LouTheBlade
Active Member
This topic has brought about some heated debate with the famously named “Clappers” going head to head with the brilliantly named (IMO) “Sunshine Gang.” After seeing several threads become tied in knots over various debates regarding the team, I thought it might be best to open up another thread to delve deeper into the issues facing the Blades..........basically, this is me turning over a fresh page for you to scribble all over! So come one, come all! Clappers and knockers welcome..........
Firstly I’ll lay out my views of our current situation and some of the issues that have been touched on in other threads. That way you can pull this apart, slate it, do whatever you want with it but I’m going to try and play devil’s advocate where possible. So here goes..........
Incoming Transfers
Probably the most discussed topic on here at the moment and the difference of opinion is stark to say the least! But let’s look at who we’ve signed;
Steve Simonsen:- Experienced keeper who many regard to have had a successful loan spell at the lane. It has been argued by a minority on here that he isn’t a no.1, which has been countered with the suggestion that he was Stoke’s no.1 for some time (also during their promotion season).
My view on Simmo:- He is every bit a no.1 to me and a very competent one. I felt at times that Paddy Kenny was just a tad overrated and see no reason why Simonsen isn’t every bit as good as him. The big guy looked fit and sharp against Estudiantes and I am very pleased with this signing.
Rob Kozluk:- This one was a surprise. It has left most Blades scratching their heads but some have seen a sentimental value in this signing. Most would interpret him as a squad player and nothing more.
My view on Kozzy:- If there were other (younger) full backs available I personally wouldn’t have signed him. He has had his time at the lane but I’m prepared to give him a chance as he was a good servant to United before. He can’t do much harm as a squad player and won’t kick up a fuss if he’s not playing so fair enough.
Nyron Nosworthy:- Some love him, some close their eyes when he gets the ball. He divides opinion for the most part. Most expected him to join permanently but alas, it is another loan.
My view on Noz:- I’m in the camp that loves him. He does make your heart skip a beat at times when he tries a Cruyff turn in his own half.....but he is likely to get you out of many a scrape as well. We need characters and athletes in our team and he is both! Delighted to see him back.
Johannes Ertl:- No one seemingly had a problem with this signing and most saw it as a really solid one. Able to play multiple positions.
My view on Ertl:- He looked a proper player against Estudiantes. Far more composed and intelligent than I expected. He will definitely put pressure on Monty for a starting place in the middle unless KB plays with three in there. Very pleased with what I’ve seen from Johnny boy!
Leon Britton:- Regarded by most Blades as our marquee signing and has been considered the answer to our prayers in midfield.
My view on Britton:- I have to say that most times I’ve seen him for Swansea I haven’t been as impressed as other people. He always seemed fairly anonymous to me but he is the right sort of player for what we’re looking for. After watching him last Sunday he does seem to have a good football brain and I can see what various managers see him. He is always looking to get on the ball. A thumbs up again from me.
Daniel Bogdanovic:- Certain knockers have suggested this as a marketing ploy by United in relation to our Malta links. Most Barnsley fans seem to rate him and other United fans seem fairly happy with the signing as well. With three other strikers at the club he has some fierce competition.
My view on Boggy:- He gives us something a bit different. From what little I’ve seen of him he looks like a forward that likes to get the ball at his feet and run. Apart from Wardy on the wing we don’t really have another forward like that and he could be a really useful tactical option. This signing intrigues me a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing him alongside different partners.
Summary:- Based on the above I think most of the signings we have made are good ones. In knowing that resources are slim, Blackwell has seemingly opted for a range of versatile players to guard against the problems we had last season with injuries. Overall I think he has done very well but some would argue he needs a few more. I tend to agree, whilst recognising that he has done his utmost to make this happen.
So where does this leave the squad?
Goalkeepers:- Simmo and Aksalu should be fine from what I’ve seen.
Defence:- I think it’s probably plain to a blind man that we need a couple more players at the back (possibly three). The full back positions are thinly covered at the moment but we look short of quality there. We have an option at right back with young Matty Lowton and he may well play there on Sunday. Panic has set in big time amongst the more pessimistic Blades but the seemingly imminent arrival of Bartley, Dickinson and possibly Bodnar should give us strength in numbers.
Midfield:- We look fairly set in this department. The only area I still have concern about is down the left. I feel as if we need a good out and out left sided player. Apart from this we seem to have a good balance of creativity and defensive nous. Once Willo comes back from injury we’ll have some good options.
Attack:- Probably the area of the team I am most happy with. Cresswell is enjoying good form, Evans is starting to look stronger (fingers crossed) and Boggy will put pressure on them both. I know some don’t like Henderson and associate our primitive tactics with him but that seems unfair. His injury was a minor blow because it is cushioned by the fact we have the other three and Wardy as a fourth option up top. If all goes well shouldn’t be short of goals next season.
Summary:- Some urgency is required by the club in order to complete our squad for the new campaign. A minimum of three are needed and in an ideal world I would like to see four. Under the current financial situation seemingly existent at the club we’re probably pushing the boat out for three though! What we have brought in is competitive, but considering how many players we let go this summer it has become clear that we are thread bare and need more bodies. I am confident that the club are working hard at this, but there have clearly been several complications.
I would suggest that those who feel we have a good enough squad at the moment take another look at it! We are still considerably short of what we need for a 46 game season, but the nucleus is certainly there. I would also suggest to the knockers that their assumption of the club not showing enough urgency/ambition/whatever.....is a false one and that completing player transfers is fraught with far more complications than they seem to acknowledge.
My overall verdict:- We have a good, competitive 14 to 15. To manage an entire season you need a strong 17 to 18 with “competent” players to further supplement that. We therefore have a good enough team to get ourselves into the promotion mix, but at present not a good enough squad to maintain a proper campaign.
A lot of work to do, but we’re getting there. Keep the faith! :thumbup:
Firstly I’ll lay out my views of our current situation and some of the issues that have been touched on in other threads. That way you can pull this apart, slate it, do whatever you want with it but I’m going to try and play devil’s advocate where possible. So here goes..........
Incoming Transfers
Probably the most discussed topic on here at the moment and the difference of opinion is stark to say the least! But let’s look at who we’ve signed;
Steve Simonsen:- Experienced keeper who many regard to have had a successful loan spell at the lane. It has been argued by a minority on here that he isn’t a no.1, which has been countered with the suggestion that he was Stoke’s no.1 for some time (also during their promotion season).
My view on Simmo:- He is every bit a no.1 to me and a very competent one. I felt at times that Paddy Kenny was just a tad overrated and see no reason why Simonsen isn’t every bit as good as him. The big guy looked fit and sharp against Estudiantes and I am very pleased with this signing.
Rob Kozluk:- This one was a surprise. It has left most Blades scratching their heads but some have seen a sentimental value in this signing. Most would interpret him as a squad player and nothing more.
My view on Kozzy:- If there were other (younger) full backs available I personally wouldn’t have signed him. He has had his time at the lane but I’m prepared to give him a chance as he was a good servant to United before. He can’t do much harm as a squad player and won’t kick up a fuss if he’s not playing so fair enough.
Nyron Nosworthy:- Some love him, some close their eyes when he gets the ball. He divides opinion for the most part. Most expected him to join permanently but alas, it is another loan.
My view on Noz:- I’m in the camp that loves him. He does make your heart skip a beat at times when he tries a Cruyff turn in his own half.....but he is likely to get you out of many a scrape as well. We need characters and athletes in our team and he is both! Delighted to see him back.
Johannes Ertl:- No one seemingly had a problem with this signing and most saw it as a really solid one. Able to play multiple positions.
My view on Ertl:- He looked a proper player against Estudiantes. Far more composed and intelligent than I expected. He will definitely put pressure on Monty for a starting place in the middle unless KB plays with three in there. Very pleased with what I’ve seen from Johnny boy!
Leon Britton:- Regarded by most Blades as our marquee signing and has been considered the answer to our prayers in midfield.
My view on Britton:- I have to say that most times I’ve seen him for Swansea I haven’t been as impressed as other people. He always seemed fairly anonymous to me but he is the right sort of player for what we’re looking for. After watching him last Sunday he does seem to have a good football brain and I can see what various managers see him. He is always looking to get on the ball. A thumbs up again from me.
Daniel Bogdanovic:- Certain knockers have suggested this as a marketing ploy by United in relation to our Malta links. Most Barnsley fans seem to rate him and other United fans seem fairly happy with the signing as well. With three other strikers at the club he has some fierce competition.
My view on Boggy:- He gives us something a bit different. From what little I’ve seen of him he looks like a forward that likes to get the ball at his feet and run. Apart from Wardy on the wing we don’t really have another forward like that and he could be a really useful tactical option. This signing intrigues me a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing him alongside different partners.
Summary:- Based on the above I think most of the signings we have made are good ones. In knowing that resources are slim, Blackwell has seemingly opted for a range of versatile players to guard against the problems we had last season with injuries. Overall I think he has done very well but some would argue he needs a few more. I tend to agree, whilst recognising that he has done his utmost to make this happen.
So where does this leave the squad?
Goalkeepers:- Simmo and Aksalu should be fine from what I’ve seen.
Defence:- I think it’s probably plain to a blind man that we need a couple more players at the back (possibly three). The full back positions are thinly covered at the moment but we look short of quality there. We have an option at right back with young Matty Lowton and he may well play there on Sunday. Panic has set in big time amongst the more pessimistic Blades but the seemingly imminent arrival of Bartley, Dickinson and possibly Bodnar should give us strength in numbers.
Midfield:- We look fairly set in this department. The only area I still have concern about is down the left. I feel as if we need a good out and out left sided player. Apart from this we seem to have a good balance of creativity and defensive nous. Once Willo comes back from injury we’ll have some good options.
Attack:- Probably the area of the team I am most happy with. Cresswell is enjoying good form, Evans is starting to look stronger (fingers crossed) and Boggy will put pressure on them both. I know some don’t like Henderson and associate our primitive tactics with him but that seems unfair. His injury was a minor blow because it is cushioned by the fact we have the other three and Wardy as a fourth option up top. If all goes well shouldn’t be short of goals next season.
Summary:- Some urgency is required by the club in order to complete our squad for the new campaign. A minimum of three are needed and in an ideal world I would like to see four. Under the current financial situation seemingly existent at the club we’re probably pushing the boat out for three though! What we have brought in is competitive, but considering how many players we let go this summer it has become clear that we are thread bare and need more bodies. I am confident that the club are working hard at this, but there have clearly been several complications.
I would suggest that those who feel we have a good enough squad at the moment take another look at it! We are still considerably short of what we need for a 46 game season, but the nucleus is certainly there. I would also suggest to the knockers that their assumption of the club not showing enough urgency/ambition/whatever.....is a false one and that completing player transfers is fraught with far more complications than they seem to acknowledge.
My overall verdict:- We have a good, competitive 14 to 15. To manage an entire season you need a strong 17 to 18 with “competent” players to further supplement that. We therefore have a good enough team to get ourselves into the promotion mix, but at present not a good enough squad to maintain a proper campaign.
A lot of work to do, but we’re getting there. Keep the faith! :thumbup:
