Updates from Cluffy

[S5Blade]

#sufc have doubts over Coutts, Holt, Done, and Murphy. All will be given late fitness tests.

#sufc boss NC says Flo Cuvelier is the only player he's keen to get games elsewhere at present.

#sufc boss NC says Scougall and Higdon are on course to return in two weeks.

James Wallace has gone to step up his training at Burton this week.

#sufc boss NC says loan additions are unlikely this week.

#sufc NC says the plan to rotate the squad will continue, to keep players fresh. Injury situation may mean changes tomorrow

Nigel Clough says Ryan Flynn has completed his first training session following injury today. #sufc

 

[S5Blade]

The above were from Giddings, the below are from James Shield...

Nigel Clough says Ryan Flynn has completed his first training session following injury today. #sufc

NC says the squad for tomorrow's game at Rochdale will be "roughly the same" as the one that faced Coventry City. #sufc

NC: "Jason Holt has done a bit of running today as well. Not much. But a bit." #sufc

NC admits Paul Coutts has "a few knocks" but is "probably too important" to rest at this point in time. #sufc

 

[mattbianco1]

#sufc boss NC says Scougall and Higdon are on course to return in two weeks.

I don't think they're injured. I think they've just gone AWOL

 

[Grecian2000]

#sufc boss NC says Scougall and Higdon are on course to return in two weeks.

Perhaps if we let him start his pre-season training now, Higgers will be fit for the start of next season.

 

[Grecian2000]

I don't think they're injured. I think they've just gone AWOL

Or the big one's eaten the little one.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

What is it with modern footballers and 'dead-legs' ? In my day we'd run it off by the end of playtime

 

[maxstertheblade]

The above were from Giddings, the below are from James Shield...


NC admits Paul Coutts has "a few knocks" but is "probably too important" to rest at this point in time. #sufc

So is Matty Done.

 

[BeatleBlade]

When did Wallace go to Burton? Also, why did Cuvelier get dropped after he was great when he came back?

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

When did Wallace go to Burton? Also, why did Cuvelier get dropped after he was great when he came back?

It's the Burton sports re-hab place rather than Burton Albion I think. Flo picked up another injury.

Wallace is looking more and more like Ebbrell II as each month goes by.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Surprised Cuvelier is still not being considered given that Scougall, Holt and now Baxter are all out.

He's looked lively when he got on a few weeks ago but NC obviously doesn't rate him or think he's ready for the 1st team.

Pleased that Wallace is heading to St George's Park as part of his rehabilitation - surely the best place for him to get fit. I see Matt Hill was there the other week too following his injury.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

What is it with modern footballers and 'dead-legs' ? In my day we'd run it off by the end of playtime

True, but can still be used strategically - I get a dead leg every time our Gert suggests going shopping

 

[itsinyerblood]

The injuries that surround the squad must be deeply irritating for Clough. Cuvelier is a good player, one we'll see the best of when he's fit. As for Wallace, same applies, but he will be awesome for us, especially with Coutts helping to strengthen this part of the team, and as for the other niggly worries, well it's no different to most teams, we just grin and bear it. There's some serious talent within the squad at this level, and probably the division above, so with further additions up front and at centre half I feel optimistic about the future. Overall Clough has bought well, so we should be positive, we're moving forward for the first time in ages.

 

[MBoreman]

I'll be gutted if Cuvelier left permanently, hopefully it would just be a fitness loan. I see no reason he can't at least be on the bench here.

 

[itsinyerblood]

I'll be gutted if Cuvelier left permanently, hopefully it would just be a fitness loan. I see no reason he can't at least be on the bench here.

Simple mate, he'll get the minutes he needs on loan that being on our bench may not provide. Like you, I see a good player in Flo, strong, technically adept, and an eye for a goal, so little wonder that Clough has been patient with him.

 

[MBoreman]

Simple mate, he'll get the minutes he needs on loan that being on our bench may not provide. Like you, I see a good player in Flo, strong, technically adept, and an eye for a goal, so little wonder that Clough has been patient with him.

I'm fine for him to go and get minutes, just slightly worried it'd be with a view to a permanent as others have been.

 

[cahill]

What is it with modern footballers and 'dead-legs' ? In my day we'd run it off by the end of playtime

Once got one in training. F**k me completely floored me, couldn't carry on. I must be a soft chuff

 

[cahill]

It's the Burton sports re-hab place rather than Burton Albion I think. Flo picked up another injury.

Wallace is looking more and more like Ebbrell II as each month goes by.

I was wondering what happened to Wallace

 

[itsinyerblood]

I'm fine for him to go and get minutes, just slightly worried it'd be with a view to a permanent as others have been.

I can understand your concern, but it's not one I share. I would be genuinely surprised if Flo was sold on. His long-term value to the Blades outweighs any short-termism.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I don't think they're injured. I think they've just gone AWOL

Bit of kidology to throw that Keith Hill bloke off the scent . If Done doesn't play , i would be very surprised , unless it was part of the deal , with the down payments. Rotating the team around in one way is good , as it brings in fresh legs , in another way it is a risky strategy , as they kick off , looking like they've just met each other in the pub.

UTB

 

[Mouth of the South]

Cuvelier is also on a relatively large salary (~£6k/week) so unless NC is willing to either heavily subsidise a loan move or is willing to take a hit by paying him off/sweetening a perm deal, I can't see him going anywhere other than on a temp arrangement.

I must admit I thought he'd return to (at least) the bench once he got over his calf injury - NC want making positive sounds about him before it happened. Anyone know if he's been featuring in recent U21 matches?

 

[grafikhaus]

So is Matty Done.

But there's no 'gentleman's agreement' with Coutts...

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

The injuries that surround the squad must be deeply irritating for Clough. Cuvelier is a good player, one we'll see the best of when he's fit. As for Wallace, same applies, but he will be awesome for us, especially with Coutts helping to strengthen this part of the team, and as for the other niggly worries, well it's no different to most teams, we just grin and bear it. There's some serious talent within the squad at this level, and probably the division above, so with further additions up front and at centre half I feel optimistic about the future. Overall Clough has bought well, so we should be positive, we're moving forward for the first time in ages.

Agree itsinyerblood . Even injured players play a major part in the promotion push by moral support and encouragement to them who have been picked to play and vice versa , that the injured players still feel part of the set up.

UTB

 

[itsinyerblood]

Agree itsinyerblood . Even injured players play a major part in the promotion push by moral support and encouragement to them who have been picked to play and vice versa , that the injured players still feel part of the set up.

UTB

What I find encouraging is the squad we're building. I know that some posters have taken a pop at Clough due to previous comments about having a small squad, but I guess he's changed his mind, something we're all entitled to do and a sign of a wise and fluid approach to what's needed. Strength in depth is costly, but if a club have any worthwhile aspirations to progress it's cost-effective to have decent cover in numbers. As we've witnessed, injuries can knock the stuffing out of a team, but we're in the fortunate position of being able to afford quality cover in most, not all I should add, positions.

Having good players waiting in the wings should act like an alarm bell to those in possession of a first team place. If a player can't enter each game with a mentality of wanting to win locked on then they need to be reminded that they're not indispensable. It's what I love about the attitude of someone like Done. In the few interviews I've seen the guy give he's obviously grounded, knows what's expected of him, and that should send out a very unambiguous message to every player in the squad. The young guys like Adams and (K)Wallace will see what's demanded and hopefully respond in kind. If anyone disagrees with the way Clough is building a squad then I'd be interested to know what alternatives exist in preparing for the run-in to this season as well as next season.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

What I find encouraging is the squad we're building. I know that some posters have taken a pop at Clough due to previous comments about having a small squad, but I guess he's changed his mind, something we're all entitled to do and a sign of a wise and fluid approach to what's needed. Strength in depth is costly, but if a club have any worthwhile aspirations to progress it's cost-effective to have decent cover in numbers. As we've witnessed, injuries can knock the stuffing out of a team, but we're in the fortunate position of being able to afford quality cover in most, not all I should add, positions.

Having good players waiting in the wings should act like an alarm bell to those in possession of a first team place. If a player can't enter each game with a mentality of wanting to win locked on then they need to be reminded that they're not indispensable. It's what I love about the attitude of someone like Done. In the few interviews I've seen the guy give he's obviously grounded, knows what's expected of him, and that should send out a very unambiguous message to every player in the squad. The young guys like Adams and (K)Wallace will see what's demanded and hopefully respond in kind. If anyone disagrees with the way Clough is building a squad then I'd be interested to know what alternatives exist in preparing for the run-in to this season as well as next season.

If i could give you more than one like i would . . Spot on assessment . My view is that we are better equipped , than any other side for promotion .

UTB

 

[WorkingtonBlade]

If anyone disagrees with the way Clough is building a squad then I'd be interested to know what alternatives exist in preparing for the run-in to this season as well as next season.

Well, the alternative is what Clough suggested when he arrived - a smaller squad.

The disadvantage is there's a higher risk from injuries, and players have to play more games, so in a congested fixture list some may become fatigued.

The advantage is that you play a more settled team, so they don't - as LBE says - start each game looking as if they're just met in the pub, and you have fewer salaries and transfer fees to pay, so you can afford to pay the higher salaries and transfer fees demanded by better players.

It's a balancing act. You don't want your squad to be very small, or very big. At the moment I'd say our squad is probably a bit bigger than normally considered ideal, and seems a bit lop-sided with a lot of midfielders - but Clough has taken the decision to bring in those players, and he is the one who gets to decide that because he is the one who has to answer for the results.

It doesn't mean there isn't an alternative - of course there is. It just means that's his decision.

 

[itsinyerblood]

If i could give you more than one like i would . . Spot on assessment . My view is that we are better equipped , than any other side for promotion .

UTB

It's very generous of you Bos, although I'm not a 'like' junkie. Context is everything for me, and as disappointing as Baxter's sending off was, we showed grit and desire to get something from Saturday's game. I love the fact that we have a strong manager. No doubt Nigel is fallible in some areas, but I guess that's why he has people around him who'll point out things that he may not have considered. All managers surround themselves with experienced professionals who understand the game. Some are destined for the role of second-in-command, nothing wrong with that, after all, there's little to quibble about being Pepsi to Coke, and so it is with a management set-up. My view on Clough hasn't wavered ever since he was appointed. He may not be everyone's cup of tea - the negative Nigel party will never be persuaded that he's doing anything worth shouting about, but I guess short-term vision is an affliction that blurs some people's vision.

Finger's crossed between now and the end of the season UTB!

 

[itsinyerblood]

Well, the alternative is what Clough suggested when he arrived - a smaller squad.

The disadvantage is there's a higher risk from injuries, and players have to play more games, so in a congested fixture list some may become fatigued.

The advantage is that you play a more settled team, so they don't - as LBE says - start each game looking as if they're just met in the pub, and you have fewer salaries and transfer fees to pay, so you can afford to pay the higher salaries and transfer fees demanded by better players.

It's a balancing act. You don't want your squad to be very small, or very big. At the moment I'd say our squad is probably a bit bigger than normally considered ideal, and seems a bit lop-sided with a lot of midfielders - but Clough has taken the decision to bring in those players, and he is the one who gets to decide that because he is the one who has to answer for the results.

It doesn't mean there isn't an alternative - of course there is. It just means that's his decision.

Can't recall suggesting there wasn't an alternative, just that I'd be interested to know what that alternative might be. As things stand we're short of decent cover upfront and in central defence, but that apart we're in good nick.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I was wondering what happened to Wallace

Down pub wi Gromit

 

[Blade82]

When does the loan window close?

 

[wizadry]

When does the loan window close?

It's normally the fourth Thursday in March from what i can remember, plenty of time left yet mate to fine tune us into atleast playoff winners.