It took some time

[Going up]

Just looking at some of the teams suggested in my question 442/451/433, it has made me realize, more than ever what great options we have for the team now.

It may have taken until Jan, but Nigel and his team have now assembled a very strong first 11 and a very, very strong bench. Dare I say, there is even a few that won't make the bench that many teams would long for.

Putting Done and Davies up top, leaves out MMcN, Che and Higdon, plus a strong midfielder or two, or three or four, or five. Even potentially Flynn who has been excellent recently.

Putting Brayford on the right, would leave out Freeman who, by and large, has aquitted himself very well on the right.

Assuming Basham goes in the middle with Coutts and Holt, that means Scougs, Doyle, Wallace if fit, Reed, Davies etc. become subs or don't even make the bench.

I would say the TK is the only player that doesn't have a like for like cover as yet.

It may have taken a longer time than Nigel, the boardroom and the fans wanted, but we are now in a very enviable position as Nigel has built a squad, destined, in my opinion for success. By the way, having my own business and dealing with recruitment, I don't blame anyone. Sometimes the best targets have choices and sometimes they just take time.

The playoffs are a one off and a lottery and whatever happens, or whatever league we are playing in next season, I fully expect us to be challenging for top honours in either.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Just looking at some of the teams suggested in my question 442/451/433, it has made me realize, more than ever what great options we have for the team now.

It may have taken until Jan, but Nigel and his team have now assembled a very strong first 11 and a very, very strong bench. Dare I say, there is even a few that won't make the bench that many teams would long for.

Putting Done and Davies up top, leaves out MMcN, Che and Higdon, plus a strong midfielder or two, or three or four, or five. Even potentially Flynn who has been excellent recently.

Putting Brayford on the right, would leave out Freeman who, by and large, has aquitted himself very well on the right.

Assuming Basham goes in the middle with Coutts and Holt, that means Scougs, Doyle, Wallace if fit, Reed, Davies etc. become subs or don't even make the bench.

I would say the TK is the only player that doesn't have a like for like cover as yet.

It may have taken a longer time than Nigel, the boardroom and the fans wanted, but we are now in a very enviable position as Nigel has built a squad, destined, in my opinion for success. By the way, having my own business and dealing with recruitment, I don't blame anyone. Sometimes the best targets have choices and sometimes they just take time.

The playoffs are a one off and a lottery and whatever happens, or whatever league we are playing in next season, I fully expect us to be challenging for top honours in either.

Agree ,we have some great options for different tactical permutations and line ups . In saying all that , it is a pity that this was not resolved at the beginning of the season and not new player recruitment / team in the JTW. Also the cover at CB , hopefully does not cost us in the run in and ultimate play offs. Yes the play offs are a lottery , and lets hope Lady Luck is on our side for a change , and Clough succeeds with his remit of getting the club promoted. His one mistake , i think he underestimated this league , same as a lot of fans . The enviable position bit IMO goes to whoever finishes in the top two . Also you don't have time especially stuck in league 1 , as results are be all and end all.

Very pro Clough , but success or failure does rest on getting out of this league , this season.

UTB

 

[blader]

I still think we're a fair distance behind the top 4, and certainly the top 2. We have won a few recently, but you only had to watch the Bristol City vs Swindon game last week to see two sides who play a much better and more effective brand of football. We're better than pre-Christmas but still seem unconvincing IMO. We beat a lame Barnsley side and won a game against Donny we would probably lose more often than not!

As recent as the last 3/4 weeks, there has still been some pretty poor performances (Fleetwood, Crewe, Crawley, Peterborough) and we have stumbled through a couple of victories IMO. The playoffs is a lottery, but generally the better side will win over 2 legs and I think we will struggle to get past Swindon or MKD.

 

[grafikhaus]

I still think we're a fair distance behind the top 4, and certainly the top 2.

Possibly, but...

We have won a few recently, but you only had to watch the Bristol City vs Swindon game last week to see two sides who play a much better and more effective brand of football.

If United's defence had been as abysmal as Swindon's v Bristol, we'd all have cause to worry.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

We only have one centre half in our squad, who unfortunately is injury prone and cant play twice a week regularly. The rest of the squad is certainly strong, however I feel uneasy that we're exposed and weak at the heart of defence.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I still think we're a fair distance behind the top 4, and certainly the top 2. We have won a few recently, but you only had to watch the Bristol City vs Swindon game last week to see two sides who play a much better and more effective brand of football. We're better than pre-Christmas but still seem unconvincing IMO. We beat a lame Barnsley side and won a game against Donny we would probably lose more often than not!

As recent as the last 3/4 weeks, there has still been some pretty poor performances (Fleetwood, Crewe, Crawley, Peterborough) and we have stumbled through a couple of victories IMO. The playoffs is a lottery, but generally the better side will win over 2 legs and I think we will struggle to get past Swindon or MKD.

Imo these were poor results but not necessarily poor performances.

Crewe was a miserable result but whilst we were below par I don't think we were as dreadful as some made out.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Just looking at some of the teams suggested in my question 442/451/433, it has made me realize, more than ever what great options we have for the team now.

It may have taken until Jan, but Nigel and his team have now assembled a very strong first 11 and a very, very strong bench. Dare I say, there is even a few that won't make the bench that many teams would long for.

Putting Done and Davies up top, leaves out MMcN, Che and Higdon, plus a strong midfielder or two, or three or four, or five. Even potentially Flynn who has been excellent recently.

Putting Brayford on the right, would leave out Freeman who, by and large, has aquitted himself very well on the right.

Assuming Basham goes in the middle with Coutts and Holt, that means Scougs, Doyle, Wallace if fit, Reed, Davies etc. become subs or don't even make the bench.

I would say the TK is the only player that doesn't have a like for like cover as yet.

It may have taken a longer time than Nigel, the boardroom and the fans wanted, but we are now in a very enviable position as Nigel has built a squad, destined, in my opinion for success. By the way, having my own business and dealing with recruitment, I don't blame anyone. Sometimes the best targets have choices and sometimes they just take time.

The playoffs are a one off and a lottery and whatever happens, or whatever league we are playing in next season, I fully expect us to be challenging for top honours in either.

Agree with almost all of this. Remain unconvinced by Adams though. At the moment doesn't have enough of an all round game, and in the most recent games where he has got on he's been easily nullified by professional defenders.

I hope he's developing in training, and his inclusion on the bench shows some faith, but I'd like to see a lot more from him.

All a bit harsh after his goal/s against Spurs but it's the way I see it atm.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Just looking at some of the teams suggested in my question 442/451/433, it has made me realize, more than ever what great options we have for the team now.

It may have taken until Jan, but Nigel and his team have now assembled a very strong first 11 and a very, very strong bench. Dare I say, there is even a few that won't make the bench that many teams would long for.

Putting Done and Davies up top, leaves out MMcN, Che and Higdon, plus a strong midfielder or two, or three or four, or five. Even potentially Flynn who has been excellent recently.

Putting Brayford on the right, would leave out Freeman who, by and large, has aquitted himself very well on the right.

Assuming Basham goes in the middle with Coutts and Holt, that means Scougs, Doyle, Wallace if fit, Reed, Davies etc. become subs or don't even make the bench.

I would say the TK is the only player that doesn't have a like for like cover as yet.

It may have taken a longer time than Nigel, the boardroom and the fans wanted, but we are now in a very enviable position as Nigel has built a squad, destined, in my opinion for success. By the way, having my own business and dealing with recruitment, I don't blame anyone. Sometimes the best targets have choices and sometimes they just take time.

The playoffs are a one off and a lottery and whatever happens, or whatever league we are playing in next season, I fully expect us to be challenging for top honours in either.

Good post Going up, very measured and you've managed to appreciate that recruitment isn't the cut and dried affair some may imagine.

Yes, we have a squad that at worst should be able to hold it's own, and at best we should be able to compete and possibly best other teams in this division.
On recent showings it's fair to say that Done and Davies are first choice as our attacking threat, which means that we'd have to find a place on the left side of midfield. Thing is, what they're labelled as doesn't always reflect a player's actual position. Brayford, ideally, is a right-back, but with his attacking inclinations he also fulfills the requirements of every position on that right side of the team. All decent teams need flexibility, but as long as players are disciplined when necessary we should be able to respond to situations as and when called upon.

These last few weeks should prove interesting. UTB

 

[blade too long]

I am happy with our squad now , as always we need to avoid injury to key players , but unlike 3 years ago we are carrying back up up front , right down to che adams as 5th option , so carry a threat , if scougs and flynn can replicate their fa cup form to provide the ammo , to our front men

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I am happy with our squad now , as always we need to avoid injury to key players , but unlike 3 years ago we are carrying back up up front , right down to che adams as 5th option , so carry a threat , if scougs and flynn can replicate their fa cup form to provide the ammo , to our front men

Some good measured responses on all things Blades squad . We are in the right direction , but as some have said , its the cover at CB which is / could be a problem . We all know that Brayford and Bash can cover this , but do we stifle there overall talent and quality , if and when they play there . Bash adds height and box to box when in midfield , and the beard at RB adds another dimension . Only a thought, may be wrong.

UTB

 

[Going up]

We only have one centre half in our squad, who unfortunately is injury prone and cant play twice a week regularly. The rest of the squad is certainly strong, however I feel uneasy that we're exposed and weak at the heart of defence.

Agree, almost the last piece of the puzzle. I believe it will be fixed in the summer. Just hope that TK gets through the important part of the season unscathed. Nigel is certainly aware of it though and trying to nurse him through.

 

[Going up]

I still think we're a fair distance behind the top 4, and certainly the top 2. We have won a few recently, but you only had to watch the Bristol City vs Swindon game last week to see two sides who play a much better and more effective brand of football. We're better than pre-Christmas but still seem unconvincing IMO. We beat a lame Barnsley side and won a game against Donny we would probably lose more often than not!

As recent as the last 3/4 weeks, there has still been some pretty poor performances (Fleetwood, Crewe, Crawley, Peterborough) and we have stumbled through a couple of victories IMO. The playoffs is a lottery, but generally the better side will win over 2 legs and I think we will struggle to get past Swindon or MKD.

I agree Blader. You seem to be a glass half empty, while I'm half full, but I agree, however, I feel with another season together, this squad will really click and have a thorough understanding of each other's abilities. There is plenty of quality here now. I think most of the top teams have more than a season together and more than a season with the same manager and coaching staff to really show the unity neccesary for greater things.

 

[alcoblade]

I have to disagree. To have spent the money we have on a squad so full of midfielders, lacking in attackers and bereft of defenders is really quite poor. If we have any strength in depth it's because of a scattergun approach to signings, and squad building has, in reality, been one of Clough's biggest failings.

On the plus side, I think we've bought at the right age and we should be able to address the mistakes without having to wait for contracts to expire.


UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I am happy with our squad now ,

and centre halves?

We have had:

Alcock - filling in
Basham - filling in
McE - filling in
Brayford - very expensive full back, filling in.
TK - when available (not often) - playing well.

Collins - won't play again
Butler - we all know why
Maguire -we all know why.

Mcgahey - too young, needs to go out on loan next season - just NGE

Paddy McC - probably good enough, just not fit and was always going back on dec 31st.

I really, really hope we manage - hope the football gods smile on us when needed, but I'd keep all your fingers and toes crossed.

Devine intervention needed

UTB

 

[blade too long]

its called evolution, replacing thirty somethings with younger players , did not Jagielka come in young
and walker and Naughton

lets go with the youngsters who will show no fear as did Che Adams when he came on v spurs
lets take that risk , cant do worse than when weve played the experienced players to see us through

it is our time maybe, , we seem to be peaking when we have to
lets hope the fans belief can grab hold of the squads optimism

lets cover any centre back faltering by scoring more goals , thatd suit me fine

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

and centre halves?

We have had:

Alcock - filling in
Basham - filling in
McE - filling in
Brayford - very expensive full back, filling in.
TK - when available (not often) - playing well.

Collins - won't play again
Butler - we all know why
Maguire -we all know why.

Mcgahey - too young, needs to go out on loan next season - just NGE

Paddy McC - probably good enough, just not fit and was always going back on dec 31st.

I really, really hope we manage - hope the football gods smile on us when needed, but I'd keep all your fingers and toes crossed.

Devine intervention needed

UTB

Fulwood , this season is the season , keep the faith like you do. Promotion this year . In saying all that , Clough has a lot to answer for , with mismanagement , poor risk assessment , and the relying on Devine intervention for his get out of jail card . Lessons learnt in the future for him hopefully.

Not tempting fate at all , but after the Doni match , i do think the angels and gods are looking over us.

UTB

 

[Going up]

I have to disagree. To have spent the money we have on a squad so full of midfielders, lacking in attackers and bereft of defenders is really quite poor. If we have any strength in depth it's because of a scattergun approach to signings, and squad building has, in reality, been one of Clough's biggest failings.

On the plus side, I think we've bought at the right age and we should be able to address the mistakes without having to wait for contracts to expire.


UTB

I have to disagree there. I dont think we are short of attacking options at all. That is old news! When a goal scorer like Marc, a young talent like Che, who proved his ability against Spurs, can't get in the team. Not to mention Higdon who can score and can be a big nuisance.

The Midfield is the engine room of the side and I also think that we need depth there. We are probably one player, possibly two, too many, but that was due to Wallace's niggles keeping him out much longer than expected.

Some purchases are designed, some have to be reactions to injuries, or players wanting out or jumping ship.

The only weakness, as I see it, is a natural cover for TK. I have no doubt that it will be covered in the Summer.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Fulwood , this season is the season , keep the faith like you do. Promotion this year . In saying all that , Clough has a lot to answer for , with mismanagement , poor risk assessment , and the relying on Devine intervention for his get out of jail card . Lessons learnt in the future for him hopefully.

Not tempting fate at all , but after the Doni match , i do think the angels and gods are looking over us.

UTB

I liked Bergens team from the other day - if I had a choice it would be something very very close.
If we put that team out, keep it very tight in centre mid then I don't think we would need the gods.
Looking at both Donny goals - both stemmed from centre mid - if Bash (yes I know I go on here) was in the middle they wouldn't have got either.
He reads the game very well, and yes does play well at CB and reads the game just as easy - but we must be strong in centre mid (first and foremost).
The difference from Saturday to Tuesday was very clear and if Bash cannot play in CM, then please play Doyle and Coutts. Thought the changing point on Tuesday was when Doyle came on and just tightened things up.

We move on - off to Oldham tomorrow with the nipper - hoping for another Baaaarrrrnsley type performance.

And same to you....keep the faith.

UTB

 

[Bladesman]

We have depth which is good to have but I am not convinced by this squad of players. They still seem disjointed but that is more down to Clough forcing players to play slightly out of their preferred position.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

We have depth which is good to have but I am not convinced by this squad of players. They still seem disjointed but that is more down to Clough forcing players to play slightly out of their preferred position.

Bladesman , agree but beggars cant be chooses , and we made our bed , so got to lay in it , and all that jazz . Clough now has to work with what he has got and assembled . He and we will stand or fall by his decisions . This slightly out of there preferred position thing is a worry , and could be our achilles heal. In saying that , we are IMO better than most in the run in , and confidence should now be high , whoever puts the shirt on . Its were they play , that is the key.

UTB

 

[blade too long]

things take to to evolve

look at hair over the past 4 decades
women have gone from hairy to clean shaven men have gone from nothing to brayford

 

[Woodwardfan]

Just looking at some of the teams suggested in my question 442/451/433, it has made me realize, more than ever what great options we have for the team now.

It may have taken until Jan, but Nigel and his team have now assembled a very strong first 11 and a very, very strong bench. Dare I say, there is even a few that won't make the bench that many teams would long for.

Putting Done and Davies up top, leaves out MMcN, Che and Higdon, plus a strong midfielder or two, or three or four, or five. Even potentially Flynn who has been excellent recently.

Putting Brayford on the right, would leave out Freeman who, by and large, has aquitted himself very well on the right.

Assuming Basham goes in the middle with Coutts and Holt, that means Scougs, Doyle, Wallace if fit, Reed, Davies etc. become subs or don't even make the bench.

I would say the TK is the only player that doesn't have a like for like cover as yet.

It may have taken a longer time than Nigel, the boardroom and the fans wanted, but we are now in a very enviable position as Nigel has built a squad, destined, in my opinion for success. By the way, having my own business and dealing with recruitment, I don't blame anyone. Sometimes the best targets have choices and sometimes they just take time.

The playoffs are a one off and a lottery and whatever happens, or whatever league we are playing in next season, I fully expect us to be challenging for top honours in either.

So pleased you now realise we have so many options. " It took some time".

 

[Going up]

So pleased you now realise we have so many options. " It took some time".

Ha ha! I always knew we had options, but which ones to use, were the problem. and which system to use them in. Seems when we put in Done and Davies, Flynn, whom I really like, or a midfielder loses his spot and possibly loses a little in the heart of things.

However the two, along with Murphy, bring a very potent strike force.

 

[alcoblade]

I have to disagree there. I dont think we are short of attacking options at all. That is old news! When a goal scorer like Marc, a young talent like Che, who proved his ability against Spurs, can't get in the team. Not to mention Higdon who can score and can be a big nuisance.

The Midfield is the engine room of the side and I also think that we need depth there. We are probably one player, possibly two, too many, but that was due to Wallace's niggles keeping him out much longer than expected.

Some purchases are designed, some have to be reactions to injuries, or players wanting out or jumping ship.

The only weakness, as I see it, is a natural cover for TK. I have no doubt that it will be covered in the Summer.

All about opinions, but when you suggest our only defensive issue is to get cover for TK, you are being incredibly optimistic.

Our only recognised center half is barely out of nappies, and a crock. He's undoubted quality, but no good for week in week out football. After that, we are dragging a midfield asset in Basham in to the position to fill it.

Most of the midfielders are rank average. It seems the first name on the team sheet is Coutts, who Barnsley aside has been nothing shorts woeful.

I stand by my assertion that given the dwarfing or resources of our competitors, Clough has made quite a poor job of squad building.

UTB

 

[Going up]

All about opinions, but when you suggest our only defensive issue is to get cover for TK, you are being incredibly optimistic.

Our only recognised center half is barely out of nappies, and a crock. He's undoubted quality, but no good for week in week out football. After that, we are dragging a midfield asset in Basham in to the position to fill it.

Most of the midfielders are rank average. It seems the first name on the team sheet is Coutts, who Barnsley aside has been nothing shorts woeful.

I stand by my assertion that given the dwarfing or resources of our competitors, Clough has made quite a poor job of squad building.

UTB

Yes, all opinions. I feel we have a terrific squad now that just need time to really show full potential.

I dont buy the nappy argument. You are old enough if good enough. Michael Owen, Rooney etc. spring to mind. TK has proven, with him in the side, we are more solid and structured. I don't think yhat is overly optimistic, or indeed over rating TK's ability.

Coutts is class, coming off of injury. Ive seen him at Derby and most at Derby rated him when the Derby midfield, built by Nigel by the way, was rated as good as any in the Championship. He will be better for a summer off, as I hope Scougs will be better, once he has fully shaken his injury off too.

As for the front, Done was not on many people's list before Nigel acquired him. He has turned out very well indeed. SD, was a target for a long time, but we were unable to prise him away. He too has turned out rather well.

 

[alcoblade]

Yes, all opinions. I feel we have a terrific squad now that just need time to really show full potential.

I dont buy the nappy argument. You are old enough if good enough. Michael Owen, Rooney etc. spring to mind. TK has proven, with him in the side, we are more solid and structured. I don't think yhat is overly optimistic, or indeed over rating TK's ability.

Coutts is class, coming off of injury. Ive seen him at Derby and most at Derby rated him when the Derby midfield, built by Nigel by the way, was rated as good as any in the Championship. He will be better for a summer off, as I hope Scougs will be better, once he has fully shaken his injury off too.

As for the front, Done was not on many people's list before Nigel acquired him. He has turned out very well indeed. SD, was a target for a long time, but we were unable to prise him away. He too has turned out rather well.

I agree Kennedy is class. His weakness is his inability to play every game, or anything like. And in an enormous squad, he's the only recognised CH we have!

Coutts has been a good player before. He may be a good player in future. But whilst we've agreed that opinions are just that, I cannot accept any reasonable assessment of his average showing for us as being anything above garbage.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

Ha ha! I always knew we had options, but which ones to use, were the problem. and which system to use them in. Seems when we put in Done and Davies, Flynn, whom I really like, or a midfielder loses his spot and possibly loses a little in the heart of things.

However the two, along with Murphy, bring a very potent strike force.

It is part of the Manager's responsibility and that of his Head Scout (his brother) to build a balanced squad over a period of time.

Usually a manager will focus on the "spine" of the team initially i.e. central defence, central midfield, and central striker(s).

He will usually sign a mix of speedy, nimble, small, big, tall, heavy, light, mobile players, goal scorers, defenders, water carriers, tacklers, creators, wide men, etc. invariably a mix of race and creed as they say.

Our manager seems to adopt a haphazard approach to recruitment and we then have to make the most of what we have at any one time. He said he was aiming for a squad of 22 players and he has 32. Things have not gone to plan.

Week in week out we have too many midfield players on the bench and soon we will have too many strikers on the bench. At the same time we have too few in two areas of the "spine" and only because the Board threw money at him in January does the manager have a single striker of note in the other area of the spine ( McNulty is a "development player" by the Manager's definition) and now he reckons he has a problem fitting his strikers in. FFS what's he on about?

 

[Going up]

It is part of the Manager's responsibility and that of his Head Scout (his brother) to build a balanced squad over a period of time.

Usually a manager will focus on the "spine" of the team initially i.e. central defence, central midfield, and central striker(s).

He will usually sign a mix of speedy, nimble, small, big, tall, heavy, light, mobile players, goal scorers, defenders, water carriers, tacklers, creators, wide men, etc. invariably a mix of race and creed as they say.

Our manager seems to adopt a haphazard approach to recruitment and we then have to make the most of what we have at any one time. He said he was aiming for a squad of 22 players and he has 32. Things have not gone to plan.

Week in week out we have too many midfield players on the bench and soon we will have too many strikers on the bench. At the same time we have too few in two areas of the "spine" and only because the Board threw money at him in January does the manager have a single striker of note in the other area of the spine ( McNulty is a "development player" by the Manager's definition) and now he reckons he has a problem fitting his strikers in. FFS what's he on about?

Do you not think that Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool and Chelsea have the same problems?

While it is the managers responsibility, nobody can accomplish everything in one season. After all, that is what he has had.

 

[bridgfordblade]

Would you not concede Woodward that it was the manager who earned the right to spend that "money thrown at him in January" due to the money HE brought into the club securing the semi final runs in both cups? Plus the Maguire fee.

Would you not concede that he chased Steven Davies and John Brayford all throughout the summer and every single month of the season until he finally got them both?

Water carriers. tacklers, goalscorers and a mix of race and creed as they say?

WTF are YOU going on about there? Is there really any need for the race and creed comment? Are you hiding behind some kind of cowardly insinuation that the manager is racist? FFS I see too many clowns spouting that and thinking they're clever, it's a disgraceful accusation to cheaply throw out like that.

McNulty is a development player according to the manager, and not a striker of note in the squad.....that doesn't stop you and others from lauding him as the complete centre forward and demanding he's in the side/slating Clough for not picking him, so what is he??? Is he a proper goalscorer, where the manager deserves credit for having signed him, or is he a developmemt player? you cant have it both ways just to suit whichever way you're looking to string up the manager this time.

Heading into the play offs, a time for excitement or hope, or praying? Not on your nelly, it's a time to step up the stick dishing out and to get in early that even if he does take us up it's been a lucky and chaotic way to do it. Goodness me but football "fans" are a strange breed indeed.

 

[Cyprus Blade]

Whilst not decrying the efforts of Basham, McEveley et al we are clearly short of 2 CH's (injuries and accomodating TK's knees) and have been for most of the season. Its already cost us - had we not been we may well have been in the automatics. The CH problem has not been with us for just a few weeks, it has been the proverbial elephant in the room since last autumn and it is still not sorted. I have always thought NC is a good 3 wheels on my wagon manager but I do think he has made it much harder for himself and the club in this regard.