Blades deserve better claims Hammond

[Sean Thornton]

I do think a lot of what Hammond does is preventative and therefore unseen, but is that enough to counter the apparent weaknesses in his game such as being dispossessed in dangerous areas, regular bookings, and frequently misplaced passes?

His unseen work may be tremendous - but his seen work is often very poor.

Maybe his most valuable contribution will be getting the most out of our young players by acting as a role model and model professional.

That said it doesn't take much for a section of the fanbase to have a go at a player (or anything else) and Hammond is in many ways an easy target.

"May be tremendous"

So you haven't seen it either then?

 

[Woodwardfan]

Hammond needs an opportunity to do a cockney walk. That would help him.

McCall was a cut above. A skilful player who'd have probably played at an even higher level if he hadn't had the reputation of being a touch lazy. Hammond has played mainly in L1 and the Championship, in a couple of promotion sides so he's got pedigree but not to the extent McCall had.

McCall was a very good all round player but it was his intensity that impressed me the most. He was switched on throughout the game and talked to his fellow players constantly, keeping them sharp particularly at all tines and even when the ball was out of play. He was a leader and that's what we desperately need right now.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

McCall was a very good all round player but it was his intensity that impressed me the most. He was switched on throughout the game and talked to his fellow players constantly, keeping them sharp particularly at all tines and even when the ball was out of play. He was a leader and that's what we desperately need right now.

Him Cowans, McGrath are the kind of experience I enjoyed watching.

Hammond is nothing like as good.

 

[BushBlade]

Him Cowans, McGrath are the kind of experience I enjoyed watching.

Hammond is nothing like as good.

Cowans and McGrath were top class. So good they could play in the second division when they were old and a bit knackered and still look the best player on the pitch.
Not sure you can get that quality in L1.

 

[finlaytheblade]

Fwiw I don't see it as a glass half full attitude - just credit and criticism where they're due, instead of a desperate (and perplexing) desire to find something wrong in everything the club does whether it's season ticket prices, the kit, last minute equalisers, three successive home wins, or anything else.

Very true Mr Foulkes I agree 100%.since we changed to three at the back our home form has improved dramatically ,the Burton game was the exception
as we didn't turn up that night.The away form has not got the results so far but there's no doubt this system makes us more competitive ( with the players we have ).Game on game it is getting better as results show (away form will ime sure pick up ) let's enjoy the run in we may not make it but let's have a go , As Basham said at least we can spoil some other clubs party and that can continue on Saturday and then who knows !!.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

[QUOTE="William Henry Foulkes, post: 977024, member: and Hammond is in many ways an easy target.[/QUOTE]


CUs he's shit Nigel, even if he's yer bestist mate.

Co

 

[secretchief]

In some ways I do feel a bit sorry for Hammond. He was part of a really successful Leicester team, and even if he didn't have much to do with their promotion season and even less to do with their Premiership campaign, he must still sincerely think that he has some kind of pedigree that means he has something to contribute to a league one club. He probably can't fathom why it isn't happening for him.

It's just that objectively he can't do it physically any more - I think he's someone that's hit 32/33 and has fallen off that cliff particularly fast, plus he's arrived at a perfect storm where Blades fans are (rightly) hypersensitve about people that are past it coming in from higher leagues because of reputations rather than ability. If his mindset is anything like Adkins suggests it is, he's probably thinking that he wants to win over the fans by sticking it to us (in the nicest possible way), but that's an idea that's badly misplaced.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I do think a lot of what Hammond does is preventative and therefore unseen, but is that enough to counter the apparent weaknesses in his game such as being dispossessed in dangerous areas, regular bookings, and frequently misplaced passes?

His unseen work may be tremendous - but his seen work is often very poor.

Maybe his most valuable contribution will be getting the most out of our young players by acting as a role model and model professional.

That said it doesn't take much for a section of the fanbase to have a go at a player (or anything else) and Hammond is in many ways an easy target.

Hammond has been a easy target , as the ongoing failure of the team / club as a whole this season as stood out for all to see . Also Hammonds alleged salary compared to his imput on the field , just made him the ideal target . It's all down to pride and whether or not Hammond personally feels he is bringing some added value , both on and off the pitch.

He will be here next season unless he says thanks but no thanks . Got a feeling Adkins needs him more that he needs Adkins . Some young hungry players around him could benefit all concerned , if he signs .

The midfield we have at the moment is run of the mill mid table . It needs upgrading and presume Adkins knows what's what in sorting it , with or without Hammond.

 

[BushBlade]

In some ways I do feel a bit sorry for Hammond. He was part of a really successful Leicester team, and even if he didn't have much to do with their promotion season and even less to do with their Premiership campaign, he must still sincerely think that he has some kind of pedigree that means he has something to contribute to a league one club. He probably can't fathom why it isn't happening for him.

It's just that objectively he can't do it physically any more - I think he's someone that's hit 32/33 and has fallen off that cliff particularly fast, plus he's arrived at a perfect storm where Blades fans are (rightly) hypersensitve about people that are past it coming in from higher leagues because of reputations rather than ability. If his mindset is anything like Adkins suggests it is, he's probably thinking that he wants to win over the fans by sticking it to us (in the nicest possible way), but that's an idea that's badly misplaced.

29 appearances in their promotion season.

 

[secretchief]

29 appearances in their promotion season.

This is true, I stand corrected.

Though that in itself must probably compound his mystification as to why he can't get it going at league one level.

 

[bornablade]

McCall wasn't just a midfield destroyer. He could play the game and be creative. Memory may be failing me but I think he put in a superb reverse ball pass to Tonge who went on and scored against Liverpool in that semi final in 2003.

How we could do with a midfield destroyer today who could do that.

 

[Jehovah]

Damn you and your speedy fingers!

That's what she said

 

[Grappler]

That's what she said

 

[secretchief]

McCall wasn't just a midfield destroyer. He could play the game and be creative. Memory may be failing me but I think he put in a superb reverse ball pass to Tonge who went on and scored against Liverpool in that semi final in 2003.

How we could do with a midfield destroyer today who could do that.

Who would have thought that a 38 year old would have done so well for us in the championship (over 2 seasons), and a 33 year old plucked straight from the premiership playing a league below, doing the same job, would have such a negligible effect comparatively.

It's been said before, but imagine anyone trying to sign a 38 year old now.

 

[Kev Gee]

Actions not words.......

 

[sheffielder]

Still don't understand this hatred of Hammond.

Typical defensive midfielder that fans just can't grasp.

If Claude Makelele played for us we'd say he was shit too.

It is no coincidence that 3 of the most hated players - Doyle, Montgomery and Hammond are all defensive mids. Even before that John Gannon had to endure stick. I honestly think because he has midfielder next to his name, fans think he should score loads and assist loads. That's not what he is there for.

Stuart McCall played the position but was a fans favourite. Probably due to the fact when he won the ball, he had Tonge and Brown immediately showing for it so he could make the simple pass. Job done. Hammond doesn't have that luxury, Doyle didn't after McDonald and Quinn left (which coincided with everybody hating him)

Sorry, I think you're wrong. I love a holding midfielder but Hammond is not that man. He can't tackle and isn't mobile. His touch is shocking and can't pass. I feel like a kit Kat advert

 

[Tezza1889]

It's like that tosser who's related to the boss, they come for a job, it's an old pals act in the first place, everybody knows they're shit, and gets made to work with him cause it's the boss's wife's brother...

Hammond, the only blades who deserve anything are the fans, because the players who put the effort in are all above us playing for other clubs, unlucky !, in this league !, don't talk like a cunt, cause we can spot one of them a mile off..

 

[Woodwardfan]

Sorry, I think you're wrong. I love a holding midfielder but Hammond is not that man. He can't tackle and isn't mobile. His touch is shocking and can't pass. I feel like a kit Kat advert

After all the build up when Adkins was trying to get him here and in the process make him his talisman signing, I couldn't wait to watch him play for us. Adkins had sort of built it up so much and linked it to his " if we are still in touch by January we can kick on" message.

Within 15 minutes of watching him my heart sank and I have seen nothing since to lift it.

I'm afraid Hammond doesn't even have the expected leadership presence on the pitch, he's very quiet and I rarely see him organising things when we are under the cosh.

Huge disappointment. As long as he is with us we have to play a 5 man midfield, fair enough if that's what we need, but the lad will only get slower.

Talisman signings often define a manager's level of success. All credit to Adkins for attracting Sharp but please, please don't commit to Hammond, there are so many better, cheaper options, surely Turnbull has a list as long as his arm, or he should have!

 

[Been there done that]

How can you control a game without the ball?

Exactly....... a phrase as directly quoted by our SUFC Assistant Manager Mr Crosby no less, after the Walsall game.
What utter utter rubbish. And typical of the corporate, cliché-ridden, gobbledy-gook we have to endure from Adkins, & now it seems his staff !

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

29 appearances in their promotion season.

Doesn't alter the fact that no one had heard of him outside Leicester.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Within 15 minutes of watching him my heart sank and I have seen nothing since to lift it.

Woodwardfan sums it up, get William on board and that's everyone except Adkins.

 

[BushBlade]

Doesn't alter the fact that no one had heard of him outside Leicester.

Obviously people in Southampton had so it's not even a fact.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Obviously people in Southampton had so it's not even a fact.

They don't count for the purpose of this argument.

 

[BusheyBlade]

In some ways I do feel a bit sorry for Hammond. He was part of a really successful Leicester team, and even if he didn't have much to do with their promotion season and even less to do with their Premiership campaign...

32 appearances in their Championship promotion season and 12 in the Premier League last season disagree with you slightly.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Obviously people in Southampton had so it's not even a fact.

And Colchester and Brighton.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Won the last three home games. Oldham, Crewe, Walsall.

From memory two of those three had the fewest away losses in the division.

We scored 8. Let in 2. Six halves of football - the opposition have looked very ordinary in five of those halves (the exception Crewe second half).

Oldham's next away game they drew 1-1 at Burton.

Did the opposition look poor because of what we did, or were we just lucky?

Like Crosby said we're controlling games for longer periods with and without the ball.

It's coming together - too late for this season but it's a good basis for next season.

I think there’s some validity in these claims but if I were to play devil’s advocate, it could also be spun as:


“We’ve beaten two atrocious teams at home who will probably be in league 2 next season and needed a last minute winner against one of them after throwing away a two goal lead. We also managed to beat Wallsall who by their own player’s admission were complacent. Between those games, we’ve lost all of our away games. “


There does seem to have been some improvement at home of late but we seem to be struggling to impose ourselves on the road. Getting the early goal also seems to determine whether we win or not.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I admire your 'glass half full' attitude but like you say, too little too late. We also had the performance at Southend sandwiched in between those games and our friend Mr Hammond, IMO, was directly culpable for needlessly giving away their crucial 2nd goal.

Hammond gave the ball away but there was chance to recover, I think they played two passes before Worrall cut past his man (Done?) and got a very well struck shot off. Hammond also scored. Done was more culpable on the 3rd. That was awful defending.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Still don't understand this hatred of Hammond.

Typical defensive midfielder that fans just can't grasp.

If Claude Makelele played for us we'd say he was shit too.

It is no coincidence that 3 of the most hated players - Doyle, Montgomery and Hammond are all defensive mids. Even before that John Gannon had to endure stick. I honestly think because he has midfielder next to his name, fans think he should score loads and assist loads. That's not what he is there for.

Stuart McCall played the position but was a fans favourite. Probably due to the fact when he won the ball, he had Tonge and Brown immediately showing for it so he could make the simple pass. Job done. Hammond doesn't have that luxury, Doyle didn't after McDonald and Quinn left (which coincided with everybody hating him)

I think this is a good point and similar to the one I’ve made about our target men over the years. However, I think there’s more to it than McCall having outlets. He had significantly more ability too. Speed played that position for us for a while and was similarly popular. But we managed to get promoted to the Premier League with the unpopular Nick Montgomery playing there more often than not.


It’s OK for your DM to be limited if the others have enough about them to compensate (Jags, Tonge, Quinn, Ifill, Gillespie to choose from that year with Nalis and Flitcroft as Monty’s competition). As it stands, we don’t have that luxury as all of our midfielders seem limited.

What concerns me more about Hammond than say Monty though is not lack of ability on the ball, it’s a lack of mobility without it. Some things he does well but at times, opposition players breeze past him because he is so painfully slow. It results in him having to stand a bit further off at times (especially after he’s had his token booking). I don’t hate him like some seem to but I do have concerns over his limitations and how we’re going to compensate for them.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

"May be tremendous"

So you haven't seen it either then?

On his debut (Fleetwood at home) he looked very ordinary. But, for the first time this season, we looked difficult to play through as a team. We had Hammond and Basham in midfield in a 442l. That solid but unspectacular base allowed us to play JCR and Done out wide to stretch the pitch.


When he served his ban a few weeks ago, first 45 we played great football v Rochdale (better than we could play with him in the side) but, when Holt came on and the going got tough, nobody stood up to be counted. That 2nd half is one of the most spineless displays I’ve seen. Since he came back, we’ve competed better again in general.


It’s not hard to see what he brings to the team, the issue is whether it’s enough to compensate for his very apparent weaknesses. Purely in terms of footballing performances, I would say no but Adkins regularly talks about the example he sets, the need for character in the dressing room, the need for young players to learn from him etc. (he even credits Hammond with helping Schneiderlein become the player he is today). We don’t get to see the extent of that. Whilst my feeling is that I wouldn’t sign him in the summer, I can accept it might be necessary to help build the type of group and dressing room spirit Adkins is looking to promote.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

McCall was a very good all round player but it was his intensity that impressed me the most. He was switched on throughout the game and talked to his fellow players constantly, keeping them sharp particularly at all tines and even when the ball was out of play. He was a leader and that's what we desperately need right now.

Yep. Page was captain but at times it seemed it was McCall. Having those 2 in the spine helped us massively.


McCall was tough tackling and hard working but also seemed to have that Kevin McDonaldesque knack of always managing to have time and space on the ball and spraying passes around. Hardly ever got caught in possession.