Healthy Blades?

[boo radley]

All of a sudden we seem to be in a very healthy state.
The squad looks very strong with competition in most areas. Maybe with Morgan on 7 bookings and half a season to go (is it 2 games out for 10?) we need another CB. Also LB looks a bit suspect. Defensively we have not conceded a league goal at home since Newcastle. Siep has come in and wants to play for us. Walker seems back to his defensive best, just need to cut the long balls out and compose more when attacking. If you need that defensive mid man then Monty is there, We have the so called play makers in mid Willo and Harper, who also look like chipping in with 1 or 2 goals.
Wide options look good and as for striking options - that should be a different thread.
Off the field the Management and Board took a good four months of stick. Selling and injuries caused a lot of pain to our fellow supporters. Now that we seem to have got rid of our major earners we seem to be left with players who want to work for US THE SUPPORTERS as well as the management and Board.
The Management and Board have got to be commended for that.
Now we aint playing the best football ever although it is getting better and financially we may not be totally clear. The Blades however seem to be far more stable than most clubs and look in a good position to come out of the recession with ambition without putting the club in a boom bust scenario.

Am I reading the situation wrong and talking clap trap? If so slap me on the face and tell me to pull myself together.

 

[JohnDenver]

Aye, we'll be fine given another centreback and injury free run. I doubt we'll match last season's surge, but I'm hopeful we can hold onto a top six spot. I'd love to see another Kyle emerge from the Academy, but having made a mint on the last two, perhaps this is a bit greedy.

If we can emerge from the financial rough seas with a squad of genuine promise, then I'll be happy. If we go in for many more players of the age and non-descript nature of Ryan France and Jordan Stewart then I'll start to worry.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Looking long term, I think these are the players that are contracted beyond this season:

Kenny
-------------------
Morgan
Taylor
-------------------
Yeates
Williamson
France
Quinn
Reid
-------------------
Henderson
Evans
Ward
Cresswell


The rest of the squad will leave without us receiving anything for them. We seem to be struggling to sign players now, but will the situation be any better in the summer?

 

[Blade58]

Aye, we'll be fine given another centreback and injury free run. I doubt we'll match last season's surge, but I'm hopeful we can hold onto a top six spot. I'd love to see another Kyle emerge from the Academy, but having made a mint on the last two, perhaps this is a bit greedy.

If we can emerge from the financial rough seas with a squad of genuine promise, then I'll be happy. If we go in for many more players of the age and non-descript nature of Ryan France and Jordan Stewart then I'll start to worry.

A cb is an absolute must. Fortune alone is not the answer as cover and whilst some would argue we could stick Walker there, he's not the answer either imo.

A decent cb and if we could nick Naughton, I believe we wont be far away from nicking that 6th spot!

 

[Houso]

While I have little time for Jordan Stewart in the side (he puts himself about and is surprisingly strong in the air, but offers nothing else), I can't help but feel Ryan France has been given one of the hardest times as a new player that I can remember.

He's nothing flashy, but every time he's come on from the bench, he's done a solid job - most of the time in a particularly underperforming side. Don't get me wrong, I think he was a pointless signing and I'd be far from disappointed if he were sold this TW, but he doesn't deserve the stick he gets.

 

[Houso]

Looking long term, I think these are the players that are contracted beyond this season:

Kenny
-------------------
Morgan
Taylor
-------------------
Yeates
Williamson
France
Quinn
Reid
-------------------
Henderson
Evans
Ward
Cresswell


The rest of the squad will leave without us receiving anything for them. We seem to be struggling to sign players now, but will the situation be any better in the summer?

Naysmith too I'd imagine? Monty will definitely renew too IMO.

I imagine Harper will hang around, leaving us with a fairly solid midfield. One more striker and then obviously address the defence and one more keeper.

 

[JohnDenver]

...he doesn't deserve the stick he gets.

He has to get on the pitch to get stick. I've been to every home game this season (albeit non away), and I've learned nothing about France. Just haven't seen the chap play enough.

I don't mind us getting short term stop-gaps in where we have to. It's hard to buy players of promise for the medium-long term, so I'd rather we buy no-one and wait for the right player than lose our nerve and just get bodies in.

That's what France and Stewart seem to be doing - making up the numbers.

 

[raul]

Add Reid and Little to that. For a small squad, we still seem to have a high proportion of driftwood.

I think I'd rather see a couple of youngsters getting some first team squad experience rather than these players.

Tough times ahead, second half of the season sees away games at four of the five teams above us. If we can maintain our current position, we'll have done better than I'd have said at the start of the season.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Naysmith too I'd imagine? Monty will definitely renew too IMO.

I imagine Harper will hang around, leaving us with a fairly solid midfield. One more striker and then obviously address the defence and one more keeper.

I'm surprised it has taken Naysmith so long to recover, seems quite a while since he started playing in the reserves? We've signed both Taylor and Stewart, had Kallio (who we wanted to keep) and have had talks with Edman. I think Naysmith is out of contract this summer, a contract that is far too expensive for us to extend. Maybe he'll accept reduced terms, but my feeling is that he isn't in Blackwell's long term plans.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'm surprised it has taken Naysmith so long to recover, seems quite a while since he started playing in the reserves? We've signed both Taylor and Stewart, had Kallio (who we wanted to keep) and have had talks with Edman. I think Naysmith is out of contract this summer, a contract that is far too expensive for us to extend. Maybe he'll accept reduced terms, but my feeling is that he isn't in Blackwell's long term plans.

He's had a knee reconstruction it takes a long time to get back to full ability to twist and turn, let alone build up match fitness and sharpness.

Obviously every recovery is different, but Arteta was about a month before Naysmith and he's predicted to be back 6th Feb on Physioroom.com for full training

Edit: Arteta made his return today

 

[Bergen Blade]

Say he's earning 17k a week now. Given his age and injury record and our need to reduce the wage bill, what sort of contract would you offer him?

 

[yorkshirecoast]

All of a sudden we seem to be in a very healthy state.
The squad looks very strong with competition in most areas. Maybe with Morgan on 7 bookings and half a season to go (is it 2 games out for 10?) we need another CB. Also LB looks a bit suspect. Defensively we have not conceded a league goal at home since Newcastle. Siep has come in and wants to play for us. Walker seems back to his defensive best, just need to cut the long balls out and compose more when attacking. If you need that defensive mid man then Monty is there, We have the so called play makers in mid Willo and Harper, who also look like chipping in with 1 or 2 goals.
Wide options look good and as for striking options - that should be a different thread.
Off the field the Management and Board took a good four months of stick. Selling and injuries caused a lot of pain to our fellow supporters. Now that we seem to have got rid of our major earners we seem to be left with players who want to work for US THE SUPPORTERS as well as the management and Board.
The Management and Board have got to be commended for that.
Now we aint playing the best football ever although it is getting better and financially we may not be totally clear. The Blades however seem to be far more stable than most clubs and look in a good position to come out of the recession with ambition without putting the club in a boom bust scenario.

Am I reading the situation wrong and talking clap trap? If so slap me on the face and tell me to pull myself together.

I think we are ok up front & in midfield but very weak in the central defence & goalkeping departments. Seip is average and Fortune is nowhere near good enough - I just hope we don't sign Davies - & Bunn has again shown that he isn't up to it.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Well thats Seip out with an injury today,leaving Fortune with some big matches ahead,Reading will be up for it after beating Liverpool and Burnley then off to WBA.

 

[Ollessendro]

Say he's earning 17k a week now. Given his age and injury record and our need to reduce the wage bill, what sort of contract would you offer him?

I think that depends on the rest of the season Bergen. Yes he is old and his injury record is not great. However, if he comes back and plays like he did in the 2nd half of the season last year then it might be worth offering him a decent contract.

I believe Naysmith had a bit of a set back a few weeks ago (and that's why his comeback has been delayed). It will take him time for him to get to fitness (when he eventaully does come back) and there's no guarantee he'll produce the form he did for the Blades previously. Left back area is a real problem at the moment, but Naymsith might not be the saviour we are all hoping for. It could be another month before he's back (provided he stays fit) and then there's no guarantee. Look at Geary. I know situations are different but Del boy has (unsfortunately cos I really like him) been right off the pace.

I personally don't think he'll stay with the Blades. Like you I don't think he is in KB's plans. He's the last of the big earning Robson signings. I reckon he'll go North of the border to finish his career.

(I know the question wasn't aimed at me).

 

[Ollessendro]

I think we are ok up front & in midfield but very weak in the central defence & goalkeping departments. Seip is average and Fortune is nowhere near good enough - I just hope we don't sign Davies - & Bunn has again shown that he isn't up to it.

Nothing like jumping to conclusions!? There's no way you could be back from the game by now, so you can't have seen the goals.

I'm not Bunn's biggest fan, but he's only conceded 6 goals in his last 10 games (before today). 6 of these games were clean sheets.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

Nothing like jumping to conclusions!? There's no way you could be back from the game by now, so you can't have seen the goals.

I'm not Bunn's biggest fan, but he's only conceded 6 goals in his last 10 games (before today). 6 of these games were clean sheets.

Not been to Bolton - obviously - and I am going on reports in relation to Bunn's performance today. But I have been to every home game and several away & Bunn has not been convincing & has personally cost us a few goals. I want him to do well - I want all our players to do well - I just think we are going to struggle to progress unless we strengthen the goalkeeping & central defensive positions.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I think that depends on the rest of the season Bergen. Yes he is old and his injury record is not great. However, if he comes back and plays like he did in the 2nd half of the season last year then it might be worth offering him a decent contract.

I don't think age comes into it. He's probably got another 4 seasons left at this level, so another 3 year contract would make sense. Pace isn't exactly his strongest asset anyway.I can't imagine him been offered more than 10k a week though so i guess it's up to him whether he fancies playing for that kind of money.

 

[bartman]

I think we are ok up front & in midfield but very weak in the central defence & goalkeping departments. Seip is average and Fortune is nowhere near good enough - I just hope we don't sign Davies - & Bunn has again shown that he isn't up to it.

I've seen loads of critisim of Davies but I didn't think he did much wrong for us.In particular,at Barnsley where is was obviously carrying an injury from the first 10minutes,playing alongside an unfit fortune,he was outstanding.

I'm not saying he is in Killa's class,but at this level,he couldturn into along term replacement for Morgan.

As for Fortune,he has played approximately 3 games in nearly 2 years due to injury. He used to be an excellant cente half.At the momment he will be ok as a '4th' centre half in the club due to this. We desperately need a centre half permanatly(ans poss one on loan depending on Seip's injury).

 

[beechblade]

I've seen loads of critisim of Davies but I didn't think he did much wrong for us.In particular,at Barnsley where is was obviously carrying an injury from the first 10minutes,playing alongside an unfit fortune,he was outstanding.

I'm not saying he is in Killa's class,but at this level,he couldturn into along term replacement for Morgan.

As for Fortune,he has played approximately 3 games in nearly 2 years due to injury. He used to be an excellant cente half.At the momment he will be ok as a '4th' centre half in the club due to this. We desperately need a centre half permanatly(ans poss one on loan depending on Seip's injury).

Blackwell seems desperate to get more Centre Half cover but what we need is the board to back him to go out and find us decent cover, Fortune may come good but he needs more match's to get his fitness and game edge up. The problem we face here is pushing him too hard may cause yet again an injury worry.

LB back seems to be a crucial position one caller on RS said that Bolton highlighted the weakness of Andy Taylor and broke the attacks down that area, with Seip out and not shouting at him (like last week) when he wasn't doing his job he'll struggle, he needs the guidance on the field and that means he is too weak at present time.

Another thing is will Blackwell stop playing Williamson out of position, the same caller said again today that he didn't look like he was comfortable in this role again. It's high time we use the players we have at our disposal in the correct areas of the field, if that means dropping the odd player from game to game he needs to do it.

 

[boo radley]

Blackwell seems desperate to get more Centre Half cover but what we need is the board to back him to go out and find us decent cover, Fortune may come good but he needs more match's to get his fitness and game edge up. The problem we face here is pushing him too hard may cause yet again an injury worry.

LB back seems to be a crucial position one caller on RS said that Bolton highlighted the weakness of Andy Taylor and broke the attacks down that area, with Seip out and not shouting at him (like last week) when he wasn't doing his job he'll struggle, he needs the guidance on the field and that means he is too weak at present time.

Another thing is will Blackwell stop playing Williamson out of position, the same caller said again today that he didn't look like he was comfortable in this role again. It's high time we use the players we have at our disposal in the correct areas of the field, if that means dropping the odd player from game to game he needs to do it.

As long as it’s not a panic buy for a CB we should be ok. As for playing players out of position, Williamson is an intelligent player and Blackwell is probably hoping he can adapt him to play there. If he believes he needs Monty central (Harper and Williamson cannot tackle) then I can see the benefits of an adaptive player and that could be his plan for Williamson.

 

[alcoblade]

Say he's earning 17k a week now. Given his age and injury record and our need to reduce the wage bill, what sort of contract would you offer him?

I'd say he's a "top end" championship fullback, but by no means exceptional. Worth about £5K per week, and given the ridiculous contract Robson gifted him, there's no chance of us re signing him. That is, until he realises that nobody else will be as stupid either.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

As long as it’s not a panic buy for a CB we should be ok. As for playing players out of position, Williamson is an intelligent player and Blackwell is probably hoping he can adapt him to play there. If he believes he needs Monty central (Harper and Williamson cannot tackle) then I can see the benefits of an adaptive player and that could be his plan for Williamson.

What worries me is why we're entertaining Williamson on the Wing with Ward on the bench. I really hope we aren't about to sell Ward as suggested elsewhere.

UTB

 

[bartman]

What worries me is why we're entertaining Williamson on the Wing with Ward on the bench. I really hope we aren't about to sell Ward as suggested elsewhere.

UTB

Just listened online (radio Sheffield)to the KB interview after the game.Williamson has poss Hamstring injury as well as Seip.Ward back on the right ?

KB was asked about player purchases and wouldn't commit to whether money was available to enter the market.It was as if he hasn't been able to talk to the Board about players or he has been told to manage with what he has.

He sounded a little disillusioned which is unlike him.However,unless we get a silly offer(£2million+?) i cant see Ward being sold as surely his wages will be within our structure.

At a guess,i would have thought the only two players left over our structure would be Hendo and Naysmith.

 

[beechblade]

As long as it’s not a panic buy for a CB we should be ok. As for playing players out of position, Williamson is an intelligent player and Blackwell is probably hoping he can adapt him to play there. If he believes he needs Monty central (Harper and Williamson cannot tackle) then I can see the benefits of an adaptive player and that could be his plan for Williamson.

Yeah thats fair enough but to me Williamson doesn't look like he'll adapt to the position anytime soon so I really hope he'll start and utilise the squad rather than the same said players, Williamson and Harper looked a strong partnership and though I like Monty would rather us play this partnership more. With Yeates or Ward on the right.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Williamson might have picked up a hamstring injury?Perhaps the reason Willo was let go by his previous club , good player but he can't stay fit .

 

[boo radley]

Yeah thats fair enough but to me Williamson doesn't look like he'll adapt to the position anytime soon so I really hope he'll start and utilise the squad rather than the same said players, Williamson and Harper looked a strong partnership and though I like Monty would rather us play this partnership more. With Yeates or Ward on the right.

Tend to agree but is he trying to keep Williamson happy for the day Harper gets injured? you know he wont drop Monty and Monty is his midfield tackler.

 

[mickerz-blade]

Seems like all is not brilliant off the pitch either

 

[boo radley]

Seems like all is not brilliant off the pitch either

Looking at 1 or 2 other threads maybe I got over excited by the Killa sale. Maybe we need to sell Henderson as well? Maybe that’s too controversial after BT last year but with Creswell and Evans playing well together and other striker options you can see it happening.

 

[86Blade]

Off the pitch we seem more than healthy and i know for a fact our club will always be stable but on the pitch we seem to have a lot of average players and a clear out in summer is needed, maybe keep our expierienced players but then try and pick up any youngsters who might get released from top clubs and bring our own youth into the first team, it might just work and keep us within budget.

Plus with some youth we might have a team with speed and speed of thought as well, at moment we have a very slow team.