Let's face the sad truth of it.

[1danewhitehouse]

Why does everyone try and pick a team ? Silent got this right ages ago ,you cant just pick a team ,football isn't like that anymore ,a team changes on a weekly basis unless you are incredibly lucky. We need a squad of around 20 ,like the national teams do for tournaments ,in that squad there will be places for players like Flynn ,don't just pick an 11 and say he wont get in that 11 so bin him ,it doesn't work like that.

There’s an argument for Flynn staying as he’s contributed lately and is versatile. On the downside he’s never managed to be even fairly consistent over the course of a season and is injury prone. If he stays, I would hope it’s on a very modest contract as a squad player as we can’t bank on him to be one the ’40 games a season’ players NA talks about.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I'm much more worried by the return of the poisonously disappointed/disaffected loanees who are still on contracts - McNulty, Scougall, JWallace - than I am about the likes of McEveley & Flynn being offered short term contracts on reduced terms to be squad players. Same goes for the potentially divisive & circus-attracting signing of some former rapist/non-rapist who hasn't played football for 4 years. Plenty to be concerned about, quite apart from whether or not the manager's too much of a nice guy to be up to the job here.

As regards recruitment, just look at Barnsley's first team for what you can do on a shoestring. The excellent Roberts from Halifax, Williams from Worcester City, two ex-Manure academy youngsters on loan, not a single hefty fee paid for any of their first eleven. Not that they were any great shakes yesterday, apart from their ultra-solid defence. But, in all likelihood, they're making the play-offs (without shelling out any big fees, on much lower average salaries than us); we're not.

I like what Barnsley have done but if we only signed loans and non-league players, our fans would be up in arms about not showing ambition and they would, to a degree, have a point as our financial advantage of having so many more through the gates should allow us to sign better. I think a mix is in order. Some young players like that but with the odd bit of more experienced quality that we should be able to afford over a club like Barnsley.


Could you imagine if we lost 8 in a row and went bottom of the league? No way would any manager still be in a job and we’d be scratching around for the next Simon Lappin/ Marlon King etc.


We don’t have the patience, or possibly can’t afford the patience of a prolonged experiment. Not whilst making so much noise about getting promoted. We need to either level with the fans and say we can’t afford to buy our way to promotion, are taking the route of developing a young squad etc. or go out, show some intent and spend some money on players good enough to win this league. We seem to have been caught between the two for a number of years now.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Yeah, you may well be right about Winnall. I was under the impression they'd got him when he was out of contract, but I was wrong in thinking that. Seems that they recruited him for the dreaded "undisclosed" fee.

And admittedly they also bought Hourihane from Plymouth for £200k-£250k.

I suppose, to amend the point I made above, these two signings show another element of their successful recruitment policy - buying highly promising young players from this division or the one below, players with sell-on value.

Not saying that Barnsley are all that - they hardly dominated the league. But in terms of "going in the right direction", they're on the right track (within the limits of their own financial constraints). We still look a mess in comparison.

We did try something similar at one point with McGinty, Johns, McGinn, Coady, Baxter, Cuvelier, Brandy, Scougall, Taylor, McNulty, J. Wallace, Adams, K. Wallace, Freeman etc. That’s 14 relatively young players we signed over a 2.5 year period. Unfortunately we had a pretty poor return out of them. Some showed promise when they joined but all except Coady who we failed to keep failed to kick on. Taylor seems to be coming again now with Wimbledon and might actually prove to be a decent player yet. I’m not saying we shouldn’t keep trying to do it, just that we done it to an extent but with not nearly the same success.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Personally I don't want to watch football matches surrounded by people chanting "He shags who he wants" because they think they're clever or have to read the disgusting filth I've read on line from people apparently "supporting" him.

Maybe that's just me. I'd rather avoid the circus.

It is a shame that people have to resort to that kind of thing. I firmly believe he should be allowed to resume his career and I’d like united to profit from what could be a potentially very good free transfer. I’d rather we did it without a section of our fan-base acting like nob-heads though.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

What about having him train with us for a while and let the manager and coaching staff decide?

What I like to call the "common sense option".

That’s what I would like to see happen personally. I doubt we’ll touch him until after a re-trial though. If it goes his way, he’ll be a bit older still and will have gone even longer without football.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Dream on about Colin getting us back to the PL.

Why do you call him Colin? I get the nickname being used by rival fans but I never understood the section of our fans who seemed to dislike him so much. He has been our most successful manager of the last 20 odd years. Sure he made the odd daft comment and could be a bit embarrassing at times but overall, he did a lot more good than bad for our club. For the record, I’m not one of the people wanting him back. I think his time has gone (though a short term deal when we sacked Wilson might have made sense rather than Morgs). I just never manage to understand the animosity so many united fans seem to have towards the bloke.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Parkinson has had 5 seasons at Bradford and still not got them promoted. Our man Adkins has had 1 season .

When Parkinson was in the so called running for the lane job , he got lamblasted on here as a long ball merchant .

The win at Chelsea did raise his profile , and whether or not we would be better with Parkinson to Adkins , who knows.

I still cannot work out if it is bullshit or brains with Adkins , but next season will not be good if we do not hit the ground running .

The first fundamental mistake may be signing Hammond , but we will wait and see. The bottom line is we all think hove our station , and truth be known we are now a established league 1 club , the same as Bradford , but maybe not as well managed or run.

UTB

Hammond, Monty, Doyle, Cresswell, Booker (at first), Gannon etc. All players unpopular players with the fans during their time but all very popular with their managers. Incidentally, all missed to some extent when not in the team.


I wouldn’t judge Adkins on the decision to sign Hammond. All managers have players that they like and trust that the fans don’t take to. They play a part both on the pitch and in the dressing room despite their limitations. Rochdale and Burton shows exactly why we need Dean Hammond or someone like him.


Pretty much everyone one of us would have Adkins over Parkinson last summer. Even at xmas when we played Bradford off the park and were above them. They have since gone on a good run having made a couple of January signings. Ours has come too late having waited til March to sign Baptiste. That doesn’t make Parkinson the better manager. It just means his project is a little further along having had a lot more time at it.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Parkinson took over at BC when they had spent FOUR years in the bottom division.
TWO years on he got them promoted, three years on he has Bradford in the play-offs (shall I throw a Cup Final appearance in here just to piss off the "cup runs don't count" morons).
All this while the club has struggled along within the shadow of going bust.

Perhaps giving a manger a bit of time actually works but we're not likely to find that out here!

Absolutely agree it’s about giving managers time to build on what they have. Look at Wallsall. First year in many that they didn’t sell their best player they’ve been competing for promotion having stuck with Dean Smith for a number of years.


Let’s see if we can keep our better players together whilst adding a little to the squad here and there and improve year on year.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

As I said, he didn't go to Villa so the seven million claim is bs and therefore why would Man United split any saving with them?

Never said Bradford didn't lose out because of a free transfer. Your links prove nothing about what you posted. Your post mentioned him being sold to Villa for seven million . Which never happened. Yet Villa get £125k off Man United who didn't get a fee for Cleverly? Really?

Could be a case of Chinese whispers. Villa were going to buy Cleverley but the Bradofrd sell-on clause put both clubs off a purchase deal so a loan deal was agreed instead with a loan fee seen as more beneficial to the conducting clubs?

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Or Jim!

I’ve never got the impression that Jim is a real decision maker at the club. A PR man and a middle man for the Prince seems/ seemed to be his role.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

So you think loan moves go ahead with no fee ? ?
Just read the stuff.
I get lucky and have a chat with one of the top agents in football who passes on some titbits which I then in turn post on the forum only for him to be questioned by someone who decides to google everything he said to be a smartarse ,really ??
Then he is proved right and you argue over something I claimed and need to prove ,get a fucking life. Im really not that bothered.
As I said through a friend Jason Atherton I have a good chance of meeting guys like this every now and then ,I certainly wont pass anything on again ,not worth it ,stick to ringtones.

Sitters, people are bound to question ‘ITK’ info when it appears to contradict publicly available information (Prince investment, prince ‘owns the club’ etc.). Nonetheless, it’s always interesting to read bits and pieces that people hear from others so I would encourage you to not be such a mardy bum and continue to post anything you hear. Having dwelled on forums as long as you have, I would expect a thicker skin.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Your probably pretty close with your squad. But my worry is who are we gonna lose (i.e. Sell, It happens every season). My guess is Adams, someone will get him on the cheap. It's the Blades way.

Hope you’re wrong but it wouldn’t be particularly surprising given our track record.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Why do you call him Colin? I get the nickname being used by rival fans but I never understood the section of our fans who seemed to dislike him so much. He has been our most successful manager of the last 20 odd years. Sure he made the odd daft comment and could be a bit embarrassing at times but overall, he did a lot more good than bad for our club. For the record, I’m not one of the people wanting him back. I think his time has gone (though a short term deal when we sacked Wilson might have made sense rather than Morgs). I just never manage to understand the animosity so many united fans seem to have towards the bloke.

I was totally fine with him until the Pompey thing and then him screwing up the PL season and his signings for the "future".

Anyway, his new nickname is shineyface

 

[Sean Thornton]

I’ve never got the impression that Jim is a real decision maker at the club. A PR man and a middle man for the Prince seems/ seemed to be his role.

I was being sarcastic. Some think he chose the manager. But then some people believe the Earth is flat.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

I think McGahey has a chance if he’s willing to accept low enough wages as he’s back up who is young enough to develop.

I’d be very disappointed if we kept Flo on as he’s not been able to get into this team or make any real contribution. He also has an atrocious injury record and stands in the way of people like Reed and Whiteman who provide cover there.

I've got a nagging feeling that Cuvelier will be offered some form of cheap appearance-based deal, but I hope he'll be another off the books as he's no doubt been very well paid.

McGahey should only be offered a deal if there's nobody younger emerging from the youth set-up. I haven't seen enough of the U21s/U18s to make a judgement on that.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I've got a nagging feeling that Cuvelier will be offered some form of cheap appearance-based deal, but I hope he'll be another off the books as he's no doubt been very well paid.

McGahey should only be offered a deal if there's nobody younger emerging from the youth set-up. I haven't seen enough of the U21s/U18s to make a judgement on that.

Well Kennedy will surely be gone on account of his knees.

Banton, Adebowale and Semple are by all accounts a way off being ready. Perhaps we could get them out on loan.

 

[pommpey]

I've got a nagging feeling that Cuvelier will be offered some form of cheap appearance-based deal, but I hope he'll be another off the books as he's no doubt been very well paid.

McGahey should only be offered a deal if there's nobody younger emerging from the youth set-up. I haven't seen enough of the U21s/U18s to make a judgement on that.

Christ. If they keep Cuvellier on, it is a clear indication they have no intent to get the club promoted. Fifteen games in three years is a fucking joke. Anyone with any judgement would toe-cap the twat out of the Cherry Street entrance as soon as his 'contract' is up. The bloke is a crock, and has been since we signed him.

pommpey

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I was totally fine with him until the Pompey thing and then him screwing up the PL season and his signings for the "future".

Anyway, his new nickname is shineyface

Each to their own. For me he's still in the fondly remembered camp for doing a lot more right than wrong despite his flaws.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Christ. If they keep Cuvellier on, it is a clear indication they have no intent to get the club promoted. Fifteen games in three years is a fucking joke. Anyone with any judgement would toe-cap the twat out of the Cherry Street entrance as soon as his 'contract' is up. The bloke is a crock, and has been since we signed him.

pommpey

We do appear to be thankfully moving to a crock-free model for the squad. I think Adkins's background should ensure he can spot the difference between damaged goods beyond repair (Eg Wallace & Kennedy) and those with injuries recoverable from (Baptiste being a recent example). The only doubt in my mind on Cuvelier stems from Adkins appearing to involve him when possible, and what he's previously said on his attitude. A deal that's appearance-based (dependent on doing well in preseason) would protect us in the event of any further injuries. I'm thinking aloud there – with the exception of the Saints game last season I've seen little to suggest he'd be worth keeping. He's also another that's tough to fit into a 4-4-2, so perhaps he'll be released regardless.

 

[pommpey]

We do appear to be thankfully moving to a crock-free model for the squad. I think Adkins's background should ensure he can spot the difference between damaged goods beyond repair (Eg Wallace & Kennedy) and those with injuries recoverable from (Baptiste being a recent example). The only doubt in my mind on Cuvelier stems from Adkins appearing to involve him when possible, and what he's previously said on his attitude. A deal that's appearance-based (dependent on doing well in preseason) would protect us in the event of any further injuries. I'm thinking aloud there – with the exception of the Saints game last season I've seen little to suggest he'd be worth keeping. He's also another that's tough to fit into a 4-4-2, so perhaps he'll be released regardless.

He played really well in that Saints game, and I thought at the time we had another Michael Brown - he was seriously involved in pushing Southampton all the way back into their half. But, as we know, MIchael Brown would carry on even with his ACL snapped, a shin-bone protruding through his sock, a black eye, sixty stitches in a head wound and a few broken ribs. FC trips over a blade of grass in training and is on the physio's bench for nine months. Usually the nine months which involves a standard length football season. Two years running.

pommpey

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

We did try something similar at one point with McGinty, Johns, McGinn, Coady, Baxter, Cuvelier, Brandy, Scougall, Taylor, McNulty, J. Wallace, Adams, K. Wallace, Freeman etc. That’s 14 relatively young players we signed over a 2.5 year period. Unfortunately we had a pretty poor return out of them. Some showed promise when they joined but all except Coady who we failed to keep failed to kick on. Taylor seems to be coming again now with Wimbledon and might actually prove to be a decent player yet. I’m not saying we shouldn’t keep trying to do it, just that we done it to an extent but with not nearly the same success.

Not so sure our scattergun collecting of didn't-make-its-at-elite-clubs, lower level Scots, injury-plagued or questionable-charactered individuals (& one or two highly promising signings) compares with Barnsley's seemingly much more targeted, profiled & properly scouted strategy. Just seems to me that Barnsley are a far better run club than us these days, & that they get far more value for every pound spent on fees & in salaries.

Not getting carried away, because they clearly haven't bossed the division & also their profile as a club is clearly very different to ours. Just that the trajectory they seem to be on is a decidedly upwards one, as evidenced perhaps by the seamless switch of managers after Lee Johnson's departure.

I suppose this summer will show whether or not Adkins has properly shaken up our scouting network, as seems to have been suggested. Fingers crossed, because we've seen no evidence at all of it yet.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

But, as we know, MIchael Brown would carry on even with his ACL snapped, a shin-bone protruding through his sock, a black eye, sixty stitches in a head wound and a few broken ribs.

pommpey

but NOT with a groin strain when down to 8 men against West Brom

 

[LoughboroBlade]

but NOT with a groin strain when down to 8 men against West Brom

I was about to say the same. Luckily he was hidden in a bunker for the rest of the season to make the injury look legit.

 

[pommpey]

but NOT with a groin strain when down to 8 men against West Brom

Shhh!

"Off you come, Browny!"

"But boss!"

"Off you come."

pommpey

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Shhh!

"Off you come, Browny!"

"But boss!"

"Off you come."

pommpey

How dare you slander Coli... ahem... Neill's good name in such a way!

 

[blade too long]

I am surprised that people still think there is a role for Ched Evans at SUFC, not to do with his morals or actions, but just by the fact that the bloke has not played a professional game of football in a long time. Not saying he won't have kept himself fit, but being fit and being match fit/ready are two different things.

Do we think McNulty is coming back? A better first touch than Adams (from memory) and can score if given service.

I know some people on here scoffed when one poster mentioned Hanson at Bradford as a target, the guy got a hat trick yesterday. We do need a tall striker I think. or a tall, athletic, attacking midfielder who can add 10 goals a season as well as assist.

I fail to see how a 3 year gap will preclude any person from restarting a career
Some players have been out 2 years through injury
He still looks lean and insist hes stayed fit and done the technical work outs
I think in these days of over coached automaton footballers he should easily find his way back

Lee Hughes is a prime example of a returning norman stanley fletcher
I would gladly take Ched back if his name is cleared, or are we imposing mob mentality justice and sentencing of what would be an innocent man

 

[blade too long]

I completely fail to see in these days of acute financial scrutiny and per centage spending limits how any fee can be undisclosed

how on earth can a clubs spending be assessed if fees are a big secret
football can never be open and transparent if no one has a clue how much is being spent
same with sales , Wigan sold 8 squad players last year for undisclosed fees at least 2 were for over 2 million pounds

 

[Grappler]

I fail to see how a 3 year gap will preclude any person from restarting a career
Some players have been out 2 years through injury
He still looks lean and insist hes stayed fit and done the technical work outs
I think in these days of over coached automoton footballers he should easily find his way back

Lee Hughes is a prime example of returning
I would gladly take him back if his name is cleared, or are we imposing mob mentality justice and sentencing of what would be an innocent man

I am not saying he should not have a career in football mate, but the only way of getting match fit (to my mind) is playing regularly for 90 minutes.

Lads who have come back from injury (Coutts, Cuvelier, J. Wallace) can't run around for 90 minutes, we see that week in, week out.

 

[blade too long]

I am not saying he should not have a career in football mate, but the only way of getting match fit (to my mind) is playing regularly for 90 minutes.

Lads who have come back from injury (Coutts, Cuvelier, J. Wallace) can't run around for 90 minutes, we see that week in, week out.

but thats the point , hes not recovering from injury , hes just not played in league games
hes played in prison games
and theres hundreds of players come from non league
was Che Adams up to league standard football when we threw him in v Spurs

I think a good pre season hed be not far off the norm for 80 per cent of players and within 6 months could be back to his best , especially if he has the hunger to do it , lets face it he will be pumped up for it
but of course we have enough really pumped up players at the Lane already dont we
I dare say if he looked as chunky as some forwards who started last season Id have more doubts , but he looks lean, like hes been training

 

[The Crab]

I completely fail to see in these days of acute financial scrutiny and per centage spending limits how any fee can be undisclosed

how on earth can a clubs spending be assessed if fees are a big secret
football can never be open and transparent if no one has a clue how much is being spent
same with sales , Wigan sold 8 squad players last year for undisclosed fees at least 2 were for over 2 million pounds

I can only best guess and say that it's maybe because of how a deal is structured? I would think the term "undisclosed fee" has replaced "a deal worth". Say for example we sell a player and the deal is £500'000 down, £500'000 after 100 games, then the "deal worth" is £1m. The trouble with that is, when you buy a replacement, the club you are dealing with knows you have £1m because they have seen it in the media, and will inflate the price accordingly. If it's "undisclosed fee" then it may be more difficult for them to know exactly how much you have.

Like I said though, I'm taking a punt of a guess here.