Fleck wins players' player of the year

[blade789]

Fleck player of th season by a country mile. 2nd place would be Blackman for me, I know we have chucked some points away this season (at least 15 at home) but some of the saves he has made have been superb.

My worry about Fleck is that if Wilder moves on in the summer, which is something we potentially need to be prepared for. His first signing at his new club will be fleck and maybe JOC

 

[FinchleyBlade]

I know, very strange opinions.

Fleck is probably our most important player, consistent, hard-working. He's key to the way we play and is having a great season: he deserved his award today.

Duffy has been great and his goal at Hillsborough was wonderful, but he hasn't made as big a contribution over all as Fleck - no one has.

Nothing strange about it at all.

How many goals and assists does Fleck have? For a midfielder he doesn't get anywhere near what he should. Duffy has close to double figures in assists, his contribution vastly exceeds any of our other midfield players.

Fleck is an outstanding player but there isn't enough end product from him, there is from Duffy.

 

[FinchleyBlade]

Been some really great performances this year - Basham, Baldock, Stearman, Blackman and Clarke for example. However Fleck is our star man when Coutts isn’t around.

How can you not mention Duffy in that sentence?

Do some of our fans not watch the entire games?

 

[Jehovah]

Good player, but doesn't score anywhere near enough goals, knowing he has the ability.

 

[Stebop]

For me, our best player is Duffy. When he's on his game, we tick.

However, he's missed far too many games, for various reasons, to be considered player of the season IMO.

Fleck has been a virtual ever present, barring the suspension after the avoidable Bristol City red.

He usually looks a class above every other midfielder we have, or we play against, every single week.

If he added more goals to his driving runs, we'd be fending off (*cough, cough* accepting) £8m plus bids for him.

Good call by the players, and they should know! Congratulations John, let's have at least 5 more goals next season please

 

[Wilderat Heart]

Fleck for me fair enough although I don't get to away games these days so that opinion is based on home form. Duff y has been very good but prospers when Fleck is taking control of midfield. O'Connell is a fine player who I think will continue to improve, the quality of opposition he's facing this year is vastly superior to last year and centre halves usually improve with age and experience. O'Connell is one of a few who I think could make the step up again assuming he kicks on which I believe he can. Presumably Brooks is young player of the year.

 

[shrubbery]

Can’t complain about Fleck receiving this award - we’ll deserved and is consistently one of the best players on the pitch.

Personally my biggest surprise has been Bash. I thought that he would be well out of his depth but I think he’s got better and better as the season has progressed.

 

[grafikhaus]

As ever, these awards often divide opinion. Fleck is a very good player with a superb 'eye' for finding his team-mates. Very consistent, he's started 38 out of 43 league games and never been substituted. 'Antis'? Just two goals all season and he plays in a more forgiving position where mistakes aren't as visible and can often be recovered (probably why you'll rarely see a striker or goalkeeper win awards).

Duffs - similar to Fleck - is a 'footballer's footballer' and is a master at the key, defence-spitting pass. Just 2 goals and has started 26 games but has been subbed 20 times, so obviously not a '90-minuter' or one who is going to be available for every game.

I see where both players deserve recognition, but what about a 'Mentioned in dispatches' Award?

Basham has upped his game and is a consistent performer. Almost ever-present (started 41 games and come on as sub. once in our 43 league games) Chris has - like Fleck & Duffy - scored 2 goals in the league. Can look a bit clumsy and error-prone, but that's the nature of his position - you need to be physically imposing and can get 'done' by speedier, attacking opponents. See Cahill, Terry etc.

And here's my 'grafikhaus I'll get the popcorn and hide under the duvet Award'. Leon. Easily our top scorer with 18, equal-second top scorer in the Championship (just one goal behind £8m Matej Vydra whose total includes six penalties) and Leon has the highest 'shots on target' ratio - 61% - of all of them. Source. His role means he gets permanently battered and is prone to bookings, but has started 34 times and come on as sub. twice in our 43 games. Oh, and like Fleck and Duffs, he scored at Hillsborough. But twice.

Finally, and totally subjective and non-scientific, I've gone through our games and looked at the effect Clarke's goals have had on the result (e.g. Burton away. We won 3-1, Clarke scored one goal so no 'effect'. Similarly, we beat Hull 4-1 at home, Leon scored 4. On the basis that 'each team starts every game with one point', if Leon had only scored one goal we'd have drawn 1-1. But he didn't, he scored 4 so his goals 'gained' us all three points..

On that basis, Leon's goals have added an extra ten points this season, without which we'd be equal 13th and our season would have been over weeks ago.

Now where's that popcorn?

 

[Sid1978]

As ever, these awards often divide opinion. Fleck is a very good player with a superb 'eye' for finding his team-mates. Very consistent, he's started 38 out of 43 league games and never been substituted. 'Antis'? Just two goals all season and he plays in a more forgiving position where mistakes aren't as visible and can often be recovered (probably why you'll rarely see a striker or goalkeeper win awards).

Duffs - similar to Fleck - is a 'footballer's footballer' and is a master at the key, defence-spitting pass. Just 2 goals and has started 26 games but has been subbed 20 times, so obviously not a '90-minuter' or one who is going to be available for every game.

I see where both players deserve recognition, but what about a 'Mentioned in dispatches' Award?

Basham has upped his game and is a consistent performer. Almost ever-present (started 41 games and come on as sub. once in our 43 league games) Chris has - like Fleck & Duffy - scored 2 goals in the league. Can look a bit clumsy and error-prone, but that's the nature of his position - you need to be physically imposing and can get 'done' by speedier, attacking opponents. See Cahill, Terry etc.

And here's my 'grafikhaus I'll get the popcorn and hide under the duvet Award'. Leon. Easily our top scorer with 18, equal-second top scorer in the Championship (just one goal behind £8m Matej Vydra whose total includes six penalties) and Leon has the highest 'shots on target' ratio - 61% - of all of them. Source. His role means he gets permanently battered and is prone to bookings, but has started 34 times and come on as sub. twice in our 43 games. Oh, and like Fleck and Duffs, he scored at Hillsborough. But twice.

Finally, and totally subjective and non-scientific, I've gone through our games and looked at the effect Clarke's goals have had on the result (e.g. Burton away. We won 3-1, Clarke scored one goal so no 'effect'. Similarly, we beat Hull 4-1 at home, Leon scored 4. On the basis that 'each team starts every game with one point', if Leon had only scored one goal we'd have drawn 1-1. But he didn't, he scored 4 so his goals 'gained' us all three points..

On that basis, Leon's goals have added an extra ten points this season, without which we'd be equal 13th and our season would have been over weeks ago.

Now where's that popcorn?

I'm sure I read / heard that Billy was the league leader in gaining points for his team..... now where's my popcorn...

 

[metalblade]

Fleck for me POTY by a mile yes he needs to score more but you can say that for all our midfield but he is the most consistent performer in the team. Duffy sorry he can't last 90mins, JOC always has an error in him or he would be in contention, Clark deserves a mention 18 goals so far, a mention too for Blackman who has improved over the season I would be very happy if we signed him.
Biggest disappointments for me Holmes, Wilson I just don't see what the fuss is about to bring these two in in the JTW. I think Stevens has struggled with stepping up two divisions also

 

[Chali 2na]

Nothing strange about it at all.

How many goals and assists does Fleck have? For a midfielder he doesn't get anywhere near what he should. Duffy has close to double figures in assists, his contribution vastly exceeds any of our other midfield players.

Fleck is an outstanding player but there isn't enough end product from him, there is from Duffy.

It's player of the season, not the most assists award. Yes they're important, and yes Fleck could do with more but you can't use that as your only metric.

Duffy has only made 26 starts, Fleck has been practically ever present. This is because Fleck is fitter, more consistent, more influential and harder to replace - that's why he rightly won player's player of the season.

I love Duffy, he's one of my all time favourite United players, but John Fleck edges it in my opinion (and the players opinion)

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Completely deserved. Very pleased he's won this. Top quality, 'proper' footballer.

Totally agree , been our most consistent performer by a country mile & carried the midfield after Coutts injury .

 

[wavy-blade]

Really hope we keep hold of him. Biggest joke in football that he's not deemed good enough for Scotland

You can't believe it can you , not good enough for Scotland, it a frigging joke , no wonder their crap !

 

[Esablade]

Well done Fleck.

Must have been close with Duffy but someone’s got to win it!

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I can use bold in my comments too.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

Fleck very deserving, a truly consistent performer and a joy to watch every week, always turns up. I can't remember the last time I thought "Fleck was poor today".

Special mention for Duffy as well, who has been utter class, something special and always looked threatening.

 

[benn5712]

Dem Blades blog names Paul Coutts MOM every match.
It has to be Coutts !

 

[Ricky]

My order for POTY would be:

1. Fleck
2. Clarke
3. Duffy
4. O'Connell
5. Basham

Clarke ahead of Duffy because the workload on him this season has been unbelievable, and he's coped admirably, and scored a hugely impressive 18 goals, and counting.

It's incredibly fitting that Fleck, Clarke and Duffy scored our goals at Hillsborough.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Could have gone to Fleck or Duffy for me. Fleck has been more consistent but on his day Duffy is unplayable and our most creative player.

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

Thoroughly well deserved. Excelled at this level - makes you wonder how he had ever come to languishing in League One!

Congrats, Flecky.

 

[super_pig]

Been our best defender this season, had he scored the 5 sitters he's missed he'd probably be in contention for POTY.

plus he has to play with Stevens ..

 

[super_pig]

Could have gone to Fleck or Duffy for me. Fleck has been more consistent but on his day Duffy is unplayable and our most creative player.

he's injured half the games!!

 

[snootyfenooty]

Fleck? it's a no brainer

If more of our players had shown the consistency of Fleck, we would be well in the PO positions by now.

It's player of the FULL season not a few cameos here and there.

We will have a job to keep him in the summer.

UTB

Yep, Fleck has probably played twice the minutes Duffy has, there's no comparison. And as you say, when United's annual summer sale gets underway it will be Fleck who they're queueing up to buy, not Duffy.

 

[DronnieBlade]

As ever, these awards often divide opinion. Fleck is a very good player with a superb 'eye' for finding his team-mates. Very consistent, he's started 38 out of 43 league games and never been substituted. 'Antis'? Just two goals all season and he plays in a more forgiving position where mistakes aren't as visible and can often be recovered (probably why you'll rarely see a striker or goalkeeper win awards).

Duffs - similar to Fleck - is a 'footballer's footballer' and is a master at the key, defence-spitting pass. Just 2 goals and has started 26 games but has been subbed 20 times, so obviously not a '90-minuter' or one who is going to be available for every game.

I see where both players deserve recognition, but what about a 'Mentioned in dispatches' Award?

Basham has upped his game and is a consistent performer. Almost ever-present (started 41 games and come on as sub. once in our 43 league games) Chris has - like Fleck & Duffy - scored 2 goals in the league. Can look a bit clumsy and error-prone, but that's the nature of his position - you need to be physically imposing and can get 'done' by speedier, attacking opponents. See Cahill, Terry etc.

And here's my 'grafikhaus I'll get the popcorn and hide under the duvet Award'. Leon. Easily our top scorer with 18, equal-second top scorer in the Championship (just one goal behind £8m Matej Vydra whose total includes six penalties) and Leon has the highest 'shots on target' ratio - 61% - of all of them. Source. His role means he gets permanently battered and is prone to bookings, but has started 34 times and come on as sub. twice in our 43 games. Oh, and like Fleck and Duffs, he scored at Hillsborough. But twice.

Finally, and totally subjective and non-scientific, I've gone through our games and looked at the effect Clarke's goals have had on the result (e.g. Burton away. We won 3-1, Clarke scored one goal so no 'effect'. Similarly, we beat Hull 4-1 at home, Leon scored 4. On the basis that 'each team starts every game with one point', if Leon had only scored one goal we'd have drawn 1-1. But he didn't, he scored 4 so his goals 'gained' us all three points..

On that basis, Leon's goals have added an extra ten points this season, without which we'd be equal 13th and our season would have been over weeks ago.

Now where's that popcorn?

Sharp’s shots on target is slightly higher.

By your method of calculating points “value” Sharp has added 17 points. The highest of any player in the Championship.

I find it interesting that loads of folks strongly believe that Clark links play better. That he adds much value in this regard.

Clark has a pass completion of 66%. Sharp is 74% !!!!!

Clark has a shot conversion rate of 25%. Sharp is 31%.

Both have 4 direct assists for the season. Sharp with significantly less minutes on the pitch.

Both have broadly same output of goals per minutes played (Clark has gone in front yesterday with recent goal flurry, having been behind in this regard for several months).

Not much love for our immediate past captain

UTB

 

[stringer]

Finally, and totally subjective and non-scientific, I've gone through our games and looked at the effect Clarke's goals have had on the result (e.g. Burton away. We won 3-1, Clarke scored one goal so no 'effect'. Similarly, we beat Hull 4-1 at home, Leon scored 4. On the basis that 'each team starts every game with one point', if Leon had only scored one goal we'd have drawn 1-1. But he didn't, he scored 4 so his goals 'gained' us all three points..

On that basis, Leon's goals have added an extra ten points this season, without which we'd be equal 13th and our season would have been over weeks ago.

Now where's that popcorn?

If Leon wasn’t playing would we have had to play with ten men?

Yep, Fleck has probably played twice the minutes Duffy has, there's no comparison. And as you say, when United's annual summer sale gets underway it will be Fleck who they're queueing up to buy, not Duffy.

33 Championship appearances v 37, according to Transfermarkt. Making allowances for their differing roles and that there’s almost 6 years between them, don’t think that’s a bad output from either. And if Duffy was the same age as Fleck, rather than 32, I think there’d be clubs beating a path to United’s door for the pair of them

 

[Harry's Game]

Fleck and JOC have been our best two players this season,

Duffy has had some great moments and Clarke was in the form of his life up to Xmas, but the correct decision for Fleck to get the award.

Fleck and JOC are the two players currently we have that could slip into a Premier League side now and not look out of place,

 

[DronnieBlade]

Fleck and JOC have been our best two players this season,

Duffy has had some great moments and Clarke was in the form of his life up to Xmas, but the correct decision for Fleck to get the award.

Fleck and JOC are the two players currently we have that could slip into a Premier League side now and not look out of place,

Add Coutts.

UTB

 

[Grappler]

Our very best player by a very long way. My favourite Blades player to wear the shirt since Deano. Tremendous balance and awareness. He needs to be playing more centrally instead of left side to get the best out of him IMO. Evans is seeing more of the ball than Fleck at the moment when he isn't fit to lace Fleck's boots.
Our biggest task over the summer is hanging on to players like Fleck and O'Connell who must be in the sights of lower Prem/top Championship teams after this season.
UTB

Very harsh and unfair.

 

[AWetFlannel]

Fleck very deserving, a truly consistent performer and a joy to watch every week, always turns up. I can't remember the last time I thought "Fleck was poor today".

Special mention for Duffy as well, who has been utter class, something special and always looked threatening.

He was woeful against Hull and a few others tbf, but still a worthy winner of POTY.

 

[Speedracer]

I am a bit puzzled about this debate, by supporters, over who won the PLAYERS POTY. Only the PLAYERS could vote, they see everything in the club & training ground every day & vote accordingly. Now if it were the supporters POTY there is a debate to be had.