Play the kids… DON’T play the kids

[Lightsoot]

How do we find out if they’re not given minutes? Presumably they’ve shown something in training or they would have got nowhere near the pitch tonight.

I think they’ve shown but for injuries why they’re nowhere near. But acknowledge your point that there’s no other way to find out.

 

[RecordBreakers]

I enjoyed seeing them out there today and I'd rather jebbo than mcburnie on any given Sunday

 

[riselikeasalmon]

You’re a sensitive lad. I hope Femi’s got broader shoulders.

For the record, I agree with Hecky chucking him in. Not sure I’m feeling as charitable as you are about his prospects, even based on 65 mins. The beauty is we’ll see and I’ll have a litre of what you’re drinking.

‘Progress’ is observing what’s actually happened, not rewriting history.

OK I haven’t got my point across.

How often do you revise your opinion of a player?

If Seriki plays v Boro and scores and has 2 assisted and makes 2 goal saving challenges is he the next Kyle Walker?

 

[Bladesman]

Got no fucking choice but to play them these days.

 

[Nelson1889]

I've seen much worse debuts by much more experienced players than seriki in my time.

Is he the finished article? No

Has he a lot to learn? Yes

Does he need a football league loan next season? Probably

Should we write him off after 65 minutes against a top end championship club? Should we bollocks!

 

[PittsburghBlade]

I agree with the OP.

Seriki looked miles off it and needs to go and get some league experience to find out how good he is. U23 football isn't even close to conference level football. His touches and general play suggested he isn't technically up to scratch yet, something which is hard to develop significantly. Physically he has the body type to have a career at the level but didn't look to have significant speed or mobility tonight.

Jebbison looked like bambi on ice and should have squared it to McBurnie who had an easy tap in. As well as an absolutely woeful attempt at a through ball under no pressure at all. He should've attacked the ball and headed the corner away as well, that's his job in a free role at the front post. It's harsh to say it but he really cost us tonight with a few poor decisions which could've closed the game out for us. For fans on McBurnie's back need to understand this is the current alternative and McB is country miles ahead of Jebbo right now.

Norrington Davies needs to be better for us, if he's going to have a future with the team or at this level. His defensive work isn't bad but got absolutely skinned for the penalty, even if Spence put his body across him to win the penalty he's all over him inside the box and shouldn't have been so easily beat. He's so wasteful in possession at times and the wing back in our system really needs to be one of our strongest players, as well as technically excellent if our system is going to succeed. I don't think it was any coincidence when Stevens lost his form entirely we also suffered a lot more.

I hope they can all learn from the experience and come back better players, but the championship is one of the most physically and mentally demanding leagues in the world, it takes a very good player to have a long career at this level. It's a tough school and the players either need to step up and be good enough for the level or go play for someone else.

For fans saying it's time to blood youngsters and build for the future get a grip, we're in the hunt for the play-offs then we're 3 good results away from being back in the prem. Now isn't the time, we have IT ALL to play for.

 

[Bladey_blade]

I'd rather judge Seriki on a different game, was always gonna be tough but a few reasons that stuck out made it hard
For some reason at set pieces he seemed to have a 1 on 1 assignment with Davis which was always a mismatch.
Also 1 on 1 going forward against a very experienced pro in Jack Colback, he's seen it all and done it at the top level, knows all the tricks etc, I'd have fancied him getting more joy out of Lowe to be fair.

Playing at the side of a left footed CB seemed to upset the balance of the right side totally, think with Bash behind him he would have had a better night.

No point writing the lad off after a tough game against a good side.

 

[Lightsoot]

OK I haven’t got my point across.

How often do you revise your opinion of a player?

If Seriki plays v Boro and scores and has 2 assisted and makes 2 goal saving challenges is he the next Kyle Walker?

You have got your point across, I do understand where you’re coming from, and you’ve made some excellent points. You think I’m being too harsh and quick to judge by writing off a young lad on his full debut, chucked in at the deep end against good opposition.

I hear all that. I think it’s fair to say I’ve been harsh, but… based on what I’ve seen last night my gut feeling tells me I’m right. No blame on Hecky or Seriki, but Seriki is miles off the standard we require NOW, IF we want to get to the play-offs.

His touch and positional awareness was lacking, his defending questionable and I can’t recall seeing him put a tackle in.

I wouldn’t play Seriki again this season even if we’re down to the bare bones, which admittedly we are. Osborn showed more in 10 minutes as left footer at RWB.

I have changed my opinions of players in the past, but like everyone else I think im a decent judge of ability having watched United for 30+ years and done a bit of coaching. That doesn’t make me more qualified than others who may be more astute and patient, which is something I lack.

Players I’ve changed my mind on include: Bob Booker, John Gannon, Brian Gayle and Paul Coutts. And this season, I thought Fleck was finished but he’s markedly improved and I also thought Hourihane was a waste of a loan but he’s largely turned things around.

So, I’m open to changing my opinion based on evidence. We’ll have to see how Seriki and Jebbison (to a lesser extent) go to see if you’re willing to do the same.

My overriding point is that the kids aren’t always the answer. We don’t have to stick with them and put rose tinted specs on just because they’re kids. To coin a well worn phrase, they’ve got to be good enough. And my argument, based on 60 minutes, is that id be amazed if Seriki proves to be so.

 

[alcoblade]

Jesus wept, lad on his debut who has been set back due to an idiotic loan decision and a lad who has only has limited minutes.

Give them a chance. We play in a shit development league. They're not going to suddenly be world beaters.

What was idiotic about the loan decision? Surely it was far better than not even making our bench.

Even now we’ve lost half our strikers he’s been the last pick so he’d have played little football if he wasn’t loaned out.

 

[Berkshire Blade]

Wasn't the easiest game for a first start or to make a lengthy appearance off the bench but I think that should dampen the demand from some.

Getting rid of both burke and Lys to save a few quid isn't looking like a brilliant idea now.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Seriki isn't ready. Needs a real loan

Jebbo did exactly what was required other than the pass going awry (we gave the ball away 25+ times last night by the way). Battled, harried, won things, caused panic. He's very athletic which is what we are crying out for

 

[robbiez666]

What was idiotic about the loan decision? Surely it was far better than not even making our bench.

Even now we’ve lost half our strikers he’s been the last pick so he’d have played little football if he wasn’t loaned out.

Serilki's loan

 

[100% part time blade]

Sheffield United’s youth team players are not as good as Sheffield United’s 1st team players. I’m sure this doesn’t surprise anyone.
That doesn’t mean they won’t become good players.
At age 18, Basham, Norwood and Egan had started zero league games. I have no idea how well Basham and Norwood played on their debuts but I guess nothing sparkling as Rochdale lost to Hereford and Carlisle got a 0-0 draw. I remember Egan’s league debut because it was for us in 2012 when we lost to Walsall in league 1: he wasn’t great. And he was a year older than Jebbo and Seriki. Billy did debit for us at 18: he wasn’t as good as the rest of the first team and was sent to Rushden in January. A year makes a big difference between 17-18-19.

I’m sure PH picked Seriki as the best available option to win that game based on everything he knew about Osborne’s readiness for 90 minutes, the issues around Osborne playing out of position, the likely set up Forest would have on their left hand side, and Seriki’s ability / readiness / character.
The sum of his decision was that we were 30 seconds away from 3 points and came away with a draw against a good side - all while we were carrying a horrific injury list.

Other consequences of his decision to play youth team players rather than out-of-position pros might include a step-up in the development of those youngsters, a clear indication to future young players considering joining our youth set-up that if the chance comes up then first-team appearances are not an impossibility, and a boost in confidence for those kids. The last one providing of course that they are not unduly criticised and abused by followers of the club - without proper regard for the stage of their development - which could potentially have a very detrimental effect.
It really is very unusual to be starting a game like that, at this level, with that sort of atmosphere, at that age, and that stage of your career.

 

[GodricBlade]

I thought their number 9 Davis was very good last night & Jebbo could do worse than notice what he did.
That said, I thought Jebbo looked a threat - quick & hungry (not is a Mousset/Dore chippy way) and I’d be happy to see him get more minutes & starts to help him settle. As soon as he scores one (hopefully the winner on Tuesday in front of the Kop) he’s gonna be a handful for defenders.
Seriki looked a bit lost at times - yet he also got into some good positions.
Injuries are forcing Hecky’s hand here & fair play for giving these lads a chance.

 

[DeanLearner'sCat]

There was poor decision making all night, throughout the team. At least with the youngsters it was understandable. I didn't think either of them were particularly bad. Although Jebbo should have won us the game, he did generally OK and his athleticism alone will cause problems.

Gordon did fine at Millwall, too.

 

[Wards]

Absolute rubbish.

Seriki had the left-footed out-of-position Davies behind him, an anonymous midfield to the left, and no Berge in front as he was playing deep to help the midfield. He was up against the impressive Davis and the hugely experienced Colback. I don't think he did badly at all considering the circumstances.

Jebbison was far from poor! One poor pass and he's "very poor"? He was pacy, closed down the defence and keeper at every opportunity, and was a complete paid in the arse of the tired Forest players. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him on the pitch based on his cameo.

This is the correct take

 

[Lane Ender]

Jesus wept, lad on his debut who has been set back due to an idiotic loan decision and a lad who has only has limited minutes.

Give them a chance. We play in a shit development league. They're not going to suddenly be world beaters.

100%

 

[EddieColquhoun]

I thought their number 9 Davis was very good last night & Jebbo could do worse than notice what he did.

He did look good. But you're comparing an 18 year old to a 24 year old (and the 18 year old has more career goals)

 

[Mumbo]

Found wanting tonight. Not their fault, but they’re a long way short.

We gave the ball away constantly in the first half and it was’nt the kids it was senior
players.
Flecks inability to make a pass with a free runner each side was amateur.
Yeah Jebbo fucked up but anyone can see he has pace ability and awareness and is a massive improvement on Mcburnie.
Seriki has potential but his anticipation was off the pace but will come with more involvement in the first team.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Seriki might’ve looked better if the midfield, particularly Norwood, didn’t have an absolute nightmare

 

[robbiez666]

Seriki might’ve looked better if the midfield, particularly Norwood, didn’t have an absolute nightmare

It's worth noting that Berge provides almost no help to whoever is RWB.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Found wanting tonight. Not their fault, but they’re a long way short.

No they're not. They both stepped up as good as you could have hoped for, against the best side to have come to the Lane this season.
They make the next step by developing in that environment.
Luckily with Hecky and his men in charge, we've got the right set-up for that to happen.

 

[alcoblade]

Serilki's loan

Okay, but still don’t follow - what was idiotic about it? He’s clearly not ready to play in the championship?

 

[alcoblade]

No they're not. They both stepped up as good as you could have hoped for, against the best side to have come to the Lane this season.
They make the next step by developing in that environment.
Luckily with Hecky and his men in charge, we've got the right set-up for that to happen.

If have ti disagree there fella - with regards to Seriki - looked miles off to me, and o think his confidence would have been destroyed by that.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

If have ti disagree there fella - with regards to Seriki - looked miles off to me, and o think his confidence would have been destroyed by that.

He struggled more of the two, I agree. I don't think it was confidence knocking territory though.

 

[Cheesebored]

Seriki might’ve looked better if the midfield, particularly Norwood, didn’t have an absolute nightmare

The old deflection tactic. He was extremely poor. You can't teach first touch at his age. We've recently had a right footer at left back and last night a left footer at right back. We've no depth in cover unfortunately, people screaming for the U23s to step up need to look closely. It's a massive step up.

 

[LewishamBlade]

The old deflection tactic. He was extremely poor. You can't teach first touch at his age. We've recently had a right footer at left back and last night a left footer at right back. We've no depth in cover unfortunately, people screaming for the U23s to step up need to look closely. It's a massive step up.

Extremely poor is a stretch he just had no impact, positive or negative

 

[alcoblade]

He struggled more of the two, I agree. I don't think it was confidence knocking territory though.

That’s football

I thought he was really woeful and would hate to see him tried again. I think he needs a loan a few divisions lower.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

I thought Jebbo's pace and athleticism were what we were crying out for to be honest. Forest were happy to press us high up the pitch, not letting us play out from the back, knowing that they were not susceptible to a ball over the top. Once we had Jebbo up front with Billy and MGW, we constantly forced them back.

As for Seriki, i didn't think he had a torrid time (no worse than several other defenders), but he had several Montgomeryesque touches. However, it was his debut and he is our third or 4th choice right back.

 

[100% part time blade]

I thought Jebbo's pace and athleticism were what we were crying out for to be honest. Forest were happy to press us high up the pitch, not letting us play out from the back, knowing that they were not susceptible to a ball over the top. Once we had Jebbo up front with Billy and MGW, we constantly forced them back.

As for Seriki, i didn't think he had a torrid time (no worse than several other defenders), but he had several Montgomeryesque touches. However, it was his debut and he is our third or 4th choice right back.

I think I’d probably say Bogle>Baldock>Basham (out of position)>Goode>Seriki, so I’d make him 5th choice. And I agree about Jebbo’s pace and forcing them back which I think Hecky was gesturing to him when he chased back into our half not long after coming on, seeming to say get back up there.