Is it now time to rest a few?

[zablade]

Any lingering play off hopes, and I never seriously thought they existed, are over now so with Wembley in mind is it time to let some of the second string in again as per the Peterboro game? We are starting to pick up a few injuries and I believe we have enough in the back up squad to get the couple of wins needed to be safe from the drop.

Wolves will be hard whoever we put out, let's not take the risk of burnout before April 13th.

 

[Esablade]

Yes.
We must rotate.

 

[LS5 Blade]

Not wishing to sound too much like Blade Too Long but a win on Saturday and a Peterborough slip up puts us right back in the middle of it. Its not over just yet!!

 

[Harry's Game]

Any lingering play off hopes, and I never seriously thought they existed, are over now so with Wembley in mind is it time to let some of the second string in again as per the Peterboro game? We are starting to pick up a few injuries and I believe we have enough in the back up squad to get the couple of wins needed to be safe from the drop.

Wolves will be hard whoever we put out, let's not take the risk of burnout before April 13th.

Wolves will be hard?? Give Kevin MacDonald the possession we surrendered tonight and he pick us apart, the defending was brave tonight and Howard is the big confidence building difference in the team, but going forward tonight was as poor as I have seen since about January.

Still need a lot of rebuilding for next season to be genuine contenders for promotion.

 

[blader]

Whether we have playoffs in mind or not, we still need to rotate. These lads have played weekend-midweek-weekend-midweek for too long now. Definitely give them a break. And can we get Maguire a bloody booking please!

 

[itsinyerblood]

Not wishing to sound too much like Blade Too Long but a win on Saturday and a Peterborough slip up puts us right back in the middle of it. Its not over just yet!!

Agree @LS5, nothing's decided yet. There's no point accepting the season's over, we're unbeaten, admittedly we rode our luck at times, but we fought well. We were fortunate Doyle didn't have a pen awarded against him, loved how he grabbed his face, an oscar that man! For me it shows how we need a good intelligent forward with pace, but otherwise a well deserved point against a team who are meant to be amongst the better ones in this division.

 

[Guesty]

I think it was also a sign this evening that although we've been playing very, very well this 'the play-offs are ours for the taking' mentality has been a bit premature. They're are clearly some sides in this league that are better than us. On another night we could have lost 3-0.

 

[Pinchy]

Yes.
We must rotate.

Hire a Spin Doctor?

 

[Pinchy]

Wolves will be hard?? Give Kevin MacDonald the possession we surrendered tonight and he pick us apart, the defending was brave tonight and Howard is the big confidence building difference in the team, but going forward tonight was as poor as I have seen since about January.

Still need a lot of rebuilding for next season to be genuine contenders for promotion.

Really? Where have ten wins on the trot come from?

When did K-Mac last pick anyone apart? I wouldn't swap him for Coady or Scoogs.

Typical Bladey inferiority complex I'm afraid. I can't imagine a fan of any other team writing with such pessimism on the back of such an amazing run of success. We dismiss two Premiership and two Championship teams with relative comfort, win ten, read it - TEN games on the bounce. We're in the semi-final of the Cup, yet we still have to suffer doom-laden drivel like this.

I despair.

 

[Esablade]

Hire a Spin Doctor?

Big Jim?..Alastair Campbell..?......Eric Schenkman..?

 

[Paulus]

Not wishing to sound too much like Blade Too Long but a win on Saturday and a Peterborough slip up puts us right back in the middle of it. Its not over just yet!!

Too right, we've still got 11 matches left, virtually a quarter of the season, there'll be all sorts of twists and turns yet, sure we've got a tough run in but in many ways I'm glad we've got a lot of the top teams left, it takes a bit of pressure off us and we won't be facing one bunch of scrappers after another.

 

[Pinchy]

I think it was also a sign this evening that although we've been playing very, very well this 'the play-offs are ours for the taking' mentality has been a bit premature. They're are clearly some sides in this league that are better than us. On another night we could have lost 3-0.

I have never thought we would make the play-offs and still don't. However, starting level next season, I disagree with your 'clearly better than us' analysis. This is a very good team at this level (and will be even better come August) Our results under NC do not tell a lie.

The 'on another night' thing holds no weight at all. We don't live in alternative universes. The game was this night and we drew 0-0. No hard luck stories (apart from two clear penalty claims for us) just poor finishing and excellent defending. Let's not pretend Preston 'deserved' to win. They didn't.

What a shame that a dropped point brings out the cold water. Why not enjoy the ride?

 

[blade.i.am]

And Peterborough next two games are Preston and Rotherham

 

[Fulwood Blade]

rest a few? why? Train a little less, or more sensibly between now and Saturday.
Take on the Wolves - let them have the ball in front of us as we have for the past 11 games and try and beat them the same way as other teams.
I hope NC gives up when it's mathematically impossible and not before.
UTB

 

[itsinyerblood]

I have never thought we would make the play-offs and still don't. However, starting level next season, I disagree with your 'clearly better than us' analysis. This is a very good team at this level (and will be even better come August) Our results under NC do not tell a lie.

The 'on another night' thing holds no weight at all. We don't live in alternative universes. The game was this night and we drew 0-0. No hard luck stories (apart from two clear penalty claims for us) just poor finishing and excellent defending. Let's not pretend Preston 'deserved' to win. They didn't.

What a shame that a dropped point brings out the cold water. Why not enjoy the ride?

Agree with that Pinchers, although back's up against the wall at times, we weren't overwhelmed, and considering we don't have a forward of genuine quality (more's the pity) I though we did ok, not brilliant, but ok. PNE were meant to be so much better than us, well they weren't. I liked their CH, but he apart not one of their's struck me as someone I'd want at United. I thought that in the first half we gave possession away too much, so the onus was on PNE to exploit our shortcomings and they couldn't.

As a forward Baxter's not the answer, not his fault though, he's been asked to play in that position so you can't blame him for having to do that job. He's a skilful player who can see a pass and has two decent feet. He's never going to be the fastest we have, but his talent makes him a good player to hold on to.

Not upset about the result, another clean sheet, how brilliant is that?

 

[Pinchy]

rest a few? why? Train a little less, or more sensibly between now and Saturday.
Take on the Wolves - let them have the ball in front of us as we have for the past 11 games and try and beat them the same way as other teams.
I hope NC gives up when it's mathematically impossible and not before.
UTB

No, No, No.

It's Wolves, don't you know? They are really, really, really good. Much better than Villa, Fulham, Forest and, well, everybody, to be honest. How on Earth they've plummeted down the divisions is one of life's great mysteries. They're fantastic.

We should just curl up in a little ball somewhere near the corner flag and let them show off their world renowned brilliance. Sometimes you have to know when you're beaten and, for some 'Blades' I'm afraid that's "before we start".

 

[Northyorksblade]

So we rest a few with the semi final in mind, start losing,,,,,and here we go again! Needs to rotate a bit with two games a week, but the youngsters should cope with that. Not bothered about making the play offs, but as we've proved, a winning team breeds confidence, which is what we need for the semi final.

 

[Pinchy]

Agree with that Pinchers, although back's up against the all at times, we weren't overwhelmed, and considering we don't have a forward of genuine quality (more's the pity) I though we did ok, not brilliant, but ok. PNE were meant to be so much better than us, well they weren't. I liked their CH, but he apart not one of their's struck me as someone I'd want at United. I thought that in the first half we gave possession away too much, so the onus was on PNE to exploit our shortcomings and they couldn't.

As a forward Baxter's not the answer, not his fault though, he's been asked to play in that position so you can't blame him for having to do that job. He's a skilful player who can see a pass and has two decent feet. He's never going to be the fastest we have, but his talent makes him a good player to hold on to.

Not upset about the result, another clean sheet, how brilliant is that?

Yes. I'm happy tonight. Those who aren't have been rather spoilt over the last ten games or so, I fear.

I was delighted to hear "Nigel Clough's Red and White Army" ring out loud, clear and often from our admirably vocal fans. Long overdue, but most welcome. Let's have it at The Lane now - Nigel's working wonders, nothing less.

 

[bartman]

Any lingering play off hopes, and I never seriously thought they existed, are over now so with Wembley in mind is it time to let some of the second string in again as per the Peterboro game? We are starting to pick up a few injuries and I believe we have enough in the back up squad to get the couple of wins needed to be safe from the drop.

Wolves will be hard whoever we put out, let's not take the risk of burnout before April 13th.

Agree to an extent. Anyone with a knock should be rested,imo.According to NC,Harris felt something go in the top of his thigh and Hill felt his hamstring tighten. However Brayford could be fit. If there is any doubt,none of them should play on Saturday.

McGinn needs a couple of games so it is maybe time to give Coady a rest. Same goes for Scougill.

Most important thou is Harry to get booked against Wolves whicj means he will be back for the Millers game

 

[Guesty]

I have never thought we would make the play-offs and still don't. However, starting level next season, I disagree with your 'clearly better than us' analysis. This is a very good team at this level (and will be even better come August) Our results under NC do not tell a lie.

The 'on another night' thing holds no weight at all. We don't live in alternative universes. The game was this night and we drew 0-0. No hard luck stories (apart from two clear penalty claims for us) just poor finishing and excellent defending. Let's not pretend Preston 'deserved' to win. They didn't.

What a shame that a dropped point brings out the cold water. Why not enjoy the ride?

They had by far the strongest penalty shout!

Face it, we were battered tonight and very lucky to get out of there with a point. They had far more possession and chances and overran us at times.

As for 'results don't tell a lie' Wolves are sitting pretty at the top despite assertions from yourself and others that they'd be nowhere near. What that tells me is that they're the best side in the division. Now we've been playing brilliantly and we'll give them a run for their money but I don't expect us to beat them out of sight just because we've been a few teams from higher up the ladder.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Agree to an extent. Anyone with a knock should be rested,imo.According to NC,Harris felt something go in the top of his thigh and Hill felt his hamstring tighten. However Brayford could be fit. If there is any doubt,none of them should play on Saturday.

McGinn needs a couple of games so it is maybe time to give Coady a rest. Same goes for Scougill.

Most important thou is Harry to get booked against Wolves whicj means he will be back for the Millers game

Agree. We need Maguire to get booked against Wolves so he will miss the "easiest" matches. Hopefully, Hill will be fit enough to deputise.

Coady and Collins are the only ones who haven't had a break recently. The others shouldn't need another rest unless they're injured.

We should play the strongest team possible barring injuries and suspensions until the playoffs are impossible. Plenty of time for rest once they are.

 

[Crackfish]

Unfortunately any slim play off hopes are probably gone. It's not just that we face some tough games but injuries are really becoming a problem. It is amazing that we continue to keep clean sheets despite the amount of changes we have had to make. The players being lost from defence have also limited us in an attacking sense. Flynn, Murphy and Scougal all have to take on more defensive duties on their already jaded legs. It's hard to make things happen under these circumstances. I would suggest putting out the strongest line up possible against Wolves but unless results go our way this weekend, it is time to really rest the players who need it.

It seems obvious that Nigel and his team have the players in the squad knowing exactly what their jobs are so we will have no problems picking up the required points for safety. Take on Wolves as best we can but any negative outcome from the weekend and we must totally focus on the cup.

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

Didn't want to say it before cos i knew i'd get called a ****, but no way is the play-offs gonna happen.
Was never gonna happen. Probably won't even finish within 10 points of Peterborough. Had a great run against nobodies, but the team is nowhere near good enough to sustain it through this period of non-stop games against the best teams in the division.

Clough has performed miracles, he deserves all the credit he gets, maybe if we drop off now and finish about 12th it will be a good thing. The board need to know we need investment for next season, i worry if we keep this going and finish 7th or 8th they may get complacent and think we're going to challenge next season, even if several players leave and aren't replaced. Without Brayford, Coady, possibly Maguire and a few others we'll be staring straight at another relegation battle. We need to keep as many as possible and add to it with a striker or 2. Otherwise all the progress Clough has made will be worth nothing and before we know it we'll be on the new manager rollercoaster to nowhere yet again.

 

[grafikhaus]

Too right, we've still got 11 matches left, virtually a quarter of the season, there'll be all sorts of twists and turns yet, sure we've got a tough run in but in many ways I'm glad we've got a lot of the top teams left, it takes a bit of pressure off us and we won't be facing one bunch of scrappers after another.

I'd agree. FWIW, I don't think we'll make the play-offs, but it's far too early to raise the white flag. There are always unexpected results in the closing stages of a season, and hopefully we can capitalise.

Far more worrying for me is all this talk of 'running on emplty', 'burnout' etc. FFS, last night was our first game in 6 days with a mini-break in Spain included. Doesn't bode well for all the games crammed in from here on in.

I think it highlights that we're probably not as fit as we could be - the lack of late goals surely points to this? Also, the need for one or two proven strikers is becoming ever more obvious. 'Backs to the wall' performances like last night will only get you so far. Keeping the opposition busy at the other end of the pitch relieves this constant pressure on our midfield and defence.

The facts are there. Only Crawley (one goal less but 3 games in hand) and near-doomed Shrewsbury have scored less than us in this division.

 

[CG Blade]

I thought we rode our luck last night, and I think the football Gods have been with us over our 10 match run. (Which makes a change and lets hope they stay with us for a long time). Yes we are playing a lot better, and have got more backbone, and Clough was honest enough last night to say we didn't play well. There are some teams above us, who are better than us, and we have a long way to go before we are challenging, I still think we have to make major changes in the summer , if we can't keep Brayford and Coady that is a huge problem, and we still need the striker to go with it..... I am enjoying the ride, but still a long way to go.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Isn't it refreshing that Clough say it likes it is!

 

[Pinchy]

Entirely predictable that our very fortunate run of lucky wins, especially against Premiership and Championship nonentities, should come to such an ignominious end with a 6-0 defeat against Preston. Still, what did we expect with the awesome quality of the opposition? If only we had prolific strikers like the Davies twins and Beavon. We can only dream...

I can't bear the thought of what will happen against the titans of Wolves, Brentford, Rotherham and Leyton Orient. Let's just hope we can keep the defeats respectable, eh?

 

[Kev Gee]

Weve just won ten on the bounce. Had a bit of luck against Preston. Played away from home & against a team that probably hasnt played as frequently as us in the past month. And people moan & say that the POs are over?

Give the lads some credit fgs.

Lets take each game as it comes & see were we end up. If we say that the POs are over then it just gives people an easy way out. It aint over till its over.

 

[WeareBlades]

Didn't want to say it before cos i knew i'd get called a ****, but no way is the play-offs gonna happen.
Was never gonna happen. Probably won't even finish within 10 points of Peterborough. Had a great run against nobodies, but the team is nowhere near good enough to sustain it through this period of non-stop games against the best teams in the division.

Clough has performed miracles, he deserves all the credit he gets, maybe if we drop off now and finish about 12th it will be a good thing. The board need to know we need investment for next season, i worry if we keep this going and finish 7th or 8th they may get complacent and think we're going to challenge next season, even if several players leave and aren't replaced. Without Brayford, Coady, possibly Maguire and a few others we'll be staring straight at another relegation battle. We need to keep as many as possible and add to it with a striker or 2. Otherwise all the progress Clough has made will be worth nothing and before we know it we'll be on the new manager rollercoaster to nowhere yet again.

Had a great run against nobodies yet we beat a side who you said we won't get within ten points of? Logic?

 

[sitwell]

If a fit Ched had played last night we would have won.