Coutts and Duffy

[Slim Man]

Kick up the arse needed?

I've chilled out since last Tuesday. I'm still furious but I've managed to clear my head and gather my thoughts.
The defence has been done to death, but the midfield aren't helping matters.

Earlier in the season Coutts was aggressive, attack minded and always looking to move forward. Over the past few games, he seems to have gone back into his shell and turned into the crab we know and love. Neshing challenges, not being pro-active and not using that burst of pace that he DOES have in his locker... Only a burst mind. (Bury at home my main example) Maybe he needs a similar to chat to the one that took place early in the season.

Duffy, well well well. He can be infuriating, and he certainly has been over the past few games. Last tuesday he did nothing but try his weak, pitiful efforts from outside the box which flew way high and way wide - rather than trying to be inventive and patient like he has been most of the season. He always cuts inside, he always takes too long with the ball dancing around with it, and he tends to be greedy when better options present themselves. He's single minded in that he gets the ball, knows what he wants to do with it and even if the picture opens up and a better opportunity presents itself he will try for the first thing in his mind. It's annoying as hell.

Fleck. Blameless. Tries his heart out, gets around the pitch, tackles and has a great range of passing. A real driving force and for me our complete and utter best player.

I'd be quite happy to see Carruthers and O'Shea start the next game, the best trio in the league might just need a bit of a break.

 

[Wards]

Difficult for Duffy with everyone behind the ball, especially with no room for the forwards to make penetrating runs. Felt for him a bit to be honest as he was still trying to get on the ball and do something but couldn't do it on his own.

Coutts needs to get back to form again and start taking a few more chances going forwards, agree with that. He's had a very good season but has noticeably allowed Fleck/Duffy to take responsibility to create the past few games.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Coutts was bogged down trying to correct other peoples fuck-ups all Tuesday evening. Only he and Fleck came out of that match with any credibility, and I'm not exactly known for my love of Coutts either.

Duffy needs to pack it in with trying to beat every fucker in front of him when a simple pass to a player in a better position will suffice. And stop trying to shoot from distance as well, it's embarrassing.

 

[Come from away]

Given that it will take new players a few games to bed in I would not expect to see many starting on Saturday - perhaps on the bench, though Hanson might have a shot.

 

[SteveBlade]

His shots from distance and the worst.

They're basically floated crosses aimed 10 years above the bar.

 

[I should coco]

His shots from distance and the worst.

They're basically floated crosses aimed 10 years above the bar.

10 years?

Light years?

" unit of astronomical distance equivalent to the distance that light travels in one year, which is 9.4607 × 1012 km (nearly 6 million million miles)"

Wow! We are into Simmonsen territory there then. Any minute now his penalty will hit the fax machine and then we will all be in the shit.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Duffy- best midfielder in this league, even when it's not going well he always want's the ball and never hides.
Coutts- Great touch and vision, looks like he's been told to play deep and receive the ball from the defence and move it forward to midfield/forwards. Agree he does have a burst of pace and should use it more if allowed.
Fleck- seems to have a nearly game but doesn't seem to nail it, don't agree about his ability to tackle. That's one of the midfields biggest problems, none of them can tackle and rattle the oppositions midfield.

 

[blade too long]

Im sure CW will be using all his motivational skills on a few who had a personal dip in high standards they reached prior to the 3 games without a win ,
Its not unheard of players at all levels falling below standards they thought theyd reached, Liverpool a prime example of a team looking on a roll then suddenly hitting a wall
Sometimes its easy to remedy , some times needs surgery
which ever it is CW wont want to take long on rehabilitation

 

[Smirth]

I thought that Coutts, along with Freeman were our best players against Fleetwood.

He was always available to receive a pass, brought the ball out of defence and looked to try and get our attacks started.

Duffy I agree with, wanted too many touches on Tuesday. I'm confident he will pick his game up though. I think these last 2 home games have been the wake up call the squad needed.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Given that it will take new players a few games to bed in I would not expect to see many starting on Saturday - perhaps on the bench, though Hanson might have a shot.

They will have had the benefit of 10 days between games to develop some understanding with teamates albeit in a training environment. I wouldn't change more than 1 of the midfield trio,probably Carruthers(if fit) for Coutts. O'Shea and Riley on the bench? although I'd be fine with Riley instead of Lafferty.
I would very much like to see Wright back in action.

 

[Slim Man]

I appreciate everyones opinion, but for me Coutts was back to last seasons against Fleetwood. He's not the Coutts I've been watching for the past 6 months.
But I do agree with the above about Freeman, he is becoming our biggest attacking outlet. If we were to go 4 at the back I'd probably opt for Basham or Riley at RB and get Freeman further forward. He's that important to our attacking play now we can't afford to have him pinned back at any stage of any game.

And Duffy has faced packed defences for the past 10 or so home games, but he hasn't struggled like he has the past 2 games. He's been trying things he isn't capable of, like fairy dust laden shots from outside the box. It's like watching a young un shoot with a flyaway. And him trying to beat every fucker twice before getting rid of the ball is infuriating.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Kick up the arse needed?

I've chilled out since last Tuesday. I'm still furious but I've managed to clear my head and gather my thoughts.
The defence has been done to death, but the midfield aren't helping matters.

Earlier in the season Coutts was aggressive, attack minded and always looking to move forward. Over the past few games, he seems to have gone back into his shell and turned into the crab we know and love. Neshing challenges, not being pro-active and not using that burst of pace that he DOES have in his locker... Only a burst mind. (Bury at home my main example) Maybe he needs a similar to chat to the one that took place early in the season.

Duffy, well well well. He can be infuriating, and he certainly has been over the past few games. Last tuesday he did nothing but try his weak, pitiful efforts from outside the box which flew way high and way wide - rather than trying to be inventive and patient like he has been most of the season. He always cuts inside, he always takes too long with the ball dancing around with it, and he tends to be greedy when better options present themselves. He's single minded in that he gets the ball, knows what he wants to do with it and even if the picture opens up and a better opportunity presents itself he will try for the first thing in his mind. It's annoying as hell.

Fleck. Blameless. Tries his heart out, gets around the pitch, tackles and has a great range of passing. A real driving force and for me our complete and utter best player.

I'd be quite happy to see Carruthers and O'Shea start the next game, the best trio in the league might just need a bit of a break.

You've brought up a significant point.

Our fantastic midfield (most ability in the league) haven't been firing but there's fine lines for error.

Coutts- does what he does.
If the team are struggling then he's brilliant at calmly playing to feet and keeping possession
But he's too safe. It's only we are winning or dominating that Coutts opens up and takes risks. Agree with Danny in recent matches he doesn't seem quite as revved up as early in the season

Duffy- is the oppostion of Coutts in that he's always probing, always trying the difficult pass.
This means he's our midfielder that loses the ball or gives it away the most
BUT he's also our most creative midfielder and best outlet to create, so always worth a punt.

Fleck- I thinks he's generally Mr Solid due to his allround game and better defensive/ tackling abilities
But Fleck doesn't grab hold of the game enough and seems happy to put in a decent performance.

Out of the 3 I'd probably drop Couttts, even though I do rate him.
Also I think Carruthers will end up being a regular onces he fits in.
We already have a strong midfield ans with O'Shea here too, we are well covered for injuries or loss of form.

 

[Kosky]

They both looked tired and lethargic to me against fleetwood. Duffy didn't put in any real runs of note, he looked to pass as much as possible instead of taking on a player change the play. Coutts looked for the ball a lot but offloaded sideways the majority of the time. In the last few months he was playing magic diagonal balls spraying it wide I think that was missing against fleetwood.

The new additions will add something extra hopefully OShea from the few times I've seen is a Duffy type player taking the ball past people. And Carruthers for the 15mins I saw at Southend looks the player to unlock the defender to create the chances.

 

[Esablade]

It's a long season and players are going to come in and out of form...maybe a trip to Scarborough beach is required, a run in the sea or summat?

 

['Doc' Pace my hero]

I had to laugh listening to the 'experts' yesterday on the Manure/Wigan game.They were bemoaning the fact that Manure were getting nowhere passing sideways and backwards in front of 2 banks of 4,then two decent crosses and headers,2-0 up and all over !! It doesn't have to be hoof,you just need to adapt to the situation,perhaps it will make the opposition think twice before they park the bus if they know you have an effective 'plan B'.

 

[BushBlade]

I had to laugh listening to the 'experts' yesterday on the Manure/Wigan game.They were bemoaning the fact that Manure were getting nowhere passing sideways and backwards in front of 2 banks of 4,then two decent crosses and headers,2-0 up and all over !! It doesn't have to be hoof,you just need to adapt to the situation,perhaps it will make the opposition think twice before they park the bus if they know you have an effective 'plan B'.

Did you hear that idiot Keown going on about route 1? What was his wittering on about? They retained possession for ages, then delivered a perfect cross in the box and he said 'told you, route one'. Absolute plank.

 

[sheffielder]

Problem for both is that they can only really play when the pitch is stretched, and to do that you need either Lavary or Done up top to keep the defence honest.

 

[itsinyerblood]

You've brought up a significant point.

Our fantastic midfield (most ability in the league) haven't been firing but there's fine lines for error.

Coutts- does what he does.
If the team are struggling then he's brilliant and playing to feet and keeping possession
But it's too safe. It's only we are winning or dominating that Coutts opens up and takes risks.

Duffy- is the oppostion of Coutts in that he's always probing, always trying the difficult pass.
This means he's our midfielder that loses the ball or gives it away the most
BUT he's also our most creative midfielder and best outlet to create, so always worth a punt.

Fleck- I thinks he's generally Mr Solid due to his allround game and better defensive/ tackling abilities
But Fleck doesn't grab hold of the game enough and seems happy to put in a decent performance.

Out of the 3 I'd probably drop Couttts, even though I do rate him.
Also I think Carruthers will end up being a regular onces he fits in.
We already have a strong midfield ans with O'Shea here too, we are well covered for injuries or loss of form.

Good point about Fleck. He needs to impose himself, and if that means bullying the opposition so be it. Very sound and dependable though he is, I think all it would just take is just a little more assertiveness and I think he'd be able to take a game by the scruff of the neck and create match winning opportunities, which in turn would help Coutts and Duffy, and whoever else might play alongside Fleck. Great player for us and more to come hope.

 

[kennyblade]

Good point about Fleck. He needs to impose himself, and if that means bullying the opposition so be it. Very sound and dependable though he is, I think all it would just take is just a little more assertiveness and I think he'd be able to take a game by the scruff of the neck and create match winning opportunities, which in turn would help Coutts and Duffy, and whoever else might play alongside Fleck. Great player for us and more to come hope.

ive a feeling once samir gets to full fitness he will be a regular starter and that for me puts duffy and coutts place under threat its up to them to up there game also got a feeling hanson might go straight in and it does give us another option getting balls in to the box from wide areas

 

[itsinyerblood]

ive a feeling once samir gets to full fitness he will be a regular starter and that for me puts duffy and coutts place under threat its up to them to up there game also got a feeling hanson might go straight in and it does give us another option getting balls in to the box from wide areas

All of which has to be a good thing for the club. We have options and, I hope, some quality throughout the team, something we've not seen for far too long. I know there's nitpicking about certain signings but let's see who rises to the challenge and makes themselves essential inclusions as we push forward. O'Shea is one name that seems to be invisible as suggestions go, let's see if he's one of those capable of surprising us and making an impact on our performances. I agree with those who think that Carruthers might be one of those players that immediately prove why Wilder signed him.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Take them both out the side. Is that the type of kick up the arse you so desire ?

Watch the side fall to pieces. You have "picked on" the two most vitally important cogs in the SUFC machine that has seen us surge up the division.

I suspect both the players are in need of rest rather than a kick up the arse. The break last weekend, I hope, will have worked wonders. And for others I dare say as well.

Expect them to be somewhere near back to best on Saturday.

UTB

 

[Ricky]

Don't worry about Coutts, he's just having a mid season break. He's saving all his energy for the crucial last 10 games. He's got it all under control.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Take them both out the side. Is that the type of kick up the arse you so desire ?

Watch the side fall to pieces. You have "picked on" the two most vitally important cogs in the SUFC machine that has seen us surge up the division.

I suspect both the players are in need of rest rather than a kick up the arse. The break last weekend, I hope, will have worked wonders. And for others I dare say as well.

Expect them to be somewhere near back to best on Saturday.

UTB

Do you believe those two need a rest any more than any other member of the team?

 

[west_yorks_blade]

Do you believe those two need a rest any more than any other member of the team?

Moore doesn't need a rest, unless picking the ball out of the back of the net once or twice a game is tiring. Never has anything to do between times.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Do you believe those two need a rest any more than any other member of the team?

No.

They all need a rest. I started a post entitled player intensity on this very subject.

Nor do I think the 2 players discussed in this OP are in need of a kick up the arse above any of the others.

But I do believe that they are both indispensable in the way we go about our business. Unlike others, who are more easily replaceable.

UTB

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

No.

They all need a rest. I started a post entitled player intensity on this very subject.

Nor do I think the 2 players discussed in this OP are in need of a kick up the arse above any of the others.

But I do believe that they are both indispensable in the way we go about our business. Unlike others, who are more easily replaceable.

UTB

Fair enough. I don't think they need a kick up the arse either,maybe a refocussing on what we as a team need to be doing better. The new signings will hopefully hit the ground running and give the place a gee up which will benefit all.

 

[Slim Man]

Take them both out the side. Is that the type of kick up the arse you so desire ?

Watch the side fall to pieces. You have "picked on" the two most vitally important cogs in the SUFC machine that has seen us surge up the division.

I suspect both the players are in need of rest rather than a kick up the arse. The break last weekend, I hope, will have worked wonders. And for others I dare say as well.

Expect them to be somewhere near back to best on Saturday.

UTB

Picked on? Bit embarrassing.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Picked on? Bit embarrassing.

Why those two specifically then?

Victims of their own high standards ?

Or don't you rate them in general ?

UTB

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

I think consideration had to be given to the mitigating circumstances that Wilder picked McNulty which didn't help.

Plus, teams have no realised if they get close to Duffy and hustle him, then neither he nor the team have the skills to cope.

Second half, Wilders brainfart of shifting to 4-4-2 just blew the minds of all involved and shifting Duffy to LW was just plain wrong.

As valid as s lot of the previous points have been, I think on this Wilder needs to shoulder the lions share of the blame.

 

[FTPE]

Duffy has brain farts, when things go wrong they go horribly wrong with him. When he has a bad game he's awful but he doesn't hide. He keeps chugging away even on his off days. He still wants the ball, still shoots, and still tries the harder passes.
If he was consistent he'd still be in the championship, he's just not that type of player. He needs support on his off days or we need an option similar to him to come off the bench (like o'shea).
Don't give him shit for God's sake. He's one of our best players, if he's not doing well Wilder will sort it but his attitude can't be faulted so we need to stick with him and hope he has more games when he's firing on all cylinders.