Coutts

[ilovesufc]

I thought Coutts did really well yesterday, particularly as it was his first game back. Great ball over for Sammons goal. Nice to have two players in him and Baxter who are intelligent enough to make room for themselves and have time on the ball to pick a pass - agree pace is an issue and we were very narrow down that side as he didn't really get out to the wing much - Alcock often looked like he had no where to go when on the ball at RB. Maybe that will improve as his fitness develops.
He doesn't faff with the ball and just keeps it simple - a few of our other players could take note!

 

[sitwell]

My one small gripe with Baxter yesterday his habit of slowing the game down ,we build up momentum and he stops it ,if he could get this out of his game he would be a much better player. Having to check your run and come back is so frustrating for other players when you have a head of steam ,and yet when he does play an early ball he looks a much better player and he has that in his game.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Coutts was excellent yesterday considering it was his first match for the first team - Coutts is a proper footballer, not appreciated by many of the Bramall Lane faithful - last year he was putting passes through yet no one had the foresight or anticipation to make the run - he has played consistantly at a level above L1 and has been highly regarded- Yesterday, he looked much fitter than last year and the assist for Sammons goal was sublime
A fully fit Coutts will go a long way to solving our problems in midfield - pace or no pace - as long as the idiots don't get on his back !

 

[JohnDenver]

As well as Coutts played, I don't think that midfield is the answer. Not enough pace or mobility.

Hope I'm wrong but I think Donny's half-arsed performance really flattered our midfield.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

As well as Coutts played, I don't think that midfield is the answer. Not enough pace or mobility.

Hope I'm wrong but I think Donny's half-arsed performance really flattered our midfield.

Agreed. That opposition was made for us. Especially with ten men.

Tuesday will be a real test. It'll be interesting to see how we set up.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Agreed. That opposition was made for us. Especially with ten men.

Tuesday will be a real test. It'll be interesting to see how we set up.

Glass half empty yet again !
What level are we playing at when you consider Burton Albion to prove a real test !
Words fail me !

 

[Pinchy]

As well as Coutts played, I don't think that midfield is the answer. Not enough pace or mobility.

Hope I'm wrong but I think Donny's half-arsed performance really flattered our midfield.

I think the perceived mobility 'problem' is a bit of a red herring JD; perhaps a legacy from his half-fit appearances last season? A fully-fit Cooooouuuts (sp?) is a pretty complete central midfielder at this level.

That brings me on to the next point. He is neverinamillionyears a winger. He was constantly drifting inside because that's where his instinct and ability takes him - to the heartbeat of the game. He will not be causing any full backs to require leg-untangling surgery nor will he be leaving them in his turbo charged wake with afterburners on. Anyone expecting that will be disappointed.

It's Nigel's job to find a place and a set-up that's best for our team. For me that will include PC in CM. The fact is, as I consistently maintained last season amidst the usual knee-jerking, Paul Coutts is a very good footballer.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Glass half empty yet again !
What level are we playing at when you consider Burton Albion to prove a real test !
Words fail me !

Don't think it is glass half empty - just a realisation that Burton are top and we have lost to Bury and Gillingham who are also above us.

It shouldn't be a test, but it is............you are sounding a tad "massive" with your post

Burton is a tight, little ground - we have a habit of struggling on grounds like that.

UTB

 

[Fiery Blade]

Don't think it is glass half empty - just a realisation that Burton are top and we have lost to Bury and Gillingham who are also above us.

It shouldn't be a test, but it is............you are sounding a tad "massive" with your post

Burton is a tight, little ground - we have a habit of struggling on grounds like that.

UTB

Its nothing to do with 'Massive' far from it !
It comes from the fact that like it or not we have a squad full of players that would get in almost any other side in this division !
If we offered Burton Albion Sharp, Basham, Baxter, Coutts, Freeman, Adams, Reed, Sammon, etc etc on a free transfer they would snap your hand off although they may baulk at McEverley and Collins !!!
The players we have in the squad should be good enough to get us automatic promotion and we shouldn't be worrying about the likes of Burton Albion

 

[Pinchy]

Don't think it is glass half empty - just a realisation that Burton are top and we have lost to Bury and Gillingham who are also above us.

It shouldn't be a test, but it is............you are sounding a tad "massive" with your post

Burton is a tight, little ground - we have a habit of struggling on grounds like that.

UTB

We have better footballers than Burton. Will we demonstrate that in practice? Who knows? We'll be above them at the end of the season, though, whatever the result on Tuesday.

I see no problem in pointing out that we are a big club. We have tradition and attendances that very few clubs indeed would attain if they'd won nothing since 1926. You may not like 'massive' - I deplore Bladey cap-doffing, forelock-tugging, inverted snobbery and prefer having a bit of pride in our club.

 

[JohnDenver]

I think the perceived mobility 'problem' is a bit of a red herring JD; perhaps a legacy from his half-fit appearances last season? A fully-fit Cooooouuuts (sp?) is a pretty complete central midfielder at this level.

That brings me on to the next point. He is neverinamillionyears a winger. He was constantly drifting inside because that's where his instinct and ability takes him - to the heartbeat of the game. He will not be causing any full backs to require leg-untangling surgery nor will he be leaving them in his turbo charged wake with afterburners on. Anyone expecting that will be disappointed.

It's Nigel's job to find a place and a set-up that's best for our team. For me that will include PC in CM. The fact is, as I consistently maintained last season amidst the usual knee-jerking, Paul Coutts is a very good footballer.

No arguments with that, but I was referring to the midfield as a whole. I think Baxter and Coutts shouldn't be played in the same starting XI, especially in a midfield four.

Even against a weak team yesterday, we didn't track Donnie's midfield runners very well in the first half. Their number 25 looked a threat, and I feared a rerun of the Bury goals.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Glass half empty yet again !
What level are we playing at when you consider Burton Albion to prove a real test !
Words fail me !

Every game is a test , as every team at this moment in time , can beat each other .

Take Burton lightlly and we will get hammerd . Take them as a test , set up correctly , be tactically astute , and we will come away with 3 points. Seeing the opposition as a test , is totally differant to paying them too much respect .

The stance and benchmark is that we can beat anyone , but good preperation is the key .

UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Its nothing to do with 'Massive' far from it !
It comes from the fact that like it or not we have a squad full of players that would get in almost any other side in this division !
If we offered Burton Albion Sharp, Basham, Baxter, Coutts, Freeman, Adams, Reed, Sammon, etc etc on a free transfer they would snap your hand off although they may baulk at McEverley and Collins !!!
The players we have in the squad should be good enough to get us automatic promotion and we shouldn't be worrying about the likes of Burton Albion

I actually agree with you 100%, but did you see our games against Bury and Colchester at home? Outplayed in midfield.

Man City are probably saying that about playing in the Champions league - it's about how your players fit together - ours at the moment are inconsistent.

As for Burton - their first 11 might actually be better than ours - they might struggle if they lose a few key players.

It is actually very easy to play against us - all depends how Burton play. If they close us down, even on their own pitch then it will be difficult.

I'll let you know on Wednesday morning - or even Tuesday night when we get back if it's been a nightmare

UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

We have better footballers than Burton. Will we demonstrate that in practice? Who knows? We'll be above them at the end of the season, though, whatever the result on Tuesday.

I see no problem in pointing out that we are a big club. We have tradition and attendances that very few clubs indeed would attain if they'd won nothing since 1926. You may not like 'massive' - I deplore Bladey cap-doffing, forelock-tugging, inverted snobbery and prefer having a bit of pride in our club.

Indeed and I have more pride for Sheff Utd than I could ever mention in words.

Yes we may very well finish above Burton at season end - a few key injuries and they may struggle. Some teams, sometimes have tremendous luck with injuries in a season, burton might be one. Some teams are unlucky and having just read that B'mouth have lost Wilson on top of their 2 biggest signings, football is a strange game at times.

Still doesn't alter the fact that Burton are top of the tree, but as usual I will be down the A38 on Tuesday evening EXPECTING to win, just hope the pride I have carried with me since 1966 rubs off on a few lucky enough to actually wear the R&W stripes............sorry white shirts with a red pinstripe.

UTB

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Mobile midfields.have taken us apart more than once this season.

Presumably this description fits Burton.

It'll be more of a test than the lethargic demotivated ten men we beat yesterday.

We're playing the team.who are top of the division having won five of their last six(?). Of course it'll be a test.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

We have better footballers than Burton. Will we demonstrate that in practice? Who knows? We'll be above them at the end of the season, though, whatever the result on Tuesday.

I see no problem in pointing out that we are a big club. We have tradition and attendances that very few clubs indeed would attain if they'd won nothing since 1926. You may not like 'massive' - I deplore Bladey cap-doffing, forelock-tugging, inverted snobbery and prefer having a bit of pride in our club.

What did we win in 1926?

And didn't we win Division 4 once not so long ago?

 

[BushBlade]

Every game is a test , as every team at this moment in time , can beat each other .

Take Burton lightlly and we will get hammerd . Take them as a test , set up correctly , be tactically astute , and we will come away with 3 points. Seeing the opposition as a test , is totally differant to paying them too much respect .

The stance and benchmark is that we can beat anyone , but good preperation is the key .

UTB

That ^^^^^^^

Burton are the form team at the moment and not to be taken lightly but if we bring our A game we should get at least a point and, with the rub of the green, all three.

Let's face, they're going to lose some games this season so we should make sure we're two of them.

If the players turn up thinking they'll piss it, they'll lose. Up to NA to make sure they don't.

 

[Pinchy]

Burton are top of the table now. It's a snapshot in time. Ultimately it's meaningless. Their measure will be determined in May 2016, not now. We are not playing a top of the league team. We are playing a team that will finish Xth. None of us know what X will be, but I'm willing to wager a lot of money with anyone who thinks X = 1 or 2.

 

[Pinchy]

What did we win in 1926?

And didn't we win Division 4 once not so long ago?

As to your first question, nothing, but where did I say that we did?

As to the second, as ever, you make my point so much better than I do.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Coutts' best season at Derby was playing on the right flank in front of Brayford and they had a "telepathic understanding". Good footballers do not have to run around like blue-arsed flies for 90 minutes, they can pull the strings for willing runners and play them in all day long.

Coutts in control of the ball waiting for Adams, Brayford, Sharp, Done, Sammon etc to make the runs and off we go. Can't wait.

.

 

[alcoblade]

He was decent yesterday. I didn't quite see what many are suggesting on here, but there was lots of promise, none the less.

I also read a few talking about the odd performance last season that proved what a player he was. My answer would be that if everyone performed to his level last season, we would have been relegated by Christmas. Sticking with him was one of Clough's biggest mistakes.

Anyway, let's hope yesterday was a sign of things to come.

UTB

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Coutts' best season at Derby was playing on the right flank in front of Brayford and they had a "telepathic understanding". Good footballers do not have to run around like blue-arsed flies for 90 minutes, they can pull the strings for willing runners and play them in all day long.

Coutts in control of the ball waiting for Adams, Brayford, Sharp, Done, Sammon etc to make the runs and off we go. Can't wait.

.

Howard and Edgar seem to have a telepathic misunderstanding at the moment :-(

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Coutts' best season at Derby was playing on the right flank in front of Brayford and they had a "telepathic understanding". Good footballers do not have to run around like blue-arsed flies for 90 minutes, they can pull the strings for willing runners and play them in all day long.

Coutts in control of the ball waiting for Adams, Brayford, Sharp, Done, Sammon etc to make the runs and off we go. Can't wait.

.

There's a definite economy of effort in the way he plays, to the extent that actually running anywhere seems vulgar.

 

[BushBlade]

There's a definite economy of effort in the way he plays, to the extent that actually running anywhere seems vulgar.

It's not ladylike.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

It's not ladylike.

Tbf at one point he did materialise on the edge of our box and get a good block in.

Don't know if he ran to get there though.

Reminds me of PG Wodebouse's descriptions of Jeeves shimmering into the room.

 

[Pinchy]

Coutts' best season at Derby was playing on the right flank in front of Brayford and they had a "telepathic understanding". Good footballers do not have to run around like blue-arsed flies for 90 minutes, they can pull the strings for willing runners and play them in all day long.

Coutts in control of the ball waiting for Adams, Brayford, Sharp, Done, Sammon etc to make the runs and off we go. Can't wait.

.

You're right but he was as you say "right flank" rather than a winger. At PNE, where he was captain and very well regarded by their fans, and at Peterborough, he played with distinction in central midfield. That's where I, for one, want him to operate for us. It will not be possible, of course, to accommodate everyone who wants to play in that position, especially when our new captain arrives, but I'm happy to leave that to Nigel.

By the way, Reed did well when he came on yesterday. Some would say that was against depleted opposition but nonetheless I give him credit.

 

[Fiery Blade]

I actually agree with you 100%, but did you see our games against Bury and Colchester at home? Outplayed in midfield.

Man City are probably saying that about playing in the Champions league - it's about how your players fit together - ours at the moment are inconsistent.

As for Burton - their first 11 might actually be better than ours - they might struggle if they lose a few key players.

It is actually very easy to play against us - all depends how Burton play. If they close us down, even on their own pitch then it will be difficult.

I'll let you know on Wednesday morning - or even Tuesday night when we get back if it's been a nightmare

UTB

Unfortunately, I was at both games against Bury & Colchester - we were outplayed because we didn't play !
My main concern is for some reason both last season and this the players on the pitch just don't 'turn up' - when I went to Peterborough I saw a United side that had purpose and knew what they wanted where as the home games you mentioned there was no heart, passion or desire (except Billy Sharp)
I'm going on Tuesday and I expect more of the same as against Donny - if we play there is not a side in this league to touch us but at the moment occasionally we appear a 'soft touch'.
I would expect the team to be focussed, prepared and ready for action, they are professional footballers - I expect nothing less !

 

[Darthblade]

Its nothing to do with 'Massive' far from it !
It comes from the fact that like it or not we have a squad full of players that would get in almost any other side in this division !
If we offered Burton Albion Sharp, Basham, Baxter, Coutts, Freeman, Adams, Reed, Sammon, etc etc on a free transfer they would snap your hand off although they may baulk at McEverley and Collins !!!
The players we have in the squad should be good enough to get us automatic promotion and we shouldn't be worrying about the likes of Burton Albion

Regrettably; the players we have currently in the squad are NOT good enough to get us automatic promotion from this agricultural division and that is evidenced by the results from this and last season. We are still far from the finished item in terms of "automatic promotion" as our inconsistency shows.

The Board would love to continue as we are ( as we did last season to our detriment ) but hopefully, NA has the strength of character and experience to force the issue and get in at least a CH, CM and winger and possibly a couple more if necessary.

UTB & FTP

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

As to the second, as ever, you make my point so much better than I do

I make your point that we haven't won anything since 1926 by pointing out we've won Division 4 since 1925.

That's some magic I've worked there.

Let me know when you need any more help.

;-)

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Regrettably; the players we have currently in the squad are NOT good enough to get us automatic promotion from this agricultural division and that is evidenced by the results from this and last season. We are still far from the finished item in terms of "automatic promotion" as our inconsistency shows.

The Board would love to continue as we are ( as we did last season to our detriment ) but hopefully, NA has the strength of character and experience to force the issue and get in at least a CH, CM and winger and possibly a couple more if necessary.

UTB & FTP

Darth , Every team in this league is inconsistent this season , which includes us ( at the moment ).

The standard of play in this division has risen over the years , but i don't think , it can be classed as agricultural any more , as every team does appear to try and play football , (although tactically we do get out manouvred on a number of occasions.) .

We have some impact players on the road to revovery , and the board want succes , as much as us fans . With this in mind , they have paid contractural compensation to the previous manager Clough and his staff , with the financial backing to Adkins , with the incoming loan player (s) , and the major signing of Billy Sharp.

Adkins would not have come to the lane , if he thought he was going to get hoodwinked.

Not all is doom and despondency at BDTBL , but agree , we are not yet the finnished article , in terms of automatic promotion , but we are getting there , and will get there.

UTB