This “basic” way of playing football

[Sheffsteel]

Poor old Garth Crookes, it does make him look stupid when he’s ridiculing our basic playing style against Chelsea and says we have no chance in the PL.
I’ve heard other pundits/ fans also saying we are quite basic too and it’s not a PL style, naturally our fans take this as an insult.
I heard one on YouTube say “Sheff United just knock it around sideways, then work the ball on to the wings and cross it in, that is what they do over and over again”.

I believe that “basic” isn’t accurate because it’s infers inferiority. A more accurate word is “formulaic”.

We do play almost the same way/ same style every single match. It’s been said many times that we are so “well drilled”.
The normal PL style relies on individual brilliance to create and score goals however we don’t seem to rely on any individual brilliance to score our goals.
Our midfield plays a simple, quick pass and move game. It’s often said the best football choice is “keep it simple”.
Most of our chances are based on crosses into the box and are usually tap ins and clear chances.
We gain numerical advantages by overloading areas where the ball is, so we don’t need highly technical players because we have an advantage in numbers.

Another aspect that is really weird
Due to the formulaic style, we are incredibly consistent (in my 40+ years watching United I’ve never seen us being this consistent, it’s remarkable).
When you’re hoping for individual brilliance from your players, a team will have great games or poor games
But we tend to keep it simple and are so well drilled that we rarely play brilliantly, but “the team unit” performs well or very well almost every match.

Due to this formula we don’t rely so much on individual talent. It’s as though almost any player can slot in and after a short spell of coaching about our system can look very good. When our players leave the club and play elsewhere I suspect that they’ll not look as good again, like Mark Duffy at Stoke.

I really believe that Wilder is currently creating history and will become a massive name in the game. What he is doing almost seems like a miracle.
He’s revolutionising the game by proving that a team of lesser individuals can consistently not just beat, but “outplay” other teams consisting of higher quality individuals.

 

[BLADES1988]

I love this saying, I know we have some talented (contrary to media reports) lads but - Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

 

[I should coco]

I really believe that Wilder is currently creating history and will become a massive name in the game. What he is doing almost seems like a miracle.
He’s revolutionising the game by proving that a team of lesser individuals can consistently not just beat, but “outplay” other teams consisting of higher quality individuals.

It is David Bassett's close honed squad of hungry like minded players who want it more than the opposition. The difference is this time, that they can all play a bit.
Quite a bit, actually.

My only fear is that the team metality and ethos may get diluted if we have to cast the net wider and wider, but that's a problem for the future.

We had some great footy under Kendal and Wilson and some good times under Warnock, but this really is the nearest thing to that incredible spirit of 89 -93.

It really is a wonderful time to be a Blade!

 

[Sheffsteel]

Another weird issue about Sheffield United.

Opposition fans will often say “who’s you best players”? It “who’s the danger man”?
And for the first time ever supporting the Blades I struggle to give an answer.
We don’t seem to have any stand out/ best players......we rely so much on team play that every single player becomes a contender for “best player”.

Also if we are formulaic/ predictable then that suggests that tactically we should be outwittted
But I remember the post match interview with Frank Lampard when he was at Derby, he said something about he’s knows exactly how SU will play trying to overload the flanks with the overlapping centre backs but it’s so difficult to stop it.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

When people ask me about why we are doing so well I tell them it's the system

 

[Sheffsteel]

It is David Bassett's close honed squad of hungry like minded players who want it more than the opposition. The difference is this time, that they can all play a bit.
Quite a bit, actually.

My only fear is that the team metality and ethos may get diluted if we have to cast the net wider and wider, but that's a problem for the future.

We had some great footy under Kendal and Wilson and some good times under Warnock, but this really is the nearest thing to that incredible spirit of 89 -93.

It really is a wonderful time to be a Blade!

That 89-93 team was similarish to Warnocks team, in that they had great battling never say die spirit.
The main difference was that Bassett team had Brian Deane, who gave us a massive presence and threat up front.

Wilders team don’t have a Brain Deane yet (maybe Mousset might get near to his level) but we play far superior football to the Warnock and Bassett teams.
Agree it’s a fantastic time to be alive......just feel sad for the Blades that never saw this era, like Shred.

 

[Lmaobob]

Maybe he meant to say "besic" ?

 

[Sheffsteel]

When people ask me about why we are doing so well I tell them it's the system

It’s a serious question. I’ve also been asked “How come you’re doing so well when you have average players”.

Our fans take this as a insult and reply that our players have loads of talent.
However at their previous clubs many our players were no better than average, it does seem weird how so many look good under Wilder.
I think back to journeymen Jake Wright, Richard Stearman and Martin Crainey.

They’ve rarely played for us but when asked to fill in... they’ve all looked like world beaters....incredible really.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

It’s a serious question. I’ve also been asked “How come you’re doing so well when you have average players”.

Our fans take this as a insult and reply that our players have loads of talent.
However at their previous clubs many our players were no better than average, it does seem weird how so many look good under Wilder.
I think back to journeymen Jake Wright, Richard Stearman and Martin Crainey.

They’ve rarely played for us but when asked to fill in... they’ve all looked like world beaters....incredible really.

I remember in the wilderless years yearning for us to stumble on our own Sean dyche or Eddie Howe who could transform the club but I wouldn't swap him for either of them now

 

[bornablade]

Another weird issue about Sheffield United.

Opposition fans will often say “who’s you best players”? It “who’s the danger man”?
And for the first time ever supporting the Blades I struggle to give an answer.
We don’t seem to have any stand out/ best players......we rely so much on team play that every single player becomes a contender for “best player”.

Also if we are formulaic/ predictable then that suggests that tactically we should be outwittted
But I remember the post match interview with Frank Lampard when he was at Derby, he said something about he’s knows exactly how SU will play trying to overload the flanks with the overlapping centre backs but it’s so difficult to stop it.

It's so difficult to stop because teams don't know when we are going to do it.

They cannot set up for 90 + minutes in order to nullify our wing backs and over lapping centre backs.

On Saturday when Basham got forward in the first half to cross to Robinson Chelsea were just not prepared for it.

 

[mcbladeface]

One thing I've noticed over the past few seasons is the insistence from other fans that we'll be "found out" demonstrates people still don't get how we play. They treat the tactic as this kind of one time trick, like a left handed boxer who switches to fighting right handed then reverts back for a single crucial, hollywood-style round to fighting left handed. It will only work once and then everyone knows to expect it and how to counter it. I used to be worried we'd be found out too but that, I have to admit, was when I didn't truly understand how it worked (and I know, still might be, etc etc)

Simple fact is that the style of play is such that it can't just be easily nullified. It's not simply a matter of shifting a single midfielder a foot or two to the right or mark one person to have the entire threat just go away. By its nature, it's unpredictable, it can shift about, come whenever and to nullify it will require a lot of teams to work a lot harder. Even when it doesn't necessarily pay off for us in terms of goals, it works as a defense because our opponents have to adapt their style of play so much to counter it that they never get into their own. It's why you hear so many fans complaining that we weren't good, their team just happened to play badly against us on that specific day for some unknown reason.

Sure, there'll be some setups, formations and styles where teams will find it easier to adapt and stop us doing our thing while still doing their own. There'll be some players with so much talent and fitness they can cope with it and still play their way but in the end I just think it's not a system that can be easily shut down and instead has to be outplayed.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

It's so difficult to stop because teams don't know when we are going to do it.

They cannot set up for 90 + minutes in order to nullify our wing backs and over lapping centre backs.

On Saturday when Basham got forward in the first half to cross to Robinson Chelsea were just not prepared for it.

Don't fuckin tell 'em all.

 

[SUFC Guy]

One thing that really worries me about all of this attention is when our management team leave us because an offer is made to them that is too good for them to turn down. It will happen that I am sure of - one way of this system and 'the good times' to continue would be to employ another management team from within the club such as Billy or Jags etc etc

Until that day, enjoy the Journey Bladesmen

 

[bypassblade]

I love it when fans say we've got basic players, some teams have tampax twins Carroll & Wilshire, and Palace have the donkey up front Benteke. We have what's commonly known as a TEAM no prima donnas with us, we play as a unit and work as 1.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

One thing I've noticed over the past few seasons is the insistence from other fans that we'll be "found out" demonstrates people still don't get how we play. They treat the tactic as this kind of one time trick, like a left handed boxer who switches to fighting right handed then reverts back for a single crucial, hollywood-style round to fighting left handed. It will only work once and then everyone knows to expect it and how to counter it. I used to be worried we'd be found out too but that, I have to admit, was when I didn't truly understand how it worked (and I know, still might be, etc etc)

Simple fact is that the style of play is such that it can't just be easily nullified. It's not simply a matter of shifting a single midfielder a foot or two to the right or mark one person to have the entire threat just go away. By its nature, it's unpredictable, it can shift about, come whenever and to nullify it will require a lot of teams to work a lot harder. Even when it doesn't necessarily pay off for us in terms of goals, it works as a defense because our opponents have to adapt their style of play so much to counter it that they never get into their own. It's why you hear so many fans complaining that we weren't good, their team just happened to play badly against us on that specific day for some unknown reason.

Sure, there'll be some setups, formations and styles where teams will find it easier to adapt and stop us doing our thing while still doing their own. There'll be some players with so much talent and fitness they can cope with it and still play their way but in the end I just think it's not a system that can be easily shut down and instead has to be outplayed.

I actually thought that palace set up totally to stop us overloading the wings
Every time we had the ball in that area they had 3 or 4 men around the box and it worked as ( a bit like we've been in the first half of every game so far )We seemed reluctant to try and break through the lines( although we countered them quite well a few times and could have scored ) the first time we broke through the lines was when Freeman burst through after what id call a lot more typical United play down that left hand side with o connell and enda I think linking up

we need to stick to what we do well but the improved dynamism from our new attacking players is what will make the difference against packed defences I think if we starting with Duffy and sharp and playing like we did last season defences would find it too easy as we had to be patient to find an opening but defenders are much better at this level at seeing danger and snuffing it out

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Perhaps Garth could explain to the un-informed how our system works?
If it's so basic it should be a piece of piss for him.............

 

[Hagan's boot]

As long as other managers/teams and lazy know nowt pundits consider us to be basic, agricultural, one trick ponies, I for one will not be too bothered, and if we are
in a favourable position after Xmas they MAY just start to give us some grudging respect. I'm sick and tired of their patronising attitude towards my beloved Blades.

 

[bornablade]

One thing that really worries me about all of this attention is when our management team leave us because an offer is made to them that is too good for them to turn down. It will happen that I am sure of - one way of this system and 'the good times' to continue would be to employ another management team from within the club such as Billy or Jags etc etc

Until that day, enjoy the Journey Bladesmen

To be honest the only reason why this management team would want to leave is when their ambitions exceed the ambitions of the owner(s).

See what happens over the next few weeks / months.

 

[Boxer Blade]

I generally don't have a problem with TV football presenters, I may not agree with them but so what, however over the years the one I absolutely dislike it Garth Crookes, it's got nothing to do with his opionions it's to do with, listen I'm talking and my opinion is the only one nobody elses, it's also how he delivers it, his smug no emotion face, he has a very high opinion of himself, he believes that when he speaks everyone should listen and nod in acceptance, listen Gaz. nobody is fooled,only the bosses of BBC sport unfortunately.

 

[Dnblade]

How much more Basic can it get than launching long balls down the middle for Tammy Abrahams as Chelsea did.
Garth can't even get the basics right on doing his job right.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

Surely football is a basic game. When you have the ball, you pass the ball to a team mate and move into space, when you don't, you close the opposition down and mark your man.

 

[BarcaBlade]

Poor old Garth Crookes...

 

[Red Wing Blade]

Opposition fans will often say “who’s you best players”? It “who’s the danger man”?
And for the first time ever supporting the Blades I struggle to give an answer.
We don’t seem to have any stand out/ best players......we rely so much on team play that every single player becomes a contender for “best player”.

I had this conversation with a Forest supporting mate. He couldn't understand how Basham could be so important to us and it would be devastating if he left, and yet he is unfashionable and no teams will probably ever bid for him.

 

[PokerBlade]

All Man City do is kick the ball from one blue shirted player to another blue shirted player who kicks it to another blue shirted player who maybe kicks it past a non-blue shirted player while keeping it close to himself. Then after a while they kick it in to that big netted area near the guy whose shirt is different to everyone else.

It's pretty basic and I really don't see it working for long, good start or not.

 

[Sharrow Snuff Mill]

I generally don't have a problem with TV football presenters, I may not agree with them but so what, however over the years the one I absolutely dislike it Garth Crookes, it's got nothing to do with his opionions it's to do with, listen I'm talking and my opinion is the only one nobody elses, it's also how he delivers it, his smug no emotion face, he has a very high opinion of himself, he believes that when he speaks everyone should listen and nod in acceptance, listen Gaz. nobody is fooled,only the bosses of BBC sport unfortunately.

He got a job as a pundit a lot of years ago when the BBC were trying to achieve an ethnic balance. I remember thinking at the time that he was a very poor choice, but there was not, at that time, unlike today, much of a pool to choose from.

 

[SUFC Guy]

To be honest the only reason why this management team would want to leave is when their ambitions exceed the ambitions of the owner(s).

See what happens over the next few weeks / months.

Yeah agreed. I would be devastated to see CW/AK elsewhere playing this system and then have to watch us playing a less successful crappy system while sliding back down the leagues.

Damn I need to lighten up

 

[PokerBlade]

He got a job as a pundit a lot of years ago when the BBC were trying to achieve an ethnic balance. I remember thinking at the time that he was a very poor choice, but there was not, at that time, unlike today, much of a pool to choose from.

I'm too young to have experienced Garth Crooks as a footballer, but with what he'd experienced and the number of games he played I'm sure that once he was relevant and had some interesting insight into the game. But now, I don't see the point in him. If pundits are too lazy to be informed then ship them out for someone else. It's not like there's a shortage of ex-players who'd be glad of the chance.

 

[Boxer Blade]

I'm too young to have experienced Garth Crooks as a footballer, but with what he'd experienced and the number of games he played I'm sure that once he was relevant and had some interesting insight into the game. But now, I don't see the point in him. If pundits are too lazy to be informed then ship them out for someone else. It's not like there's a shortage of ex-players who'd be glad of the chance.

Not sure age has too much to do with it poker, I know everything about football and know how to deliver it in a friendly, informative way, and I do remember him playing, good player as well, see told you I knew everything and how to put it across, piece of piss this punditry lark

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Another weird issue about Sheffield United.

Opposition fans will often say “who’s you best players”? It “who’s the danger man”?
And for the first time ever supporting the Blades I struggle to give an answer.
We don’t seem to have any stand out/ best players......we rely so much on team play that every single player becomes a contender for “best player”.

Also if we are formulaic/ predictable then that suggests that tactically we should be outwittted
But I remember the post match interview with Frank Lampard when he was at Derby, he said something about he’s knows exactly how SU will play trying to overload the flanks with the overlapping centre backs but it’s so difficult to stop it.

I remember Frank Lampard when he was on a sun lounger in Majorca telling a fellow Blade that Monty was the best midfielder he'd ever played against. He does talk ba-ba at times does Frank, but, I think he got it spot on when he says he knows how we are likely to play, but it's difficult to stop it.

He's had 3 goes at stopping it now, twice with Derby County and once with Chelsea, and he's no nearer to solving this riddle.

The thing is, the system wasn't invented in a few minutes on a training pitch. It is the result of a lifetime's management experience, careful recruitment and three years practice. It's not just something that other teams can copy and reproduce. It's a bit like me mam's meat and potato pie in that regard. I once asked her to write down the recipe so I could make it myself. She couldn't write down the recipe because she'd never consciously thought about it. She just did it. But she'd been doing it that way for years and no one else can make it quite the same. It's "basic" - for sure. But "basic" - done well - takes some beating.

 

[Hagan's boot]

I'm too young to have experienced Garth Crooks as a footballer, but with what he'd experienced and the number of games he played I'm sure that once he was relevant and had some interesting insight into the game. But now, I don't see the point in him. If pundits are too lazy to be informed then ship them out for someone else. It's not like there's a shortage of ex-players who'd be glad of the chance.

Or even Colin Murray, who has insightful comments on ALL teams that he is involved with, (shame it is the EFL and not the PL).