Half Term Report

[Fiery Blade]

Now we have another inernational break I thought that a Half Term Report would see how opinions differed!
Mine is below:
Bunn 5/10 Started well but looks increasingly vulnerable especially to long range shots
Walker 7/10 Good in patches Seems frustrated with some of his team mates when things not going well
Taylor 5/10 Has struggled to look the part all season
Stewart 5/10 First match last week, Journeyman in this division
Morgan 7.5/10 Leads from the front Loses his man from time to time this season Perhaps when covering for other defenders
Killgallon 6/10 Seems preoccupied with either transfer talk or new contract Not up to last seasons standards yet!
Davies 6/10 looked shaky early on but improved significantly last Saturday
Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better
Little 8/10 First run out last week Excellent Lacks match fitness Should have bought him 10 years ago
Motgomery 6/10 Some Good Some Bad displays Tries very hard End result sometimes lacking
Quinn 6.5/10 Again good mixed with bloody awful - must learn to keep control and play football
Treacey 7.5/10 Looks excellent in patches Should sign him on a permanant in Jan
Ward 8/10 Excellent when playing but missing through injury and suspension for long periods
Henderson 7/10 Does what he does quite well but restricts the Blades style of play
Evans 4/10 Huge disappointment Body language and demranour does not look promising
Cresswell 7/10 Didn't like signing but performed well last Saturday

Outlook: Must improve in all quarters to mount a serious challenge this year!

 

[GAZBLADE]

Yeh pretty much spot on that. It's all, 'What if's' i know but i'm damn sure that if KB had had a full strength squad from day 1 we'd be a lot closer to Newcastle than we are now. That said, and, seeing that we're only 7 points off top spot must make a lot of the doubters realise how well we're doing even with so many injuries and a lot of players not at their best right now. IMO we're in a very good, strong position to mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion. COYRWW

 

[DuncDisorderly]

Now we have another inernational break I thought that a Half Term Report would see how opinions differed!
!

Fiery owd lad, I dont know what you learned in school but half of 46 isn't 11.

 

[Revolution]

Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better

One thing not helping with this is Blackwell is messing him about again. He is ever present, but has started only 2 of 11 games.

I would love to see Blackwell give Cotterill a run of, say, 5 or 6 starts and see how he does over that period, rather than dropping him as soon as he has an indifferent game.

Given that sticking Cotterill in the team for a long run has coincided with us shooting up the table 2 years in a row, and given that we are a bit short handed, I am at a loss as to why KB doesn't try this.

Fiery - James Harper called, and wants to know why he doesn't have a rating!

 

[beechblade]

Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better

One thing not helping with this is Blackwell is messing him about again. He is ever present, but has started only 2 of11 games.

I would love to see Blackwell give Cotterill a run of, say, 5 or 6 starts and see how he does over that period, rather than dropping him as soon as he has an indifferent game.

I wouldn't, Blackie has to change things at the minute and leaving a lack lusture Cotterill in the team is the wrong way to go, people moan if players who under perform have lengthy spells in the team. But there is a certain love some blades fans have with Cotterill I admire, because they see the potential in him, problem is he is way too hit and miss.... 1 great performance in every 10 games doesn't mean the kid is a superstar.
He could be and certainly has the potential to be a cracking player but I find him too lazy and like people have mentioned with Evans if things aren't going his way from the get go in the game he drops his head.

When we had Ward in the team and Cotterill would come on, he looked in impressive... he wouldn't shy from sticking the foot into a tackle as much, as he has been and would look eager on attack. Had a few great chances and scored a wonder goal at Reading, He proved his affectiveness as an impact player, causing problems to the tired legs of defenders able to use his one trick of cutting in side then back out to the wing because the defenders where knackered from dealing with the energtic Jamie Ward.
Then they after deal with what looks like a energtic Cotterill, pacey and able to put across in too. I generally feel Ward inspired Cotterill because of his raw energy people buzzed off it a little.
Cue Wards injury Cotterill gets his two starts in two of the lack lustre performances Swansea and Ipswich, now I'm not blaming Cotts before you say I am but losing that energy and grit changed the dimensions, Jamie wasn't affraid to harrass players on the wing... both attacking and defending, when we lost him we lost this, Cotterill is very much a winger who given ample of time and room will split the oppostion in half with a blistering run and a dangerous ball into the box.
But the second someone pressurises him or can get use to his pace and win the balls off him from time to time his head drops, he still trys but not as hard, he loses confidence in himself and tends to become a fixture in the game, he still does the odd bit of flair and can get a ball in but his back seat role in the game puts our defence under pressure as he'll often stand around looking shocked when his looses, sometimes he'll track back and win a ball but its not done enough most of the time, it puts us under pressure and sadly this season our defence hasn't always coped with that.

I can see all the potential in Cotterill but he has to believe in himself more and has to start getting into his stride in games and not putting his head down when the smallest of things don't go his way. If he can do this he'll be a deadly player in this league and team, made its that Blackwell doesn't know how to nuture his talent, though I wouldn't say it his he did a good enough Job with Naughton, made Speed or Little need to get into his head and gee the lad up a bit and make him believe in himself more. Or maybe Cotterill needs to take a long hard look at his game and pick his finer moments out and see what inspires these and apply those inspirations into his whole game, a good sports psychologists could help him do wonders. In the end I don't want to see a half baked Cotterill getting a lengthy run, at the minute he still works better as an impact player.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Fiery owd lad, I dont know what you learned in school but half of 46 isn't 11.

Actually Duncan I was alluding to the half term schoolreport normally done around this time of year!
But saying that we a frighteningly close to 1/4 way thru'season:fishy:

 

[Fiery Blade]

Fiery owd lad, I dont know what you learned in school but half of 46 isn't 11.

Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better

One thing not helping with this is Blackwell is messing him about again. He is ever present, but has started only 2 of 11 games.

I would love to see Blackwell give Cotterill a run of, say, 5 or 6 starts and see how he does over that period, rather than dropping him as soon as he has an indifferent game.

Given that sticking Cotterill in the team for a long run has coincided with us shooting up the table 2 years in a row, and given that we are a bit short handed, I am at a loss as to why KB doesn't try this.

Fiery - James Harper called, and wants to know why he doesn't have a rating!

Oops Sorry Harps old boy
Forgot to mention you however
Harper 6/10 Not the player I remember at Reading but could now come in for Monty and make the spot his own!

 

[Revolution]

Beechblade, that's a very interesting post on Cotterill, and I see where you're coming from. The influence of Ward is an interesting point and one to watch out for when both are next in the team together.

The main reason I think Cotterill would benefit from a good run, though, is a point you don't address - we have got a lot out of him in the last 2 seasons when he's had an extended run in the side, and a lot less when he's been chopped and changed.

Leaving him out of the Doncaster game first XI is a good example of the way he's treated. The counter argument - and it's a damn good one - is that Little deserved a start. So did Cotterill after, say, the Reading game, but of course he didn't get it.

He may not have played very well in the 2 games he did start (though from what I am told by people who were at Swansea, he was better than the press coverage gave him credit for), but that's no sort of run.

It is very hard to acquire the self believe you say he lacks (and you're right) when the manager shows so little faith in him compared to other players who have played worse and not been dropped (Hello Stephen Quinn from last season).

I think you hit the nail on the head when you say perhaps Blackwell doesn't know how to nuture his talent. I am worried that this is also true of some of his other signings, notably Evans.

 

[Robbie]

I feel the differences in ratings somewhat baffling.

Creswell gets a 7 after 1 and a bit games where he does 'ok'.
Stewart gets a 5 after an 'ok' performance too.

Cotts given a 4 even though he has done decent at points - I feel this is an indication that you don't rate him.

You also give Little an 8 after a few brief games - granted he did well in the last 2, but I feel you're getting ahead of yourself.

 

[beechblade]

Beechblade, that's a very interesting post on Cotterill, and I see where you're coming from. The influence of Ward is an interesting point and one to watch out for when both are next in the team together.

The main reason I think Cotterill would benefit from a good run, though, is a point you don't address - we have got a lot out of him in the last 2 seasons when he's had an extended run in the side, and a lot less when he's been chopped and changed.

Leaving him out of the Doncaster game first XI is a good example of the way he's treated. The counter argument - and it's a damn good one - is that Little deserved a start. So did Cotterill after, say, the Reading game, but of course he didn't get it.

He may not have played very well in the 2 games he did start (though from what I am told by people who were at Swansea, he was better than the press coverage gave him credit for), but that's no sort of run.

It is very hard to acquire the self believe you say he lacks (and you're right) when the manager shows so little faith in him compared to other players who have played worse and not been dropped (Hello Stephen Quinn from last season).

I think you hit the nail on the head when you say perhaps Blackwell doesn't know how to nuture his talent. I am worried that this is also true of some of his other signings, notably Evans.

Very good points, I was trying to look at it as a coaching perspective as how i would see him, though I do see were your coming from with the longer run no doubt that is the only way he can benefit from gaining confidence, however at this point with the defense being shaky I don't think its the right time, I agree after the Reading game may have been the best chance but with Treacy, Ward and Cotterill all playing well at the point in time it was hard to see what could have changed as Blackwell clearly favoured Henderson and Evans up front at the time (still does at the minute due to injuries.) I can't comment much on everything I saw last season I was just leaving the forces and buying a house so I never got to see Cotterill at his best every game I attend he was rather poor or just and average player. Thats why he impressed me most as an impact player this season. He needs to raise his game for the coming weeks to try and get ahead of Little, lets hope the challenge benefits the team and Cotterill.

I can't say Blackwell can't nuture his talent 100% as I haven't seen what he does in training or observes, people may see Blackwell slagging Cotterill of too when he mentions him but I generally feel Blackwell rates him he's just trying to find the right way of bringing his talent to the forefront. He wants him to preform because he know he can, there is no doubt Cotterill can be an expectonal player but until he and the coaching side figure how to transpire that talent to his overall game he will just be that impact player.

I imagine Cottrill is both Frustrated himself and Frustrating to coach, if they don't fnd that sync between each other.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Robbie,
Cresswell did ok and showed willing and that he could be a potential match winner with his goal wasn't expecting much when he signed - pleasantly surprised so 7
Stewart did ok but I saw nothing to suggest that he could up his game to make a significant contribution so 5
Cotterill - based on his ability, potential and experience of watching him play over the last two seasons I believe he has not achieved the level of performance this season any where near to be honest - he is capable of far better so 4
Little despite only featuring in cameo performances oozed class and made the telling cross to create the goal on Saturday. Has loads of experience and a quality player so 8
I don't see wher I am getting ahead of myself - as I said in the thread opener Opinions will differ!

 

[Robbie]

as I said in the thread opener Opinions will differ!

Agreed - hence my opinion you're getting ahead of yourself I respect each opinion, just you're wrong and I am right lol

Cotts for me 'can' be key if used correctly, which he is not being.

I think he was harshly taken off against Ipswich where he was actually playing well.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Agreed - hence my opinion you're getting ahead of yourself I respect each opinion, just you're wrong and I am right lol

Cotts for me 'can' be key if used correctly, which he is not being.

I think he was harshly taken off against Ipswich where he was actually playing well.

Cotterill is always Blackwells first target because he bullies him

 

[Robbie]

Cotterill is always Blackwells first target because he bullies him

That's just given me visions of Blackwell walking up to him in training and wedgying Cotts before taking his dinner money off him haha

 

[TonyAgana]

Agreed - hence my opinion you're getting ahead of yourself I respect each opinion, just you're wrong and I am right lol

Cotts for me 'can' be key if used correctly, which he is not being.

I think he was harshly taken off against Ipswich where he was actually playing well.

I agree, I thought Cotts had a good game against Ipswich. Did plenty of back tracking too and put in a good shift.

 

[Come from away]

Cotts and Little are quite similar in that the balls sticks when they get, their first thought is to get it under control. Contrast Quinn who is most likely to try a flick on to 'someone' - when it works great, but not often. I will forgive defenders hoofing the ball, except when they have time (Walker's long balls to nobody in particular are quite baffling), but a midfield player should be bringing the ball down. Hence, having both in the team does change how we play, similar with Treacy. Once we start that style Hendo can be quite skillful too.

 

[Rudders]

I'll post up the players' average season ratings later when I get home - taken from the match reports posted on here - see how it tallys up with Fiery's marks. Probably quite close from memory.

 

[SwissBlade]

Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better

One thing not helping with this is Blackwell is messing him about again. He is ever present, but has started only 2 of 11 games.

I would love to see Blackwell give Cotterill a run of, say, 5 or 6 starts and see how he does over that period, rather than dropping him as soon as he has an indifferent game.

Given that sticking Cotterill in the team for a long run has coincided with us shooting up the table 2 years in a row, and given that we are a bit short handed, I am at a loss as to why KB doesn't try this.

Christ on a bike! I didn't realise that Cotterill was 12 years old and needs mothering!

Cotterill has his chances and rarely takes them. I'd have been shut of him a long time ago.

Cotterill is in danger (justifiably so) of losing his place to 33 year old Little!

Cotterill is paid to deliver the goods and work for the team. He frustrates much more than he excites.

Why should he be given 5-6 games when we now have adequate back up

 

[HoodedClaw]

The lads only 21 yrs old FFS, and some people think he should be a world beater every game.

How good were you at whatever you do when you were 20/21??

Step back take a look at yourselves. :loopy:

 

[Rudders]

Half Term Average Marks

Now we have another inernational break I thought that a Half Term Report would see how opinions differed!
Mine is below:
Bunn 5/10 Started well but looks increasingly vulnerable especially to long range shots
Walker 7/10 Good in patches Seems frustrated with some of his team mates when things not going well
Taylor 5/10 Has struggled to look the part all season
Stewart 5/10 First match last week, Journeyman in this division
Morgan 7.5/10 Leads from the front Loses his man from time to time this season Perhaps when covering for other defenders
Killgallon 6/10 Seems preoccupied with either transfer talk or new contract Not up to last seasons standards yet!
Davies 6/10 looked shaky early on but improved significantly last Saturday
Cotterill 4/10 Not hit the standards he is capable of - could do better
Little 8/10 First run out last week Excellent Lacks match fitness Should have bought him 10 years ago
Motgomery 6/10 Some Good Some Bad displays Tries very hard End result sometimes lacking
Quinn 6.5/10 Again good mixed with bloody awful - must learn to keep control and play football
Treacey 7.5/10 Looks excellent in patches Should sign him on a permanant in Jan
Ward 8/10 Excellent when playing but missing through injury and suspension for long periods
Henderson 7/10 Does what he does quite well but restricts the Blades style of play
Evans 4/10 Huge disappointment Body language and demranour does not look promising
Cresswell 7/10 Didn't like signing but performed well last Saturday

Outlook: Must improve in all quarters to mount a serious challenge this year!

I'm missing a couple of match ratings but the RudOpta stats are as follows:

6.6 Bunn
2.0 Bennett

6.1 Taylor
6.9 Morgan
6.0 Kilgallon
6.1 Walker
3.0 Bromby
6.5 Davies
5.0 Stewart

6.6 Monty
5.6 Quinn
4.4 Howard
5.7 France
6.6 Treacy
7.5 Little
5.7 Cotterill
7.0 Reid
5.5 Harper

6.4 Henderson
5.7 Evans
7.2 Ward
4.0 Sharp

 

[Come from away]

So, if we drop Little and Reid for not much time on the field our best players would be -
Ward, Morgan, Monty, Bunn, Treacy, Davies, Henderson. Or our starting team for Scunny would be (and not far off)
Bunn
Walker Morg Davies Taylor
France Quinn Harper
Little Hendo Treacy

 

[Mary Christmas]

The lads only 21 yrs old FFS, and some people think he should be a world beater every game.

How good were you at whatever you do when you were 20/21??

Step back take a look at yourselves. :loopy:

I was a pro HC and I like to think that I was very good at 21. Now I just take what I can get!

Mary

 

[DuncDisorderly]

Actually Duncan I was alluding to the half term schoolreport normally done around this time of year!
But saying that we a frighteningly close to 1/4 way thru'season:fishy:

Don't fear the 'quarter of the way through the season' stage. Its too easy to start marking players on now when the team is lacking some of our first choice players and they are still coming together as a group.

At this point I'd be a bit less specific. Generally we are doing OK. We are scoring more goals, but conceding more as well. We have good passages of play where we look something like, then others when we look poor. It was the same at this stage last season. We have more width, more pace (when its all fit), some of the players have developed a bit, others seem to have slipped back.

We are top six which is where we need to be, unbeaten at home (although with too many draws), and as you know I see signs that all will be well. The division as a whole is as tough as usual, and the challenge is going to be getting past WBA and Newcastle for the auto spots. I do think it will be Wembley again. Hopefully we can get there with two fit strikers this time.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Morning Duncan
Whilst we sometimes appear diametrically opposite in our views I believe that you are probably not far away from a realistic ending to the season!
What does frustrate me is the potential the squad has shown over the time that Blackwell has been in charge to the actual results achieved Whilst good just not good enough.
Nobody will convince me that last year Birmingham, Wolves or Burnley were better sides than we were but unfortunately Owen Coyle was far smarter than Blackwell and perhaps had a shade more luck with injuries.
But taking everything into consideration I believe we blew a fantastic chance last year!

 

[Revolution]

We are scoring more goals, but conceding more as well.

Last season after 11 matches: for 15, against 7
This year: for 19, against 15

If we have a problem, it's a defensive one...

 

[beightonblade]

The Blades will finish the season in the bottom half of the table in my opinion as a result of woefull management at BDTBL.