Blades 2 Brum 3 - U21's - brief report

[Deadbat]

Off work for a week so before I jet off to Italy (report from Fiorentina v Napoli to come on my return if I make it!) popped down to Lane with little un for some 'free entertainment'.

United team:

-----------------Howard-----------------
Hodder--Kennedy--McGinty-----Johns
Smith-----Bunn---Westlake-----Murphy
-----------Miller---Ironside-------------

Subs: McFadzaen (for Johns). Unused Dimaio, Willis, Banton, Cockerline.

Brum: Loads of kids. Never heard of any of them.

Clough sat with Garner and Crosby in the stands with Morgan down coaching in the technical area. We began quickly with Murphy running at the defence a bit and took the lead when MILLER hit a low shot the keeper ought to have saved but it trickled in. Soon after it was 2-0; a through ball from Bunn I think saw Ironside offside but he did not go for the ball and Miller ran through and rounded the keeper to score with ease. It looked very easy and Murphy and Miller were quite dangerous for United. However a howler from McGinty saw them run through and scored to make it 1-2 and then a long range effort from them levelled it at half time.

Second half saw most of the efforts fall to United but the keeper made good saves from Smith and Miller and then he latter missed an open goal after good build up. They then scored another long ranger. After this we did not really threaten and it became very scrappy in difficult conditions. United had somehow thrown away a 2-0 lead when they looked like winning by a lot early on to lose the game.

Overall we were quite poor. Some of the basics in terms of control, passing and movement were sadly missing. So many players made the wrong decisions or played aimless balls to no one. They had no composure on the ball and often their second touch was a tackle. It was wet under foot and shooting away but a relatively strong team did not do themselves any favours.

Howard - Little chance on the goals. His kicking was mixed all game and looked hesitant on crosses. Would rather Willis get games at this level personally.

Hodder - Kept trying and never gave up but often they got away down his side. Slow and one paced and quite weak.

Johns - He too was not great with miscontrol and misplaced passes a feature of his game. Another poor left back.

Kennedy - He nearly let them in early on and a few other times the striker got away from him. He lacks pace and height to play centre back and not sure he is ever going to make it at league level sadly. He has been around for 2 or 3 seasons now and seems no better than he was at 17 or 18. If anything he has regressed sadly.

McGinty - Heard a few saying we should try him at centre back but they should have been there today. Gave away one goal and nearly a few others. Clumsy, awkward and uncomfortable in possession as well as not doing the basics of defending. Another waste of a salary.

Bunn - Played in midfield which is probably not his best position and the game seemed to pass him by. A few neat touches but mostly ineffective and no better than anything we already have.

Westlake - Jogged around with a few decent balls mixed with some aimless stuff. Lacks real desire and power to be effective in any position as he takes way too long to do simple things.

Smith - He did little early on but showed a few bits as the game progressed but he too often took wrong options shooting when he should have passed and vice versa.

Murphy - He actually did ok and got at full back a few times. Never went right past him but he did get some decent balls/crosses in. One of few who may have shown Clough something.

Miller - Sharp throughout. Scored two and maybe could have had two or three more. Decent touch, busy and played off others well. Would start him ahead of King now he has had another full 90 mins.

Ironside - Awful. Another like Kennedy we have kept around for 2 or 3 seasons but shows no sign of improvement. His first touch was dreadful as it continually shot off him. He miscontrolled several decent balls through and was always behind the defender. A striker that does not even look like scoring or even having an effort. I am afraid he is not good enough. Sadly we have him another year after this one but the fact no one has come in for him on loan (not even Conference level) says it all.

Subs:

McFadzean - Odd he was on the bench when he was starting for the first team earlier in the season but I guess with injuries and recent troubles; he has not been playing. Operated at left back but tried to get forward to no avail.

Overall, other than Miller and maybe Murphy there was no one that jumped up at Clough and said I might be worth a game/match day squad place. If anything quite a few may have jumped towards the exit door on that showing.

 

[billyblademan]

Thanks Deadbat, shame to hear that, although at least Miller got amongst the goals, with no post-injury hiccups.

pS - enjoy your trip

 

[brownie4583]

Off work for a week so before I jet off to Italy (report from Fiorentina v Napoli to come on my return if I make it!) popped down to Lane with little un for some 'free entertainment'.

United team:

-----------------Howard-----------------
Hodder--Kennedy--McGinty-----Johns
Smith-----Bunn---Westlake-----Murphy
-----------Miller---Ironside-------------

Subs: McFadzaen (for Johns). Unused Dimaio, Willis, Banton, Cockerline.

Brum: Loads of kids. Never heard of any of them.

Clough sat with Garner and Crosby in the stands with Morgan down coaching in the technical area. We began quickly with Murphy running at the defence a bit and took the lead when MILLER hit a low shot the keeper ought to have saved but it trickled in. Soon after it was 2-0; a through ball from Bunn I think saw Ironside offside but he did not go for the ball and Miller ran through and rounded the keeper to score with ease. It looked very easy and Murphy and Miller were quite dangerous for United. However a howler from McGinty saw them run through and scored to make it 1-2 and then a long range effort from them levelled it at half time.

Second half saw most of the efforts fall to United but the keeper made good saves from Smith and Miller and then he latter missed an open goal after good build up. They then scored another long ranger. After this we did not really threaten and it became very scrappy in difficult conditions. United had somehow thrown away a 2-0 lead when they looked like winning by a lot early on to lose the game.

Overall we were quite poor. Some of the basics in terms of control, passing and movement were sadly missing. So many players made the wrong decisions or played aimless balls to no one. They had no composure on the ball and often their second touch was a tackle. It was wet under foot and shooting away but a relatively strong team did not do themselves any favours.

Howard - Little chance on the goals. His kicking was mixed all game and looked hesitant on crosses. Would rather Willis get games at this level personally.

Hodder - Kept trying and never gave up but often they got away down his side. Slow and one paced and quite weak.

Johns - He too was not great with miscontrol and misplaced passes a feature of his game. Another poor left back.

Kennedy - He nearly let them in early on and a few other times the striker got away from him. He lacks pace and height to play centre back and not sure he is ever going to make it at league level sadly. He has been around for 2 or 3 seasons now and seems no better than he was at 17 or 18. If anything he has regressed sadly.

McGinty - Heard a few saying we should try him at centre back but they should have been there today. Gave away one goal and nearly a few others. Clumsy, awkward and uncomfortable in possession as well as not doing the basics of defending. Another waste of a salary.

Bunn - Played in midfield which is probably not his best position and the game seemed to pass him by. A few neat touches but mostly ineffective and no better than anything we already have.

Westlake - Jogged around with a few decent balls mixed with some aimless stuff. Lacks real desire and power to be effective in any position as he takes way too long to do simple things.

Smith - He did little early on but showed a few bits as the game progressed but he too often took wrong options shooting when he should have passed and vice versa.

Murphy - He actually did ok and got at full back a few times. Never went right past him but he did get some decent balls/crosses in. One of few who may have shown Clough something.

Miller - Sharp throughout. Scored two and maybe could have had two or three more. Decent touch, busy and played off others well. Would start him ahead of King now he has had another full 90 mins.

Ironside - Awful. Another like Kennedy we have kept around for 2 or 3 seasons but shows no sign of improvement. His first touch was dreadful as it continually shot off him. He miscontrolled several decent balls through and was always behind the defender. A striker that does not even look like scoring or even having an effort. I am afraid he is not good enough. Sadly we have him another year after this one but the fact no one has come in for him on loan (not even Conference level) says it all.

Subs:

McFadzean - Odd he was on the bench when he was starting for the first team earlier in the season but I guess with injuries and recent troubles; he has not been playing. Operated at left back but tried to get forward to no avail.

Overall, other than Miller and maybe Murphy there was no one that jumped up at Clough and said I might be worth a game/match day squad place. If anything quite a few may have jumped towards the exit door on that showing.

It doesn't look promising for a few of those then!

 

[Deadbat]

I just thought 1st game for so many of them to feature with Clough and new management team in the stands and many just proved they are not good enough. It was not lack of effort or anything like that; juts basics like touch, passing, vision and composure. Most looked like what they are; League One reserves.

I would not shed a tear if any of them were still at the club in say 12 months time with only really Miller the one who may be a first teamer you would consider. The likes of McFadzean, Kennedy, Ironside have been around for a few years now and I am not convinced any of these three will make it sadly. Worryingly we have brought players in of similar age that are no better than these; Westlake, Johns, McGinty, Bunn.

I would rather some of our even younger Academy players play at this level than poor players from other clubs reserves/academies that are no better than the reserves we already have/let alone first teamers.

Williams and Porter (back now?) not even involved. Clough needs to do his utmost to get rid of ab out half a dozen of the names I have mentioned in this post. None look remotely good enough and if they cannot get in a bottom 4 team in League One, cannot see how they are going to be part of our future (maybe McFadzean has shown glimses). Hopefully Clough and some of his staff may do a better job of identifying good, young talent from elsewhere as quite of few of those we have signed in the last few years (as mentioned above) are dross sadly.

 

[SandyMcBlade]

Disappointing report deadbat, from what I had read at the beginning of the season I was expecting Johns and Mcginty to be pressing for first team football by now.

Thanks, it's nice to know how the "reserves" are getting on .....

 

[billyblademan]

I just thought 1st game for so many of them to feature with Clough and new management team in the stands and many just proved they are not good enough. It was not lack of effort or anything like that; juts basics like touch, passing, vision and composure. Most looked like what they are; League One reserves.

I would not shed a tear if any of them were still at the club in say 12 months time with only really Miller the one who may be a first teamer you would consider. The likes of McFadzean, Kennedy, Ironside have been around for a few years now and I am not convinced any of these three will make it sadly. Worryingly we have brought players in of similar age that are no better than these; Westlake, Johns, McGinty, Bunn.

I would rather some of our even younger Academy players play at this level than poor players from other clubs reserves/academies that are no better than the reserves we already have/let alone first teamers.

Williams and Porter (back now?) not even involved. Clough needs to do his utmost to get rid of ab out half a dozen of the names I have mentioned in this post. None look remotely good enough and if they cannot get in a bottom 4 team in League One, cannot see how they are going to be part of our future (maybe McFadzean has shown glimses). Hopefully Clough and some of his staff may do a better job of identifying good, young talent from elsewhere as quite of few of those we have signed in the last few years (as mentioned above) are dross sadly.

Totally agree Deady. We should be pushing these forcibly out on loan to see if they can hack it. Lincoln, Halifax, Stocksbridge - anywhere to get some games. Must be loads of clubs around Conference/Conference North to plonk them and give them some experience. I can see why we may want to keep them around our superior facilities, but 3 o'clock Saturdays are one of the most effective things around I think. Naughts didn't struggle too much at Gretna did he?

As a slight aside - anyone know how Barry is getting on at Dumbarton?

 

[Deadbat]

Johns and Mcginty I have seen 5 or 6 times each for the first team and Academy. Both are poor players I am afraid. I see nothing to suggest either will be anywhere near first team league football for us or anyone else in the near future or long term. Just wasting a wage sadly.

 

[Deadbat]

Totally agree Deady. We should be pushing these forcibly out on loan to see if they can hack it. Lincoln, Halifax, Stocksbridge - anywhere to get some games. Must be loads of clubs around Conference/Conference North to plonk them and give them some experience. I can see why we may want to keep them around our superior facilities, but 3 o'clock Saturdays are one of the most effective things around I think. Naughts didn't struggle too much at Gretna did he?

As a slight aside - anyone know how Barry is getting on at Dumbarton?

The fact that many have not even been wanted by League Two or Conference level suggests a lot though!

I doubt we would have stood in way of Ironside going to a Lincoln or Kennedy to a Halifax?

 

[Bergen Blade]

Off work for a week so before I jet off to Italy (report from Fiorentina v Napoli to come on my return if I make it!) popped down to Lane with little un for some 'free entertainment'.

United team:

-----------------Howard-----------------
Hodder--Kennedy--McGinty-----Johns
Smith-----Bunn---Westlake-----Murphy
-----------Miller---Ironside-------------

Subs: McFadzaen (for Johns). Unused Dimaio, Willis, Banton, Cockerline.

Brum: Loads of kids. Never heard of any of them.

Clough sat with Garner and Crosby in the stands with Morgan down coaching in the technical area. We began quickly with Murphy running at the defence a bit and took the lead when MILLER hit a low shot the keeper ought to have saved but it trickled in. Soon after it was 2-0; a through ball from Bunn I think saw Ironside offside but he did not go for the ball and Miller ran through and rounded the keeper to score with ease. It looked very easy and Murphy and Miller were quite dangerous for United. However a howler from McGinty saw them run through and scored to make it 1-2 and then a long range effort from them levelled it at half time.

Second half saw most of the efforts fall to United but the keeper made good saves from Smith and Miller and then he latter missed an open goal after good build up. They then scored another long ranger. After this we did not really threaten and it became very scrappy in difficult conditions. United had somehow thrown away a 2-0 lead when they looked like winning by a lot early on to lose the game.

Overall we were quite poor. Some of the basics in terms of control, passing and movement were sadly missing. So many players made the wrong decisions or played aimless balls to no one. They had no composure on the ball and often their second touch was a tackle. It was wet under foot and shooting away but a relatively strong team did not do themselves any favours.

Howard - Little chance on the goals. His kicking was mixed all game and looked hesitant on crosses. Would rather Willis get games at this level personally.

Hodder - Kept trying and never gave up but often they got away down his side. Slow and one paced and quite weak.

Johns - He too was not great with miscontrol and misplaced passes a feature of his game. Another poor left back.

Kennedy - He nearly let them in early on and a few other times the striker got away from him. He lacks pace and height to play centre back and not sure he is ever going to make it at league level sadly. He has been around for 2 or 3 seasons now and seems no better than he was at 17 or 18. If anything he has regressed sadly.

McGinty - Heard a few saying we should try him at centre back but they should have been there today. Gave away one goal and nearly a few others. Clumsy, awkward and uncomfortable in possession as well as not doing the basics of defending. Another waste of a salary.

Bunn - Played in midfield which is probably not his best position and the game seemed to pass him by. A few neat touches but mostly ineffective and no better than anything we already have.

Westlake - Jogged around with a few decent balls mixed with some aimless stuff. Lacks real desire and power to be effective in any position as he takes way too long to do simple things.

Smith - He did little early on but showed a few bits as the game progressed but he too often took wrong options shooting when he should have passed and vice versa.

Murphy - He actually did ok and got at full back a few times. Never went right past him but he did get some decent balls/crosses in. One of few who may have shown Clough something.

Miller - Sharp throughout. Scored two and maybe could have had two or three more. Decent touch, busy and played off others well. Would start him ahead of King now he has had another full 90 mins.

Ironside - Awful. Another like Kennedy we have kept around for 2 or 3 seasons but shows no sign of improvement. His first touch was dreadful as it continually shot off him. He miscontrolled several decent balls through and was always behind the defender. A striker that does not even look like scoring or even having an effort. I am afraid he is not good enough. Sadly we have him another year after this one but the fact no one has come in for him on loan (not even Conference level) says it all.

Subs:

McFadzean - Odd he was on the bench when he was starting for the first team earlier in the season but I guess with injuries and recent troubles; he has not been playing. Operated at left back but tried to get forward to no avail.

Overall, other than Miller and maybe Murphy there was no one that jumped up at Clough and said I might be worth a game/match day squad place. If anything quite a few may have jumped towards the exit door on that showing.

Didn't sound very promising! Central midfield looked patched up with two players out of position, and I don't think Smith has normally played out wide? Would have thought Coady could have done with some playing time?Hodder is supposed to be lightening quick, what's happened to him?

 

[Bergen Blade]

The fact that many have not even been wanted by League Two or Conference level suggests a lot though!

I doubt we would have stood in way of Ironside going to a Lincoln or Kennedy to a Halifax?

To be fair Kennedy has been very unlucky with injuries and they may have set him back. This was probably his come back game?

 

[alcoblade]

Johns and Mcginty I have seen 5 or 6 times each for the first team and Academy. Both are poor players I am afraid. I see nothing to suggest either will be anywhere near first team league football for us or anyone else in the near future or long term. Just wasting a wage sadly.

I've read somewhere that they were already bought before Weir came. I've also heard, with some credibility, that the manager's get little say in who we buy - it's Stephenson who does the deals.

This might be a measure of how potless we were in the summer, how wank Weir was, or how our system still isn't working?

UTB

 

[Deadbat]

Smith has played wide on the 5 or 6 times I have seen him (for Academy, first team at York and twice for u21's this season). Maybe I have seen all his games played wide?!

Hodder was not fast at all. If anything he seemed slow and the winger gave him a 10 yard start and still beat him to the ball. He did his best but looked a bit out of his depth.

Kennedy has had injuries but that is half his problem. Him and Maguire were supposedly neck and neck for the first team around the Youth Cup run of 3 seasons ago. In that time Maguire has played over 100 games to Kennedy's 1? A lot of it is down to injuries but sadly I am unsure he is ever going to make it from what I have seen of him.

Ironside was awful. He could not even trap the ball and plays exclusively with his back to goal (fine if he can control the ball or hold it up) and probably needs to be moved on.

We did well out of that Youth Cup side with Long, Maguire, Slew and now McFadzean all making themselves 1st teamers but unsure a few of the rest such as those above don't look like they will make it as league footballers. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Kenilworth]

Slew - whatever happened to that young man?

 

[JohnDenver]

Slew - whatever happened to that young man?

He got rich.

 

[Foxy]

Slew - whatever happened to that young man?

Jordan or Jerome?

 

[Bladesway]

Johns and Mcginty I have seen 5 or 6 times each for the first team and Academy. Both are poor players I am afraid. I see nothing to suggest either will be anywhere near first team league football for us or anyone else in the near future or long term. Just wasting a wage sadly.

Johns looks like Larry Blackman out of Cameo so perhaps there is a future for him outside the game.

 

[wardonia_blade]

I have written before about reed and khan in the u18s who need to be fast tracked to this level.disappointred to see not playing today. These were the 2 who got on at YorkYork

 

[Kev Gee]

Yeah im sure we signed Johns & McGinty before Weir was our manager?
Who is doing the recruiting/scouting for our U18s/U21s?
I too had hopes for McGinty & Johns. I thimk we need to get them out to some Scottish teams or L2 or conference teams. If they cannot make it there then they need to be sent on their way at the end of the season.
We just simply cannot have any more carriers in the squad anymore.

 

[MBoreman]

Smith sounds like Blackman: plays up top/out wide, makes bad decisions and shows good moments. I've heard decent things about him, any chance of him playing first team at some stage?

 

[sheffielder]

We need to get all these lads out on loan if we can find them a game somewhere.

I don't think we should give up on Ironside just yet, looking at Whitehouse at York who seems to be gaining confidence all the time.

Johns, McGinty and Kennedy could do with a loan anywhere and McFadzean somewhere at the top of the 3rd would be good for him

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I've read somewhere that they were already bought before Weir came. I've also heard, with some credibility, that the manager's get little say in who we buy - it's Stephenson who does the deals.

This might be a measure of how potless we were in the summer, how wank Weir was, or how our system still isn't working?

UTB

"The construction of a football department, headed by Stephenson, has proven one of the most successful decisions taken by United’s hierarchy of late.

Responsible for recommending signings such as Nick Blackman, Shaun Miller and Darryl Westlake to Weir’s predecessor, its staff have demonstrated an ability to deliver both ability and value for money in an increasingly congested transfer market.

However, Weir, who spent 16 months polishing his coaching skills on Everton’s backroom staff before becoming a manager in his own right, will retain the final say on all acquisitions.

The department merely compiles and then maintains a detailed database on players who might later emerge as targets.

This information is then placed at the manager’s disposal should he decide to recruit externally rather than promote from within"

I found this in an old article about Weir. I presume the same system will be in operation under Clough.

For me, it would be a very worrying development if John Stephenson (who?) has the final say in who we sign. Fortunately, I don't think that's the case and Clough's pursuit of White, who he's tried to sign before, supports that.

Interesting that the article says the signings of Blackman, Miller and Westlake(!) proves the recruitment department performed well last season. No mention of Forte, Robson, Poleon, Higginbotham etc.

This years crop looks even more hit and miss with only 4 out of 13 newcomers starting on Saturday. Hopefully Clough will have his own ideas and will apply much greater quality control and restraint than Weir appears to have.

 

[Pierre's PC]

Maybe this Hodor would be better

 

[Silent Blade]

Jordan or Jerome?

Jerome is now in the u16s, I believe?

 

[DazBlade88]

As a slight aside - anyone know how Barry is getting on at Dumbarton?

I've been keeping on eye on their reports and he seems to have been doing quite well. He's not been pinpointed as making major mistakes so from that I'd say he's been steady if unspectacular.

Jerome is now in the u16s, I believe?

He is.

 

[Pinchy]

Breaking News:

Deadbat in shock Ironside "not good enough" revelation!

If only someone had told us this over a year ago, when we were all singing his name and making him first name on the teamsheet.

What?................Who?...............Me?..............Did I really? Good Lord, whatever next?

 

[Darren]

Breaking News:

Deadbat in shock Ironside "not good enough" revelation!

If only someone had told us this over a year ago, when we were all singing his name and making him first name on the teamsheet.

What?................Who?...............Me?..............Did I really? Good Lord, whatever next?

You do live in a strange world...

There might have been a few people a year ago who had hopes for Ironside, but nothing more than that. The general consensus ever since Ironside played a few games is that he is not good enough. You will see he got in the "worst ever" squad.

Why do you persist in creating opponents that don't exist?

 

[alcoblade]

You do live in a strange world...

There might have been a few people a year ago who had hopes for Ironside, but nothing more than that. The general consensus ever since Ironside played a few games is that he is not good enough. You will see he got in the "worst ever" squad.

Why do you persist in creating opponents that don't exist?

Stop putting the truth in the way of a good* story.

UTB

*In Pinchy's world

 

[Sothall_Blade]

He's had a long series of predictions go embarassingly wrong:-
"Wednesday won't go up", "Doncaster won't go up", "Weir will be a great manager for us", "Weir will sling Morgan out on his ear", "Morgan will be a disaster", "Clough will sling Morgan out on his ear"...etc

You can't really blame him for jumping up and down if he actually gets something right for once.

 

[alcoblade]

He's had a long series of predictions go embarassingly wrong:-
"Wednesday won't go up", "Doncaster won't go up", "Weir will be a great manager for us", "Weir will sling Morgan out on his ear", "Morgan will be a disaster", "Clough will sling Morgan out on his ear"...etc

You can't really blame him for jumping up and down if he actually gets something right for once.

Aye, a young player who's never done anything and looks lost when he plays is probably not very good.

It's practically psychic. I'm surprised they're not making a film about it.

UTB

 

[Bergen Blade]

Their winner: