Finally - pace and positive line up

[Bergen Blade]

Well done to Blackwell today, thought he got the team and tactics spot on for a change. I've said before that two quick players in the starting line up is a minimum, and it was quite obvious that it helped us going forward.

I still think we lump it forward a bit too quickly at times, but with today's improved movement we found more space and created chances.

If he's fit, Camara must start every game for me, it doesn't make sense having such a talented player on the bench. Thought Ward's running also helped us, and it's good that he and Yeates are able to switch sides. Yeates started poorly, but improved as he started to roam around. It's a good combination to have Ward's running and pace on one side and Yeates' good touch and clever skill on the other.

Thought Henderson had a poor first half, but got better as the game went on.

Williamson looked classy in the centre, good vision and passing. He's got a cool head, but does get stuck in as well. MOM for me. Let's not mess around any more. If he stays fit he should be playing central midfield for the reamainder of the season.

Bartley was excellent, and I also like Nosworthy, even though he does strange things at times. Kallio did fairly well on the ball, but struggled badly with Sproule's pace in the second half, and Blackwell was right to put on Quinn on the left to help him out. Usual stuff from Monty and Geary, thought they were both positive.

One weakness: We had no pace on the bench, and are therefore very vulnerable to injuries on Camara and Ward. Let's try to get one more quick lad in on loan, and then hopefully this was the kick start we badly needed.

I also hope Blackwell realises the effect pace and movement has on the team. It would be a travesty if he thought today's improvment was just the result of us being more fired up or something.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Thanks for the summary Bergen. Sounded like a good performance. Keith Edwards was highly complimentary. Nice as well to keep the neanderthal's keyboards quiet for a change.

 

[Ollessendro]

Well done to Blackwell today, thought he got the team and tactics spot on for a change. I've said before that two quick players in the starting line up is a minimum, and it was quite obvious that it helped us going forward.

I still think we lump it forward a bit too quickly at times, but with today's improved movement we found more space and created chances.

If he's fit, Camara must start every game for me, it doesn't make sense having such a talented player on the bench. Thought Ward's running also helped us, and it's good that he and Yeates are able to switch sides. Yeates started poorly, but improved as he started to roam around. It's a good combination to have Ward's running and pace on one side and Yeates' good touch and clever skill on the other.

Thought Henderson had a poor first half, but got better as the game went on.

Williamson looked classy in the centre, good vision and passing. He's got a cool head, but does get stuck in as well. MOM for me. Let's not mess around any more. If he stays fit he should be playing central midfield for the reamainder of the season.

Bartley was excellent, and I also like Nosworthy, even though he does strange things at times. Kallio did fairly well on the ball, but struggled badly with Sproule's pace in the second half, and Blackwell was right to put on Quinn on the left to help him out. Usual stuff from Monty and Geary, thought they were both positive.

One weakness: We had no pace on the bench, and are therefore very vulnerable to injuries on Camara and Ward. Let's try to get one more quick lad in on loan, and then hopefully this was the kick start we badly needed.

I also hope Blackwell realises the effect pace and movement has on the team. It would be a travesty if he thought today's improvment was just the result of us being more fired up or something.

Must admit I was pleasently surprised with Blackwells team selection today. I wasn't at the game, but agree with all your sentiments. Camara must start every game. Also Ward and Yeates should play out on the wing every week. Also Williamsom should be in the centre.

It's times like this when you wonder, why oh why does KB not apporach every game like that?

I'm pleasently surprised by the sound of the performance, but i'm not holding my breath. Forrest at Tuesdy night will be a sterner test. I pray KB approaces the game the same as he did today and not the usual negative way.

 

[Foxy]

Must admit I was pleasently surprised with Blackwells team selection today. I wasn't at the game, but agree with all your sentiments. Camara must start every game. Also Ward and Yeates should play out on the wing every week. Also Williamsom should be in the centre.

I think to be fair, I think that's what he wants to do (after all, he's brought them all in), but they just haven't been fit enough. Wardy and Camera didn't have their hamstrings strapped as heavily as recently, but Willo was absolutely knackered late on. If we can keep those three fit and involved, we'll not go far wrong.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'm pleasently surprised by the sound of the performance, but i'm not holding my breath. Forrest at Tuesdy night will be a sterner test. I pray KB approaces the game the same as he did today and not the usual negative way.

I'll refer you to point 4.5 of the Rotational Policy....

All joking apart, Geary, Williamson and Camara won't make the game, none of them have played much football over the past year and 2 games in 4 days may be too much

 

[Foxy]

Blackwell just said on Radio Sheffield, two players are definately out for Tuesday, with injuries picked up.

 

[Ollessendro]

Blackwell just said on Radio Sheffield, two players are definately out for Tuesday, with injuries picked up.

Yeah heard that. He didn't say who they were though.

 

[SwissBlade]

Yeah heard that. He didn't say who they were though.

I'd imagine Willo's one of them

 

[Bergen Blade]

I think to be fair, I think that's what he wants to do (after all, he's brought them all in), but they just haven't been fit enough. Wardy and Camera didn't have their hamstrings strapped as heavily as recently, but Willo was absolutely knackered late on. If we can keep those three fit and involved, we'll not go far wrong.

I have absolutely no complaints about the starting line up today, but that has hardly happened before under Blackwell. The mix is close to perfect (at this level) with complementary skills all over the pitch. Team composing doesn't have to be more difficult than this, and we should look to have a squad that keeps that balance just right even if we get a couple of injuries.

This means that if Camara can't make it on Tuesday, we should have someone who, if not quite as good, does the same type of things for the team, so that we don't have to change everything around and upset the newfound rythm.

 

[Ollessendro]

I don't know what comes over me, but I sarted to warm to Blackwell a little during his post match interview. All that talk of wanting to play like that charmed me somewhat!? The whole trying to build a team, putting up with injuries, being hurt when United lose etc made me feel a little sorry for the old dog.

 

[SwissBlade]

Totally agree Olle, I normally pay little attention to his post match rubbish. Perhaps your letter worked !

 

[Foxy]

From what i've heard... One of them could be Bunn...

Pain killing injection at half time for a rib injury? Theres only him I can think of that had one to the ribs.

 

[Guesty]

Today showed for me that Monty can function in a more "footballing" midfield if you will. He broke things up and his distribution was good. He spread it foward well and even drove the play foward. There were far fewer mistakes in his tackling too, which had crept into his recent performances.

I was shocked listening to RS on the way home that nobody mentioned Bartley for MOTM. His reading of the game is incredible for a man of his age, and he set up the first goal beautifully.

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

The good thing for me today is that we can have a legitimate argument over the man of the match. In the car on the way back, I thought Yeates, sister thought Williamson, Dad thought Bartley and we were all very impressed with Camara - his goal helped! There are four players there who were all at least 8/10.

The spine of the team was solid too. Bunn did what he needed to do with little fuss, Bartley was excellent with a solid performance from 'Nos,' Monty was effective in what he did, Williamson got stuck in and played some good stuff and the front two - first 20 minutes apart - were a handful. For all the negativity aimed at Henderson today from some, he kept going and got a good goal. That's the type of run he should be making to get onto crosses and he will score more that way. Henderson and Camara both scored and that's all you can ask.

Yeates and Ward reminded me of Ndlovu and Devlin/Tonge from the early Warnock era. Ability to switch and keep full backs on their toes throughout.

Yes, it was a negative and - some would argue - poor Brizzle but I think we'd have beat most teams in the league today. Much more encouraging and I think the Blades near me were warming to it. First time I've enjoyed it in quite a while. Well done Blades and well done Blackwell.

 

[Rustyblade]

Thanks for the summary Bergen. Sounded like a good performance. Keith Edwards was highly complimentary. Nice as well to keep the neanderthal's keyboards quiet for a change.

Mmmmmm. One neanderthal and multiple keyboards? Bit of an own goal there, don't you think?

On a more conciliatory note though - don't you think it would be better if we refrained from denigrating those with whom we disagree?

Oh, and yes, a very pleasing performance today. A definite clap.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Mmmmmm. One neanderthal and multiple keyboards? Bit of an own goal there, don't you think?

On a more conciliatory note though - don't you think it would be better if we refrained from denigrating those with whom we disagree?

Oh, and yes, a very pleasing performance today. A definite clap.

Thanks for pointing out the misplaced apostrophe Rusty.
No denigration was intended. Just a description.

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

I have absolutely no complaints about the starting line up today, but that has hardly happened before under Blackwell. The mix is close to perfect (at this level) with complementary skills all over the pitch. Team composing doesn't have to be more difficult than this, and we should look to have a squad that keeps that balance just right even if we get a couple of injuries.

This means that if Camara can't make it on Tuesday, we should have someone who, if not quite as good, does the same type of things for the team, so that we don't have to change everything around and upset the newfound rythm.

This is the frustrating thing with KB is that we know he can put teams out there that can play football, Preston play off, today etc but he either loses his bottle or becomes more worried about the opposition than playing to our strengths. With the team we have there is no reason to fear anyone in this division if we play football with pace and wingers home and away. Especially now with Ward & Yeates on the wings who are both workers attacking and defending. More of the same please.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Blackwell just said on Radio Sheffield, two players are definately out for Tuesday, with injuries picked up.

It's very encouraging that Blackwell has finally picked the team we've been asking for and stated that he wants to stick with them. However, if you look at the probable replacements he'll have to bring in, there are very few like-for-like swaps:-

Bunn - Bennett
Geary - France
Nosworthy - Fortune
Bartley - Fortune
Kallio - Stewart
Ward - Little
Williamson - Quinn
Montgomery - Quinn
Yeates - Quinn
Henderson - Creswell
Camara - Evans

Who ever is injured, the team will be weakened but I think it's vital that both Camara and Ward are fit as the're the only two players with genuine pace and flair. If one of them is out, I can see us going back to 4-5-1 and the "grinding out results" style of play against Forest.

 

[SheepdipBlade]

type of things [/B]for the team, so that we don't have to change everything around and upset the newfound rythm.

You mentioned the need to bring in another loanee to give us this ability. We already have that player on the books - he's out on loan at Charlton. Kyel Reid is fast and direct (maintaining the balance of pace within the team) and could replace Ward on the wing allowing Wardy to play up front (or do you see Wardy as a different kind of player than "Our Henry"?) Any place for Sharp in this picture?

Pity that there seems to be personal issues for Reid and he's felt the need to mave back south.

 

[oldblade]

Today showed for me that Monty can function in a more "footballing" midfield if you will. He broke things up and his distribution was good. He spread it foward well and even drove the play foward. There were far fewer mistakes in his tackling too, which had crept into his recent performances.

I was shocked listening to RS on the way home that nobody mentioned Bartley for MOTM. His reading of the game is incredible for a man of his age, and he set up the first goal beautifully.

I agree wholeheartedly with your view of Montgomery. He was very good good in all respects on Saturday, and showed those who think that all he doesd is win the ball and then give it away again are wrong. His passing was sound and he rarely gave possesssion away.

 

[Ollessendro]

Thanks for the summary Bergen. Sounded like a good performance. Keith Edwards was highly complimentary. Nice as well to keep the neanderthal's keyboards quiet for a change.

Actually, it is quite celar to see that at least one neanderthals keyboard was not actually kept quiet!?

 

[Micalijo]

Did someone mention my name?!!

 

[Bergen Blade]

You mentioned the need to bring in another loanee to give us this ability. We already have that player on the books - he's out on loan at Charlton. Kyel Reid is fast and direct (maintaining the balance of pace within the team) and could replace Ward on the wing allowing Wardy to play up front (or do you see Wardy as a different kind of player than "Our Henry"?) Any place for Sharp in this picture?

Pity that there seems to be personal issues for Reid and he's felt the need to mave back south.

I did a bit of searching on a Charlton forum and they seemed impressed with him. I think the Charlton site said that they had negotiated a deal to keep him there if he did well. Agree with you that it would have been interesting to see him tried on the left if Ward or Camara got injured. I think he could have offered more of a threat than Quinn or Stewart.

 

[davidpinder]

I don't know what comes over me, but I sarted to warm to Blackwell a little during his post match interview. All that talk of wanting to play like that charmed me somewhat!? The whole trying to build a team, putting up with injuries, being hurt when United lose etc made me feel a little sorry for the old dog.

who are you and what you done with ollie?? What a surprise we have 2 injuries tomorrow means we can play negative and 4-5-1. Snap out of it, its all bollocks

 

[Ollessendro]

You mentioned the need to bring in another loanee to give us this ability. We already have that player on the books - he's out on loan at Charlton. Kyel Reid is fast and direct (maintaining the balance of pace within the team) and could replace Ward on the wing?

Pity that there seems to be personal issues for Reid and he's felt the need to mave back south.

I did a bit of searching on a Charlton forum and they seemed impressed with him. I think the Charlton site said that they had negotiated a deal to keep him there if he did well. Agree with you that it would have been interesting to see him tried on the left if Ward or Camara got injured. I think he could have offered more of a threat than Quinn or Stewart.

I like what little I'd seen of Reid, but (as highlighted in Sheepy's text) Reid apparently didn't settle.

I crticised KB heavily for not playing people that he signed, but he is the one who's sees them on the training ground. If reid wasn't pulling his weight and couldn't settle up North then only KB could have seen it. Somebody at the Watford match mentioned to me that a close family member or friend had died and he was going through a lot of shit. Imagine if he's lost a brother/sister or best mate or something.

who are you and what you done with ollie?? What a surprise we have 2 injuries tomorrow means we can play negative and 4-5-1. Snap out of it, its all bollocks

Don't worry Dave .... it was just a temporary lapse. That said, i'm not a Blackwell hater. If he genuinly started playing the right team, making the right substituitions and trying to play attacking football I would change my opinion of him. Unfortunately, I don't have any confidence in him. I fully expect him to play a defensive team and negative tactics tonight.

 

[davidpinder]

I like what little I'd seen of Reid, but (as highlighted in Sheepy's text) Reid apparently didn't settle.

I crticised KB heavily for not playing people that he signed, but he is the one who's sees them on the training ground. If reid wasn't pulling his weight and couldn't settle up North then only KB could have seen it. Somebody at the Watford match mentioned to me that a close family member or friend had died and he was going through a lot of shit. Imagine if he's lost a brother/sister or best mate or something.



Don't worry Dave .... it was just a temporary lapse. That said, i'm not a Blackwell hater. If he genuinly started playing the right team, making the right substituitions and trying to play attacking football I would change my opinion of him. Unfortunately, I don't have any confidence in him. I fully expect him to play a defensive team and negative tactics tonight.

Totally agree with you, i couldn't anyone who made united a success just don't think he will