15/02/2011 - Sheffield United v. Reading

[shorehamview]

SV,

Monty has been one of the few regulars in a poor and losing team. Is it really so outrageous that we give the pairing if Willo and Doyle a go? It's hardly going to ruin anything is it?

Given that Williamson has spent most of his time at United injured he's hardly an option to build a team around, is he? I'd give it a go, but he's as reliable in the long term as brandy snap scaffolding.

Monty is far from the sole reason for United's downfall. I don't think that he's part of the long term solution either - not many of the current team are - but constantly pinning all of the current woes on him alone is an extremely narrow view. I don't think any of the current side will be with us in a couple of years, but Monty is one I'd rely on. He's not Zidane, but his fitness level alone makes him a better long term prospect than Williamson. I'd rather we looked at replacements for both of them.

Short term, then why not give Williamson a go with either Monty or Doyle? See how that works, but to rely on Williamson long term is very, very optimistic.

 

[norfolkblade]

It only takes an average team to beat us

Granted, but they really were average, if we can play how we had been a couple of weeks ago, but hit the net more than once this time, we should be ok, unfortunately I'm questioning when that is ever going to happen now

 

[norfolkblade]

Perhaps we should pair Cresswell and Willo in the middle, a clatter house and a playmaker, thoughts on that?

 

[Bladeforlife]

Same starting eleven for me. Despite one or two under-par performances, the rest of the players did very well IMO and worked hard as a unit. I would go for continuity now.....the team needs to settle and players need to get used to one another. We can win this one with more of the same and just a bit more in the final third.

Don't agree with that bent was pathetic!

 

[Vancouver]

I'm going to the game an I've not seen us lose for about 7 years. Let's hope this continues.

 

[Ollessendro]

Don't agree with that bent was pathetic!

Yeah Boggy has to start in front of Bent. Bogdanovic was the best player at Ipswich and (by all accounts) our only danger on Sat-di (despite only being on for 15 mins). He should be given a chance playing along side Ched.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Don't agree with that bent was pathetic!

I think pathetic is a bit strong. That would suggest he had done things wrong. He was more anonymous to me.....never got involved in the game and barely touched the ball. He looked more disinterested than anything else.

Since we're spending the money I wouldnt just drop him on the strength of that game. He's building up his match fitness and has a lot more quality and experience than some of our other forwards. I say persevere for now.

Like I said, its continuity we need. We wont get a string of results until we have a settled side.

 

[Ollessendro]

I think pathetic is a bit strong. That would suggest he had done things wrong. He was more anonymous to me.....never got involved in the game and barely touched the ball. He looked more disinterested than anything else.

Since we're spending the money I wouldnt just drop him on the strength of that game. He's building up his match fitness and has a lot more quality and experience than some of our other forwards. I say persevere for now.

Like I said, its continuity we need. We wont get a string of results until we have a settled side.

Players should be played on merit. Bent has had 5 or so games and done nothing. Ched has vastly improved of late and Boggy has been our best player in the last few games. I agree with the continuity point (though I think it applies more for the back 5) but think we should be persevering with Boggy and Ched.

 

[norfolkblade]

Players should be played on merit. Bent has had 5 or so games and done nothing. Ched has vastly improved of late and Boggy has been our best player in the last few games. I agree with the continuity point (though I think it applies more for the back 5) but think we should be persevering with Boggy and Ched.

Nail.Head.Bang

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Players should be played on merit. Bent has had 5 or so games and done nothing. Ched has vastly improved of late and Boggy has been our best player in the last few games. I agree with the continuity point (though I think it applies more for the back 5) but think we should be persevering with Boggy and Ched.

This is one of those rare occasions where I dont agree with you Olle. If we are to find any sort of form then we have to let the same group of players play together for a run of games. Chopping and changing has been one of our big problems this season as the team has never found any cohesion. I have nothing against playing Boggy but personally, I dont see a partnership of him and Ched working all that well.....they tend to make the same runs.

Marcus Bent did reasonably well without scoring in his first two games so I dont think we should give up on him yet (I agree he needs to pull his finger out though). Boggy won the penalty and converted well Saturday. He did look lively when he first came on and changed things briefly but that didnt last long. I think a lot of people are getting a bit carried away by his impact off the bench Saturday and against Donny. Based on what I've seen of him and the fact that he cant get in this side.....it would suggest he is pretty average.

 

[Ollessendro]

This is one of those rare occasions where I dont agree with you Olle. If we are to find any sort of form then we have to let the same group of players play together for a run of games. Chopping and changing has been one of our big problems this season as the team has never found any cohesion. I have nothing against playing Boggy but personally, I dont see a partnership of him and Ched working all that well.....they tend to make the same runs.

Marcus Bent did reasonably well without scoring in his first two games so I dont think we should give up on him yet (I agree he needs to pull his finger out though). Boggy won the penalty and converted well Saturday. He did look lively when he first came on and changed things briefly but that didnt last long. I think a lot of people are getting a bit carried away by his impact off the bench Saturday and against Donny. Based on what I've seen of him and the fact that he cant get in this side.....it would suggest he is pretty average.

I don't agree, but I have some sympathy for your point of view. Tell me though SC, how long would you give Bent? (hypoethically speaking) If he is crap tomorrow night and Boggy came on and played well again, who would you play at the weekend? Same question goes for next game.

I like the idea of having someone on the bench who can come on and do things, but we need our best team out from the start. These next 3 games are crucial and we need to win them. I think we have a better chance of doing that with Boggy in the team. Let's keep the back 4 settled, but dropping players who are not pulling their weight (Yeates and Bent) is key to our success.

Boggy is a decent Championship striker. Lightweight but good touch and decent finisher. He is hungry though and that is the difference between him and Bent. He works hard ands is dangerous because he has a desire to succeed. He was the best player at Ipswich (I talked to some Ipswich fans in the boozer afterwards and they reallly rate him) and almost nicked the game for us at the weekend. He is not the answer to our prayers, but he is the best thast we have got up front.

My team for tonight now:

-------- SS

Parrino Collins Lowry Jordan

Lowton Willo Doyle Quinn

------ Boggy Ched

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I don't agree, but I have some sympathy for your point of view. Tell me though SC, how long would you give Bent? (hypoethically speaking) If he is crap tomorrow night and Boggy came on and played well again, who would you play at the weekend? Same question goes for next game.

All interesting and very valid points in that post Olle but I'll focus on this bit since you asked my opinion. I agree that we cant continually persevere with under-performing players (although we did with Ched and he's improving), but I think this situation is a little different.....

An in form and match fit Marcus Bent (even now) is a better player than Bogdanovic IMO and I think that is fairly justifiable. We have Bent for the rest of the season and he has obvious ability, we've seen it before at a few clubs even though some like to slate him. Why (when he's looking for match sharpness and form) leave him on the bench where he's just going to suffer like he did at Brum? At the end of the day, if we're going to see the best of Marcus Bent and get the most out of him he needs to play.

On the flip side, I agree that you need to see something from a player to justify picking him. His performance Saturday was not good enough and Boggy did ok when he came on. If I was Micky I would be telling Marcus to buck his ideas up sharpish or he'll be warming the bench most definately, but before we make a knee-jerk decision too quickly you have to think about this.....

Will Boggy offer enough (in terms of goals/impact) to justify possibly missing out on getting Marcus Bent back to his best? Personally, I dont think so. I would prefer to try and squeeze more out of a more proven player.

 

[Foxy]

Regardless of the formation or team selection, there is one selection that should fill us all with dread:

Trevor Kettle!

 

[wardlowwanderer]

I'm going to the game an I've not seen us lose for about 7 years. Let's hope this continues.

Hope you'll be wearing your lucky y-fronts. And keep your fingers crossed and pray to your god and don't forget the rabbit's foot, heather and four leaf clover. We're going to need it.

Think it might be a good atmosphere though being a night game and we're almost down to the hardcore fans who like the backs to the wall feel.

 

[Bubbleburp]

Hope you'll be wearing your lucky y-fronts. And keep your fingers crossed and pray to your god and don't forget the rabbit's foot, heather and four leaf clover. We're going to need it.

Think it might be a good atmosphere though being a night game and we're almost down to the hardcore fans who like the backs to the wall feel.

With Mr Kettle in charge of the game ...a miracle might be more apt !!!

 

[Grecian2000]

All bets are off when The Kettler is in charge. He is the ultimate "level playing field".

We would be in with the same chance against Barcelona or Bognor because the entire game will hinge on the dozen or so truly bizarre decisions that will stem from his total incompetance. Sadly, if I remember correctly, he had to go off injured the last time he was at the Lane so tonight could be a catch up night for the great man. Can't wait.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

This match is Sheffield United's 900th home fixture in the second tier (W495, D229, L175).

 

[Ollessendro]

This match is Sheffield United's 900th home fixture in the second tier (W495, D229, L175).

Pearl of wisdom. Wow! Couldn't care less if we win, lose or draw tonight.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

We've historically had some bad results against Reading. Now would be a good time to tonk 'em.

Boggy's body check on Sat'day reminded me of the one 10x worse against Gillespie at the Madjeski which wasn't awarded.
I still got a video of it which I watch when I want to be astounded.

 

[Bergen Blade]

First half stats:

Sheffield United - Reading
3(2) Shots (on Goal) 9(4)
8 Fouls 7
4 Corner Kicks 8
0 Offsides 3
47% Time of Possession 53%
1 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
6 Saves 2​

Time for a couple of changes?

 

[Bladeforlife]

Reading started the match the brighter and had most of the early chances but as the game went on United finished the half quite well

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 PM ----------

Pigs losing get in!!!!!!!!!!!

---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 PM ----------

Now the unclean down to ten men come on you red and White wizards! 2 0 to tranmere now

---------- Post added at 09:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------

Now the unclean down to ten men come on you red and White wizards! 2 0 to tranmere now

---------- Post added at 09:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:10 PM ----------

Boggy on come on we CAN win this!

---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:12 PM ----------

Watford 2 2 Preston! Come on you red and White wizardzzzz

---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 PM ----------

Were 1 0 down wtf

 

[LA Blade]

Yep, looks like we are doomed 1pt from 2 home games...

2pts, another Bogy Penalty special.

 

[Bladeforlife]

Come on lets win this

 

[LA Blade]

Daniel Bogdanovic's 88th-minute penalty rescued a scarcely-deserved point for Sheffield United as the npower Championship strugglers claimed a 1-1 draw with Reading at Bramall Lane.

 

[Ollessendro]

I think this will be another draw. I expect it to be 1-1, which on paper wouldn't seem a bad result (but in the circumstances probably not great). I hope I get proved wrong and United can win. It would be great going into the Palace game level on points.

Fooking ell. I shud have teken me sen darn t bookies

 

[Crazyblade]

Hello peeps, just got back from Sheffield.

The match last night - Christ, I know its been a while since I've been there but I have never heard the Blades so quiet, especially in the first half. That being said, the first half was dire, utter drivel. Simmo was probably the highlight of it, and that is not a good sign. Second half was a marginal improvement, bad defending for the Reading goal, and then a stonewall penalty for us. 1-1 was probably more than we deserved to be frank, but it felt like a victory and we could have sneaked it in the end.

Riise was lively when he came on and could be a decent signing for us on loan. Maybe one day someone will explain to me why Boggy wasn't played from the start. We couldn't score from open play if their lives' depended on it. And Yeates - FFS LEARN TO TACKLE.

Kebe massacred us for pace all night long. Reading were pretty shite to be fair as well - Howard was a non-starter, although a couple of his corners got mildly dangerous. And how the hell their player didn't get booked or sent off for raising his hands will puzzle me for a long time to come.

That being said, was so good to be back at BDTBL. The weather was awful, the wife was freezing her butt off (but wants to go again soon so converting her slowly...) but I had a good night. Oh, and priceless comment of the night - as the guys were training in the centre with the mats out, the wife says, "Are they having a picnic or something?" LMAO!!

CB