Oldham 2 United 2 - report

[Deadbat]

The Blades inched toward securing a play off spot as they came back to earn a point at Boundary Park against mid table Oldham. Former Blade loanee Dominic Poleon had scored a first half brace but United fought back with goals from Jason Holt and Jamie Murphy to secure a draw. In truth it was another patchy performance from United who still seem to be maddeningly inconsistent and this game summed it up.


United made changes again with surprisingly the two stand outs from the Doncaster game Steve Davies and Matt Done out and McNulty and Murphy back in. Also Louis Reed was handed a start in place of Jose Baxter. Terry Kennedy was back in too with Paul Coutts on the bench.


The game began with strange weather circling the second highest football league ground with rain, wind and sunshine all appearing at some point.


United started slowly and Basham’s backpass nearly saw Howard undone as his clearance struck former Blade Philiskirk and bounced just wide. This sloppy start continued as Kelly had a shot that Howard had to gather.


McNulty had the first chance for United but his shot was saved on the angle by Coleman. Oldham had started the better and on 22 minutes the Latics in front and it came from the lively Poleon. The ball had been stuck in midfield but when it was knocked forward, POLEON robbed the ball from Kennedy and went down the inside channel. It was only a half chance but he hit a low shot into the far corner. It was well taken despite sloppy defending.


United had a couple of speculative efforts from Brayford and Murphy but Reed was then booked for a foul on Philliskirk before Turner had a half chance.


Just before the break and it was 2-0 in a nothing sort of game but had been lit up by the play of the former United loan player POLEON. He showed great quality to score his second as he was able to easily shrug off Reed in the challenge and then from fully 30 yards hit a fierce and high dipping shot. It seemed to catch Howard out as the keeper could only help its way into the goal. A great shot but another avoidable goal.


At the break Clough had seen enough and made two chances with youngsters Kennedy and Reed replaced by Coutts and Scougall with Flynn going to right back and Brayford moving to centre back. Coutts began wide right with Scougall supplanting Doyle and Holt.


After an early chance for Poleon for his hat trick; United finally seemed to show some urgency and won a free kick which unfortunately saw Murphy only hit the wall. Soon after though the arrears were reduced. Good work from Coutts saw him get down the right and from his cross HOLT was able to get onto the ball control and toe poke into the corner.


Buoyed by this foothold back into the game United came again and had another half chance but Murphy was crowded out. Soon after Doyle’s powerful shot was saved well from Coleman who flicked over the bar.


United were given a corner not long after when the referee overruled the linesman. From the kick Brayford headed across and then Basham’s header was saved before MURPHY scrambled into the net.


United now were in the ascendancy and were going for the win. Davies came on for McNulty and the visitors pushed bodies forward.


Doyle controlled Scougall’s corner and hit a fierce half volley that hit the foot of the post and bounced across goal with many Blades fans at the other end thinking it had nestled into the goal.


Soon after Coutts had an effort saved but as the game entered four additional minutes, Oldham, who had offered little second half forced a soft free kick and then a corner but could not get anything on goal. The final whistle came soon after endinf the proverbial game of two halves.


United – It was poor for long spells and even though it was a classic game of two halves I do not think United were that convincing for most of the game even though we did come back of course. Oldham were a poor side who were there for the taking. The fact we went 2-0 down in a game we should have been controlling and had to fight back is worrying. After we got to 2-2 we hit the post but still should have gone on and won the game but failed to create too many chances. For much of the game we looked ponderous and leaden footed and I felt we looked so slow. Maybe the number of games is taking its toll on United but I would also argue we had a lot missing who have played and likes of Reed, Holt, Kennedy should be relatively fresh.


First half our tiny midfield did not pass the well but also did not win the ball and we lost this phase of the game We did not really get going at any point save for a chance from McNulty which was saved. We looked so poor on the ball and lacked energy and urgency. Of course going two down we had too start playing and got two goals. We could have had more after this and Oldham were there for the taking and they only looked like one winner in the end. Why we had to wait 45 minutes before having a proper go is beyond me but this type of inconsistency was shown in microcosm today. Great to come back but we have to be beating sides like that.


At times when we showed some energy and pace we looked like we could go and score goals but it was only in flashes and for much of the game we lacked skill, interplay and cohesion. We looked disorganised for long spells too and as I have said far too many times in these reports just do not look like a side that is a promotion outfit.


Hopefully we can go to a relegated Yeovil and get the win to allow us to virtually seal the playoff place and then he needs to me to get his best side out for the final few games to ensure we are ready. We are going to have to do it the hard way in terms of playoffs and having to go on the road for the second leg and I am yet to be convinced this side is good enough to win 2 or 3 games they may need to (cue the response we could draw all 3 and go up!) against better sides. We have won 1 of 5 against the other three teams in the playoff positions currently and 3 out of 9 including the other two just outside.


Oldham – They were another poor side (how many times have I said that?). The lad Poleon scored two good goals but they were a side mired in mid table with nothing to play for and also with quite a few key players missing (Forte was one) and a 19 year old rookie keeper should have been there for the taking. They maybe shaded the first half at least in terms of chances etc but second half after we got back into it, they looked like a side that wanted to be on the beach and I felt we should have pushed on and won as they were glad of a point in the end.


A team that is going through a transition with Lee Johnson going to Barnsley and he had got them in a decent position but they have tailed off since he left. They will finish middle of the league but I also feel next season is a struggle. History would suggest that Forte won’t score as many goals and they may be looking over their shoulders with the lack of resources. Having a four sided ground (this stand should be ready for next season) will help them in terms of home advantage but they can barely fill the three sides that they have!

 

[Deadbat]

Howard 6/10 – Did not have much chance on the first goal as it was well hit and also jumped up off the pitch as it went in the far corner. Second goal I will be honest and say he should have saved it. It was the same as the one against Crewe the other week. It was well hit but was fairly central and this time he also got a hand to it and kind of pushed it into the net. Made a few routine saves but outside of goals they did not have many clear chances really with only one other shot I can recall at Howard. Wore a hat finally too!


Brayford 5.5/10 – Another less than convincing display from our so called talisman. He made a number of poor decisions with the ball and his touch again was at times really poor. Second half I recall 3 or 4 times he gave it straight to them under no pressure. The pitch was poor but it always seemed to be bobbling when he had it. Did head across goal for the equaliser. Still not near the form he showed last season but cannot help he is changing position every week (same as Basham). He was as ordinary at centre back second half as he was first half at right back.


Freeman 6/10 – Played at left back today showing he can be versatile but he was another that was up and down much of the game. Some decent stuff and then some poor stuff. Got forward well second half in some of our attacks but defensively he was not as solid.


Kennedy 5/10 – Had as poor a game as I have seen him have for the club. Looked slow and sluggish and was at fault for the first goal as he gave it away. He made a few other mistakes and looked less than fit to me. Going to be hard one at the end of the season (contract up isn’t it?) as he clearly cannot play 2 games in a row. Sadly whilst a decent defender he is hardly Ledley King so it may be he is not retained as harsh as that is. I would say from looking at him close up today that he is carrying too much weight too (another – more later).


Basham 7.5 /10 – Thought he was our best player over 90 mins although two subs were decent. He headed it away, cleared it when he could but also one of few players who looked comfortable on the ball. He came away with it and always looked to use it.


Doyle 6.5/10 –I thought he was ok today. He had the one good shot that could have won the game but at times we were not in control in the midfield and he had to do job of 2 or 3 people. I also felt we did not win enough loose ball and tackles first half but of course this improved after the break and he got better too.


Reed 4/10 –.Thought he was really poor. He was sloppy on the ball and he also lost several 50/50 challenges including one in the build up to the second goal. He is still young and of course has a great deal of potential but he has to do better than that when he gets a start. Was subbed at half time which summed up how he had played sadly.


Holt 7/10 – He scored a decent goal getting ahead of the strikers again. Shows he has a real knack for getting in the box and he can clearly finish too. All too often despite this he is quiet in games and does not do enough for me. At times when he gets on the ball looks decent but quiet for too long. Pleasing we have a goal scoring central midfielder now though.


Flynn 6/10 – Quiet game for Flynn but another who had to swap positions. After he played brilliant versus Scunthorpe he has reverted to being very ordinary the last few games. He always puts a shift in and does the defensive stuff. Ended up at right back and did better in the second half.


Murphy 7/10- At times he was again doubled up on but still looked one of our main threats. He had a few decent runs and drew men away but also was quiet for spells too. Scored a poachers goal to give us the point.


McNulty 4/10 – He has not played much recently and today he looked very rusty. He was off the pace and did not look a goal threat. His hold up play and touch was poor and he did not link well with others. Another that to me looks like he is carrying too much weight. Think now he is only going to be on the bench in the run in and as we enter the playoffs.


Subs-


Coutts 7.5/10 – Got to be honest I have not rated him at all so far but only seen the home games and he has apparently been better away from the Lane. Today he came on and made a difference. He got on the ball, used it well and was lively down the right hand side. Much better.


Scougall 7.5/10 – Gave us some much needed energy and at least another body that can get forward. Knows now with Baxter, Reed, Coutts, Wallace on way back hopefully and also Holt he has to play well to be in the side. Today he was decent when he came on and helped changed the game being brave, getting on the ball and looking to get forward.


Davies – Brought on with around quarter an hour to go. Won a few flicks but did not have or create any chances. Why he was dropped (rested) I do not know.


Manager rating – Clough 6/10 –


He gets a slightly higher mark for making changes at half time that contributes towards us getting back into the game. Scougall and Coutts were better than those they replaced by some distance and moving Flynn helped too We also had better control of midfield. So fair play to him for that. However, it was another poor performance for much of the game and we continue to look disjointed and lacking any kind of fluency. We are struggling to put away some really poor sides and this is concerning as the playoffs loom.


It was mystifying why the best two players were left out from the other night. Just could not understand it at all. We need to get wins to get in the playoffs and try somehow to build some consistency and momentum. Also Done and Davies showed for the first time some level of understanding and sign of a partnership developing. To play neither of them was incredulous to me.


The players he brought in McNulty, Reed, Kennedy were really poor and thus his changes did not work. Yes, he at least redressed that by making changes at half time but too often his selections and performances of the side are not good enough.



Officials – Apparently it was not a corner in the lead up to our second goal but I cannot really remember it as being that obvious a poor decision as Dean Holden said it was. Outside of this it was a nothing game to referee with barely a poor foul all game. He booked three, two for us, Reed and Holt and Mills for them but I can’t even remember these incidents so they cannot have been particularly bad fouls.


Crowd – Decent following from United but hot on the heels of the Barnsley game was never going to be a sell out. I am not sure how many we took as it was hard to see from where we sat but would say around 1,500-1,750? We did not have the full end as we did when I went a few seasons ago. Much of game seemed to be frustration at the performance as much as fervent noise to encourage but this changed when we got back in the game.


Day Out – As always. A superb day out spoiled by a drab game of football (despite it being 2-2 and a decent comeback I suppose). We got into Manchester around 10.30am and had a few beers in the Northern Quarter at The BluePig, The Millstone and the Odd bar with mixture of full English and Curries eaten too. We then headed into Oldham on the tram getting off at Freehold and having another beer and playing darts at the Dog Inn– for the record I won on a double three. We had a go and won on the National sweepstake so returned there after the game for our £40 prize and partook in a few stronger drinks (whisky, vodkas etc).


We returned to Manchester where the night a little more surreal as we had a quick pint at Sinclair’s Oyster bar before finding an underground hot dog/burger place where we had pizza’s/hot dogs and cocktails. We then proceeded to another underground bar, Corberies, an old favourite where the music (excellent juke box) is always good and we played pinball here. After this back to the Northern Quarter and we found a lovely speak easy type bar called Fitzgerald and had more cocktails with jazz music playing in the back ground. We then decided it was time for home as it was around 10ish. Managed to miss a train that claimed to be delayed but was not as we got more refreshments for the train. Got home around midnight via a cab. Spent most of the journey home trying to sleep as a carriage full of other sides football sides argued over who took most to Lincoln or Burton in 2003/04.

As one of my friends texted me this morning; it does seem like I have someone else head this morning and a little sore to say the least. Getting too old for all the above but we had a great time as one guy who came with us (not a regular) we had not seen for some time.

 

[Deadbat]

Forgot to add that my friend made a wonderful concoction in his huge hip flask which helped the game go by. It needed analysis and rating on its own.

A Negroni: Equal amounts of Campari (or Asperol), gin and Martini Rosso.

A truly wonderful drink. 9/10

 

[Grappler]

Forgot to add that my friend made a wonderful concoction in his huge hip flask which helped the game go by. It needed analysis and rating on its own.

A Negroni: Equal amounts of Campari (or Asperol), gin and Martini Rosso.

A truly wonderful drink. 9/10

I dod some work with a film company down south and they swear by Negroni's, we always have one whenever we meet up.

Good report, that is pretty much how I saw the game as well, if Basham was in midfield, his runs would take him into the box, as he did at Barnsley, instead, he has to quickly pass and then then run back to defend.

I have not been a big fan of Holt, because he looks like a clone of Scougall, when we are screaming out for height and stockiness, but I can't deny that four goals in the last five games have been a very good return from the diminutive midfielder.

I think NC thought that Oldham would be there for the taking, so we could rest Davies and Done, but that was not the case.

 

[grafikhaus]

Hopefully we can go to a relegated Yeovil and get the win to allow us to virtually seal the playoff place and then he needs to me to get his best side out for the final few games to ensure we are ready. We are going to have to do it the hard way in terms of playoffs and having to go on the road for the second leg and I am yet to be convinced this side is good enough to win 2 or 3 games they may need to (cue the response we could draw all 3 and go up!) against better sides. We have won 1 of 5 against the other three teams in the playoff positions currently and 3 out of 9 including the other two just outside.

And this sums it up for me. We'll go to Yeovil and a defeat would not surprise me. We'll have the usual 'Yeovil had nothing to play for', the normal several changes because, didn't you know, United are the only team who are playing Tuesday/Saturday and getting tired?

We're thirteen points (and a million miles) behind second place for a reason. We are nowhere near a team that is ready for a step up into the Championship. It will be no use 'making it up as we go along' in a higher level - something we seem to have done on too many occasions this season. Thinking 'let's get there and worry about it next season' could easily lead us to the kind of relegation fight that might set us back years.

So, sorry. If it takes another season at this level, so be it. But is anybody optimistic that staggering over the line and going up is a sustainable plan?

 

[Deadbat]

I can see some of your thinking but several ordinary sides littered with poor players (Weds - Jones, Llera etc) got up and then they have gradually improved season after season. Rotherham were no great shakes bit will survive.

I am more of the reasoning that you get up; by hook or crook and then rebuild in the summer - if you improve the side then the making too many changes argument does not have credence. I would rather change the 7 or 8 starters of the current side and add 8 or 9 players to the main squad to supplant likes of Howard, Basham, Brayford, Reed, Murphy and maybe Done and Davies (although would need at least 1 possibly 2 better strikers at next level).

Staying in this division means they have to make changes anyway as clearly they aren't good enough. It would be a lot easier to attract decent players if we are in the division above and staying in this league to me for another season sets the club back further and the pressure would be firmly on Clough to start next season. A poor start and he would be gone. Then we have to rebuild anyway.

So for me suggesting staying at this level is the best option is not a plan for me with any real sense. Would love to have a Brentford or Wolves type side and then go after we have gone up but that wont be case. Bristol and Preston are miles better than us and will be mid table at best next season so yes the current side would struggle but you would improve it. The club would then hopefully chuck some real money at it and try and push on to be a top half Championship side next season. Unlikely but you never know. I think another season at this level as likely as it is to happen (1in 4 chance and a side not playing very well) would be hard to take for me and many fans.

 

[Dkc]

Cheers as always for the report, especially as it was written with a hangover.

Clough must be terrified of new injuries to key players ahead of the extected Play Off semis and thought he could get away with Done and Davies on the bench, like he did with Murphy previously. Expect to see more of this, especially if we virtually clinch it on Tuesday.

 

[JohnDenver]

But is anybody optimistic that staggering over the line and going up is a sustainable plan?

Yes, absolutely. Fill the gaps in defence and up front in the summer. Big, positive home crowds. Loads of youthful promise in the squad.

The foundations are there. Just need to wriggle up.

 

[bartman]

Howard 6/10 – Did not have much chance on the first goal as it was well hit and also jumped up off the pitch as it went in the far corner. Second goal I will be honest and say he should have saved it. It was the same as the one against Crewe the other week. It was well hit but was fairly central and this time he also got a hand to it and kind of pushed it into the net. Made a few routine saves but outside of goals they did not have many clear chances really with only one other shot I can recall at Howard. Wore a hat finally too!


Brayford 5.5/10 – Another less than convincing display from our so called talisman. He made a number of poor decisions with the ball and his touch again was at times really poor. Second half I recall 3 or 4 times he gave it straight to them under no pressure. The pitch was poor but it always seemed to be bobbling when he had it. Did head across goal for the equaliser. Still not near the form he showed last season but cannot help he is changing position every week (same as Basham). He was as ordinary at centre back second half as he was first half at right back.


Freeman 6/10 – Played at left back today showing he can be versatile but he was another that was up and down much of the game. Some decent stuff and then some poor stuff. Got forward well second half in some of our attacks but defensively he was not as solid.


Kennedy 5/10 – Had as poor a game as I have seen him have for the club. Looked slow and sluggish and was at fault for the first goal as he gave it away. He made a few other mistakes and looked less than fit to me. Going to be hard one at the end of the season (contract up isn’t it?) as he clearly cannot play 2 games in a row. Sadly whilst a decent defender he is hardly Ledley King so it may be he is not retained as harsh as that is. I would say from looking at him close up today that he is carrying too much weight too (another – more later).


Basham 7.5 /10 – Thought he was our best player over 90 mins although two subs were decent. He headed it away, cleared it when he could but also one of few players who looked comfortable on the ball. He came away with it and always looked to use it.


Doyle 6.5/10 –I thought he was ok today. He had the one good shot that could have won the game but at times we were not in control in the midfield and he had to do job of 2 or 3 people. I also felt we did not win enough loose ball and tackles first half but of course this improved after the break and he got better too.


Reed 4/10 –.Thought he was really poor. He was sloppy on the ball and he also lost several 50/50 challenges including one in the build up to the second goal. He is still young and of course has a great deal of potential but he has to do better than that when he gets a start. Was subbed at half time which summed up how he had played sadly.


Holt 7/10 – He scored a decent goal getting ahead of the strikers again. Shows he has a real knack for getting in the box and he can clearly finish too. All too often despite this he is quiet in games and does not do enough for me. At times when he gets on the ball looks decent but quiet for too long. Pleasing we have a goal scoring central midfielder now though.


Flynn 6/10 – Quiet game for Flynn but another who had to swap positions. After he played brilliant versus Scunthorpe he has reverted to being very ordinary the last few games. He always puts a shift in and does the defensive stuff. Ended up at right back and did better in the second half.


Murphy 7/10- At times he was again doubled up on but still looked one of our main threats. He had a few decent runs and drew men away but also was quiet for spells too. Scored a poachers goal to give us the point.


McNulty 4/10 – He has not played much recently and today he looked very rusty. He was off the pace and did not look a goal threat. His hold up play and touch was poor and he did not link well with others. Another that to me looks like he is carrying too much weight. Think now he is only going to be on the bench in the run in and as we enter the playoffs.


Subs-


Coutts 7.5/10 – Got to be honest I have not rated him at all so far but only seen the home games and he has apparently been better away from the Lane. Today he came on and made a difference. He got on the ball, used it well and was lively down the right hand side. Much better.


Scougall 7.5/10 – Gave us some much needed energy and at least another body that can get forward. Knows now with Baxter, Reed, Coutts, Wallace on way back hopefully and also Holt he has to play well to be in the side. Today he was decent when he came on and helped changed the game being brave, getting on the ball and looking to get forward.


Davies – Brought on with around quarter an hour to go. Won a few flicks but did not have or create any chances. Why he was dropped (rested) I do not know.


Manager rating – Clough 6/10 –


He gets a slightly higher mark for making changes at half time that contributes towards us getting back into the game. Scougall and Coutts were better than those they replaced by some distance and moving Flynn helped too We also had better control of midfield. So fair play to him for that. However, it was another poor performance for much of the game and we continue to look disjointed and lacking any kind of fluency. We are struggling to put away some really poor sides and this is concerning as the playoffs loom.


It was mystifying why the best two players were left out from the other night. Just could not understand it at all. We need to get wins to get in the playoffs and try somehow to build some consistency and momentum. Also Done and Davies showed for the first time some level of understanding and sign of a partnership developing. To play neither of them was incredulous to me.


The players he brought in McNulty, Reed, Kennedy were really poor and thus his changes did not work. Yes, he at least redressed that by making changes at half time but too often his selections and performances of the side are not good enough.



Officials – Apparently it was not a corner in the lead up to our second goal but I cannot really remember it as being that obvious a poor decision as Dean Holden said it was. Outside of this it was a nothing game to referee with barely a poor foul all game. He booked three, two for us, Reed and Holt and Mills for them but I can’t even remember these incidents so they cannot have been particularly bad fouls.


Crowd – Decent following from United but hot on the heels of the Barnsley game was never going to be a sell out. I am not sure how many we took as it was hard to see from where we sat but would say around 1,500-1,750? We did not have the full end as we did when I went a few seasons ago. Much of game seemed to be frustration at the performance as much as fervent noise to encourage but this changed when we got back in the game.


Day Out – As always. A superb day out spoiled by a drab game of football (despite it being 2-2 and a decent comeback I suppose). We got into Manchester around 10.30am and had a few beers in the Northern Quarter at The BluePig, The Millstone and the Odd bar with mixture of full English and Curries eaten too. We then headed into Oldham on the tram getting off at Freehold and having another beer and playing darts at the Dog Inn– for the record I won on a double three. We had a go and won on the National sweepstake so returned there after the game for our £40 prize and partook in a few stronger drinks (whisky, vodkas etc).


We returned to Manchester where the night a little more surreal as we had a quick pint at Sinclair’s Oyster bar before finding an underground hot dog/burger place where we had pizza’s/hot dogs and cocktails. We then proceeded to another underground bar, Corberies, an old favourite where the music (excellent juke box) is always good and we played pinball here. After this back to the Northern Quarter and we found a lovely speak easy type bar called Fitzgerald and had more cocktails with jazz music playing in the back ground. We then decided it was time for home as it was around 10ish. Managed to miss a train that claimed to be delayed but was not as we got more refreshments for the train. Got home around midnight via a cab. Spent most of the journey home trying to sleep as a carriage full of other sides football sides argued over who took most to Lincoln or Burton in 2003/04.

As one of my friends texted me this morning; it does seem like I have someone else head this morning and a little sore to say the least. Getting too old for all the above but we had a great time as one guy who came with us (not a regular) we had not seen for some time.

I think you are being a tad harsh on Brayford as I feel at centre half he attacks the ball well and looks to be positive.
You say you would kick a team and stick to it leading onto the play offs. I see it differently as I would like the players with any niggles or tiredness issues to be rested. Players like Murphy, Basham, Davies, Coutts Done and Brayford need to be fit and fresh for the play offs so a win at a Yeovil us vital so they can be rested

 

[Deadbat]

...sides like Bristol and Preston have had continuity and developed partnerships all over the field. Bristol have been fortunate with injuries but playing same 11 a lot of weeks has been a help for them. Clough has tinkered and messed all season; few players play every week and many are swapped around positions. This has in my opinion contributed to lack of consistency.

We need to get some consistency and develop some pattern/cohesion but without this we will continue to play well say 1 in 3 or 4. If we continue disjointed performances for the 2 playoff games (how many back to back performances have we put together) then sadly we will crash and burn.

We can rest players from training; they barely need to keep fit at this stage of the season and can do light sessions. However for the final 4 games I would play as near to damn the eleven we need for the playoffs. I personally hope somehow Wallace can get fit and we can try and get somewhere near to below.


------------------Howard----------------
Brayford--Kennedy--Basham--Harris
Flynn------Doyle---Wallace---Murphy
--------------Done----Davies-------------

Subs from: Turner--McEveley--Reed--Holt--Baxter--Cambell Ryce--Scougall--Adams--Coutts--Davies--McNulty


Sadly don't think Clough will play this (Wallace not being fit does not help of course).

 

[Mendi]

 

[bartman]

...sides like Bristol and Preston have had continuity and developed partnerships all over the field. Bristol have been fortunate with injuries but playing same 11 a lot of weeks has been a help for them. Clough has tinkered and messed all season; few players play every week and many are swapped around positions. This has in my opinion contributed to lack of consistency.

We need to get some consistency and develop some pattern/cohesion but without this we will continue to play well say 1 in 3 or 4. If we continue disjointed performances for the 2 playoff games (how many back to back performances have we put together) then sadly we will crash and burn.

We can rest players from training; they barely need to keep fit at this stage of the season and can do light sessions. However for the final 4 games I would play as near to damn the eleven we need for the playoffs. I personally hope somehow Wallace can get fit and we can try and get somewhere near to below.


------------------Howard----------------
Brayford--Kennedy--Basham--Harris
Flynn------Doyle---Wallace---Murphy
--------------Done----Davies-------------

Subs from: Turner--McEveley--Reed--Holt--Baxter--Cambell Ryce--Scougall--Adams--Coutts--Davies--McNulty


Sadly don't think Clough will play this (Wallace not being fit does not help of course).

I would prefer Brayford at centre half and freeman at right back.This would then put Bash in midfield with Coutts and one other
The debate for me would be picking two out of Done,Flynn and Murphy and,for me,Davies has to start if fit.

Should we make the play offs,we will play 4-5-1 in the away leg as it has served us well this season and I suspect the first leg he will play a similar formation but more likely to play Done due to his movement. For me i would play Done instead of Flynn

 

[Deadbat]

I would prefer Brayford at centre half and freeman at right back.This would then put Bash in midfield with Coutts and one other
The debate for me would be picking two out of Done,Flynn and Murphy and,for me,Davies has to start if fit.

Should we make the play offs,we will play 4-5-1 in the away leg as it has served us well this season and I suspect the first leg he will play a similar formation but more likely to play Done due to his movement. For me i would play Done instead of Flynn

Yes I would not have a major issue with above. Ideally Basham's physique/height would be great to have in midfield but he is our most consistent centre back so hard one really. Done has been excellent in nearly every game I have seen. Why he is not starting; either wide or up front is beyond me.

 

[JohnDenver]

Done has been excellent in nearly every game I have seen. Why he is not starting; either wide or up front is beyond me.

Have you seen how much effort he puts in every game? He joined carrying an injury and needs looking after not wringing-out.

 

[Deadbat]

What are we resting players for though? Do people think we will suddenly turn on this magical switch come playoff time. We need to build some momentum now otherwise we will go in with same disjointed side who had no familiarity with each others and no real sense of any partnerships.

If Done is injured he should not be on the bench. Yes he puts loads of effort in but does that mean he cant play 2 games in a row. With the likes of him, Baxter, Kennedy, Flynn, Coutts, Murphy etc all seemingly not fully fit according to Clough then it is odd they are even playing. If they aren't fit, they should not be playing. Otherwise they will keep getting injuries etc. However the fact many wer eon the bench suggested they were not injured. they can just as easy worsen an injury in 10 minutes as 90.

It is odd how he is rotating the team so much and I don't see how they can build any kind of consistency by doing this.

 

[bartman]

What are we resting players for though? Do people think we will suddenly turn on this magical switch come playoff time. We need to build some momentum now otherwise we will go in with same disjointed side who had no familiarity with each others and no real sense of any partnerships.

If Done is injured he should not be on the bench. Yes he puts loads of effort in but does that mean he cant play 2 games in a row. With the likes of him, Baxter, Kennedy, Flynn, Coutts, Murphy etc all seemingly not fully fit according to Clough then it is odd they are even playing. If they aren't fit, they should not be playing. Otherwise they will keep getting injuries etc. However the fact many wer eon the bench suggested they were not injured. they can just as easy worsen an injury in 10 minutes as 90.

It is odd how he is rotating the team so much and I don't see how they can build any kind of consistency by doing this.

I agree in a way but some injuries are just niggles and the players can cope with 20 mins or so at this stage of the season.

I think these last few games will be ideal for players like Scougill,McNulty,Ben Davies and Alcock to get some match fitness back just in case of injuries

 

[grafikhaus]

Yes, absolutely. Fill the gaps in defence and up front in the summer. Big, positive home crowds. Loads of youthful promise in the squad.

The foundations are there. Just need to wriggle up.

Meanwhile, already-strong teams who narrowly missed out on promotion - Norwich, Dreby, Watford, Wolves etc. - will be inactive, just waiting for United to catch up...

 

[grafikhaus]

So for me suggesting staying at this level is the best option is not a plan for me with any real sense.

I think another season at this level as likely as it is to happen (1in 4 chance and a side not playing very well) would be hard to take for me and many fans.

Good response, Db. I didn't say 'staying at this level is the best option'. Just trying to get things in perspective if we don't go up. Another season in Division 3 will not be disastrous, particularly if we make the right moves in summer. It's a shitter, yes. But so would be nine months of toil in the Championship.

You quote Wendy and Rotherham. Well, apart from Wendy being jammy, cheating bastards who are there by default, have you heard FH and P & G lately? Deep gloom surrounds that club, there are increasing calls for Grey's head and a trip to Hillsborough sounds as much fun as a visit to the dentist. Despite their Manchester City-esque 'investment' they once again had to resort to £10 'adults'/£5 piglets on Saturday to inch their crowds slightly above what we're getting on a wet Tuesday night.

Rotherham are just enjoying their (brief) stay at a level way above their station. Over 30 players have been brought in and their wage bill must be higher than ours - all on 10k crowds.

So forgive me if I sound defeatist but I can't see much good coming from scraping into the Championship. Keep an eye out for the results of MKD/Swindon/ Chezzie/us next season in a higher level. It won't be pretty. For me, this season has had a '2010' feel about it. Yes, there was Ched and the penalty defeat at Wembley but I doubt if we'd have stayed in the Championship for the last 5 seasons. Not ready.

 

[blader]

I think we can all agree, if we do get promoted this will be the worst, most depressing promotion campaign there has ever been!

 

[sitwell]

Good response, Db. I didn't say 'staying at this level is the best option'. Just trying to get things in perspective if we don't go up. Another season in Division 3 will not be disastrous, particularly if we make the right moves in summer. It's a shitter, yes. But so would be nine months of toil in the Championship.

You quote Wendy and Rotherham. Well, apart from Wendy being jammy, cheating bastards who are there by default, have you heard FH and P & G lately? Deep gloom surrounds that club, there are increasing calls for Grey's head and a trip to Hillsborough sounds as much fun as a visit to the dentist. Despite their Manchester City-esque 'investment' they once again had to resort to £10 'adults'/£5 piglets on Saturday to inch their crowds slightly above what we're getting on a wet Tuesday night.

Rotherham are just enjoying their (brief) stay at a level way above their station. Over 30 players have been brought in and their wage bill must be higher than ours - all on 10k crowds.

So forgive me if I sound defeatist but I can't see much good coming from scraping into the Championship. Keep an eye out for the results of MKD/Swindon/ Chezzie/us next season in a higher level. It won't be pretty. For me, this season has had a '2010' feel about it. Yes, there was Ched and the penalty defeat at Wembley but I doubt if we'd have stayed in the Championship for the last 5 seasons. Not ready.

I actually think with the signing of a couple of good centre halves we are better equipped for the Championship than league 1 ,however they must be good strong leader type centre halves ,that must be a big priority whichever division in the summer.

 

[Silent Blade]

I think we can all agree, if we do get promoted this will be the worst, most depressing promotion campaign there has ever been!

Before the last game of the 1938/39 season we had won only 8 league matches at home and were a point behind Wendy who had completed all their fixtures so this must have been quite a depressing season despite getting promotion at the end as very few fans go to away games in these years (we won 11 away matches) but happily we beat Spurs 6-1 to clinch promotion

 

[grafikhaus]

Before the last game of the 1938/39 season we had won only 8 league matches at home and were a point behind Wendy who had completed all their fixtures so this must have been quite a depressing season despite getting promotion at the end as very few fans go to away games in these years (we won 11 away matches) but happily we beat Spurs 6-1 to clinch promotion

Yes, that sounds a pretty depressing season but cheer up! The Second World War was about to start!

 

[Revolution]

Before the last game of the 1938/39 season we had won only 8 league matches at home and were a point behind Wendy who had completed all their fixtures so this must have been quite a depressing season despite getting promotion at the end as very few fans go to away games in these years (we won 11 away matches) but happily we beat Spurs 6-1 to clinch promotion

The club took the players away to Derbyshire the night before the Spurs game and they went to the Lane by coach - the idea being to simulate an away game build up. We took the lead in the first 20 seconds and the result was never in doubt.

 

[Silent Blade]

The club took the players away to Derbyshire the night before the Spurs game and they went to the Lane by coach - the idea being to simulate an away game build up. We took the lead in the first 20 seconds and the result was never in doubt.

 

[Deadbat]

I actually think with the signing of a couple of good centre halves we are better equipped for the Championship than league 1 ,however they must be good strong leader type centre halves ,that must be a big priority whichever division in the summer.

I agree with elements of that. League One is quite physical, scrappy and with poor pitches on the whole (Weds and Blackpool's bad I grant you) and some of ur criticised smaller footballer types would be better in a division above. The number of cup results suggests in a perverse way that you can get more time higher up leagues as odd as thatt sounds. Our defence would see us ship goals left, right and centre though as you say.

 

[Revolution]

I agree with elements of that. League One is quite physical, scrappy and with poor pitches on the whole (Weds and Blackpool's bad I grant you) and some of ur criticised smaller footballer types would be better in a division above. The number of cup results suggests in a perverse way that you can get more time higher up leagues as odd as thatt sounds.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I do not accept this for one minute. I've seen a fair number of Championship games this season and all the teams are massive compared to ours. They would eat our midfield alive.

 

[Rodders]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I do not accept this for one minute. I've seen a fair number of Championship games this season and all the teams are massive compared to ours. They would eat our midfield alive.

I have to agree; while our lads may get more time on the ball, the Championship won't be some tiki-taka haven of samba football. I'd predict maybe 17th with this squad.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

And this sums it up for me. We'll go to Yeovil and a defeat would not surprise me. We'll have the usual 'Yeovil had nothing to play for', the normal several changes because, didn't you know, United are the only team who are playing Tuesday/Saturday and getting tired?

We're thirteen points (and a million miles) behind second place for a reason. We are nowhere near a team that is ready for a step up into the Championship. It will be no use 'making it up as we go along' in a higher level - something we seem to have done on too many occasions this season. Thinking 'let's get there and worry about it next season' could easily lead us to the kind of relegation fight that might set us back years.

So, sorry. If it takes another season at this level, so be it. But is anybody optimistic that staggering over the line and going up is a sustainable plan?

I don't think the gulf in quality between the Championship and League One is as big as you suggest.
If you look at the teams that have gone up in the last 3 years:-

Bournemouth 1st
Brentford 7th
Wolves 8th
Charlton 11th
Wednesday 13th
Huddersfield 16th

All these are clubs of a similar or smaller size to the Blades and they are all easily holding their own in The Championship or even excelling,
Of the much smaller clubs, Doncaster and Yeovil went back down to their natural level and Rotherham will probably just stay up.

With a reasonable amount of further investment in a few key positions, I would expect us to be mid-table or higher.
There's no reason to expect that investment wouldn't be forthcoming with 20,000+ average crowds boosted further by local derbies against Wednesday, Rotherham and Leeds.