Its cloughs job

[Dalelane01]

Its clough job to sort the team out .all those who had a poor game last night should be told they wont be playing again this season unless they are going out onto the pitch to give 100% why not experiment with a couplen of our younger players who will show some grit and determination and go out and give 100% and let the regulars in the squad there places in the team wont be there for them automatically and see if there work rate changes for the start of the play offs

 

[raul]

Don't think it's as simple as that, many of the players who were off last night will at some stage of the season shown all of those things. I think that given the sheer number of games we've played NC has tried to protect players from physical exhaustion but has inadvertantly caused mental fatigue amongst the squad due to continual rotation of players, positions and systems. Put simply, no-one knows if they're coming or going. Floggings and bollockings at this stage of the season won't work - they've been done to death already. They need a break if they are going to be expected to compete in the pressure of the play-offs.

 

[Worksop II]

There are Players, Adams and Ben Davies to name two that could have shared some / more of the load, maybe they will Saturday.

But it looks like we are going into these playoffs in the worst shape possible ........

 

[Woodwardfan]

In 17 years of team management Clough and his close family and staff have managed only one promotion, Northern Premier League in 2002. They are generally given credit for Burton's elevation to the football league in 2009, fair enough, but they actually left Burton in December 2008.

That is a really poor record and does not give anybody the encouragement to believe anything should change this season.

All the signs are the manager will fail again this season, in fact I think most Blades will be gobsmacked if we win the Play-Offs in truth. That's the state we are in, no matter what we wish or hope for, we are piss poor and going into the Play-Offs on a poor run with no settled side or indeed any method or system whatsoever. I really do not understand how Clough retains credibility frankly.

Even if we should sneak up somehow, the lack of progress this season is inexcusable.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

In 17 years of team management Clough and his close family and staff have managed only one promotion, Northern Premier League in 2002. They are generally given credit for Burton's elevation to the football league in 2009, fair enough, but they actually left Burton in December 2008.

That is a really poor record and does not give anybody the encouragement to believe anything should change this season.

All the signs are the manager will fail again this season, in fact I think most Blades will be gobsmacked if we win the Play-Offs in truth. That's the state we are in, no matter what we wish or hope for, we are piss poor and going into the Play-Offs on a poor run with no settled side or indeed any method or system whatsoever. I really do not understand how Clough retains credibility frankly.

Even if we should sneak up somehow, the lack of progress this season is inexcusable.

Lets see When Saturday Comes .

We are in the play offs - Achievement No1

Keeping there - Achievement No2

Winning them - Achievement No3

Progress is being made . Last night has gone , move on to the next.

Lets take small steps , hold our council , support the Blades and Clough , and see where we finish up . No matter how much we moan , debate , we cant do nowt about it .

Discuss what the pros and cons when the season is fully over and we know were we are.

UTB

 

[Jacopo]

Lets see When Saturday Comes .

"YOOOUUUUUU-NITED"

 

[Worksop II]

Lets see When Saturday Comes .

We are in the play offs - Achievement No1

Keeping there - Achievement No2

Winning them - Achievement No3

Progress is being made . Last night has gone , move on to the next.

Lets take small steps , hold our council , support the Blades and Clough , and see where we finish up . No matter how much we moan , debate , we cant do nowt about it .

Discuss what the pros and cons when the season is fully over and we know were we are.

UTB

Not so sure I would label being in the Playoffs as an achievment, more like the acceptable minium for Sheffield United

Winning them would turn that into an Achievement, anything less will turn it into a Millstone around Cloughs neck

Whatever, he will be here next Season .............................

 

[Bladesince59]

Getting to the playoffs in Division 3 is crap. We won't go up this year and I reckon Clough will have till Christmas to get himself and the team sorted out.

Oh, and none of the players gave 75% last night.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Getting to the playoffs in Division 3 is crap. We won't go up this year and I reckon Clough will have till Christmas to get himself and the team sorted out.

Oh, and none of the players gave 75% last night.

Yes i know . I was there . More like 20% overall , but we move on.

Although very pro Clough , more questions than answers at the moment .

I actually can see us getting turned over on Saturday , with a limp into the play offs .

Also when we play Chesterfield on the last match , hope its not a decider in any shape or form.

Lets not forget we are a league 1 side with league 1 players . We all have got carried away ( including me ) , that certain so called championship players , can do it in this league , so we would walk it . Not the case - fact.

IMO majority of the team we have got , will need rebuilding whatever league we are in next season. We have a squad were a maximum of 5 players are only good enough to move us forward. Clough has problems , lets hope he has a solution , and any solution doesn't cause further problems. Up to Clough and decisions of a brave , sensible board. ( which we will find out )

UTB

 

[Grappler]

Yes i know . I was there . More like 20% overall , but we move on.

Although very pro Clough , more questions than answers at the moment .

I actually can see us getting turned over on Saturday , with a limp into the play offs .

Also when we play Chesterfield on the last match , hope its not a decider in any shape or form.

Lets not forget we are a league 1 side with league 1 players . We all have got carried away ( including me ) , that certain so called championship players , can do it in this league , so we would walk it . Not the case - fact.

IMO majority of the team we have got , will need rebuilding whatever league we are in next season. We have a squad were a maximum of 5 players are only good enough to move us forward. Clough has problems , lets hope he has a solution , and any solution doesn't cause further problems. Up to Clough and decisions of a brave , sensible board. ( which we will find out )

UTB

"...We have a squad were a maximum of 5 players are only good enough to move us forward......"

Who would you say the five players are your Lordship? Just curious.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

"...We have a squad were a maximum of 5 players are only good enough to move us forward......"

Who would you say the five players are your Lordship? Just curious.

The 5no who i feel can only move us forward are

Basham , Murphy , Flynn, Brayford , Reed .

UTB

 

[Blackheath Blade]

Its clough job to sort the team out . All those who had a poor game last night should have had to make their own way home and be told they wont be playing again this season unless they are going out onto the pitch to give 100% why not experiment with a couplen of our younger players who will show some grit and determination and go out and give 100% and let the regulars in the squad there places in the team wont be there for them automatically and see if there work rate changes for the start of the play offs

Sorted

My ten pennorth on last night: In 45 years of supporting United, i've never seen a Blades team with so little fight, imagination or leadership on the pitch.
The midfield were shown up for what they are, a group of blokes who would be knocked off the ball by a gust of wind and the defenders take it in turns to play in each others positions (a sort of bizarre work experience scheme perhaps?)
Clough's changes to his starting eleven either smack of desparation or the stubborness for which he has been criticised many times. The result is predictable, negative and dull football.
Oh for a few Chris Morgan types in the team to shake things up a bit. I've never agreed with the calls for Warnock to come back to The Lane but fuck me, he wouldn't allow things to become this bad surely.

350 mile round trip to get back into London at 1.15am, £50 in petrol, nineteen quid for a ticket and a likely £60 speeding ticket to cap a great evening. Worst of all, Yeovil Town and their fans taking the fuckin piss at the end of the game.

COYRAWW ?? Not fuckin likely at the moment.

 

[Lane Ender]

The 5no who i feel can only move us forward are

Basham , Murphy , Flynn, Brayford , Reed .

UTB

Flynn aint a championship player Bos swap him for Done.

If we did win the play keep the promising kids but ship the rest out

 

[Dalelane01]

Sorted

My ten pennorth on last night: In 45 years of supporting United, i've never seen a Blades team with so little fight, imagination or leadership on the pitch.
The midfield were shown up for what they are, a group of blokes who would be knocked off the ball by a gust of wind and the defenders take it in turns to play in each others positions (a sort of bizarre work experience scheme perhaps?)
Clough's changes to his starting eleven either smack of desparation or the stubborness for which he has been criticised many times. The result is predictable, negative and dull football.
Oh for a few Chris Morgan types in the team to shake things up a bit. I've never agreed with the calls for Warnock to come back to The Lane but fuck me, he wouldn't allow things to become this bad surely.

350 mile round trip to get back into London at 1.15am, £50 in petrol, nineteen quid for a ticket and a likely £60 speeding ticket to cap a great evening. Worst of all, Yeovil Town and their fans taking the fuckin piss at the end of the game.

COYRAWW ?? Not fuckin likely at the moment.

Its a case of the fans giving 100%. time money travel. you at least expect the same commitment from the players.

 

[Grappler]

The 5no who i feel can only move us forward are

Basham , Murphy , Flynn, Brayford , Reed .

UTB

Basham, Murphy, Brayford, I agree with, Flynn and Reed maybe (if the rest of the team were six footers), I think Done can do a job as well, and I think Freeman would be a good utility player as he can play in plenty of positions. I like Steven Davies, but needs to be over all his injuries.

 

[Aston max]

"YOOOUUUUUU-NITED"

Good film that

 

[judge]

Its not down to clough anymore its up to the fans to think pure clean thoughts and spur the team on to victory with rousing rah rah rahs

 

[Fulwood Blade]

We have a squad were a maximum of 5 players are only good enough to move us forward.
UTB

I am going to offer you an alternative view here. I think the squad is good enough.

Maguire and Collins had their respective issues, but as a pair they fitted well together last season and before.

Our season would have been so much different if we had got two big, strong centre halves.

We have put ourselves for most of the season under so much pressure by moving players around for various reasons.

If the season goes tits up, then for me Clough is totally culpable in NOT solving that problem, especially after admitting there was a problem by bringing in Paddy McC. I just can't work out why he has left it like that and tried to make do with a combination of Basham/McE/Alcock and now Brayford.

Just staggering.

UTB

 

[Bladesway]

In 17 years of team management Clough and his close family and staff have managed only one promotion, Northern Premier League in 2002. They are generally given credit for Burton's elevation to the football league in 2009, fair enough, but they actually left Burton in December 2008.

That is a really poor record and does not give anybody the encouragement to believe anything should change this season.

All the signs are the manager will fail again this season, in fact I think most Blades will be gobsmacked if we win the Play-Offs in truth. That's the state we are in, no matter what we wish or hope for, we are piss poor and going into the Play-Offs on a poor run with no settled side or indeed any method or system whatsoever. I really do not understand how Clough retains credibility frankly.

Even if we should sneak up somehow, the lack of progress this season is inexcusable.

Why don't you just keep on posting this across every post you make? You must have something more to add. You appear to have wisdom and experience yet you constantly bang on about Clough and how it's all his fault. If we go up you even cover your arse by saying it's still an apparent failure.

He isn't without blame but you would havespecially him blamed for third world poverty given a chance.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Sorted

My ten pennorth on last night: In 45 years of supporting United, i've never seen a Blades team with so little fight, imagination or leadership on the pitch.
The midfield were shown up for what they are, a group of blokes who would be knocked off the ball by a gust of wind and the defenders take it in turns to play in each others positions (a sort of bizarre work experience scheme perhaps?)
Clough's changes to his starting eleven either smack of desparation or the stubborness for which he has been criticised many times. The result is predictable, negative and dull football.
Oh for a few Chris Morgan types in the team to shake things up a bit. I've never agreed with the calls for Warnock to come back to The Lane but fuck me, he wouldn't allow things to become this bad surely.

350 mile round trip to get back into London at 1.15am, £50 in petrol, nineteen quid for a ticket and a likely £60 speeding ticket to cap a great evening. Worst of all, Yeovil Town and their fans taking the fuckin piss at the end of the game.

COYRAWW ?? Not fuckin likely at the moment.

I haven't seen the performance from last night, however I can name numerous performances that I have seen that are probably worse: 5-1 away to Ipswich under warnock in 2004-2005, 4-0 away to Wigan same season under warnock, Scunthorpe at home under Robson and port vale at home under Heath, the 2-0 loss at home to yeovil under Wilson. It's always easy to say "the worst performance I've ever seen". This isn't a go at you, massive credit to you for going to yeovil, but is always the case in the heat of the moment to say 'worst performance ever'. It felt like it was almost a monthly occurrence under warnock at times, but look what he eventually achieved for us.

The small shining light at the moment is that we know what performances this team are capable of, they've even shown that in the past month. Clough now has to dig deep and get them to do it again over the course of 6 more games.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Oh and add to the above the pathetic ends to the seasons under warnock in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 - devoid of any tactical nous, fight, attacking flair or ambition. Yet in 2005-2006 with the right recruitment and balance he got it right.....why? Cus he was given some time to correct and learn from mistakes.

 

[Dalelane01]

I haven't seen the performance from last night, however I can name numerous performances that I have seen that are probably worse: 5-1 away to Ipswich under warnock in 2004-2005, 4-0 away to Wigan same season under warnock, Scunthorpe at home under Robson and port vale at home under Heath, the 2-0 loss at home to yeovil under Wilson. It's always easy to say "the worst performance I've ever seen". This isn't a go at you, massive credit to you for going to yeovil, but is always the case in the heat of the moment to say 'worst performance ever'. It felt like it was almost a monthly occurrence under warnock at times, but look what he eventually achieved for us.

The small shining light at the moment is that we know what performances this team are capable of, they've even shown that in the past month. Clough now has to dig deep and get them to do it again of the course of 6 more games.

Whats happened since the barnsley game fantastic win against them.doncaster great game lucky to come away with a win but all teams need this bit of good fortune next game 2-0 down against oldham great fightback to come away with a point next game yeovil no need to say anymore but looking to the previous 3 games before yeovil game confidence should have been sky high is it just complacency lets hope we can start a good run again starting with bradford this is the game that should clinch our playoff spot

 

[Woodwardfan]

Why don't you just keep on posting this across every post you make? You must have something more to add. You appear to have wisdom and experience yet you constantly bang on about Clough and how it's all his fault. If we go up you even cover your arse by saying it's still an apparent failure.

He isn't without blame but you would havespecially him blamed for third world poverty given a chance.

"Cover my arse", what does that mean? From what?

"Posting this across every post" - I have never mentioned Clough's record over his 17 years in management before and have not "banged on" about it because I only realised it this week. So what's with you Bladesway? 3rd World Poverty? !

I'd love to be wrong because the Board have invested so much in Clough, his budget,his staff and all his old players. He's got unprecedented control and power and it will take a lot more time and money to unravel it all. I would definitely blame the manager, not the fans, not the Board, not the players -how ludicrous is it to blame the players? If only we were showing some progress in rebuilding the club, the ethos, playing style, anything! If we were then maybe we could all see that Clough is the man to fulfill the Board's ambitious strategy.

 

[Bladesway]

"Cover my arse", what does that mean? From what?.

The fear of being wrong about him. You say even if we get promoted he has in effect failed. 2 cup semi finals and a promotion if it should happen would have been more than we could have ever wished for 12 or so months ago.

He isn't perfect and he has to take a share of responsibility but I'm sorry you can't just blame the manager and his brother (your usual other topic) for all the world's ills. Players have to take their share of responsibility. Once across the line they have the ability to influence the game. Players who didn't show up the other night at Yeovil have as much responsibility as the manager.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The fear of being wrong about him. You say even if we get promoted he has in effect failed. 2 cup semi finals and a promotion if it should happen would have been more than we could have ever wished for 12 or so months ago.

He isn't perfect and he has to take a share of responsibility but I'm sorry you can't just blame the manager and his brother (your usual other topic) for all the world's ills. Players have to take their share of responsibility. Once across the line they have the ability to influence the game. Players who didn't show up the other night at Yeovil have as much responsibility as the manager.

I believe the fulcrum of the club is the manager and that he signs the players, develops them, picks the team, decides the formation and tactics, motivates the players, encourages them? or bollocks them!, makes substitutions, changes course mid-game if necessary, decides whether to attack or defend a lead for example.

If the manager has got what it takes it all comes together and it is a joy to see it developing over a period and that's what I'm looking for. If it all suddenly starts to happen believe me I will be delighted to change my opinion of Clough's capability. The two cup runs were notable achievements but general progress month by month has gone alarmingly backwards since Wembley, so badly it is hard to believe it's happened.

"Fear of being wrong about him", well I suppose my pseudonym would have egg on it's face but there's no doubt that would be the best solution. I'm 67 years old and each wasted year becomes more disappointing to me. I want to see this new Board transform the club in my lifetime, I suppose that's why I'm so keen to see evidence of true progress. Believe me I'll not cover my arse I'll bare it if Clough gets us to the Prem in the next 4 years.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The fear of being wrong about him. You say even if we get promoted he has in effect failed. 2 cup semi finals and a promotion if it should happen would have been more than we could have ever wished for 12 or so months ago.

He isn't perfect and he has to take a share of responsibility but I'm sorry you can't just blame the manager and his brother (your usual other topic) for all the world's ills. Players have to take their share of responsibility. Once across the line they have the ability to influence the game. Players who didn't show up the other night at Yeovil have as much responsibility as the manager.

My "usual other topic" Simon Clough. Yes, I do not like to see croneyism in any shape or form and I shook my head when Simon Clough got the job at Derby never mind here.

Anyway, if you appoint your brother as Head Scout he has to be really, really good IMO, so that people like me stop thinking he's got the job because his brother is manager. After 17 months and a good budget I am more than ever disturbed because I think our player recruitment has been patchy at best and certainly looks as though we only go looking in certain narrow areas. It seems we are incapable of recruiting a mix of different types of players, for example bigger men and players for the "spine of the team" at the back, midfield and up front until very recently. Game changing players seem to be off limits with the exception of Done but take out the two players who cost over £2m and the rest look distinctly average, certainly not good enough to take us forward very far. The success of any manager is greatly determined by his signings.

I think 17 months is long enough to judge and yes I think our scouting is still a weakness. If Clough honestly believes we can't do better than his brother at his wage from the whole of the football world, subject to availability of course, I don't believe him. If the proof of the pudding was in the eating I'd love to have "egg on my face".

This is a business and a big business.

 

[Bladesway]

I believe the fulcrum of the club is the manager and that he signs the players, develops them, picks the team, decides the formation and tactics, motivates the players, encourages them? or bollocks them!, makes substitutions, changes course mid-game if necessary, decides whether to attack or defend a lead for example.

If the manager has got what it takes it all comes together and it is a joy to see it developing over a period and that's what I'm looking for. If it all suddenly starts to happen believe me I will be delighted to change my opinion of Clough's capability. The two cup runs were notable achievements but general progress month by month has gone alarmingly backwards since Wembley, so badly it is hard to believe it's happened.

"Fear of being wrong about him", well I suppose my pseudonym would have egg on it's face but there's no doubt that would be the best solution. I'm 67 years old and each wasted year becomes more disappointing to me. I want to see this new Board transform the club in my lifetime, I suppose that's why I'm so keen to see evidence of true progress. Believe me I'll not cover my arse I'll bare it if Clough gets us to the Prem in the next 4 years.

Fair answers and thank you for that. I don't entirely agree but that's no shock either. We both want the same thing. I however look at our past 40 years and don't expect much to be any different in the next 40. Sorry but you and I will be in the ground before we ever win anything major. Sad but true.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Fair answers and thank you for that. I don't entirely agree but that's no shock either. We both want the same thing. I however look at our past 40 years and don't expect much to be any different in the next 40. Sorry but you and I will be in the ground before we ever win anything major. Sad but true.

I'll stop "banging on about" it though. Fed up of hearing my own keyboard today but you invited it all.

My head tells me we shouldn't go up with this squad. My heart says let's sneak up there and see how it goes.

My biggest fear is another year wasted, be it under Clough's stewardship or his successor's. If the club can pick up some momentum we can be massive! and encourage the new owners to commit more and more funds which is what they want to do I'm sure. At present they must be wondering whether we are on the right tracks though and that will limit their investment.

 

[Blackheath Blade]

I haven't seen the performance from last night, however I can name numerous performances that I have seen that are probably worse: 5-1 away to Ipswich under warnock in 2004-2005, 4-0 away to Wigan same season under warnock, Scunthorpe at home under Robson and port vale at home under Heath, the 2-0 loss at home to yeovil under Wilson. It's always easy to say "the worst performance I've ever seen". This isn't a go at you, massive credit to you for going to yeovil, but is always the case in the heat of the moment to say 'worst performance ever'. It felt like it was almost a monthly occurrence under warnock at times, but look what he eventually achieved for us.

The small shining light at the moment is that we know what performances this team are capable of, they've even shown that in the past month. Clough now has to dig deep and get them to do it again over the course of 6 more games.

Points noted Borbokis although I cant recall writing that the game on Tuesday was "the worst performance ever" that i've seen from the Blades?
Indeed some of the games from the Warnock era remain deeply etched in my scarred and tortured memories for all the wrong reasons. I suppose I used Warnock in my post as he represented the last real success we had at the Club, however, I do agree that he had some howlers along the way. Neither have I supported the sacking of Clough as a lot of people seem to do on here after a poor result and performance.

Your last paragraph says it all really and is the very essence of why we should stick with him. This time last year, we were looking forward to a winnable FA Cup Semi final and making a big push for the play offs after a season of utter shite, up to February 1st that is.
The League Cup run this season and the superb wins at QPR, Bristol and Barnsley have shown us all what they are capable of, so it's really frustrating when they turn out performances like they did at Gillingham and Yeovil to name but two.

The team and the manager let a lot of people down on Tuesday night, not just those who went to Yeovil. They have the ideal opportunity to put things right on Saturday afternoon and hopefully, on May 24th in North London. Personally, I cant see us winning the play offs but I hope to god i'm wrong.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

My head tells me we shouldn't go up with this squad. My heart says let's sneak up there and see how it goes.

And that, exactly, sums up my post Yeovil mood. The inconsistency is unsustainable. I have posted a couple of times "the next game is critical", but actually the only critical game will be the one that decides our fate this season. I believed that this team would be ok in the Championship, and I think that might be heart over head. If they can't maintain form in a promotion push have they the really got sustainability in the Championship?