Action plan going forward

[borg elite]

What would it take then for you to drop him then?

This isn't a sadistic suggestion or punitive measure, just to experiment with Verrips and take Ramsdale out of the firing line for a couple of games.

I think he's looked a bit shaky recently but I don't think dropping him would do anything for his confidence. He's playing in a side where the majority are devoid of any confidence. He's certainly not costing us games. Until he does then it would be a question I guess. Although he was shaky yesterday his distribution was generally very good (one howler) especially his throwing to the wings. He is really not a part of the problem at the moment.

 

[Revolution]

What would it take then for you to drop him then?

This isn't a sadistic suggestion or punitive measure, just to experiment with Verrips and take Ramsdale out of the firing line for a couple of games.

For me, it would take the signing of a reserve keeper who is up to PL standard. We do not have that. We have 3 Champonship/league one keepers.

 

[knowsnowt]

Stegosaurus here

Ramsdale needs dropping, definitely. He is a liability.

You need dropping.

 

[Chabuddy G]

Honestly I'd hate to go for a beer with you if your personality reflects your OP's/Bump posts. They are so boring I need a little nap after reading 4 lines of them

 

[blades14]

Going forward i'd like to see us blood more academy players, Our academy has produced a 70m CB in Maguire, one of the best RB's in the prem in recent seasons in Walker and the Prem's most in form striker in DCL. I bet a few lads from the under 23 would deffo be decent squad members next year replacing players like Rodwell, Bryan, Jags, Lowe, Norwood etc

 

[stringer]

Einstein never said that about insanity either. (The rest of the post seems to have been questioned/opposed already)

 

[BobblesBlade]

Ok here goes:

Considering that we will not be expected to get any points for the next two games and probably won't with no changes, it is worth trying something else.

1. Drop Ramsdale and try Verrips for the next two games. Granted it wasn't his fault we lost yesterday, however he has not been convincing or reassuring this season so would be good to take him out of the firing line and see if Verrips is as good or any better. Chelsea were ruthless last season in ditching £70 million Kepa for Caberello and it paid off.

2. Start Brewster. Giving him sub appearances here and there doesn't help his form or confidence or get him to gel into the team.

3. Get on the phone to Jack Wilshere's agent with a view if fit to a play-as-you pay deal. A big name player like him could give the squad a boost and he's a different type of player to what we have. The Euros are coming up next summer so he should be fully motivated.

4. Depending on how '1' goes, see if Dean Henderson could come back on loan. It doesn't matter if he's paid twice as much as our next best player, he's worth it and it won't damage squad harmony anymore than continuing to pick Lundstram.

5. Sign some proper scouts that can recommend players outside the Championship and England. Actually be open minded to signing and playing them.

6. Wilder needs someone to advise and help him, and there's no shame in that. Whether a Director of Football, or a new coach to work alongside is the right model who knows, but right now I think some fresh output could be ideal.

7. Read these threads and learn from them:

Tactically outdone | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

The long ball over the top down the middle | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

8. And most controversially, change the system.

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Just because we are losing by 1 goal a game rather than 4 doesn't mean we are 'close' to getting it right, we've gained 1 point out of a possible 33 with the way we're playing and to be honest deserve little more than that.

Yes the way we set up has done wonders for us in the past, but that's the point, it's in the past and has little relevance to our current situation and predicament.

Personally I'd go with:

Verrips
Baldock- Basham-Egan- Stevens
Burke/Bogle - Berge- Lundstram - Osborne/Fleck
Brewster- Mc Burnie

Berge is more used to playing in a 2 for Norway and Genk, Bogle might offer something different and productive in tandem with Baldock, likewise Osborne and Stevens on the other side.

9. Tell the players to stop hoofing it up to McBurnie. Occasionally is fine but it's too predictable and not productive most of the time.

10. Be more strategic with substitutions. I can't see there being any rational in bringing Norwood on yesterday for example.

---

This would take some swallowing of pride for Wilder, along with recognition that he has made some mistakes. The bigger mistake is not changing anything. I commented yesterday that I feared he would be too proud to do this which is quite harsh, however the best managers adapt and change.

He did it after the Millwall game in League 1, he will need to do so again now.

One point you made which I fully agree with is Wilder could do with some help.

He has done amazing at getting us to where we were last year. Years of rubbish turned round like what DB did many years ago.
The problem is the Prem is a different kettle of fish and it does come down to that one or two players who can win you a game. You have to find them gems and they are around but the pond is no longer a pond it’s a sea of players from all around the world.
Wilder felt Utd could do well with just having a British built team but it won’t. Any British player who’s ok to good is expensive while a top one is way out of our league.
If we had a director of football I’m sure they’d get a scouting system and bring in players from all over the world and many would come cause we are in the Premier league.
All that said we could become a great yo yo club and just accept it.

I would love to have us stay in the Prem for many years and maybe one day qualify for Europe. Maybe win a cup or two.
I thought with Wilder we were on the verge of that but now I just think we will go back to being a championship club chasing promotion every year.

 

[stringer]

One point you made which I fully agree with is Wilder could do with some help.

He has done amazing at getting us to where we were last year. Years of rubbish turned round like what DB did many years ago.
The problem is the Prem is a different kettle of fish and it does come down to that one or two players who can win you a game. You have to find them gems and they are around but the pond is no longer a pond it’s a sea of players from all around the world.
Wilder felt Utd could do well with just having a British built team but it won’t. Any British player who’s ok to good is expensive while a top one is way out of our league.
If we had a director of football I’m sure they’d get a scouting system and bring in players from all over the world and many would come cause we are in the Premier league.
All that said we could become a great yo yo club and just accept it.

I would love to have us stay in the Prem for many years and maybe one day qualify for Europe. Maybe win a cup or two.
I thought with Wilder we were on the verge of that but now I just think we will go back to being a championship club chasing promotion every year.

Six months ago, Wilder was manager of a team challenging for Europe.
What he 'needs' is Jack O'Connell back, and stadiums full again.
Any DOF who can deliver that, gerremin.

 

[FMBlade1]

Six months ago, Wilder was manager of a team challenging for Europe.
What he 'needs' is Jack O'Connell back, and stadiums full again.
Any DOF who can deliver that, gerremin.

FFS stop living in the past, that was then this is now.

JOC won't be back before the end of the season, stadiums won't be full again until next season at best.

(6 months ago we had a better goalkeeper also)

 

[Bladeulike]

Ok here goes:

Considering that we will not be expected to get any points for the next two games and probably won't with no changes, it is worth trying something else.

1. Drop Ramsdale and try Verrips for the next two games. Granted it wasn't his fault we lost yesterday, however he has not been convincing or reassuring this season so would be good to take him out of the firing line and see if Verrips is as good or any better. Chelsea were ruthless last season in ditching £70 million Kepa for Caberello and it paid off.

2. Start Brewster. Giving him sub appearances here and there doesn't help his form or confidence or get him to gel into the team.

3. Get on the phone to Jack Wilshere's agent with a view if fit to a play-as-you pay deal. A big name player like him could give the squad a boost and he's a different type of player to what we have. The Euros are coming up next summer so he should be fully motivated.

4. Depending on how '1' goes, see if Dean Henderson could come back on loan. It doesn't matter if he's paid twice as much as our next best player, he's worth it and it won't damage squad harmony anymore than continuing to pick Lundstram.

5. Sign some proper scouts that can recommend players outside the Championship and England. Actually be open minded to signing and playing them.

6. Wilder needs someone to advise and help him, and there's no shame in that. Whether a Director of Football, or a new coach to work alongside is the right model who knows, but right now I think some fresh output could be ideal.

7. Read these threads and learn from them:

Tactically outdone | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

The long ball over the top down the middle | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

8. And most controversially, change the system.

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Just because we are losing by 1 goal a game rather than 4 doesn't mean we are 'close' to getting it right, we've gained 1 point out of a possible 33 with the way we're playing and to be honest deserve little more than that.

Yes the way we set up has done wonders for us in the past, but that's the point, it's in the past and has little relevance to our current situation and predicament.

Personally I'd go with:

Verrips
Baldock- Basham-Egan- Stevens
Burke/Bogle - Berge- Lundstram - Osborne/Fleck
Brewster- Mc Burnie

Berge is more used to playing in a 2 for Norway and Genk, Bogle might offer something different and productive in tandem with Baldock, likewise Osborne and Stevens on the other side.

9. Tell the players to stop hoofing it up to McBurnie. Occasionally is fine but it's too predictable and not productive most of the time.

10. Be more strategic with substitutions. I can't see there being any rational in bringing Norwood on yesterday for example.

---

This would take some swallowing of pride for Wilder, along with recognition that he has made some mistakes. The bigger mistake is not changing anything. I commented yesterday that I feared he would be too proud to do this which is quite harsh, however the best managers adapt and change.

He did it after the Millwall game in League 1, he will need to do so again now.

I kind of agree with the sentiment of making some radical changes (so at least we go out with a bang not a whimper) but really not sure about the content! I think dropping Ramsdale is just not right. The poor guy is sitting behind a non-existent midfield and a defence that looks like they need to wear name badges and have a 'get to know you party'. Every week we are inviting wave after wave of attack constantly throughout games and there's no wonder he looks jittery. As soon as the ball leaves our penalty areas it has a shelf life of about 3 seconds before it is back in the opponents' possession and here they come again. Start with the midfield . If Norwood was the answer yesterday then its clear that Wilder doesn't even know what the question is. The most bizarre of substitutions and we might as well have put one of those training dummies on the pitch.

I agree absolutely with change the system and look at building something around Berge that makes some sense rather than watching his weekly 'classy' strolls into crowds of opposition players. Wilder looks increasingly desperate and depressed now and I do feel for him. However, the guy is paid a shedload of money for this job and we dont have time for 'woe is me' and the increasingly irritating narrative of 'don't forget they are much better players /paid more than we are'. Nothing has changed in our system as far as anyone can see over these first 11 games in spite of racking up the worst ever start in Premiership history.. Thats just not good enough. It's exactly what Warnock did when he got us to the Prem - adopted a stubborn, bunker mentality that got us relegated. Wilder has to be better than that and i believe he is. I remain 100% behind Wilder but we really have to see something much, much better than a formation based on fear. Time to earn you money, Chris, show us there's some real pedigree in your management abilities when the chips are down. I won't judge Wilder on whether he keeps us up or not (sadly, I have given up on that) but he will be judged on whether he displays some imagination, tactical nous and spirit that means we go down as rottweilers not bloody poodles

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

My immediate priorities would be:

1) Drop Lowe and bring in Osborn
2) Consider a switch to some form of 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 to address the midfield being inept, over-run etc.

And for the window:
1) Improve on the LCB position in Jan (via the loan market). We probably wont get better than JOC but we should be able to improve on Robinson.
2) Add some sort of creativity and bite to the midfield. Jack Wilshere is definitely worth the gamble.

 

[ancientblade]

osborn has to play in front of lowe its obvious hes not up to this level play 451 in games against the top half teams and go 433 in games weve a genuine chance of picking points up in

 

[dc_blade]

7. Read these threads and learn from them:

Tactically outdone | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

The long ball over the top down the middle | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

Lots of gems in this OP but this is my personal favourite: the modest suggestion that Wilder read and absorb OP's own words of wisdom on the subject of our tactical failings.

Follows it up with the totally outlandish suggestion that the players only work on shooting from distance and defending long balls

 

[stringer]

(6 months ago we had a better goalkeeper also)

And that. Yet you want to drop the one we have for one that isn't as good again?

 

[Champagneblade]

Ok here goes:

Considering that we will not be expected to get any points for the next two games and probably won't with no changes, it is worth trying something else.

1. Drop Ramsdale and try Verrips for the next two games. Granted it wasn't his fault we lost yesterday, however he has not been convincing or reassuring this season so would be good to take him out of the firing line and see if Verrips is as good or any better. Chelsea were ruthless last season in ditching £70 million Kepa for Caberello and it paid off.

2. Start Brewster. Giving him sub appearances here and there doesn't help his form or confidence or get him to gel into the team.

3. Get on the phone to Jack Wilshere's agent with a view if fit to a play-as-you pay deal. A big name player like him could give the squad a boost and he's a different type of player to what we have. The Euros are coming up next summer so he should be fully motivated.

4. Depending on how '1' goes, see if Dean Henderson could come back on loan. It doesn't matter if he's paid twice as much as our next best player, he's worth it and it won't damage squad harmony anymore than continuing to pick Lundstram.

5. Sign some proper scouts that can recommend players outside the Championship and England. Actually be open minded to signing and playing them.

6. Wilder needs someone to advise and help him, and there's no shame in that. Whether a Director of Football, or a new coach to work alongside is the right model who knows, but right now I think some fresh output could be ideal.

7. Read these threads and learn from them:

Tactically outdone | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

The long ball over the top down the middle | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

8. And most controversially, change the system.

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Just because we are losing by 1 goal a game rather than 4 doesn't mean we are 'close' to getting it right, we've gained 1 point out of a possible 33 with the way we're playing and to be honest deserve little more than that.

Yes the way we set up has done wonders for us in the past, but that's the point, it's in the past and has little relevance to our current situation and predicament.

Personally I'd go with:

Verrips
Baldock- Basham-Egan- Stevens
Burke/Bogle - Berge- Lundstram - Osborne/Fleck
Brewster- Mc Burnie

Berge is more used to playing in a 2 for Norway and Genk, Bogle might offer something different and productive in tandem with Baldock, likewise Osborne and Stevens on the other side.

9. Tell the players to stop hoofing it up to McBurnie. Occasionally is fine but it's too predictable and not productive most of the time.

10. Be more strategic with substitutions. I can't see there being any rational in bringing Norwood on yesterday for example.

---

This would take some swallowing of pride for Wilder, along with recognition that he has made some mistakes. The bigger mistake is not changing anything. I commented yesterday that I feared he would be too proud to do this which is quite harsh, however the best managers adapt and change.

He did it after the Millwall game in League 1, he will need to do so again now.

1. I see Ramsdale getting better with game time. This is how we reap this investment. I don't see putting unproven Verrips in goal as a sensible step. If anything I'd get Verrips out on loan to see if he's worth keeping beyond his current deal.

2. I'd also start Brewster. Probably alongside McBurnie because that might be our most potent in the Championship or going forwards if a miracle happens.

3. I wouldn't go for a player like Wilshire, who'd want lottery numbers as his salary and is never match fit. If you are going down that route, I'd rather offer a portion of Ozil's wages and see if he'd wanted some games for 4 months. He's getting none while Arteta is there and will move in the summer. If anything he's a nuisance for them, if only paying 70k of his 350k wage, Arteta would be happy to see the back of him. At least he's fit. I also think this is unrealistic, but you started it

4. Bit more realistically, I'd fetch back Freeman. Regardless of how badly his loan has been I've seen enough to know he can play. I'd see if he could do Duffy's role in 3-4-1-2. I'd also have a look at McGoldrick there. It might answer a few questions for next season. We were rubbish when we played a flat 3 in the Championship.

5. I'd also take a look at 4-3-3 as a plan B. Burke might be more use in that formation. He's not a striker.

6. I'd probably see if I could offload Lundstram. We're thinking he'll see out until the summer. But the same clubs might be desperate in January and still make it worth his while and ours. Thinking say Rangers, Celtic, Burnley, Newcastle, Brighton. Probably see if I could offload a few others like Rodwell and Moore. The former isn't getting picked while Ampadu is here.

7. I'd probably give Bryan a run now. Options limited. It would dictate where I might want to place my money in Jan. He might surprise / shock us!

 

[blades14]

I'd also like us to invest more in our recruitment and use similar models like Brentford use

 

[FMBlade1]

Lots of gems in this OP but this is my personal favourite: the modest suggestion that Wilder read and absorb OP's own words of wisdom on the subject of our tactical failings.

Follows it up with the totally outlandish suggestion that the players only work on shooting from distance and defending long balls

Just because I post it doesn't necessarily mean what I say is untrue.

Where did I say 'only'?

 

[dc_blade]

Just because I post it doesn't necessarily mean what I say is untrue.

Where did I say 'only'?

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

 

[FMBlade1]

Still not seeing the word 'only' dc_blade

You can do more than 2 things during a training session by the way, I'm not suggesting banning the other stuff.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

You can do more than 2 things during a training session by the way, I'm not suggesting banning the other stuff.

Glad to hear it. We don't want Wilder taking confused messages when he checks in for your advice

 

[Champagneblade]

I'd also like us to invest more in our recruitment and use similar models like Brentford use

Very difficult to replicate. They piggy back on the back of their owner's own betting business. So the scenario is quite unique.

Also with the post Brexit points system it isn't going to be as easy to get a relatively unknown foreign player and bring them in under the radar because they will struggle to get the points required forms visa.

Bit I would say a more effective overseas network if that is what you mean.

 

[kevreedy]

Wiltshire, you have to be joking. injury prone and therefore would be a waste of time/money.not a big name anymore.

 

[FMBlade1]

Wiltshire, you have to be joking. injury prone and therefore would be a waste of time/money.not a big name anymore.

We don't have any money for permanent signings which involves a transfer fee, so who would you suggest? Or should we stick with the same midfield for the rest of the season?

Also Champagneblade I've been banging the drum about overseas scouting network since 2017:

Scouting infrastructure problems | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

 

[Houston_Blade]

We don't have any money for permanent signings which involves a transfer fee, so who would you suggest? Or should we stick with the same midfield for the rest of the season?

Also Champagneblade I've been banging the drum about overseas scouting network since 2017:

Scouting infrastructure problems | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

I know I keep banging on about it as well but do you honestly think that we don't look at overseas players?!

It's our strategy not to buy them that is the problem, but we will be looking at players and then for various reasons discounting them as potential signings.

 

[kevreedy]

Plenty of players available for a loan I would have thought.
However, Prem clubs only.

 

[Torrix1889]

8, Change the system........................we already have done, our only system is now hooooooofball, which also means the suggestion of buying Jack Wilshere is pointless.

 

[FMBlade1]

As well as enquiring if we can get Dean Henderson back.. we should

1. Get on the blower to Juve to see if Ronaldo is available.
2. Dig up the body of Jimmy Hagan to see if he can put a shift in between now and April.
3. Get Ched back.

Now you may say I’m being silly but all three of these are about as likely getting Dean Henderson back this season. Although the OP almost certainly is kicking himself for not including number 3 in the original selections.

So what do you think we should do?

Easy to shoot down suggestions

 

[jt64]

Pretty impressive for the OP to list ten points and be wrong on nine of them (give Brewster more minutes at least)

 

[FMBlade1]

Pretty impressive for the OP to list ten points and be wrong on nine of them (give Brewster more minutes at least)

Look forward to reading your action plan of what the club/Wilder should do

 

[Booker4]

Ok here goes:

Considering that we will not be expected to get any points for the next two games and probably won't with no changes, it is worth trying something else.

1. Drop Ramsdale and try Verrips for the next two games. Granted it wasn't his fault we lost yesterday, however he has not been convincing or reassuring this season so would be good to take him out of the firing line and see if Verrips is as good or any better. Chelsea were ruthless last season in ditching £70 million Kepa for Caberello and it paid off.

2. Start Brewster. Giving him sub appearances here and there doesn't help his form or confidence or get him to gel into the team.

3. Get on the phone to Jack Wilshere's agent with a view if fit to a play-as-you pay deal. A big name player like him could give the squad a boost and he's a different type of player to what we have. The Euros are coming up next summer so he should be fully motivated.

4. Depending on how '1' goes, see if Dean Henderson could come back on loan. It doesn't matter if he's paid twice as much as our next best player, he's worth it and it won't damage squad harmony anymore than continuing to pick Lundstram.

5. Sign some proper scouts that can recommend players outside the Championship and England. Actually be open minded to signing and playing them.

6. Wilder needs someone to advise and help him, and there's no shame in that. Whether a Director of Football, or a new coach to work alongside is the right model who knows, but right now I think some fresh output could be ideal.

7. Read these threads and learn from them:

Tactically outdone | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

The long ball over the top down the middle | S24SU Forum | Sheffield United Community

Spend every single training sessions teaching our players how to shoot from long range, and our defenders how to deal with the long ball over the top.

8. And most controversially, change the system.

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Just because we are losing by 1 goal a game rather than 4 doesn't mean we are 'close' to getting it right, we've gained 1 point out of a possible 33 with the way we're playing and to be honest deserve little more than that.

Yes the way we set up has done wonders for us in the past, but that's the point, it's in the past and has little relevance to our current situation and predicament.

Personally I'd go with:

Verrips
Baldock- Basham-Egan- Stevens
Burke/Bogle - Berge- Lundstram - Osborne/Fleck
Brewster- Mc Burnie

Berge is more used to playing in a 2 for Norway and Genk, Bogle might offer something different and productive in tandem with Baldock, likewise Osborne and Stevens on the other side.

9. Tell the players to stop hoofing it up to McBurnie. Occasionally is fine but it's too predictable and not productive most of the time.

10. Be more strategic with substitutions. I can't see there being any rational in bringing Norwood on yesterday for example.

---

This would take some swallowing of pride for Wilder, along with recognition that he has made some mistakes. The bigger mistake is not changing anything. I commented yesterday that I feared he would be too proud to do this which is quite harsh, however the best managers adapt and change.

He did it after the Millwall game in League 1, he will need to do so again now.

Only alternative I'd realistically see is going back to the attacking mid option, like we did with Duffy, and probably Burke would be best suited to that role. But it comes at the cost of less defensive strengths from Burke.

As for four at the back, I don't see Bash as strong as a central two and Egan's not left footed for the left sided role.

Ramsdale won't be dropped I very much doubt, if Wilder though Verrips was better I'm sure he'd consider him playing instead of Ramsdale, but Verrips has hardly played first team football since he arrived. Ramsdale's making some good saves, there's errors in there ,but to be honest they've not often led to goals for the opposition. I'd say that the most realistic changes to the team will see Stevens back at LWB, Ampadu back at left sided centre half. Maybe Burke will be dropped for one of the others, but he's done well in spells also in my view.