Golden Dawn?

[grafikhaus]

No, not a post about the Greek election!

Are we witnessing a change in the Blades' fortunes? For a Third Division team to splash £1.5m on one player (plus wages) is a true statement of intent. Some are questioning the value of a lot of money on a full-back, but I think he'll prove to be much more than that. Far better this than bits and bobs on several players. (Older fans may recall a triple-signing day in 1971 when, to give us a final push, we signed David Ford - crap -, John Hope - underrated and the 'beard of all beards', Trevor Hockey.) On that occasion, the sum of the parts created the whole.
NC's old man had a similar eye for left-field signings who provided invaluable - Dave Mackay and our beloved Willie Carling. Ditto NW with Shipperley, Asaba etc. Oh, and DB with - amongst many others - Deane & Agana.

None of these were signings to make you wet the bed, but history proved the managers knew what they were doing.

So where does this leave us? Autos have gone, but it's now very realistic that we can mount a 'late charge' to cement a place in the play-offs. On 1st February 2014, we lost 3-0 at Crewe and had 26 points. Things look much rosier now. If we do the usual in the play-off, further investment in the summer should see us more than capable to 'boss' this Division next season. Another season in this Division is, of course, a pisser but it's no good just limping over the line. Let's regroup and come back stronger. (and a year is really not that long).

And of course all this has been generated by our fantastic cup runs under NC. Some were suggesting that it would be 'no big deal' to lose at Preston. Fuck that! We didn't win 3-0 at QPR just to meekly go out. So what if extra games invite injuries, suspension, fatigue etc? NC, like Man.City )) has built a squad large enough to tide us over.

A great time to be a Blade and the raucous welcome for the new lads before kick-off on Wednesday will let Spurs know they're really in a game.

 

[Maidenhead]

With the development team getting a comeback draw at PNE, the three signings this week and Jim Phipp's talk this has been one of the best Blades days of my 59 yrs existence.

I honestly feel that history will show 24th January 2015 to be a significant day in the life of the Blades.

 

[robbiez666]

to be honest, sign a good striker, and if we're lucky with injuries, there's nothing stopping us winning every league game from here. Autos could be on.

 

[puppet]

I just wish we would push the boat out and get a get-out-of-L1 class striker but agree its a bloody good day to be a Blade, as significant a return as Deane's second stint if only we can find the goals to fire us up, as someone said elsewhere, we have a squad largely designed for the Championship - however, its getting out of this division thats the problem for now. UTB.

 

[Maidenhead]

I forgot to mention the forthcoming midweek night game.

Win lose or draw I think it's going to be a fantastic night.

We are Blades, we are Blades, we are, we are, we are Blades

 

[Maidenhead]

I just wish we would push the boat out and get a get-out-of-L1 class striker but agree its a bloody good day to be a Blade, as significant a return as Deane's second stint if only we can find the goals to fire us up, as someone said elsewhere, we have a squad largely designed for the Championship - however, its getting out of this division thats the problem for now. UTB.

That's the most positivity I've seen from you for years Pup. Just illustrates the good place we are in right now

 

[puppet]

I have mellowed in my old age, towards the Blades at least

 

[Maidenhead]

I have mellowed in my old age, towards the Blades at least

I know what you mean. As we get older we realise what our real priorities are but even so the Blades have me sat here with a great big stupid grin on my face tonight

 

[wizadry]

A great time to be a Blade and the raucous welcome for the new lads before kick-off on Wednesday will let Spurs know they're really in a game.

This is a great idea mate,not that we should need any motivating.However,every little thing that helps us won't go amiss.

 

[Ballinpigpubs13]

to be honest, sign a good striker, and if we're lucky with injuries, there's nothing stopping us winning every league game from here. Autos could be on.

If we go on a run like we did last year that may not be a bad statement.

 

[Esablade]

'The Golden Dawn'...?

it's a sign I tell's thee, a sign..!

"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"

-WB Yeats

 

[blade.i.am]

Rather hoping we won't do our usual if we get in the playoffs. With Clough's record in knock out games we might just beat our hoodoo.

 

[Paulus]

As long as it's not a golden shower...

 

[grafikhaus]

This is a great idea mate,not that we should need any motivating.However,every little thing that helps us won't go amiss.

 

[wizadry]

View attachment 10327

Quality mate

 

[Pinchy]

I just wish we would push the boat out and get a get-out-of-L1 class striker but agree its a bloody good day to be a Blade, as significant a return as Deane's second stint if only we can find the goals to fire us up, as someone said elsewhere, we have a squad largely designed for the Championship - however, its getting out of this division thats the problem for now. UTB.

It is. There are reasons for optimism now, though. One of them a very hairy reason.

I heard NC's post-match interview. It was positive and encouraging. He hoped to bring "one in - you all know who that is" next week - clearly COG and, interestingly "possibly another at the end of the window" - I believe that one to be Eoin Doyle, given the indications from Sela that we are in for "two strikers". My word that would be a statement.

I think we could go into the play-offs with a very formidable team and just possibly.......

 

[Esablade]

It is. There are reasons for optimism now, though. One of them a very hairy reason.

I heard NC's post-match interview. It was positive and encouraging. He hoped to bring "one in - you all know who that is" next week - clearly COG and, interestingly "possibly another at the end of the window" - I believe that one to be Eoin Doyle, given the indications from Sela that we are in for "two strikers". My word that would be a statement.

I think we could go into the play-offs with a very formidable team and just possibly.......

Do you actually think there's owt in the Eoin Doyle rumours?

Seem's to be building momentum and I think it's common knowledge that if the right offer came in Chessy would sell...from what I've been told a lot of the clubs who were interested, have pulled out..maybe the Chessy board are panicking!?!?!

 

[Pinchy]

Do you actually think there's owt in the Eoin Doyle rumours?

Seem's to be building momentum and I think it's common knowledge that if the right offer came in Chessy would sell...from what I've been told a lot of the clubs who were interested, have pulled out..maybe the Chessy board are panicking!?!?!

I do, mate. I don't think there's any doubt we're interested. I also believe we've made a proposal to Chesterfield (maybe not a firm offer).

CoG is clearly our next target and I agree with that. I think he'll do really well for us. He's a cut above league one, isn't he?

When Jim said today "four or five" I take that to mean four of them are pretty much tied up and there might be one more. Sela has said we are in for two strikers so it's fair to assume the 'or five' is the second striker. I might be wrong, and I have no inside track, but all the clues cry out 'Doyle' to me. I really hope it comes off.

 

[Punk Blade]

So if COG and Doyle come in, what are we looking at as first choice for the run in? Something like*

Howard
Beard Basham McEveley Harris
Coutts Reed J Wallace**
Murphy
E Doyle COG
​

Turner
Flynn
Scougall
Baxter
McNulty
Freeman
JCR

Meaning no place for M Doyle (he's given his all for the club but his time may be running out), Higdon, Alcock and Davies, and they look the most likely to struggle if we were to be playing in the Championship next season.

This also leaves development players McGahey, Diego, Dimaio, Kennedy, Adams, K Wallace, Cuvelier who have good first team experience to play their part and be ready to step up a gear next season.

Things could be looking very positive over the next week.

* I feel the selection is harsh on players like Flynn and JCR who have been excellent recently, but I think the 18 just about picks itself.

** I realise we may never see the lad fit, so that probably allows M Doyle space in the team for now.

 

[shorehamview]

I'm away im a Dirty Leeds. If there's a Golden Dawn it's because Mrs SV has swamped the hotel bed....

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I'm away im a Dirty Leeds. If there's a Golden Dawn it's because Mrs SV has swamped the hotel bed....

Golden Dawn sounds more like one of your poncy drinks

 

[ZoneManWilf]

Are we witnessing a change in the Blades' fortunes?

It could be. I hope it is, but it's time to start delivering the goods in the league. I am as excited as anyone about this transfer window and bringing the beard back, but at the moment it's all talk and hope. We've been stuck in this division for ages and we are punching below our weight, time for results, autos almost certainly gone so it's all about getting in prime position and form for the playoffs.

 

[grafikhaus]

I do, mate. I don't think there's any doubt we're interested. I also believe we've made a proposal to Chesterfield (maybe not a firm offer).

CoG is clearly our next target and I agree with that. I think he'll do really well for us. He's a cut above league one, isn't he?

When Jim said today "four or five" I take that to mean four of them are pretty much tied up and there might be one more. Sela has said we are in for two strikers so it's fair to assume the 'or five' is the second striker. I might be wrong, and I have no inside track, but all the clues cry out 'Doyle' to me. I really hope it comes off.

Like kids at Christmas, we won't get everything we wish for. Me? If it's one or the other, I'd rather see ED over COG.

Oh, and a train set!

 

[Bladesway]

Just assumed Golden Dawn was one of Rauls mates he knew from back in the old days. Mick Carpet, Golden Dawn, Pissy Pants Pete.

 

[Northyorksblade]

As long as it's not a golden shower...

Sigh!!! I would have put money on someone lowering the tone.

 

[robbiez666]

So if COG and Doyle come in, what are we looking at as first choice for the run in? Something like*

Howard
Beard Basham McEveley Harris
Coutts Reed J Wallace**
Murphy
E Doyle COG
​

Turner
Flynn
Scougall
Baxter
McNulty
Freeman
JCR

Meaning no place for M Doyle (he's given his all for the club but his time may be running out), Higdon, Alcock and Davies, and they look the most likely to struggle if we were to be playing in the Championship next season.

This also leaves development players McGahey, Diego, Dimaio, Kennedy, Adams, K Wallace, Cuvelier who have good first team experience to play their part and be ready to step up a gear next season.

Things could be looking very positive over the next week.

* I feel the selection is harsh on players like Flynn and JCR who have been excellent recently, but I think the 18 just about picks itself.

** I realise we may never see the lad fit, so that probably allows M Doyle space in the team for now.

I think Kennedy might be a better option than McEveley in the long run, and don't believe Murphy can play in that position. Scougall can though. We've got players who either fit into the current system or 4-4-2 but several don't really fit into both.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

So if COG and Doyle come in, what are we looking at as first choice for the run in? Something like*

Howard
Beard Basham McEveley Harris
Coutts Reed J Wallace**
Murphy
E Doyle COG
​

Turner
Flynn
Scougall
Baxter
McNulty
Freeman
JCR

Meaning no place for M Doyle (he's given his all for the club but his time may be running out), Higdon, Alcock and Davies, and they look the most likely to struggle if we were to be playing in the Championship next season.

This also leaves development players McGahey, Diego, Dimaio, Kennedy, Adams, K Wallace, Cuvelier who have good first team experience to play their part and be ready to step up a gear next season.

Things could be looking very positive over the next week.

* I feel the selection is harsh on players like Flynn and JCR who have been excellent recently, but I think the 18 just about picks itself.

** I realise we may never see the lad fit, so that probably allows M Doyle space in the team for now.

interesting when fantasy football team selections start to become a reality

UTB .

 

[Fiery Blade]

With the latest additions plus one new striker it will give Mr Clough the wherewithal to change formations and systems during the games without having to rely on square pegs in round holes !
Currently our weekly bench has been four realistic replacements and three make weights - Now, not only will we have arguably the strongest team in the league but we will definitely have the strongest bench in the league with players that can really make the difference to a match if necessary !!
With the talisman Brayford marauding down the flanks what a lift for both the team and the supporters - Well Done Blades !

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Like kids at Christmas, we won't get everything we wish for. Me? If it's one or the other, I'd rather see ED over COG.

Oh, and a train set!

I find this interesting. Could I ask why you'd prefer Doyle?
Personally I'm not sure of the risk with Doyle, and I'm more confident of what we'd get with COG.
Of course I'd have much rather we'd got Wilson this time last year.

 

[Punk Blade]

I think Kennedy might be a better option than McEveley in the long run, and don't believe Murphy can play in that position. Scougall can though. We've got players who either fit into the current system or 4-4-2 but several don't really fit into both.

Yes the position is better suited to Scougall or Baxter, so perhaps with Murphy it could be more a case of 'pick your wing' when attacking. If we do see two up, but a midfield diamond relying on the excellent width provided by The Beard and Bob then maybe Murphy will be in contention for one of the front two places.

We have a lot of very versatile players in the squad now so with at least one top striker to come before the end of the month Clough will have endless options for personnel and system.