3 more?

[Jan Age]

Reckon we’ll be looking at play a midfield 3 of:
————O’Hare————
—Souza———Hamer—

And then rotating Arblaster for Hamer in certain games. Love Arblaster but it is his first proper season and we need quality player rotations throughout the season. I also reckon in some matches we’ll set up more solidly and drop O’Hare for Hamer and then Arblaster back in.

we would be cut through like a knife through butter

 

[RWE]

we would be cut through like a knife through butter

What midfield would you pick? Didn’t we play a midfield 3 of O’hare, Souza and Arblaster these last 2 games (granted Hamer played but on the left). Also didn’t Coventry use Hamer as a number 8 and o’hare as a 10 with Kelly? (I think) sitting?

 

[Aston max]

Not really worried about who we sign other than a CDM and centre forward but whoever we sign must not just be squad fillers they need to be good enough to be starting 11 , we need competition for every position not in a first/second choice scenario
The best teams do this

 

[Jan Age]

I would get in another CDM I am not saying we can't play the way you suggest against the likes of Preston but against the top teams I think we need to be more solid.

Asking Hamer to sit and hold is a waste of his talent and lacks the fitness to be box to box.

O'hare is a flair player which we will need to unlock defences but won't be cementing anyone in midfield.

And Souza is unlikely to put a full season in.

I would go:

--- O hare ---

Hamer --- xxx --- Arblaster

------ Souza - - - -

Then more expansive with the wingers we have signed/rumored to be signing...

Like:

---- O hare ----

LW - - -Hamer/Arblaster - - JRS

----- Souza /CDM ----

 

[RWE]

I would get in another CDM I am not saying we can't play the way you suggest against the likes of Preston but against the top teams I think we need to be more solid.

Asking Hamer to sit and hold is a waste of his talent and lacks the fitness to be box to box.

O'hare is a flair player which we will need to unlock defences but won't be cementing anyone in midfield.

And Souza is unlikely to put a full season in.

I would go:

--- O hare ---

Hamer --- xxx --- Arblaster

------ Souza - - - -

Then more expansive with the wingers we have signed/rumored to be signing...

Like:

---- O hare ----

LW - - -Hamer/Arblaster - - JRS

----- Souza /CDM ----

I agree it might seem to be open, but I just don’t know see how we could play all 4 and have wingers at the same time. Against Preston and QPR we played something like this
I don’t think we looked weak in midfield until they brought on an extra man in midfield (when we should’ve used subs) but your second team is more what I was referring to.

I agree with your statement about changing it against top teams though, I think we will definitely set up different to Burnley, Leeds, and Boro for example but at home against most teams I think we’ll play 2 out and out wingers

 

[Jan Age]

I agree it might seem to be open, but I just don’t know see how we could play all 4 and have wingers at the same time. Against Preston and QPR we played something like this View attachment 191056
I don’t think we looked weak in midfield until they brought on an extra man in midfield (when we should’ve used subs) but your second team is more what I was referring to.
View attachment 191057
I agree with your statement about changing it against top teams though, I think we will definitely set up different to Burnley, Leeds, and Boro for example but at home against most teams I think we’ll play 2 out and out wingers

Excellent reply... actually talking abbot football and appreciating different perspectives whilst putting your own across... something a lot on here should learn.

Up the Blades!

 

[RWE]

Excellent reply... actually talking abbot football and appreciating different perspectives whilst putting your own across... something a lot on here should learn.

Up the Blades!

Definitely! Always good to hear people’s opinions, especially when it’s about Sheffield United

 

[Mouth of the South]

So when we buy a winger, what are you doing with Hamer and Arblaster?

They’re two of our best players. Are you only picking one of them?

An issue if all remain available but there'll be injuries, suspensions, loss of form, different formations/plans (if CW ever comes up with a viable Plan B) etc during the course of the season. A high risk strategy to think the club will get through the season with only 3 options to fill 2 places, never mind going with just the 2.

Realising I'm in the minority but I really don't want Souza to go - he should be far too good for the Champ and be an important player. If he goes, replacing him with Hamer add more drive and box-to-box mobility but you'd lose size, physicality, and protection of the defence. We've been after a big shithouse in CM for years and when we finally get one in the Champ, people are wishing him away.

 

[3Cheers4Ramirez]

We need 'structural' signings. Players who'll ensure a consistent solid foundation. At least 2 of them. Without this I don't think Wilder will succeed. I'm very surprised we haven't brought in these types already

 

[Houston_Blade]

If Gilchrist keeps going on the Ethan Ampadu arc then we really need a first choice right back, we need a cover one as a bare minimum and hope Gilchrist is just bedding in.

We really need a forward, Moore is ok but makes us one dimensional. Brewster is bobbar, Campbell is an unknown and the rest are 12 years old.

If we lose Anel and get a RB then we don’t desperately need a CB as we have Souttar and Gilchrist. JLT, Trusty and RND aren’t ideal (unless RND gets fit and good) but we can muddle through.

If Souza goes we can cover that position with what we have with either Hamer dropping in or Arblaster playing deeper.

If Hamer goes we won’t be able to replace him easily so should probably hang onto him unless the offer is eye watering assuming his release clause is now expired.

 

[ancientblade]

think posters on here are dismissing gilchrist far too quickly hes a young lad straight up from london and has only played 2 full games give him a chance to settle in personally i rate thd lad very highly

 

[CoatesyBlade]

think posters on here are dismissing gilchrist far too quickly hes a young lad straight up from london and has only played 2 full games give him a chance to settle in personally i rate thd lad very highly

I think he’s played well, was really impressed with his performance against Preston

 

[Bladeloyal]

Bladesfans love a scapegoat .who is it this week

 

[BLADES1988]

Bladesfans love a scapegoat .who is it this week

Blaster red card satdi.

 

[Keen Blade]

If Gilchrist keeps going on the Ethan Ampadu arc then we really need a first choice right back, we need a cover one as a bare minimum and hope Gilchrist is just bedding in.

We really need a forward, Moore is ok but makes us one dimensional. Brewster is bobbar, Campbell is an unknown and the rest are 12 years old.

If we lose Anel and get a RB then we don’t desperately need a CB as we have Souttar and Gilchrist. JLT, Trusty and RND aren’t ideal (unless RND gets fit and good) but we can muddle through.

If Souza goes we can cover that position with what we have with either Hamer dropping in or Arblaster playing deeper.

If Hamer goes we won’t be able to replace him easily so should probably hang onto him unless the offer is eye watering assuming his release clause is now expired.

Neither Hamer nor Blaster have the physical attributes to replace Souza

 

[jim2007]

I don’t know what the plan is if we bring a LW in, as i don’t see how all of:
Souza
Arblaster
Hamer
O’Hare
Rak-Sakyi
New LW

Wilder: "They think the only thing I could innovate was over-lapping centre-backs? Fuck it! We're going 2-6-2!"

 

[Houston_Blade]

Neither Hamer nor Blaster have the physical attributes to replace Souza

We had one promotion with Norwood and the other with Norwood/Doyle. You don’t have to be 6ft 3 to play that position.

We should also be possession heavy in this division so don’t need an out and out DM, just someone who can break up play and then play themselves.

I’d prefer to keep Souza but for £10m plus we should sell.

 

[loyalblade95]

ST
CB
RB
LW

Would be my bets at where we’re looking to strengthen. We need more depth upfront, we need a player who’s a natural on the left to give us balance rather than asking Hamer to play there and RB looks a bit dodgy atm. CB I’d assume if Anel leaves although really I’d like us to strengthen there anyway.

That Mikey Johnstone from Celtic for LW perhaps?

 

[Bladesman]

We could sign some more players from Chelsea, they have about 100.

 

[Bladey_blade]

If we're letting Peck out, would look at Armstrong and Alzate free, Brendan Wiredu had a good season last year too, all solid squad players free and Wiredu would be relatively cheap.
Right back, Perry Ng seems available seems capable of the step up towards a top challenging team.
Centre backs, if not Mepham, what would Ben Cabango cost?
Johnston and Sarmiento seem to be the picks for the left wing thus far, if we want a little versatility for the squad Josh Koroma may be worth a cheeky (low) bid as another that primarily plays left wing but can play across the front.
Cannon looks good competition for Moore and a probably the best option

 

[jono_t2000]

If we're letting Peck out, would look at Armstrong and Alzate free, Brendan Wiredu had a good season last year too, all solid squad players free and Wiredu would be relatively cheap.
Right back, Perry Ng seems available seems capable of the step up towards a top challenging team.
Centre backs, if not Mepham, what would Ben Cabango cost?
Johnston and Sarmiento seem to be the picks for the left wing thus far, if we want a little versatility for the squad Josh Koroma may be worth a cheeky (low) bid as another that primarily plays left wing but can play across the front.
Cannon looks good competition for Moore and a probably the best option

Can't argue with any of that, some nice backup options included as well.

Micky Narker will be especially pleased you included Perry Ng

 

[Keen Blade]

We had one promotion with Norwood and the other with Norwood/Doyle. You don’t have to be 6ft 3 to play that position.

We should also be possession heavy in this division so don’t need an out and out DM, just someone who can break up play and then play themselves.

I’d prefer to keep Souza but for £10m plus we should sell.

Those promotions were with 3 CBs at the back.
If we go with just 2 CBs , I would like at least one of the MFs to be a big lad like Souza.
The rest of the MF including O'Hare are shorties so I think we need one decent unit to balance up the team.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Those promotions were with 3 CBs at the back.
If we go with just 2 CBs , I would like at least one of the MFs to be a big lad like Souza.
The rest of the MF including O'Hare are shorties so I think we need one decent unit to balance up the team.

I think if we had Souttar and Anel as the 2 CB’s we’d be covered for size, JLT is too small to play in a 2 and Trusty looks a bit rubbish.

There are plenty of sub 6ft DM’s around, like I said, I’d prefer to keep Souza if we can but he’s easily replaceable given we shouldn’t be ‘backs against the wall’ for most of the season.

 

[SGBlade]

Not sure how Souza/Hamer/Arblaster will feel about being rotational. Can’t help but feel someone bidding for Souza solves this, we have Arblaster and Hamer and then a couple of players happy to be subs.

I feel Peck is too good to go on loan and can build up experience as part of the matchday squad as support for Arblaster or O’Hare.

I’m also not overly convinced Wilder knows what to do with Slimane either.

Looks to me like he’s given Slimane an opportunity but I think we’re probably close to writing him off, similar to Coulibaly. Wilder is usually pretty rapid when he decides someone isn’t the right fit. Seems like Slimane is giving his all and he does have something about him. But just don’t see it with us in the championship.

I do see Hamer in one of the three central roles, long term. Either in the two next to Arblaster / Souza or at the top if O’hare is injured / needs resting. But I don’t think it’s an issue having too many in there - I prefer to have the options and competition. Might be a couple of noses bent out of shape when everyone’s fit but someone will get injured or lose form. However, agree, if we sell Souza then not a disaster - probably just keep Peck around rather than loaning and accelerate his pathway a bit.

For me, we do need:

• left winger / inside forward (Sarmiento?)
• right back who can play RB or RWB (no idea but imagine this is a profile that’s one of he easier to source)
• central striker with a bit of physicality (Cannon?)

Even if both Anel and Souza go (as long as we get decent money) and we bring in these three profiles, I’d be happy. Squad would have a nice balance of youth / experiences, a bit of pace, flexibility to play 5 or 4 at the back, and plenty of x-factor players.

Would be a great window to end up there after where we started.

 

[SGBlade]

Left Center back also feels like a weakness, but that can probably wait until Jan.

 

[Champagneblade]

Left Center back also feels like a weakness, but that can probably wait until Jan.

That feels like it has been made awkward by Robbo being made captain.

Being the best of a terrible bunch doesn’t mask the fact that if money is there, then there is scope for an uptick to that part of the team.

 

[Newbury Blade]

Left Center back also feels like a weakness, but that can probably wait until Jan.

RND

 

[SGBlade]

RND

I hope so. He looked fantastic before his first injury. Hopefully the long contract indicates some confidence from the staff that will be the case. Not sure he’s big enough for CB in a two though.

 

[Rodley]

I hope so. He looked fantastic before his first injury. Hopefully the long contract indicates some confidence from the staff that will be the case. Not sure he’s big enough for CB in a two though.

Half an inch taller than Robbo, but yes it is a concern.

 

[SGBlade]

Half an inch taller than Robbo, but yes it is a concern.

I didn’t know that. Interesting. TBF I can’t remember him getting beaten in the air very often. Maybe alongside Souttar he’s worth a punt there then. He’s certainly got the quality and the attitude.