Deadbat
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Brief thoughts on the game – Really good game. Entertaining from start to finish. Had some quiet spells and was not break neck speed. United seemed further ahead than Newcastle in preparation and seemed sharper and fitter which was pleasing. Overall we were the better side for most of the game and should have won but sloppy defending and poor finishing saw the Geordies escape with a 2-2 draw. They could have even won but for Freeman’s late goal. United played some good football, they looked to attack when they could and overall it was a really positive performance. It was a fitting send off for Chris Morgan who gave a really good speech at the end after having a 5 minute cameo where he even tried to end it in glory by taking a free kick on the edge of the area.
The game, which was played in torrential rain for the most part was a good, keenly fought contest. Newcastle had a strong side out. They were missing new striker Mitrovic but started with expensive new Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum; who of course scored. United had Sammon on the bench but Sharp was not involved (came on to be announced but had trainers on).
The game began with Newcastle knocking it about and then Cisse hitting the bar with a stunning long range shot. We had not touched the ball I don’t think. They also then went close with a curling effort just wide. However Woolford could have scored in between this after a good move made by Murphy’s cross but he fired over. After a poor opening where you thought we would struggle to stay with the Premier League side we slowly came back into it and became the better side. A slimmer Jose Baxter was pulling the strings and we started to have more of the ball. Murphy and Adams caused problems with the latter missing a real sitter and having another saved. However Newcastle scored against the run of play with a really bad mistake from Murphy who played a sideways ball blind that was intercepted by Newcastle. Long saved well at the feet from Cisse but the ball fell to WIJNALDUM who scored into an unguarded net.
After the break we got level straight away as Adams played in MCNULTY who ran through a static Newcastle defence to beat the offside trap and he slotted through Krul’s legs. A well made and taken goal.
After this it was all United despite a lot of subs for both sides. Done had one cleared off the line. Scougall had a penalty appeal and a few others half chances came and went. United had a lot more of the ball and seemed the more likely but after the offside trap failed as Collins stayed in, Newcastle won a corner. This was flicked on and converted by an unmarked DE JONG tapped in at the far post. A poor goal to concede. That seemed to be that but a great long range shot from FREEMAN from fully 25 yards on right angle that Krul got a hand to but could not keep out that levelled it. Just after Morgan came on and Sammon was chopped down (might have been a red card in normal football – although Newcastle had a strong appeal for a penalty for a hand ball moments earlier). Morgan’s free kick hit the wall and full time came soon after.
United - We were definitely the better side and will feel a little aggrieved not to win but played well and there were positive signs. We knocked it about well, players got forward even from defence and there was more fluidity over players in terms of moving around and not being restricted by positions. I also felt it seemed like shackles was off and players seemed to enjoy it more. It seemed less about not conceding and playing safe and was definitely more expansive. It was nice to see 2 strikers up front and overall they were lots of positives. We now have real striking options with Sharp, Sammon, Done, Adams, McNulty, Higdon (not even counting DDG and also DCL too). The midfield also with Baxter in a different physical state looks better. Need to see more of Woolford and of course we still have players like Kennedy, Brayford, Harris, Flynn and Howard to come back from injury. McFadzean did ok today as did the two centre backs but I feel defensively we still need to improve. Collins to me is painfully slow and McEveley makes too many mistakes. I believe we need two centre backs and at least one before the start of the season. We will wait and see what happens but I even think today we saw glimpses that the area we need to improve is there. They only had 2 shots on target I think and scored both of them.
Still it was a very good performance and hope it is the sign of encouraging things to come. There is more competition for places (apart from defence where we are short – I feel we may need to move 4 or 5 on from other areas, Higdon, Alcock, Cuvelier, Scougall, K Wallace etc are all players I am unsure will be even on the bench and could free up wages). Our squad is way too big and we need to trim it. I think if those 5 moved on, and we signed 2 centre backs; that would give the squad more balance.
Still 2 weeks to go to the start off the season. So time for Adkins to make the tweaks we need but pleasing we seemed fitter than last season at the same stage. Yes it was only pre season but there was more desire as players fight for places and show the new manager what they can do. It was a far cry from sitting at Bootham Crescent watching a slow, unfit and disorganised United side all over the place.
Newcastle – It was a pre season game which is often about tactics, fitness, shape etc and trying new players and integrating them into the side. They started on fire and could have had 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. After this I felt they were really poor and if they had lost 3 or 4-1 they could not have complained. They had less of the ball than United for long spells and I thought they looked well off the pace. Cisse was dangerous early on but he faded. The new lad in midfield, Wijnaldum, looked a decent player, strong and good on the ball. Colback was industrious but the back line struggled with the running of Adams ad Murphy. The captain Janmaat at full back was skinned two or three times by Murphy and Adams caused them all sorts of problems. They did not really look a huge goal threat after the opening and outside of a few overlaps as the game went on, I thought they were ineffective. They have a lot of athletes and some pace but United actually nicked the ball away a lot today and they were slow to first and second balls. Only pre season but on that form they will need quite a few more players and need to improve if they want to finish in the top half next season. It seems the two new signings (15 million approx. a piece) means Ashley is at least spending a bit but still not sure why McClaren keeps getting such jobs. Since he left Boro, he failed at England, in Germany and other than one good season with Twente, he then came back and failed at Forest and Derby too. Seems to keep getting decent jobs though.
Players –
Long 7/10 – Watched two shots beat him, one off the bar in the first minute and then one whistle past his post. After this he did not have much to do with a few long range efforts. Made a decent block on the goal but was not helped by backpass or reaction after the save. Second half he was a spectator for the most part but had little chance on the goal with again poor defending.
Freeman 7.5/10 – Steady game. He defended ok and used ball well when he had it. Tried to get forward when he could and this culminated finally in his great shot at the end to level it. A player that surprised me last season and with Brayford out for a while will start as the right back.
McFadzean 7/10 – With Harris injured, he surprisingly has been involved pre season (I thought he would have been moved on as he was not even a regular at Burton earlier last season) at left back. He played ok today. Got caught a few times for pace near the end but overall kept his shape and did the basics. Knows he has his last chance to make it at the Lane. I don’t expect him to be involved much in the match day squad if everyone is fit but he did ok today.
McEveley 7/10 – Did alright today. A few overplays he got away with but no real major errors I can recall. I am just unconvinced that he is the answer at centre back for a promotion side.
Collins 7/10 – Odd seeming him back. Thought his career was over. Like McEveley did ok today although his lack of pace/mobility shows. He came out with the ball quite well. I still feel we need to upgrade in this position. I personally would still like 2 new centre backs but with McEveley been given the armband maybe Adkins sees it different. The number of goals we conceded last year (Collins early season/McEveley for more of the season) suggests we need at least one commanding centre back. We lost a goal at a corner again today which is worrying.
Basham 6.5/10 – Quietish game but he got his foot in when he could and sat just in front of the back four. I think he will start the season in midfield and it will be one of Baxter, Coutts or Wallace for the other spot. He gives us height and a bit of presence.
Baxter 7.5/10 – Finally he seems to have lost quite a bit of weight….it was definitely noticeable. Maybe it is all the dancing he has been doing in night clubs! He looked one of our better players today showing a good range of passing and I think he probably realises with all the strikers we have signed he will have to be fitter and more mobile as he will be used as a midfielder. Showed touches of class today and with this being the final year of his contract needs to knuckle down and prove his ability consistently.
Woolford 5/10 – Only one game but our poorest player. His touch was off all game and he missed a good chance earlier on. He seemed quite slow and was also a bit clumsy. Played right side and with Flynn out he may get the nod there to start the season. Came off at half time.
Murphy 7/10 – Made the error for the goal with a silly back/sideways pass they intercepted. Outside of this he looked a threat, beat a good full back two or three times and showed some lovely skills to set us on a few attacks. Not as busy second half and went off with a knock (not serious). A key player no doubt.
McNulty 7/10 – Sadly the reverse seems to have happened to him in the summer to Baxter and he has piled the pounds on. He started poorly and was slow to the ball but improved and did ok overall. He held it up when he could and linked quite well with Adams. Took his goal well. Not sure he will be more than a bit part player now though with Sammon, Sharp, Done and even Adams ahead of him I would say.
Adams 7.5/10 – Actually missed 2 or 3 decent chances including one sitter and had a few other attempts saved. However aside from this looks the real deal. Our main threat much of the game. He showed pace, strength, touch and running. Looks a real prospect and I am certain when he does move on we will make a very big profit. Has all the attributes Premier League players would look for in a player. Definitely a striker not a winger but with Flynn out he may have to play wide initially if Adkins starts with Sammon and Sharp as expected.
Subs –
Campbell Ryce 6/10 – Came on and was a bit frustrating, overplaying or showboating too much but did get a few runs and crosses in. Think he will be used as an impact sub and he could be useful in this role when defences tire near the end.
Scougall 6/10 – A few decent runs and had a shot for a penalty. Sadly as was much of the case with him last season there was no end product. Do not see a place for him with the number of other midfielders we have that I believe are ahead of him.
Sammon 6.5/10 – Big lad who is a real unit. Has scored goals at various loan spells but I am not sure he is a dominant target man despite his size from games I have seen. He is quite mobile and looks like he wants it into feet. A few things did not come off but he won the free kick at the end and tried to link up with midfielders. Should score goals and cause problems for teams at this level and I believe will be a big upgrade over Higdon who I feel days are numbered now.
Done 7/10 – Worried that with Sammon and Sharp coming in he won’t be involved that much which is a shame as he was one of few who came out of end of last season with any credit. Showed again today his work ethic, ability to run the channels but did miss a one on one. I think he is a player the fans like but he may have to grab his chance when he plays to convince Adkins now he has brought two new strikers in. He is another like Adams that is a centre forward but may have to play wide to get in the side.
J. Wallace – Good to see him back. Hope he can stay fit. Showed some good touches when he was on.
Reed – Showed some neat and tidy touches and switches of play.
K. Wallace – Ended up at centre back for last few minutes which is where he has been playing apparently in pre season. Not sure whether that is more down to our lack of depth in this area.
Morgan 10/10!!! – Came on for the final few minutes; took the captains armband and looked in good shape for someone that has not played for 3 or 4 years. The referee jokingly pretended to sent him off as he came on which was good to see and was a good moment that Morgan took in great spirits to laughter of all the crowd. He played a sensible square ball and then went and took a free kick we won. This went into the wall and as he alluded at the end this was what he teaches players not to do. Would have been a dream ending! Still was telling Kieran Wallace where to go even at the end.
Adkins – He kept a low profile and even though he was introduced; he took a back seat both pre game and post game. During the game he alternated with Crosby coming into the technical area. He wore trousers and shoes and a shirt and tie but had a Blades jacket on too (for those who like to know that sort of thing!).
Crowd – Decent crowd of just over 12,000. They of course only opened the South Stand and Kop. The Kop was only about half full (if that) but the South Stand was full and Newcastle had over 2,000 fans filing most of the upper tier directly behind the goal and were in good voice (amazed how many asked directions to the ground around London Road pre game though).
I have to say I know it is technically not the new season yet but I was surprised at how bad the pitch looked considering we have this new all singing, all dancing Desso system. I expected it to look pristine and not cut up as much. Oddly there was small brown patches all over the field and the South Stand side had lots of tracks down it where the Desso systems or tractors have been on it. It was not quite a mess and maybe it still needs to grow and mesh but with another game next week not sure how they can do that as will have to cut it before next week you would think. They have put astro turf/synthetic turf round three sides of the pitch (just not on John Street side) which will mean this area where subs and even the goalmouth behind the line would not cut up. The new dug outs looks smart but did not have enough room for all the many subs today! They have rebranded the Jess Ennis stand of course with the new sponsor and they now have a large Welcome to Bramall Lane sign on the outside of the South Stand. Also new soap and paper towel dispensers in the South Stand!
Saw Neil Warnock, Kevin Blackwell, Brian Deane and quite a few others around the ground so it was good that many came back for Morgan.
The game, which was played in torrential rain for the most part was a good, keenly fought contest. Newcastle had a strong side out. They were missing new striker Mitrovic but started with expensive new Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum; who of course scored. United had Sammon on the bench but Sharp was not involved (came on to be announced but had trainers on).
The game began with Newcastle knocking it about and then Cisse hitting the bar with a stunning long range shot. We had not touched the ball I don’t think. They also then went close with a curling effort just wide. However Woolford could have scored in between this after a good move made by Murphy’s cross but he fired over. After a poor opening where you thought we would struggle to stay with the Premier League side we slowly came back into it and became the better side. A slimmer Jose Baxter was pulling the strings and we started to have more of the ball. Murphy and Adams caused problems with the latter missing a real sitter and having another saved. However Newcastle scored against the run of play with a really bad mistake from Murphy who played a sideways ball blind that was intercepted by Newcastle. Long saved well at the feet from Cisse but the ball fell to WIJNALDUM who scored into an unguarded net.
After the break we got level straight away as Adams played in MCNULTY who ran through a static Newcastle defence to beat the offside trap and he slotted through Krul’s legs. A well made and taken goal.
After this it was all United despite a lot of subs for both sides. Done had one cleared off the line. Scougall had a penalty appeal and a few others half chances came and went. United had a lot more of the ball and seemed the more likely but after the offside trap failed as Collins stayed in, Newcastle won a corner. This was flicked on and converted by an unmarked DE JONG tapped in at the far post. A poor goal to concede. That seemed to be that but a great long range shot from FREEMAN from fully 25 yards on right angle that Krul got a hand to but could not keep out that levelled it. Just after Morgan came on and Sammon was chopped down (might have been a red card in normal football – although Newcastle had a strong appeal for a penalty for a hand ball moments earlier). Morgan’s free kick hit the wall and full time came soon after.
United - We were definitely the better side and will feel a little aggrieved not to win but played well and there were positive signs. We knocked it about well, players got forward even from defence and there was more fluidity over players in terms of moving around and not being restricted by positions. I also felt it seemed like shackles was off and players seemed to enjoy it more. It seemed less about not conceding and playing safe and was definitely more expansive. It was nice to see 2 strikers up front and overall they were lots of positives. We now have real striking options with Sharp, Sammon, Done, Adams, McNulty, Higdon (not even counting DDG and also DCL too). The midfield also with Baxter in a different physical state looks better. Need to see more of Woolford and of course we still have players like Kennedy, Brayford, Harris, Flynn and Howard to come back from injury. McFadzean did ok today as did the two centre backs but I feel defensively we still need to improve. Collins to me is painfully slow and McEveley makes too many mistakes. I believe we need two centre backs and at least one before the start of the season. We will wait and see what happens but I even think today we saw glimpses that the area we need to improve is there. They only had 2 shots on target I think and scored both of them.
Still it was a very good performance and hope it is the sign of encouraging things to come. There is more competition for places (apart from defence where we are short – I feel we may need to move 4 or 5 on from other areas, Higdon, Alcock, Cuvelier, Scougall, K Wallace etc are all players I am unsure will be even on the bench and could free up wages). Our squad is way too big and we need to trim it. I think if those 5 moved on, and we signed 2 centre backs; that would give the squad more balance.
Still 2 weeks to go to the start off the season. So time for Adkins to make the tweaks we need but pleasing we seemed fitter than last season at the same stage. Yes it was only pre season but there was more desire as players fight for places and show the new manager what they can do. It was a far cry from sitting at Bootham Crescent watching a slow, unfit and disorganised United side all over the place.
Newcastle – It was a pre season game which is often about tactics, fitness, shape etc and trying new players and integrating them into the side. They started on fire and could have had 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. After this I felt they were really poor and if they had lost 3 or 4-1 they could not have complained. They had less of the ball than United for long spells and I thought they looked well off the pace. Cisse was dangerous early on but he faded. The new lad in midfield, Wijnaldum, looked a decent player, strong and good on the ball. Colback was industrious but the back line struggled with the running of Adams ad Murphy. The captain Janmaat at full back was skinned two or three times by Murphy and Adams caused them all sorts of problems. They did not really look a huge goal threat after the opening and outside of a few overlaps as the game went on, I thought they were ineffective. They have a lot of athletes and some pace but United actually nicked the ball away a lot today and they were slow to first and second balls. Only pre season but on that form they will need quite a few more players and need to improve if they want to finish in the top half next season. It seems the two new signings (15 million approx. a piece) means Ashley is at least spending a bit but still not sure why McClaren keeps getting such jobs. Since he left Boro, he failed at England, in Germany and other than one good season with Twente, he then came back and failed at Forest and Derby too. Seems to keep getting decent jobs though.
Players –
Long 7/10 – Watched two shots beat him, one off the bar in the first minute and then one whistle past his post. After this he did not have much to do with a few long range efforts. Made a decent block on the goal but was not helped by backpass or reaction after the save. Second half he was a spectator for the most part but had little chance on the goal with again poor defending.
Freeman 7.5/10 – Steady game. He defended ok and used ball well when he had it. Tried to get forward when he could and this culminated finally in his great shot at the end to level it. A player that surprised me last season and with Brayford out for a while will start as the right back.
McFadzean 7/10 – With Harris injured, he surprisingly has been involved pre season (I thought he would have been moved on as he was not even a regular at Burton earlier last season) at left back. He played ok today. Got caught a few times for pace near the end but overall kept his shape and did the basics. Knows he has his last chance to make it at the Lane. I don’t expect him to be involved much in the match day squad if everyone is fit but he did ok today.
McEveley 7/10 – Did alright today. A few overplays he got away with but no real major errors I can recall. I am just unconvinced that he is the answer at centre back for a promotion side.
Collins 7/10 – Odd seeming him back. Thought his career was over. Like McEveley did ok today although his lack of pace/mobility shows. He came out with the ball quite well. I still feel we need to upgrade in this position. I personally would still like 2 new centre backs but with McEveley been given the armband maybe Adkins sees it different. The number of goals we conceded last year (Collins early season/McEveley for more of the season) suggests we need at least one commanding centre back. We lost a goal at a corner again today which is worrying.
Basham 6.5/10 – Quietish game but he got his foot in when he could and sat just in front of the back four. I think he will start the season in midfield and it will be one of Baxter, Coutts or Wallace for the other spot. He gives us height and a bit of presence.
Baxter 7.5/10 – Finally he seems to have lost quite a bit of weight….it was definitely noticeable. Maybe it is all the dancing he has been doing in night clubs! He looked one of our better players today showing a good range of passing and I think he probably realises with all the strikers we have signed he will have to be fitter and more mobile as he will be used as a midfielder. Showed touches of class today and with this being the final year of his contract needs to knuckle down and prove his ability consistently.
Woolford 5/10 – Only one game but our poorest player. His touch was off all game and he missed a good chance earlier on. He seemed quite slow and was also a bit clumsy. Played right side and with Flynn out he may get the nod there to start the season. Came off at half time.
Murphy 7/10 – Made the error for the goal with a silly back/sideways pass they intercepted. Outside of this he looked a threat, beat a good full back two or three times and showed some lovely skills to set us on a few attacks. Not as busy second half and went off with a knock (not serious). A key player no doubt.
McNulty 7/10 – Sadly the reverse seems to have happened to him in the summer to Baxter and he has piled the pounds on. He started poorly and was slow to the ball but improved and did ok overall. He held it up when he could and linked quite well with Adams. Took his goal well. Not sure he will be more than a bit part player now though with Sammon, Sharp, Done and even Adams ahead of him I would say.
Adams 7.5/10 – Actually missed 2 or 3 decent chances including one sitter and had a few other attempts saved. However aside from this looks the real deal. Our main threat much of the game. He showed pace, strength, touch and running. Looks a real prospect and I am certain when he does move on we will make a very big profit. Has all the attributes Premier League players would look for in a player. Definitely a striker not a winger but with Flynn out he may have to play wide initially if Adkins starts with Sammon and Sharp as expected.
Subs –
Campbell Ryce 6/10 – Came on and was a bit frustrating, overplaying or showboating too much but did get a few runs and crosses in. Think he will be used as an impact sub and he could be useful in this role when defences tire near the end.
Scougall 6/10 – A few decent runs and had a shot for a penalty. Sadly as was much of the case with him last season there was no end product. Do not see a place for him with the number of other midfielders we have that I believe are ahead of him.
Sammon 6.5/10 – Big lad who is a real unit. Has scored goals at various loan spells but I am not sure he is a dominant target man despite his size from games I have seen. He is quite mobile and looks like he wants it into feet. A few things did not come off but he won the free kick at the end and tried to link up with midfielders. Should score goals and cause problems for teams at this level and I believe will be a big upgrade over Higdon who I feel days are numbered now.
Done 7/10 – Worried that with Sammon and Sharp coming in he won’t be involved that much which is a shame as he was one of few who came out of end of last season with any credit. Showed again today his work ethic, ability to run the channels but did miss a one on one. I think he is a player the fans like but he may have to grab his chance when he plays to convince Adkins now he has brought two new strikers in. He is another like Adams that is a centre forward but may have to play wide to get in the side.
J. Wallace – Good to see him back. Hope he can stay fit. Showed some good touches when he was on.
Reed – Showed some neat and tidy touches and switches of play.
K. Wallace – Ended up at centre back for last few minutes which is where he has been playing apparently in pre season. Not sure whether that is more down to our lack of depth in this area.
Morgan 10/10!!! – Came on for the final few minutes; took the captains armband and looked in good shape for someone that has not played for 3 or 4 years. The referee jokingly pretended to sent him off as he came on which was good to see and was a good moment that Morgan took in great spirits to laughter of all the crowd. He played a sensible square ball and then went and took a free kick we won. This went into the wall and as he alluded at the end this was what he teaches players not to do. Would have been a dream ending! Still was telling Kieran Wallace where to go even at the end.
Adkins – He kept a low profile and even though he was introduced; he took a back seat both pre game and post game. During the game he alternated with Crosby coming into the technical area. He wore trousers and shoes and a shirt and tie but had a Blades jacket on too (for those who like to know that sort of thing!).
Crowd – Decent crowd of just over 12,000. They of course only opened the South Stand and Kop. The Kop was only about half full (if that) but the South Stand was full and Newcastle had over 2,000 fans filing most of the upper tier directly behind the goal and were in good voice (amazed how many asked directions to the ground around London Road pre game though).
I have to say I know it is technically not the new season yet but I was surprised at how bad the pitch looked considering we have this new all singing, all dancing Desso system. I expected it to look pristine and not cut up as much. Oddly there was small brown patches all over the field and the South Stand side had lots of tracks down it where the Desso systems or tractors have been on it. It was not quite a mess and maybe it still needs to grow and mesh but with another game next week not sure how they can do that as will have to cut it before next week you would think. They have put astro turf/synthetic turf round three sides of the pitch (just not on John Street side) which will mean this area where subs and even the goalmouth behind the line would not cut up. The new dug outs looks smart but did not have enough room for all the many subs today! They have rebranded the Jess Ennis stand of course with the new sponsor and they now have a large Welcome to Bramall Lane sign on the outside of the South Stand. Also new soap and paper towel dispensers in the South Stand!
Saw Neil Warnock, Kevin Blackwell, Brian Deane and quite a few others around the ground so it was good that many came back for Morgan.
