Gary Madine and James Hanson

[S20BLADESMAD]

Personally don’t think it’s quite the same. When we signed Hanson every team was getting everyone behind the ball deep holding on for the point. I think even now very few teams in this league respect us enough to do that. It’s just another string to our bow more so than a reaction to other teams like Hanson was.

Really? At home this season I would seriously struggle to na,e more than a few teams that haven’t come and sat back to play for a point.

Some teams ala pigs even came with a game plan if not going past the halfway line, knowing it would let us pass it through their defence.

 

[nopigfansintown]

The best hold up player United have had since Sam Vokes' who we had on loan in the relegation season.Despite him being a greenhorn at the time, I was suitably impressed.A little before that we had Shipperly (credit Isaw Joeshaw ), Hulse and the Chief Wayne Allison - all who deserve a mention.

What does he give us that we didn't already have?​

In home games in which the opposition defend narrow and deep (a low block) we can get the ball into him earlier. It doesn't have to be hoofball; just an early ball into his chest or feet. We can then play from there. We also have the option to go really direct if Wilder wants to change it up, or we want a late air raid in a game. Away from home is much more interesting. Under Wilder, United have been a high pressing possession based side, who look to dominate games on the front foot. With the acquisitions of Dowell, Madine and Hogan (and the inclusion of Baldock) United have the makeup of an excellent counter attacking team. The tactic is to get the ball into Madine's feet and chest early and fairly high up the field, and break like the red arrows footballing our way to the opponents goal.The examplar of these tactics was the Villa game. Expect to see Dowell, Madine and Hogan more away from home, and Duffy and Mcgoldrick more at home. We're a nightmare to play away from home now, and a formidable proposition at BDTBL.