Blades deserve better claims Hammond

[TJB.]

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

Of course we would. He's 43. He's definitely not up to it anymore.

 

[Sean Thornton]

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.

If the wages rumours are true, I'd say he isn't worth the money and let's not pretend he'll be on three or four grand a week if he signs next season. We need some dynamism in central midfield, not a version of Harper who can't be even be bothered to point that much. Certainly doesn't seem to be the leader we are crying out for.

 

[TJB.]

If the wages rumours are true, I'd say he isn't worth the money

Rumours is rumours though, innit. I recall one poster (can't remember if it was on here or on BladesMad) who seemed to be somewhat ITK claiming we're not paying him anywhere near what people think we are. Others say he's earning a fortune. Fact is nobody has a clue, but you could hazard a guess that it took so long to get the deal over the line because Leicester dragged their heels over how large a chunk of his wages they were willing to pay.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

If the wages rumours are true, I'd say he isn't worth the money and let's not pretend he'll be on three or four grand a week if he signs next season. We need some dynamism in central midfield, not a version of Harper who can't be even be bothered to point that much. Certainly doesn't seem to be the leader we are crying out for.

I don't disagree with your opinion that he's probably not good value for money. I do disagree with your Harper comparison. Harper looked lazy. Hammond seems to genuinely try his best and put himself about but is just so painfully slow. Hammond also sometimes makes tackles and blocks and wins headers . Harper just stood in one place pointing and playing a decent pass if he received a ball to feet and he had plenty of time with nobody closing him down.

 

[Woodwardfan]

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.

Don't blame done for the third. Blame the manager for putting him there for one of our own corners. Done is a striker and our best 6 yard box striker. I've been on about it for weeks now, why on earth do we not want him in their box where he can score goals?

For that 3rd Sothend goal we left Flynn back with Done - we deserved what we got.

Awful defending yes, by forward players, but far worse management.

 

[coaxingstar71]

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'd just like him to break things up, win the ball and then pass it to someone who can play (a la Hockey), but not get caught in possesion or give the ball away on the edge of our own box, as he has a tendency to. On the plus side, he has managed to score a couple which is more than can be said of Coutts or Reed.

 

[coaxingstar71]

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.

Like I said it was "IMO", however if I was Matty Done, I'd have been livid with Hammond for that 2nd goal as Done had just won the ball in the corner, passed it to Hammond who then promptly knocks it aimlessly across our box, they get the ball and a pass and a turn later it's in our net. Sorry but I think the 'pass' across the box is inexcusable basic stuff, whereas not being able to then get it back once they'd got possession is forgivable.

I agree with Woodwardfan on the 3rd goal. Done's not a defender and he just got turned, rather than give the ball away.

Actually I'm not a Hammond hater, I thought he played one of his better games for us v Walsall and gave him a good rating.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Like I said it was "IMO", however if I was Matty Done, I'd have been livid with Hammond for that 2nd goal as Done had just won the ball in the corner, passed it to Hammond who then promptly knocks it aimlessly across our box, they get the ball and a pass and a turn later it's in our net. Sorry but I think the 'pass' across the box is inexcusable basic stuff, whereas not being able to then get it back once they'd got possession is forgivable.

I agree with Woodwardfan on the 3rd goal. Done's not a defender and he just got turned, rather than give the ball away.

Actually I'm not a Hammond hater, I thought he played one of his better games for us v Walsall and gave him a good rating.

I just take issue with Done on the 3rd because he didn't need to commit himself. All he had to do was stay goal side and slow the attack as Flynn was racing back to help him out.

 

[Been there done that]

Don't blame done for the third. Blame the manager for putting him there for one of our own corners. Done is a striker and our best 6 yard box striker. I've been on about it for weeks now, why on earth do we not want him in their box where he can score goals?

For that 3rd Sothend goal we left Flynn back with Done - we deserved what we got.

Awful defending yes, by forward players, but far worse management.

Spot on.

 

[coaxingstar71]

I just take issue with Done on the 3rd because he didn't need to commit himself. All he had to do was stay goal side and slow the attack as Flynn was racing back to help him out.

Fairy nuff!

 

[Sean Thornton]

I just take issue with Done on the 3rd because he didn't need to commit himself. All he had to do was stay goal side and slow the attack as Flynn was racing back to help him out.

It took Flynn a long time to get back if he was racing.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

It took Flynn a long time to get back if he was racing.

That's cos he was racing Hammond.

 

[sitwell]

Rumours is rumours though, innit. I recall one poster (can't remember if it was on here or on BladesMad) who seemed to be somewhat ITK claiming we're not paying him anywhere near what people think we are. Others say he's earning a fortune. Fact is nobody has a clue, but you could hazard a guess that it took so long to get the deal over the line because Leicester dragged their heels over how large a chunk of his wages they were willing to pay.

Fact is you don't know that nobody has a clue ,I know exactly what he was earning at Leicester ,from someone dealing directly with the finances of the deal. I don't know what we ended up paying and I doubt I will do now ,but some people do actually know some facts on here, to brush them all away with a 'fact is people don't know' comment is rubbish.

 

[carthesis]

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.

I think i'd take issue with that statement. Primarily because i'd be forced to say that Kevin MacDonald had the Stuart McCall-esque knack for time, space and an eye for a pass...

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Don't blame done for the third. Blame the manager for putting him there for one of our own corners. Done is a striker and our best 6 yard box striker. I've been on about it for weeks now, why on earth do we not want him in their box where he can score goals?

For that 3rd Sothend goal we left Flynn back with Done - we deserved what we got.

Awful defending yes, by forward players, but far worse management.

Imo this is just wrongheaded. Adkins gambled. Che hit the post. They scored. It's clearly a last throw of the dice rather than some kind of defensive masterplan.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Leicester City have loaned him to us in preparation for next season's Champion's League adventure.
I thought at least one of you would have worked that out.

 

[TJB.]

Fact is you don't know that nobody has a clue ,I know exactly what he was earning at Leicester ,from someone dealing directly with the finances of the deal. I don't know what we ended up paying and I doubt I will do now ,but some people do actually know some facts on here, to brush them all away with a 'fact is people don't know' comment is rubbish.

I'll clarify.

People don't know = it's not common knowledge, therefore we can only truly rely on speculation and rumour as to what a player earns. How many times have you heard about a player earning X amount in the papers only for it to be complete bullshit? There's often that many different figures floating around that nobody can say for sure what a player truly earns.

Of course there will be more than one person who knows what he's on. It's whether that information manages to trickle down to the wonderful world of internet football forums and, because we're all (relatively) anonymous on here, how seriously can such information be taken?

 

[BushBlade]

I'll clarify.

People don't know = it's not common knowledge, therefore we can only truly rely on speculation and rumour as to what a player earns. How many times have you heard about a player earning X amount in the papers only for it to be complete bullshit? There's often that many different figures floating around that nobody can say for sure what a player truly earns.

Of course there will be more than one person who knows what he's on. It's whether that information manages to trickle down to the wonderful world of internet football forums and, because we're all (relatively) anonymous on here, how seriously can such information be taken?

I'd be very disappointed if someone who genuinely knew how much we were paying him thought it appropriate to post it on a message board.

 

[sitwell]

I'd be very disappointed if someone who genuinely knew how much we were paying him thought it appropriate to post it on a message board.

Why ? ,why are people so hung up about what they earn or what someone else does. For many its public knowledge ,why shouldn't it be for others ? Apart from the fact that we are paying his wages ,I think its important people do know and then make their own judgement. How can it be that we know what our doctor or fireman earns but not a footballer ,are they more important ?

 

[BushBlade]

Why ? ,why are people so hung up about what they earn or what someone else does. For many its public knowledge ,why shouldn't it be for others ? Apart from the fact that we are paying his wages ,I think its important people do know and then make their own judgement. How can it be that we know what our doctor or fireman earns but not a footballer ,are they more important ?

Because anyone who is party to that kind of knowledge is a trusted employee of the club and should act with integrity.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Imo this is just wrongheaded. Adkins gambled. Che hit the post. They scored. It's clearly a last throw of the dice rather than some kind of defensive masterplan.

Let me explain -
1. We signed Done as a striker and paid £750k and wages to match.
2. We bought him to score goals, not stand on the half way line when we are crossing corners into the box.
3. Done is not a defender and we should have defenders still on the pitch. I mught add that we have defenders who go up for every corner and never ever make contact with the ball across, never mind score from corners.

If those three points are wrongheaded, let me know.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

"Don't go, Nigel!"

 

[JonnyRed(WCFC)]

How can you control a game without the ball?

By maintaining the correct shape, discipline and defensive organisation...the clever teams can win by surrendering the bulk of possession to their opponents and defend the right areas and then pick them off on the counter attack or as they inevitably get frustrated and try playing a more risky percentage pass and give it away and boom, theyre the ones caught out of shape with a hole that can be exploited.

I would say its more important the work you do when you havent got control of the ball because its the basis for efficiency and teamwork/ethic.

 

[SRBlade]

By maintaining the correct shape, discipline and defensive organisation...the clever teams can win by surrendering the bulk of possession to their opponents and defend the right areas and then pick them off on the counter attack or as they inevitably get frustrated and try playing a more risky percentage pass and give it away and boom, theyre the ones caught out of shape with a hole that can be exploited.

I would say its more important the work you do when you havent got control of the ball because its the basis for efficiency and teamwork/ethic.

In the words of Paolo Maldini I beleive;

"If I need to make a tackle, I have already made a mistake"

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Oh. . . the headlines write themselves.

 

[JonnyRed(WCFC)]

In the words of Paolo Maldini I beleive;

"If I need to make a tackle, I have already made a mistake"

Indeed.. The diving in needlessly like a headless chicken variety.. A 93rd minute on a patch of grass around Manchester springs to mind!

But yes..the essence of your point and quote in relation to the legend of Mr Maldini.. Reading the game and stepping in at the right time (or just standing off and keeping the correct space/distance, amazing how often an attack can break down when the player with the ball in that situation gets indecisive and then any tempo built up is lost) ...all part of the 'off the ball work'

 

[super_pig]

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'm too thick to understand mate.. perhaps you could enlighten us.. if so i will post a beginners guide to quantum mechanics as we understand it currently as a thankyou

 

[super_pig]

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.

heh. this is like a dark mattter conversation.. perhaps we should get Brian Cox in

 

[BushBlade]

By maintaining the correct shape, discipline and defensive organisation...the clever teams can win by surrendering the bulk of possession to their opponents and defend the right areas and then pick them off on the counter attack or as they inevitably get frustrated and try playing a more risky percentage pass and give it away and boom, theyre the ones caught out of shape with a hole that can be exploited.

I would say its more important the work you do when you havent got control of the ball because its the basis for efficiency and teamwork/ethic.

Thanks but you do realise Harry Bassett used to be our manager?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Let me explain -
1. We signed Done as a striker and paid £750k and wages to match.
2. We bought him to score goals, not stand on the half way line when we are crossing corners into the box.
3. Done is not a defender and we should have defenders still on the pitch. I mught add that we have defenders who go up for every corner and never ever make contact with the ball across, never mind score from corners.

If those three points are wrongheaded, let me know.

One of those threads that's utterly baffling.

How is this even a conversation?

It's like desperately chucking Long up front - and then complaining they score.

Forensic analysis of a Hail Mary. Wrongheaded.