Cresswell

[blader]

Spot on Tonight!

That is where he is/will be the most effective. DO NOT start Cresswell, because he tires long before the defences do. Bring him on 45-60 minutes into the game to ruffle some feathers. I ahve said this for a long time now, and stand by it. I really think Hoskins should start, or give BT another go. Cresswell can be a useful asset, but must be used correctly, and this is it IMO!!

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Disagree. I'd start with Cresswell. We were shocking in the 1st half without the Ched / Cresswell partnership. The sending off helped us tonight - but we can't afford to start so poorly in future. BT will be more effective as a sub - he barely had a touch tonight. Starting with Ertl & BT was a gamble that didn't work - we looked far better in the 2nd half when we changed it.

 

[Ollessendro]

So, we win 13 out 16 games with Cresswell starting. Then he doesn't start and we are losing. He comes on and we win. And the conclusion you come to is to not start him. Beyond belief. If anything last night says what his value is to the team. Ched has been taking the plaudits, but Cressy does a lot of the hardwork. They have formed a cracking partnership and should start together.

 

[Baildon Blade]

Cresswell is hard working and totally ineffective. What's to say we wouldn't have won 16 out of 16 without him? We are winning despite him not because of him.

 

[Bergen Blade]

So, we win 13 out 16 games with Cresswell starting. Then he doesn't start and we are losing. He comes on and we win. And the conclusion you come to is to not start him. Beyond belief. If anything last night says what his value is to the team. Ched has been taking the plaudits, but Cressy does a lot of the hardwork. They have formed a cracking partnership and should start together.

I agree Cresswell puts himself about and has done ok, but four goals in his last 30 games isn't a lot, and "cracking partnership" is a bit generous IMO. It was time to see what Beattie could offer. Very disappointing to hear he didn't do well though.

 

[Balham]

Was Beattie part of the cause or a victim of our poor first half last night? I wonder whether the result would have been similar had the Quinn/Ertl switch been made but with Beattie staying on the pitch?

 

[sitwell]

Beattie and Evans played too far away from each other and the ball just kept coming back. Beattie was no worse than Evans and laid a good chance on for Ertl but lack of service and positioning made for a crap performance from the pair of them.

 

[JohnDenver]

Beattie and Evans played too far away from each other and the ball just kept coming back. Beattie was no worse than Evans and laid a good chance on for Ertl but lack of service and positioning made for a crap performance from the pair of them.

Largely agree with that. I suspect BT needs to learn from Shipps that when you're 33 and a big lad, you need to play a very specific role. Last night he kept dropping deep to find the ball, much like he did in the Robbo era, but really he should have made himself a target for our other players to hit and build from.

What Cress did well was provide options by running wide rather than deep. This allowed us to move higher up the pitch and get the likes of Willo, Quinn and Lowton involved.

 

[Muttley]

BT spent a fair bit of time helping the defence out last night. 2 very good clearances which unfortunately ended up back at the feet of Scunny players as there was no bugger upfield . Having said that, he had a mare with our very few chances in front of goal. Jury still out for me on him, in my heart of hearts I really hope he can be an asset to us in the run in.
As for Cresswell, another player dividing opinions, I was happy for him to be rested, but the game changed with him and Quinn coming on with much more urgency that Scunny couldn't handle. I would give it another go with Cressy on the bench and start Hoskins, if it's not working then bring Cresswell on and hope.

Must admit at half time I was very worried as a rumour of Macca being out for a few weeks was circulating. I couldn't believe that the absence of 1 player could totally disrupt a teams play and seemingly confdence.

A typical game of 2 halves though and normal service was resumed.

 

[RealMcCoy]

Largely agree with that. I suspect BT needs to learn from Shipps that when you're 33 and a big lad, you need to play a very specific role. Last night he kept dropping deep to find the ball, much like he did in the Robbo era, but really he should have made himself a target for our other players to hit and build from.

What Cress did well was provide options by running wide rather than deep. This allowed us to move higher up the pitch and get the likes of Willo, Quinn and Lowton involved.

Surely what was obvious last night was the fact Ertl can't play midfield. Everything stopped when he got the ball. Difficult to tell whether Beattie/Evans partnership would have done better with Quinn coming on, but both Quinn and Creswell completely changed the tempo of the game (and confidence on the ball).
It was like two different games

 

[davidpinder]

I thought BT was poor, even if quinn had started his touch was off and distribution was as bad as monty can be. Give Hoskins a start saturday IMO see if he can cause more problems than BT did last night.

 

[Chris1012]

BT did not get much service due to the fact we were playing two holding midfielders and lacked creativity in the middle. Scunthorpe pressed us well, but the sending off changed the game. Ertl was the main offender and I think Quinn changed the game.....

 

[Ollessendro]

Hoklsins will get his chance. The games come thick and fast in March. Personally I'd start Cressy and Ched on Sat-di, then rest Cressy at Walsall next Tue and play Hoskins. It will be a real test for the squad.

The difference between Cresswell and BT is that Cresswell leads the line well, works harder, offers and outlet and puts pressure on the opposition. They are both slow, past it and not very good at finishing. But Cresswell does a good job holding the ball up and feading others. Beattie just offers nothing. Complete waste of money. I'd play Porter ahead of him.

 

[sitwell]

All of them will be needed and used ,as you say the games come thick and fast now but its the same for everyone else. Alan Knill said last night befpre the game that we have the best squad in the division and that is what will be required ,the other reason as I said a few weeks ago the pigs may struggle for the play offs

 

[oldblade]

Cresswell is hard working and totally ineffective. What's to say we wouldn't have won 16 out of 16 without him? We are winning despite him not because of him.

Ineffective? Not from what I saw last night.

---------- Post added at 06:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 PM ----------

BT did not get much service due to the fact we were playing two holding midfielders and lacked creativity in the middle. Scunthorpe pressed us well, but the sending off changed the game. Ertl was the main offender and I think Quinn changed the game.....

It only changed the game in the second half - after we made changes.

I know that it came late in the first half, but for the remaining 7 minutes plus added on time they were still coping with us quite easily. Even at the start of the second half in a brief moment when they actually tried to play football instead of run down tghe clock they caused us problems.

 

[1889]

I thought first half we just strolled about as though the win was a formality. No one carried the ball and drew any one out of position, just played predictable passes and played right into Scunthorpes hands.

Second half was completely different, Quinn ran with the ball creating space and Cresswell covered more ground in ten minutes than Beattie did in 45 minutes.

 

[Hodgyman]

I thought that Danny's team selection and his use of substitutes were spot on. Neither Quinn or Cressy had a brilliant game last Sunday so something new was required. I also knew that the pair had received knocks in the derby so weren't totally fit for another 90 minutes.

After the introduction of Cressy and Quinn, United played as well as I have seen them without MacDonald. Both Quinn and Cressy seem to play better after being left out of the starting line up.

Well done Danny

 

[alcoblade]

After the introduction of Cressy and Quinn, United played as well as I have seen them without MacDonald. Both Quinn and Cressy seem to play better after being left out of the starting line up.

I think perhaps we realise the less obvious things that they bring to the side when they're not in it. They do a lot of runnnig that pulls the opposition apart. Though the final ball is often missing, I think the mobility brings about other opportunities.

UTB

 

[Bladesway]

3 points. Its all that matters. Who plays and how I really don't care at this point. DW will make them play the right way and I have faith in his ability to get the results that matter. Losing at pork towers won't matter if we win our games in hand and keep up our seasons average points haul of around 2 per game. Win your home games and get bits away and you will get promoted.

As for who. BT, Porter, Cresswell, Evans, Hoskins. All can and will play a part. If they get us promoted isn't that all that matters in the end? And I think they will.

 

[mickerz-blade]

I like the work he's done for us this season.

 

[SwissBlade]

So, we win 13 out 16 games with Cresswell starting. Then he doesn't start and we are losing. He comes on and we win. And the conclusion you come to is to not start him. Beyond belief. If anything last night says what his value is to the team. Ched has been taking the plaudits, but Cressy does a lot of the hardwork. They have formed a cracking partnership and should start together.

Spot on mate.

One thing I would say is that Cresswell looked tired on Sunday and need to come off earlier than he did. I also said that he shouldn't start against Scunny.

The work of Cresswell often goes unappreciated, but you're right, his contributions this season have allowed Ched to do his job more easily.

The thing with Cresswell is that he gets battered and just gets on with it, he's a war horse and when many players have taken knocks and been on the treatment table for weeks, Cresswell has dusted himself off and got on with it

 

[Ollessendro]

I agree Cresswell puts himself about and has done ok, but four goals in his last 30 games isn't a lot, and "cracking partnership" is a bit generous IMO. It was time to see what Beattie could offer. Very disappointing to hear he didn't do well though.

I agree with a lot of what you say, but think that you're wrong on this. You've continued to knock Cresswell, despite his contribution to the team. He leads the line really well. Just because he is not quick and doesn't score that often, you knock him. It is clear to see there is more to his game and that Ched plays better with him. When Ched has scored 20, Quinny a dozen, Willo almost in double figures etc then I don't think it matters too much. Shipperley is widely seen as an excellent forward and instrumental in our promotion season in 06. He scored 9 goals. He did however form briliiant partnerships with Kabba and Webber, hold the ball up brilliantly and leads the line like a proper forward. Rob Hulse scored less than 10 goals in the Premier League and is regarded by many as the best stiker at BDTBL since Deane. Whilstever the team keeps winning and he is playing, I think there is little argument for dropping him. We've scored 60 goals this season, so it is not like it is a massive problem for us.

The above said, I am happy we have different options. I think that Hoskins should be used. If it is not working and Cressy is looking tired, then he should come off. I would even think of starting Cressy on Sat and then Hoskins next Tue. But, the first choice partnership (imo) is Cresswell and Evans. Wilson also thinks that.

Spot on mate.

One thing I would say is that Cresswell looked tired on Sunday and need to come off earlier than he did. I also said that he shouldn't start against Scunny.

The work of Cresswell often goes unappreciated, but you're right, his contributions this season have allowed Ched to do his job more easily.

The thing with Cresswell is that he gets battered and just gets on with it, he's a war horse and when many players have taken knocks and been on the treatment table for weeks, Cresswell has dusted himself off and got on with it

Agree with all the above. Whilst I am sure defenders do not want to play against Evans (on fire) and Hoskins (quick), they will not enjoy playing against Cressy. He is a nuisance. He pressures and hassles and harries. He is strong, holds the ball up well and wions his fair share of headers. His running and sheer work rate seem to bring others into the game and open up space. I would like him to be scoring a lot (but it is not a problem, as stated above) but he adds a lot of value. Keep up the good work Richard!

 

[Jehovah]

I slated Cresswell on Sunday and happy clapped him last night. All in all, he has been very effective this season and has worked his nuts off in what I imagine is his last season for the blades? (correct me if im wrong, contract out in summer?)

We have several decent striekrs to choose from and as pointed out above, need that depth at crunch time with game congestion. I must say though, I was extremley happy by BT getting his chance to shine the other night and extremley upset by him not grabbing the opportunity.

 

[Balham]

I slated Cresswell on Sunday and happy clapped him last night. All in all, he has been very effective this season and has worked his nuts off in what I imagine is his last season for the blades? (correct me if im wrong, contract out in summer?)

You're wrong: we (on Blackwell's request) gave him a three year contract in the summer of 2010 so he's got another 18 months left. He's high up my list of players who I wouldn't mind moving on - I know he works hard for the team and puts himself about but if his weekly wage reaches five figures as is rumoured then he's not worth it.

Edit:

Why do we give older players three year deals? Surely two year deals with an option for a third would be a much better way of doing business?

 

[Bladesway]

In fairness Wilson has worked well with the shite hand he was dealt. I don't think there have been any resounding failures so contract lengths etc are somewhat of a non issue so far as I see it. He has brought players in and in the main got it right. He hasn't and SUFC haven't put silly contracts on the table for anyone this season so I am hoping that perhaps we have learned our lesson. Allbeit the hard way.

 

[LSF]

3 points. Its all that matters. Who plays and how I really don't care at this point. DW will make them play the right way and I have faith in his ability to get the results that matter. Losing at pork towers won't matter if we win our games in hand and keep up our seasons average points haul of around 2 per game. Win your home games and get bits away and you will get promoted.

As for who. BT, Porter, Cresswell, Evans, Hoskins. All can and will play a part. If they get us promoted isn't that all that matters in the end? And I think they will.

Absolutely spot on!