Opinions on the current squad

[HeCanDoMagic]

Whatever happens management wise, or promotion wise, can we please be a bit more ruthless in the transfer market.

I know its a fine balance but how long do you wait for your number 1 targets. Surely we have to move on quicker than we did with the likes of O'Grady, and to some extent Brayford.

Time is of the essence, especially getting out of this league. No more wasted time.

 

[Kenilworth]

The scale of the rebuild of the squad under Clough is massive. Yet there are so many players who are not really needed next season; not sure how that has happened. Unfortunately players sign contracts and don't just go away.

IMO move on: Turner, Alcock, Collins, McEveley, Doyle, B.Davies, Coutts, Ryce, K.Wallace, Holt (L), Higdon, Diego ( regrettably), S.Davies(L), McGinn, Cuvelier, McFadzean. Big thank you's to Doyle and Collins for their commitment and service.

Whether we are in League 1 or higher next season we need a more prolific goalscorer than S. Davies and a more mobile midfielder than Coutts whose very limitations in midfield mean we can't play 4-4-2, same applies to Baxter and Scougall actually unless they play up front. Why 4-4-2, well even if the manager prefers 4-5-1 we always need a Plan B and also a formation for games we might wish to go out and win from the outset.

Need a strong spine, a taller squad and black players can add a lot.

J.Wallace fit would be a big bonus.

McGinn went on a free to Dundee in January

 

[Bladesman]

For a few it's similar to a Shaun Miller moment, do we retain in hope, or release in the belief that their best moments are behind them?

I know evidence points towards the latter with Wallace (J), but I suspect we might have a genuinely influential player if his injury problems can be sorted once and for all. I don't have stats to hand, but if Wallace has been plagued by injuries throughout his career then there's little point holding onto him. A shame as the little I've seen of him I've been impressed. Vaguely similar thoughts about Flo, but it's all about balance and chemistry, so tough decisions ahead.

Shame about Wallace and Flo as those two could be Championship midfielders if it wasn't for injuries.

I would not be surprised if Wallace called it a day on his career if he has another couple years like this. At least Flo has played some matches this season.

 

[Kenilworth]

Generally agree with you here;
Collins and Doyle are out of contract in June so should be released along with calamity Turner and I would assess J Wallace's fitness to play and keep him only if he can play.
For another season in League 1 next year I would loan Baxter & Scougal out for the season as they have little impact on this Division.
We MUST bring in 2 dominant CHs and 2 strikers ( maybe Davies as one of them) plus a very solid box to box CM to take Doyle's place.
UTB & FTP

Collins contract is up 2016, I believe - Doyle's contract is up this July

 

[Guesty]

Can't get rid of J. Wallace.

When fit, he'll be a more consistent version of Coutts, with far less misplaced passes and a better shot on him.

How on Earth do you know that he's more consistent?

 

[Lane Ender]

How on Earth do you know that he's more consistent?

Abselutly you dont

 

[itsinyerblood]

Shame about Wallace and Flo as those two could be Championship midfielders if it wasn't for injuries.

I would not be surprised if Wallace called it a day on his career if he has another couple years like this. At least Flo has played some matches this season.

Completely agree Bladesman. Apart from the injuries, the emotional worry that any player will carry with them must be huge. Finger's crossed that one or both manage to get back to what made them worth signing. Together they might add that midfield strength we've lacked at times, here's hoping UTB

 

[BushBlade]

Yep, you're probably right to say that K. Wallace deserves more time - probably worth sending him out on loan to a L2 club for games though.

Still not convinced about McNulty (reminds me of Miller in a lot of ways), Scougall and McEverley though and don't think they'll ever reach the required standard. Pity.

I can see the McNulty/Miller thing. I'm just hoping he goes on a Billy Sharp type lower league purple patch run and we can flog him to Celtic or someone.

At 31, McEv isn't going to get much better, I'd just keep him in case Bob gets injured or we have a full on CH crisis (assuming we buy some centre halfs of course).

 

[Dec]

How on Earth do you know that he's more consistent?

Why on Earth do you take my opinion as fact?

 

[Thaddeus]

JCR won't stay due to personal reasons.
.

Do you know what these personal reasons are? Or do you just mean that he was part of the impetus to get himself back to Notts County, and he isn't getting any younger so will be wanting regular first team football?

I've seen the enigmatic James Shield tweets thread and various other bits and bobs (such as the thought that he didn't link up as well with Brayford as more defensive minded midfielders) but I only "know" the official line from the Nigel Clough interviews that he felt he'd lost a bit of form and was drifting out of the team, so when Shaun Derry approached Nigel Clough after we played them, he was happy to go back there for a bit to get regular first team football.

So is there more that you're aware of?

 

[Guesty]

Why on Earth do you take my opinion as fact?

OK then, how can you consider him to be more consistent given that he's barely played for us? He hasn't had time to be consistent or otherwise.

 

[Dec]

OK then, how can you consider him to be more consistent given that he's barely played for us? He hasn't had time to be consistent or otherwise.

I can see it in his eyes.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Do you know what these personal reasons are? Or do you just mean that he was part of the impetus to get himself back to Notts County, and he isn't getting any younger so will be wanting regular first team football?

I've seen the enigmatic James Shield tweets thread and various other bits and bobs (such as the thought that he didn't link up as well with Brayford as more defensive minded midfielders) but I only "know" the official line from the Nigel Clough interviews that he felt he'd lost a bit of form and was drifting out of the team, so when Shaun Derry approached Nigel Clough after we played them, he was happy to go back there for a bit to get regular first team football.

So is there more that you're aware of?

I don't know too much more other than he wanted to head back to Notts, they wanted him and Utd were prepared to let him.

I wouldn't go too much on any of James Shield's comments - he has somehow forged a career filling column inches from interviews by Radio Sheffield presenters (but never asking any of his own questions), all the time ensuring he doesn't say anything controversial or that the club wouldn't want releasing and thereby putting his meal ticket at any risk.

 

[Thaddeus]

I don't know too much more other than he wanted to head back to Notts, they wanted him and Utd were prepared to let him.

I wouldn't go too much on any of James Shield's comments - he has somehow forged a career filling column inches from interviews by Radio Sheffield presenters (but never asking any of his own questions), all the time ensuring he doesn't say anything controversial or that the club wouldn't want releasing and thereby putting his meal ticket at any risk.

Thanks. And the James Shield comments were basically "I know something but I obviously can't tell you" so I wasn't being (mis)led by them because he didn't say anything. As one of the posters said on that thread, if he didn't want to share things, he'd have been better not tweeting at all as people might think he was just being a bit attention seeking.

 

[grafikhaus]

A good thread and some very meaningful opinions, but...

...it's all speculation. Laying out all the names brings the 'drunken sailor' transfer policy of NC into sharp focus. Does anybody really think he will demolish this vast squad - which he has been responsible for building - and basically admit he's got a lot of things wrong? Me neither.

If he stays until, say, Christmas expect 'tinkering' more than the major surgery that's required. He's seen value in too many players who realistically haven't got any.

 

[Grappler]

A good thread and some very meaningful opinions, but...

...it's all speculation. Laying out all the names brings the 'drunken sailor' transfer policy of NC into sharp focus. Does anybody really think he will demolish this vast squad - which he has been responsible for building - and basically admit he's got a lot of things wrong? Me neither.

If he stays until, say, Christmas expect 'tinkering' more than the major surgery that's required. He's seen value in too many players who realistically haven't got any.

Ey up mate, so who would you keep (if we get promoted or not), just curious

 

[sheffielder]

My opinion is that it's not as good as it should be with the resources we have. It lacks Strength, Power and pace in some important areas. Whatever division we are in, we need to spend some serious money on a centre half and midfielder, one with leadership ability. Something sadly missing.

 

[grafikhaus]

Ey up mate, so who would you keep (if we get promoted or not), just curious

Blimey, like setting me up? OK, here goes,
Howard, Long, Harris, Brayford, Freeman, Kennedy, Basham, Flynn, Doyle, Scougall, Baxter, Campbell-Ryce, Reed, Dimaio, Holt, Murphy, McNulty, Done, de Girlamo, Adams, Davies (S).

That, to me, looks like a more-than-solid base, a 21-man squad, to build around. Plenty strong enough for Division 3. The rest can go.

I'll revisit in a couple of days when we're discussing who would be replacement in a 5-4-1 formation away!

 

[Grappler]

Blimey, like setting me up? OK, here goes,
Howard, Long, Harris, Brayford, Freeman, Kennedy, Basham, Flynn, Doyle, Scougall, Baxter, Campbell-Ryce, Reed, Dimaio, Holt, Murphy, McNulty, Done, de Girlamo, Adams, Davies (S).

That, to me, looks like a more-than-solid base, a 21-man squad, to build around. Plenty strong enough for Division 3. The rest can go.

I'll revisit in a couple of days when we're discussing who would be replacement in a 5-4-1 formation away!

And so which positions do you think we need to fill in summer?

Oh, and you do know that our local is to become a Sainsburys I take it?

 

[grafikhaus]

And so which positions do you think we need to fill in summer?

I'd 'suck it and see' with that 'core' squad. I can't see much money being splashed whoever is in charge. Obviously a striker and CB would be nice, but so would keeping Murphy and Brayford!

Oh, and you do know that our local is to become a Sainsburys I take it?

What? Bramall Lane? Seriously, heard it all before. The 'Shitty Little Convenience Store with No Choice, No Parking and Astronomical Price' business model has been done to death.

Better to just leave it to wither away. Like United.

 

[Bergen Blade]

My opinion is that it's not as good as it should be with the resources we have. It lacks Strength, Power and pace in some important areas. Whatever division we are in, we need to spend some serious money on a centre half and midfielder, one with leadership ability. Something sadly missing.

I also think it's important not just to look at players' individual quality. All of our players can do a job at this level, but the squad still have obvious weaknesses (especially in terms of height and strength) and they need to be addressed in the summer.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Isn't Kennedy's situation similar to Wallace J, a chronic injury that is never going to substantially improve?

 

[Blade59]

What is quite frightening on this thread is the amount of overhaul of the squad most think is required when you consider the number of players we have brought in this season. I would hope we have already drawn up 2 separate plans identifying requirements dependant on which division we are in. Two centre halves should be the first thing listed on both plans. With regards to the injury prone players I agree we need to release / move on. Keep the squad to around 20 senior players with youngsters and loans used to cover emergencies. Decide what is going to be our main style of play and acquire / keep players who fit into that style.

 

[Bladebri]

This is from a reporter for Oldham Athletic, do reporters or pundits see things differently, or are we wrong.

Even the Doncaster game could arguably be used to illustrate defensive strength, given that both of Rovers’ goal were wonder strikes from long range by Kyle Bennett. Athletic have it all to do to turn over a strong outfit.

 

[Mustela Putorius Furo]

I'd question whether many of those players are big enough, hard enough or physical enough for a higher level.
We seem to have swallowed a myth about our football and our players being better suited to a higher level because of the way the game is played compared with the 3rd division. I think many are in for a surprise. By comparison I reckon 2nd division players, especially midfield and central defenders are f***ing enormous compared with what we've got ourselves and what we've faced this season.

We either need to recruit bigger and more physical players for most positions, or we need to acquire two utter bastards to look after our short-arses and bully opponents.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The scale of the rebuild of the squad under Clough is massive. Yet there are so many players who are not really needed next season; not sure how that has happened. Unfortunately players sign contracts and don't just go away.

IMO move on: Turner, Alcock, Collins, McEveley, Doyle, B.Davies, Coutts, Ryce, K.Wallace, Holt (L), Higdon, Diego ( regrettably), S.Davies(L), McGinn, Cuvelier, McFadzean. Big thank you's to Doyle and Collins for their commitment and service.

Whether we are in League 1 or higher next season we need a more prolific goalscorer than S. Davies and a more mobile midfielder than Coutts whose very limitations in midfield mean we can't play 4-4-2, same applies to Baxter and Scougall actually unless they play up front. Why 4-4-2, well even if the manager prefers 4-5-1 we always need a Plan B and also a formation for games we might wish to go out and win from the outset.

Need a strong spine, a taller squad and black players can add a lot.

J.Wallace fit would be a big bonus.

I suppose the point I'm making is that out of all Clough's own signings there are 10 in the above list who I believe would be better elsewhere next season.

That figure sums up the poor quality transfer dealings he has had and I would say that, apart from the two who cost over £2m for the pair, there are few game changers amongst then rest of Clough signings. There lies the main reason for our disappointing season - recruitment.

 

[davidpinder]

Nice summary Statto, Baxter still needs to lose some timber!!

Saw him up close today I'd say he's lost the timber tbh.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Saw him up close today I'd say he's lost the timber tbh.

FFS it's not "timber", he's just built like that. Clough of all managers would not retain a fat, lazy player - that much is obvious.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Steve Davies has scored just over 1 goal in 5 appearances in his whole career.

I like the way he plays and think he's a good squad player but I sincerely hope we have more clinical finishers ( SUCH AS DONE ) in the main striking positions next season.

To play Davies up front on his own in 4-5-1 is strange. I bet the player has a few preferences which rank above that in his ideal world.

If we are playing 4-5-1 next season let's do Davies a favour and let him find another club.

 

[longinthe toothblade]

Fellow Blades, reasonably new to the forum and recently compiled a squad report for the team. What are people's thoughts on the current squad for next season? I shall post mine below, keen to see if people agree.


Goalkeepers:

Mark Howard: Has done more than enough this season to convince me that he should be our number 1 regardless of whether we get promoted. Disregarding a couple of errors, he has been consistent all season and has proved he’s comfortable against some of the country’s best teams. I don’t see any need to replace him.

George Long: Has been loaned out to Oxford and Motherwell this season. He was dropped from the side at League 2 side Oxford and has been inconsistent at lowly Motherwell. A few costly errors this season and I fail to see an improvement since he was our first choice 18 months ago. Now at the age of 21, it’s clear he’s not the player we once thought he was going to be.

Iain Turner: Initially very professional when called upon after Mark Howard got injured, but made one or two poor and costly mistakes towards the end of his spell in goal. I’d imagine he’ll provide cover for the number 1 if we fail to get promoted, however in the Championship we should look to replace him.

George Willis: Continues to show promise at U21 level. We should hold on to him, keep playing him in the U21s, and perhaps give him game time in competitions such as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, or Capital One cup early rounds.

Defenders:

Craig Alcock: Brought in during summer 2014 based on the fact we ‘couldn’t’ get John Brayford. Was impressed by Alcock’s consistent performances during the first half of the season but we’re not going to spend more than 1.5million on Brayford to put him on the bench. With Freeman at right back as well, I’d be very surprised if Alcock didn’t leave in the summer.

Bob Harris: Ended last season as first choice left back and has consolidated that position this season. Has turned into a consistent full back who is able to bomb forward. I certainly hope Bob Harris gets a contract extension as his deal runs out at the end of the season.

John Brayford: Bought in January for over £1.5m. I would be very surprised if John Brayford is not first choice right back next season. The only reason I could see him not being first choice right back is that he may be needed at centre half, but I’d expect us to strengthen in the centre of defence over the summer, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Neill Collins: I’m a big fan of Neill Collins but I feel being left out of the team for nearly a year will have affected his confidence. We cannot carry passengers while he gets back up to speed and Collo isn’t getting any younger either. A loyal servant but I think he’ll leave this summer.

Harrison McGahey: Next season will be a big year for young Harrison. Clough brought him in to play him in the U21s this season, with the view of playing him in the first team next season. I’d imagine he won’t be in the starting 11 at the start of next season, particularly if we’re in the Championship, but he should be looking to break into the side.

Jay McEveley: Has shown quality at times but McEveley is not a centre half naturally. He is a left back and Bob Harris has made that position his own. McEveley is also now 31. Long term, McEveley is not the answer therefore should look to get rid in the summer.

Kieran Freeman: Thought it was a strange signing at first with Brayford signing the same day, and with Alcock already here at right back. However, has impressed when he has played this season at right back, left back or right midfield. I would imagine he will provide cover for Brayford and Harris next season.

Terry Kennedy: A promising young centre half who has produced some top quality performances this season, but has been affected by injury for much of the season. Next season will be a big season for Terry. He should look to have a similar impact to Harry Maguire next season, when he first broke into the side.

Midfielders:

James Wallace: Has had a horrible season with injury. We have plenty of players in his position already and think we should move him on for a fresh start somewhere else.

Chris Basham: Has impressed me very much during his first season. He’s got better and better as the season has gone on. In more recent months he’s been used as a centre half, would like to see him in midfield next season to give us some height in the centre of the park.

Ryan Flynn: Consistently impressive over the past few seasons and is turning into a loyal servant for the club. Can be used at right back or right midfield. He is a regular in the starting eleven and regardless of what division we’re in next season, I think he should be in the starting eleven.

Michael Doyle: One of the first names on the team sheet for the past few seasons but Doyle isn’t getting any younger. If we fail to get promoted I think he will be used as a squad rotation player but if we go up, I feel it could be the end of his United career. A loyal servant nonetheless.

Stefan Scougall: Hasn’t quite shown the same quality as last season but is still only young. He has still played a big part in us being in the play-offs and getting to the Capital One Cup semi-final. Since his return from injury he has look more like the old Scougall. Next season is a big season for him. Need to impress next season.

Jose Baxter: Despite criticism from some fans he is still a vital part of our team. He has scored some crucial goals this season. Should concentrate on getting his fitness up in preseason, as he is still only young and can be an influential player next season.

Ben Davies: Has been affected by injury for much of the season. Played a vital part in the rise up the table last season, but now at the age of 34, and after being injured for much of the season, we should look to replace him with somebody younger. He is not a first team regular.

Paul Coutts: Come under some criticism since he’s come in for some below par performances, but with a preseason under his belt should come back a better player next season. Has the potential to be the long term replacement for Michael Doyle.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce: Was only brought in last summer, but after being sent out on loan to Notts County his confidence may have been affected. If he stays next season, he’ll have to accept a more squad rotational role. If we get promoted we should look to get rid, otherwise he could be an impact substitution.

Louis Reed: Still only 17 years old, has delivered some top quality performances this season. We should hold on to him at all costs and he should be looking at cementing a place in the first team next season.

Connor Dimaio: Showed promise at the end of last season but opportunities have been limited this season. Should look at loaning him out at the start of next season, and if he can’t break into the squad next season, let him go.

Kieran Wallace: Haven’t been overly impressed since he’s come in. Is still only young so should be given time to develop in the youth team. Reassess his situation at the end of next season.

Florent Cuvelier: Opportunities have been limited due to injury but I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of him. Stand out performance was playing 90 minutes against Southampton. Has the potential to be a key player but must prove himself next season.

Jason Holt: Keep at all costs. Has scored some vital goals from midfield since coming in in February. Goals from midfield are vital to the way we play, and he is out of contract with parent club Hearts.

Strikers:

Jamie Murphy: In my opinion he is our best player. When he is on form, full backs in this division cannot handle him. No doubt he would be able to excel in the Championship. He signed a new deal in January this year.

Marc McNulty: Has struggled to get into the starting 11 in recent months. However, he has impressed this season, scored some vital goals, it’s his first season in English football and is still only young. Should look to cement a place in the starting 11 next season.

Matt Done: Has been influential since coming in in January. Has scored some vital goals and has played very well any time I have seen him play. He will be a key part of plans next season.

Michael Higdon: Has scored a couple of goals for us in the cups against lower opposition this season but apart from that has done very little. Has been injured for the past few months and hasn’t had the impact that we hoped. He is not the same player that won the golden boot in the SPL a few seasons ago. Get rid.

Diego de Girlamo: Has stated he doesn’t want a new contract. I don’t think he’s as good as he thinks he is. If he doesn’t want to play for us, let him go. He is not and will never be Juventus standard.

Che Adams: Unforgettably scored a double against Spurs in the semi-final. A lively attacking minded young player who should look to get into the squad regularly next season.

Steven Davies: I think we should look to sign Davies at the end of the season permanently. Wasn’t 100% sure about him coming in initially, but he has been influential in setting up as well as scoring goals since he’s come in. He provides us with both presence and ability up front, something that we’ve had one or the other, but not both over the last couple of years.

Hi, a decent enough assessment of the players for me.

In terms of players staying or going [apart from some obvious ones who are crap, knackered or out of contract] it will of course depend entirely upon which league we are in.

If we do make it through the play offs then there's only so many in the current squad who will 'hack it' any hows.

Of the experienced, senior squad I think Howard, Harris, Brayford, Basham, Freeman, McE, Coutts [can't believe I'm saying him but there you go], Baxter [hopefully a few pounds lighter], Holt, Scougall, Murphy, Flynn, Done and Davies are 'stayers' / 'keepers' and could do a job at a higher level.

On the junior side I'd retain Kennedy, McN, Reed, Che Adams - all good investments for the future.

Undecided about J Wallace but as he has another 15 mths left on his contract I'd probably keep on - as it is no one [other than Utd] will go for a player who's crocked.

Definately 'out':

Alcock, Collins, Doyle [though as ex capt and the fact that he's very much respected down here so I'd keep in on in a coaching capacity], B Davies, Campbell R, Cuvelier, Higdon, B Wallace and Girlamo.

In: Got to sort out the CH positions once and for all - League 1 or Championship. Plus we still need a goal scorer - particularly so if we do make it up.

UTB