of money nor pace but the way we play.

We haven't a clue how to play attacking football in the final third. Its slow and as dull as dishwater at home week in week out but management keep setting us up the same way and don't seem to learn.
If we had a speciality coach to coach the forwards / midfield in quick attacking play we could do much better with the current squad.
Check out WBA's two goals, they got the ball quickly to around the penalty spot on the deck for a forward to have a shot while our defenders haven't had time to get into position.
We don't do this and its not good enough for top 6 just good enough to wear down lower table teams until they die of boredom and give in.

 

[JayGreen17]

'CW tonight: "We're certainly not strong enough to challenge at the top. That's absolutely plain and clear. If we have to get through to the end of the season with this group of players it's going to be a struggle (top 6)." He knows. We know. Do the owners? #sufc #twitterblades'

Always said we expect too much of these current players and CW knows that too. Top 6 would be a miracle and wba will be promoted with that quality.

Has the Hull away game comments written all over this very similar feeling, we’ll drop of the pace now

 

[SB_90]

Reading was a weird game for me because we moved to 3rd but i knew it was a hollow victory we didn't deserve to be there

 

[Ainsley Harriott]

Unless Wilder can pull a few rabbits out of hats in January we'll not be finishing top 6 then. When that happens I think CW will be off because he's obviously been lied to by those muppets in the boardroom over the summer.

When we don't go up and Wilder's gone i'd like to be the first on this board to raise a glass and say thank you KMc what a great job you're doing at the Lane!!!

I’ll be throwing a glass at him. Finally strikes gold and fucks it up with lack of bollocks.

I’m talking as if Wilder has gone. He hasn’t. But I can see it coming. I’d love to know the thinking behind McCabe’s lack of ambition. If he tells me he’s ambitious I’ll laugh in his face.

 

[Ainsley Harriott]

Yes we're not top 6 material but the main reason is not a lack of money nor pace but the way we play.

We haven't a clue how to play attacking football in the final third. Its slow and as dull as dishwater at home week in week out but management keep setting us up the same way and don't seem to learn.
If we had a speciality coach to coach the forwards / midfield in quick attacking play we could do much better with the current squad.
Check out WBA's two goals, they got the ball quickly to around the penalty spot on the deck for a forward to have a shot while our defenders haven't had time to get into position.
We don't do this and its not good enough for top 6 just good enough to wear down lower table teams until they die of boredom and give in.

We try and walk it in. And at pedestrian pace. But that’s because we severely lack pace in all areas. Their second goal last night was embarrassing from that respect. Hammered him with pace.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Yes we're not top 6 material but the main reason is not a lack of money nor pace but the way we play.

We haven't a clue how to play attacking football in the final third. Its slow and as dull as dishwater at home week in week out but management keep setting us up the same way and don't seem to learn.
If we had a speciality coach to coach the forwards / midfield in quick attacking play we could do much better with the current squad.
Check out WBA's two goals, they got the ball quickly to around the penalty spot on the deck for a forward to have a shot while our defenders haven't had time to get into position.
We don't do this and its not good enough for top 6 just good enough to wear down lower table teams until they die of boredom and give in.

Wow, wowza and unbelievable Jeff all roled in to one !!!!!!

UTB

 

[1066blade]

Against the top 6? Or the sides I perceive to be the 6 best not including ourselves:

Boro, Leeds, Norwich - I think we could hold our own on our day.

Villa, Derby, West Brom - the harder challenges, in my book.

5 of those teams took 3 points off us. What are you on about?

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

5 of those teams took 3 points off us. What are you on about?

It's all about opinions and how we play on average, or even when we are at our best, those are the sides I think we'd be most likely to compete with. The discussion was about possible playoff contenders and who we could hold our own against or not in the playoff places, should we make it. My opinion is:

West Brom - we battered them, but we then faltered and we're outclassed, I'd be less confident.
Norwich - we beat, I expect them to falter, I'd fancy our chances.
Derby - we lost earlier in the season, I think they've got their attacking recruitment all right, I'd fancy our chances less.
Leeds - I expect them to tail off a little and they were less spectacular than I expected, they relied on a Deano error. I'd fancy our chances.
Villa - we battered earlier in the season, but they are a very different beast now, and I'd fancy our chances least against them, I predict top two for them, their financial clout is staggering.

 

[dc_blade]

Yes we're not top 6 material but the main reason is not a lack of money nor pace but the way we play.

We haven't a clue how to play attacking football in the final third. Its slow and as dull as dishwater at home week in week out but management keep setting us up the same way and don't seem to learn.
If we had a speciality coach to coach the forwards / midfield in quick attacking play we could do much better with the current squad.
Check out WBA's two goals, they got the ball quickly to around the penalty spot on the deck for a forward to have a shot while our defenders haven't had time to get into position.
We don't do this and its not good enough for top 6 just good enough to wear down lower table teams until they die of boredom and give in.

There's been some tripe posted on here in the last 24 hours but this is next level. Congratulations.

We're the joint fourth top scorers in the league.

 

[Magic Hat]

There's been some tripe posted on here in the last 24 hours but this is next level. Congratulations.

We're the joint fourth top scorers in the league.

In your opinion, in mine i totally agree. We get to the byline and dont cross the ball , we are within shooting distance and dont shoot. We get the ball forward really well but in the final third we just pass the ball to death and its easy to defend against. All this has to be Wilders fault because if the players are told to shoot or put in early crosses , and dont they would be dropped.
On top of this wilder has never learned how to overcome a team who park the bus ,ie Wendy, the games at home this season and last were like groundhog day.
So instead of grinding out the bargain basement players excuse, which i believe is an affront to the players who have improved and stepped up to this level, is it not time to ask if Wilder has gone as far as he can ?
This by the way is not an attack on Wilder and i do hope he can take us further, but he is not beyond criticism .

 

[dc_blade]

In your opinion, in mine i totally agree. We get to the byline and dont cross the ball , we are within shooting distance and dont shoot. We get the ball forward really well but in the final third we just pass the ball to death and its easy to defend against. All this has to be Wilders fault because if the players are told to shoot or put in early crosses , and dont they would be dropped.
On top of this wilder has never learned how to overcome a team who park the bus ,ie Wendy, the games at home this season and last were like groundhog day.
So instead of grinding out the bargain basement players excuse, which i believe is an affront to the players who have improved and stepped up to this level, is it not time to ask if Wilder has gone as far as he can ?
This by the way is not an attack on Wilder and i do hope he can take us further, but he is not beyond criticism .

It's not my opinion. It's a fact that we're the fourth highest scorers in the division. If we we're so easy to defend against, how do we score so many goals?

 

[Magic Hat]

It's not my opinion. It's a fact that we're the fourth highest scorers in the division. If we we're so easy to defend against, how do we score so many goals?

Its your opinion that the post was tripe. As for being 4th highest scorers we could be even higher. On top of that we need to score more goals because of the way we play, we are always likely to let a goal or two in.

 

[blade67]

Yes we're not top 6 material but the main reason is not a lack of money nor pace but the way we play.

We haven't a clue how to play attacking football in the final third. Its slow and as dull as dishwater at home week in week out but management keep setting us up the same way and don't seem to learn.
If we had a speciality coach to coach the forwards / midfield in quick attacking play we could do much better with the current squad.
Check out WBA's two goals, they got the ball quickly to around the penalty spot on the deck for a forward to have a shot while our defenders haven't had time to get into position.
We don't do this and its not good enough for top 6 just good enough to wear down lower table teams until they die of boredom and give in.

If only there were an unlike button.

Frightening that you think this is dull.

Amazed you are still around after the 10 years we had prior to Widler

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Its natural the expectations levels will rise due to the results and league position but I think most Blades know top 6 isn't realistic. People who are saying "but we are 4th" should listen to Wilders interviews. He knows we aren't strong enough to stay there.

These players have performed to their max almost every game for two seasons. I love watching us and I love the fact we have a team who leave everything out there. That's all we were asking for 3 years ago.

We've made huge strides but now we've hit the ceiling and to go any further we need more quality. Its really as simple as that for me. We are a good Championship side and have good foundations to move forward but right now we just aren't quite good enough to challenge the very best in the league. There is no shame in that considering where we have come from and what we have spent.

An even better nutshell full mate

 

[dc_blade]

Its your opinion that the post was tripe. As for being 4th highest scorers we could be even higher. On top of that we need to score more goals because of the way we play, we are always likely to let a goal or two in.

I don't know what to tell you. The teams who have scored more than us have the likes of Tammy Abraham, Dwight Gayle, and James Rodriguez. If you can get a squad with our resources out scoring them then you're not a manager, you're a miracle worker.

 

[Magic Hat]

I don't know what to tell you. The teams who have scored more than us have the likes of Tammy Abraham, Dwight Gayle, and James Rodriguez. If you can get a squad with our resources out scoring them then you're not a manager, you're a miracle worker.

Put any or all of those players in our team they wouldn't score any more because of the lack of quick crosses and being told not to shoot when given a chance. By the way Billy is as good if not better than all of them.

 

[dc_blade]

Put any or all of those players in our team they wouldn't score any more because of the lack of quick crosses and being told not to shoot when given a chance. By the way Billy is as good if not better than all of them.

If you fancy watching a team that shoots on sight and pumps the ball into the box you should try Bolton or Millwall. Incidentally, their league positions are about where we'd be if we played that style of football.

 

[SuperDuperBlades]

Top six would be miraculous. Top half is just about realistic.

Next season will be interesting with no Wilder and our strike force drawing their pensions

 

[Magic Hat]

If you fancy watching a team that shoots on sight and pumps the ball into the box you should try Bolton or Millwall. Incidentally, their league positions are about where we'd be if we played that style of football.

Shoot on site ? Never mentioned that nor did i say we should play like millwall or bolton.
Football like life is not black and white, its not pass it to death or boot it and run after it. Its generally a mixture of both.
I love the football we play until the final third when it becomes predictable and highly frustrating.

 

[dc_blade]

Shoot on site ? Never mentioned that nor did i say we should play like millwall or bolton.
Football like life is not black and white, its not pass it to death or boot it and run after it. Its generally a mixture of both.
I love the football we play until the final third when it becomes predictable and highly frustrating.

Fair enough. Clearly a patient passing style isn't for everyone. I happen to think that waiting for a good shooting or crossing opportunity allows a squad of relatively limited players to overachieve at this level. The evidence is pretty clear--we're one of the best attacking teams in the division.