Clough's post Preston comments.

[Woodwardfan]

" ...missed out on a fantastic opportunity to host Manchester United at Bramall Lane. We rested players at the weekend so we would have that spark and energy". Sorry Nigel, we got our priorities wrong. OK we won last Saturday but we risked the points and hardly deserved it.

"Last night's performance showed why we had to be active in the Transfer Window". With our squad we could field two League 1 teams weekly. Something up somewhere along the line. Are we going to defend set pieces better then? If so, how?

Our cup runs have been fantastic but consequent injuries, suspensions and having to alter team selections for cup games always disrupts league form which has to be the main event. At least we can settle down now. Whether we have enough to recover the situation remains to be seen. Forming a settled side at this stage is a real management challenge when we can't afford to drop many more points. Thank goodness we did win last Saturday despite the team changes.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

"Last night's performance showed why we had to be active in the Transfer Window". With our squad we could field two League 1 teams weakly.

Good post WWF but just needed a tweak!

 

[super_pig]

is it possible to have 'too many' players? we seem to have millions of them (only two strikers though)

 

[Fulwood Blade]

[QUOTE="Woodwardfan, post: 712737, member: 8769. Are we going to defend set pieces better then? If so, how?

[/QUOTE]

I have picked that bit out as I reckon it's been an issue since Morgs packed in, Maguire and Collins weren't good at it and although I like the footballing ability of Basham and Mceverly. neither are good at balls into the box. I wanted a CH in the JTW, to go with either of them, but we are stuffed now and as for Kennedy, I like his commitment but he just seems to be playing at his limit and can't get any better.

Having said that, Preston did to us what we hate - they closed us down and gave us no time and space - again, issues that go back to DW days in charge.

It could be a difficult time until May - time for NC to really prove something to the fans. The mere thought of that sort of performance v Preston in either a 2 leg semi or playoff final fills me with concern.

UTB

 

[Deano's Shorts]

Remarkably we've put together a squad of two parallel teams to compete on various fronts only to be dumped out of both cups in a matter of days. Now we're left staring down the barrel of a challenging and by no means certain playoff push which will just about justify the options available thanks to the fixture congestion. Nonetheless, whatever the result is come May there'll surely have to be a purge.

If nothing comes of this season it will be food for thought for all concerned...

 

[Wards]

I wanted a CH in the JTW, to go with either of them, but we are stuffed now and as for Kennedy, I like his commitment but he just seems to be playing at his limit and can't get any better.

I keep reading this line but Kennedy seems to be getting more assured every week I see him.

I think he'll become much better if he can stay injury free.

 

[Woodwardfan]

[QUOTE="Woodwardfan, post: 712737, member: 8769. Are we going to defend set pieces better then? If so, how?

I have picked that bit out as I reckon it's been an issue since Morgs packed in, Maguire and Collins weren't good at it and although I like the footballing ability of Basham and Mceverly. neither are good at balls into the box. I wanted a CH in the JTW, to go with either of them, but we are stuffed now and as for Kennedy, I like his commitment but he just seems to be playing at his limit and can't get any better.

Having said that, Preston did to us what we hate - they closed us down and gave us no time and space - again, issues that go back to DW days in charge.

It could be a difficult time until May - time for NC to really prove something to the fans. The mere thought of that sort of performance v Preston in either a 2 leg semi or playoff final fills me with concern.

UTB[/QUOTE]



Indeed you have said exactly that about the three central defenders on numerous occasions. I think they are good enough for League 1 and Kennedy might be better than that even, given time and games. Basham may have a ceiling which he had reached a while before he came to us perhaps.

As for the rest of the season and the Play-Offs, Done will have sensed the pressure on him already. For a winger recently converted to a central striker it is a big challenge.

BTW, I don't know a single team which likes being closed down and pressurised with no space.

 

[HolmesfieldBlade]

Que massive overreaction.

We got done 1-3 at home by one of the better teams in the league and drew at home to spurs a couple weeks ago. Get over it.

We've still got an incredibly talented squad which WILL make the playoffs. And as we know Nigel loves a knockout competition so I think this is the best shot we've had a promotion for years. We also won't have just missed out on 2nd and be totally deflated going into the playoffs.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Que massive overreaction.

We got done 1-3 at home by one of the better teams in the league and drew at home to spurs a couple weeks ago. Get over it.

We've still got an incredibly talented squad which WILL make the playoffs. And as we know Nigel loves a knockout competition so I think this is the best shot we've had a promotion for years. We also won't have just missed out on 2nd and be totally deflated going into the playoffs.

Good observation S11, it's all about context. A few wins and suddenly the whingers curl up in a foetal position. Seriously, I don't know what some fans expect? Yes, a poor display, but you can bet NC's resolves will have strengthened, and the fact that we now have strength in depth will allow changes. So anyone who makes assumptions about their place in the team will be in for a rude awakening. One thing, the fact that Nigel has spent means we'll see fresher, hopefully better, players wear the red and white stripes and move us up this division. UTB

 

[drinksmat]

Whilst I don't like us losing and especially through a crazy 5 minute spell like last night I am not that upset given our chances of progressing in the next round. We have brought in new players and the cup games were giving us fixture chaos, swapping of the teams etc. We now have a cup free run until May, hopefully we can focus on the promotion chase, using our best players from a much improved squad.

 

[Kev Gee]

Typical over reaction here.

We got beaten by the better team on the day. No one can argue against that. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up & say we were the poorer team.

lets wipte this oen from our minds & just get conentrating on the league.

 

[super_pig]

we need two strikers.. one for the team and one for the 'antimatter' team

 

[Cyprus Blade]

I do think the point about set pieces is valid - defending them we seem vulnerable especially in the air, attacking I sometimes wonder what is practised in the training ground. Lack of height doesn't help but we also seem to have some organisational issues at times.

 

[robbiez666]

I'm not fussed about going out last night tbh

The issue with height and strength in the team is one that could badly cost us. We can have all the talent and skill in the world, but if we get to the play offs a team like Preston could bully us out of it. If we can't defend set pieces then we probably won't go up.

 

[Mad Mick]

I'm not that bothered about being kicked out of the cup.
Sure it would have been nice to pocket a few quid, but lets be honest we were never going to win it.
So now we concentrate on the real deal, and none of our players are ineligible.
If we can put a good run together the sky's the limit.

 

[vorpal blade]

cue

 

[finlaytheblade]

[QUOTE="Woodwardfan, post: 712737, member: 8769. Are we going to defend set pieces better then? If so, how?

I have picked that bit out as I reckon it's been an issue since Morgs packed in, Maguire and Collins weren't good at it and although I like the footballing ability of Basham and Mceverly. neither are good at balls into the box. I wanted a CH in the JTW, to go with either of them, but we are stuffed now and as for Kennedy, I like his commitment but he just seems to be playing at his limit and can't get any better.

Having said that, Preston did to us what we hate - they closed us down and gave us no time and space - again, issues that go back to DW days in charge.

It could be a difficult time until May - time for NC to really prove something to the fans. The mere thought of that sort of performance v Preston in either a 2 leg semi or playoff final fills me with concern.

UTB[/QUOTE]
a lot of truth in what you say fulwood but kennedy has had a bad time with his knees and he has finally broke into the squad he hasnt played a dozen first team games yet and with experence and hopefully staying fit he will improve.He has a
great attitude and was the rock in the team that got to the youth final(not maguire) he is the nearest we will ever get to a chris morgan give him time fulwood he,s a winner and we could do with more like him after that meek surrender to the preston thugs last night

 

[Balham]

I do think the point about set pieces is valid - defending them we seem vulnerable especially in the air, attacking I sometimes wonder what is practised in the training ground. Lack of height doesn't help but we also seem to have some organisational issues at times.

Given how bad we are with attacking corners/free kicks I would imagine that it's quite difficult to practice defending them.

The main issue is that we don't seem to have a "mouth" at the back. Every back four needs a talker and I don't think that Basham or McEveley fits the bill.

 

[Fiery Blade]

I do think the point about set pieces is valid - defending them we seem vulnerable especially in the air, attacking I sometimes wonder what is practised in the training ground. Lack of height doesn't help but we also seem to have some organisational issues at times.

From watching us take corners free kicks and throw ins it is obvious NONE of them are practiced on the training ground - nothing to do with lack of height it generally has more to do with lack of direction !

 

[Grecian2000]

Well I'm gutted we're out.

At least we won't have to put up with a full house and being on BBC1, much rather be playing the likes of Crewe!

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

You can give Crewe a miss and nip down to Notts C.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I have picked that bit out as I reckon it's been an issue since Morgs packed in, Maguire and Collins weren't good at it and although I like the footballing ability of Basham and Mceverly. neither are good at balls into the box. I wanted a CH in the JTW, to go with either of them, but we are stuffed now and as for Kennedy, I like his commitment but he just seems to be playing at his limit and can't get any better.

Having said that, Preston did to us what we hate - they closed us down and gave us no time and space - again, issues that go back to DW days in charge.

It could be a difficult time until May - time for NC to really prove something to the fans. The mere thought of that sort of performance v Preston in either a 2 leg semi or playoff final fills me with concern.

UTB

a lot of truth in what you say fulwood but kennedy has had a bad time with his knees and he has finally broke into the squad he hasnt played a dozen first team games yet and with experence and hopefully staying fit he will improve.He has a
great attitude and was the rock in the team that got to the youth final(not maguire) he is the nearest we will ever get to a chris morgan give him time fulwood he,s a winner and we could do with more like him after that meek surrender to the preston thugs last night[/QUOTE]



How right you are. Kennedy has that passion in his play and it is clear he means it. Quite novel in this day and age in football.

 

[Grappler]

I
a lot of truth in what you say fulwood but kennedy has had a bad time with his knees and he has finally broke into the squad he hasnt played a dozen first team games yet and with experence and hopefully staying fit he will improve.He has a
great attitude and was the rock in the team that got to the youth final(not maguire) he is the nearest we will ever get to a chris morgan give him time fulwood he,s a winner and we could do with more like him after that meek surrender to the preston thugs last night

TK is scared of nothing and no one, if you put him up against a team of Mike Tyson's, I would have money on him coming out on top. He rarely loses a ball in the air and never shys away from a tackle. He may not be as intimidating as Chris Morgan (yet) but the lad is still growing up, he can be a Blades hero, no doubt about it.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Good observation S11, it's all about context. A few wins and suddenly the whingers curl up in a foetal position. Seriously, I don't know what some fans expect? Yes, a poor display, but you can bet NC's resolves will have strengthened, and the fact that we now have strength in depth will allow changes. So anyone who makes assumptions about their place in the team will be in for a rude awakening. One thing, the fact that Nigel has spent means we'll see fresher, hopefully better, players wear the red and white stripes and move us up this division. UTB

Agree . i much rather us lose in the cup , than drop 3 points in the league. More good than harm will come from the PNE result . A wake up call for Mr Clough , players and us fans.

The only thing of concern , is we have so many players , we ain't got time to go through the learning curve ( again ) for our best first 11.

UTB

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Agree . i much rather us lose in the cup , than drop 3 points in the league. More good than harm will come from the PNE result . A wake up call for Mr Clough , players and us fans.

The only thing of concern , is we have so many players , we ain't got time to go through the learning curve ( again ) for our best first 11.

UTB

Left with a strange emotion at the end of last nights match, disappointed not to get to watch Blades in next round, and also disappointed by the nature of defeat... but relieved that the match against Notts County won't get postponed.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Left with a strange emotion at the end of last nights match, disappointed not to get to watch Blades in next round, and also disappointed by the nature of defeat... but relieved that the match against Notts County won't get postponed.

Hillmorton , i was disappointed with the performance , not the result. I might be in the minority of one , but playing MUFC in the 5th round , could deflect from the one and only aim. To get out of shit league 1. It would have caused too much hype and false optimism for me.

Some players are unfortunately not cutting the mustard , and the responsibility lies with Mr Clough to sort it , sooner rather than later.

Biggest game of the season is on saturday , then the game after that , etc etc etc , until the last game of the season against Chesi.

UTB

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Hillmorton , i was disappointed with the performance , not the result. I might be in the minority of one , but playing MUFC in the 5th round , could deflect from the one and only aim. To get out of shit league 1. It would have caused too much hype and false optimism for me.

Some players are unfortunately not cutting the mustard , and the responsibility lies with Mr Clough to sort it , sooner rather than later.

Biggest game of the season is on saturday , then the game after that , etc etc etc , until the last game of the season against Chesi.

UTB

I was disappointed, as am sure you were, to see Blades lose any match. But 100% agree with you. We feasted at the high table against Spurs in the Semi-Final and in the normal run of things a decent cup run is part of a decent season. But the third tier is not good enough and we need total focus on the league and the Notts County match, like all the others MUST be the priority. Get that right and we can play the likes of MUFC twice a season. Get it wrong and it could be CUFC.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

With all due respect to CUFC, I hasten to add, no axe to grind there.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I was disappointed, as am sure you were, to see Blades lose any match. But 100% agree with you. We feasted at the high table against Spurs in the Semi-Final and in the normal run of things a decent cup run is part of a decent season. But the third tier is not good enough and we need total focus on the league and the Notts County match, like all the others MUST be the priority. Get that right and we can play the likes of MUFC twice a season. Get it wrong and it could be CUFC.

Agree . last night was the first time with it being a cup match i went without red and white tinted glasses on , and try to watch the match just from a football aspect . There were no positives imo to take from the performance.

Like a lot of supporters of a certain age , i want to see a successful SUFC in the premiership before i am 6ft under .

For a number of reasons we have to get out of League 1 this season , or we may never will.

UTB

 

[HillmortonBlade]

The last couple of weeks with the Cup matches have been a bit like Christmas. We looked forward to the event, lots of emotions, lots of effort, and that's just the fans. And then the FA Cup 5th round looming like another huge meal on Boxing Day. Thing is, you need to go back to work without a hangover... Crack on with the league, bread and butter.