Murphy

[Grecian2000]

From not having a single player who could run at people and beat them a couple of months ago, we now seem to have half a team at it (Murphy, Flynn, Brayford, Scougall), bloody hell it's perked me up no end.

I've been as harsh a critic as anyone on both Flynn and Murphy (well almost!), but if they can play like this and continue to do so, they are assetts and no mistake. If I were being churlish I'd be bemoaning many wasted months but I'll leave that and just bask in the glow of seeing wingers play like wingers and full backs breaking forward with purpose. When's the next match . . . . .

 

[broomhillblade]

Precisely. I've had a lot of 'I told you so's about Flynn recently, but it's nonsense. Flynn in particular has stepped up his game now, and credit where it's due, he's been brilliant and I have enjoyed watching his recent performances. However, this doesn't take away from the fact he has simply not been good enough for 2 years. We're finally seeing what he can do, but still stand by he was sh*te up until December 2013!

I prefer to use the word "underperforming".

So often, fans are quick to write players off, when there may be good reasons why they are not performing well. It may be the way the team has been set up, or instructions from the manager, or a niggling injury, or simply lack of confidence. A bit of support from the fans for a struggling player might work wonders, but that is a lot to expect. I remember spectators having a go at certain players when I started watching the Blades in 1948. Nothing changes.

 

[itsinyerblood]

From not having a single player who could run at people and beat them a couple of months ago, we now seem to have half a team at it (Murphy, Flynn, Brayford, Scougall), bloody hell it's perked me up no end.

I've been as harsh a critic as anyone on both Flynn and Murphy (well almost!), but if they can play like this and continue to do so, they are assetts and no mistake. If I were being churlish I'd be bemoaning many wasted months but I'll leave that and just bask in the glow of seeing wingers play like wingers and full backs breaking forward with purpose. When's the next match . . . . .

Think that will be a litmus test of sorts Grecian2000, to see if we get something close to what was on offer today. Our levels of consistency, even under dear old Nigel, have been up and down (although generally improved compared to our early season performances). Brayford certainly looks a class acquisition, the big question will be whether we can hold on to him?

Regarding Flynn and Murphy, I can only think their overall improvement is down to coaching. This is not an original thought, other posters have said exactly the same, but what other explanation is there for the way both players have turned their games around and begun to play with real threat? Of course there's room for improvement, Colin Morris they ain't. Knowing when to release the ball, adding variety to this part of their game, cutting the ball back for example, or being able to deliver accurately, are essential weapons in a winger's armoury. So as good as it is to see both guys respond to the advice they're getting during the week, end product needs to be improved. Whether Paynter can offer opportunities that allows for that killer pass remains to be seen, but the rebuilding is taking place nicely, and we're beginning to assemble a squad where driftwood is less of a concern than it has been in recent seasons.

 

[broomhillblade]

Murphy was apparently doing very well in Scotland, so it can't just be a lack of coaching.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Murphy was apparently doing very well in Scotland, so it can't just be a lack of coaching.

Point taken mate, as you say, a variety of possibilities can affect a player. The nature of the game, where players are asked to move to an environment that's sometimes alien to them, may, for example, contribute to the confidence that was evident before they signed, so they feel unsettled, and once in that groove it can be difficult to break out of. I get that broomhillblade, and only a chat with the player concerned might reveal what those factors are, but I stand by the comment that coaching will have played a significant part in this upturn. I know it's easy to attribute NC and his staff with talents that border on biblical, but it's probably no more complicated than someone putting an arm around their shoulders and pointing out what they're capable of achieving. Being made to feel good is something many of us would benefit from, but of course it's down to the players to want to improve, and this seems to be the case with Murphy and Flynn.

 

[Dnblade]

Great to see Murphy starting to make a regular impact.He's obviously being encouraged to run at Defenders,and a great outlet when he can run us up the pitch 20/30 yards into the attacking 3rd.
He can still some times frustrate when there are players in good positions which he's failed to spot,and ends up. Eying crowded out.
We looked like getting something on the break with Murphy,Scougall,Flynny running us up the pitch and Baxter linking up,and at times the Full Backs were up there...even with only 10 men.

 

[IOM Blade]

Confidence players both of them.

They both played great today and hope they continue like that.

And threads such as this can only help.

Hi Jamie

Hi Ryan

xxx

 

[Silent Blade]

assistant manager is Gary Crosby ,a winger ,Murphy and Flynn are flying since he came ,cant be a coincidence. Maybe he also sees a flaw in Brandy ?

Remember Crosby being a tricky winger for Forest. I think he was signed from Grantham Town