Our Midfield

[Slug]

I say no more

 

[The Hobott]

Isn't it just great to have 3 midfielders so comfortable on the ball, where the first touch is great and doesn't bounce a yard off their shins

 

[andy m]

Paul Coutts is better than Kevin MacDonald. FACT

 

[sitwell]

It's all about the movement ,wilders way of playing is easy on the eye because players are always available,and that's down to all the players who are proper footballers. It also helps that all 3 in the middle are naturally gifted players.

 

[Slug]

Paul Coutts is better than Kevin MacDonald. FACT

I have been Coutts biggest critic for the last 2 seasons but i will hold my hands up now and say i was wrong. Wilder has got him playing to levels i never Imagined possible (fitness mainly) and it is a total joy to watch him play alongside Fleck and Duffy is the cherry on the top

 

[Champagneblade]

Perhaps Tonge, Brown and McCall is the last time we had three footballers in midfield but even then I'd say the current three are more pure footballers.

This is how we were known up until the 80s really. We went through the 80s never challenging the top flight and the poverty and lack of investment meant we had to seek other means to succeed.

Top league scorers in Europe as well aren't we? Let's not get carried away but it looks like we've finally got the right man in charge.

 

[Stretch]

Paul Coutts is better than Kevin MacDonald. FACT

As is Fleck, much much better in fact. Loved that litte piece of tekkers in the first half to dodge a couple of tackles, retain the ball and come away with it.
Duffy is a clever little fucker as well, always trying to make things happen and when it works for him he is unplayable.
The 3 of them together are as good as I have seen for us in many many years.

 

[RossyTheBlade94]

Absolute dream to watch all 3 of them play the ball. The passing, movement and build up is a joy, all on the same wavelength and love to draw players in.

 

[andy m]

As is Fleck, much much better in fact. Loved that litte piece of tekkers in the first half to dodge a couple of tackles, retain the ball and come away with it.
Duffy is a clever little fucker as well, always trying to make things happen and when it works for him he is unplayable.
The 3 of them together are as good as I have seen for us in many many years.

Our strikers are not bad, our defence is average, but our midfield is head and shoulders above anything else in this division.

 

[zablade]

Duffy was MOTM today outstanding creativity, Coutts is so much more than what many, including myself, gave him credit for.

But.. Fleck is the key player, not only has he got the passing ability and skill he is also instrumental In breaking up what the opposition do, he tackles, intercepts reads the game.

Best player of the type we have had in my memory, as if someone had handed Stuart McCall a Tardis in 2003 and let him bring his 1988 self forward.

We need to get promotion if only to have a chance of hanging on to him.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I'm just grateful that Wilder gave Scougall the shot he thoroughly deserved again. He always gets overlooked, but he has my eternal appreciation.

 

[Superblades]

Never thought I would say this, but...Coutts. It was clear he could play but after his injuries I thought we had signed a player who was scared of it. Hope he keeps it up, I bet that dressing room is bouncing.l!

 

[Rodley]

Paul Coutts is better than Kevin MacDonald. FACT

He's a good bloke as well. Kev was an utter tosser. We've lucked out getting Couttsy and a manager who loves him.

 

[Stretch]

He's a good bloke as well. Kev was an utter tosser. We've lucked out getting Couttsy and a manager who loves him.

Completely agree. Kmac is a bellend, full weight. He is also starting to develop a reputation, playing a blinder for one season before acting like a twat over wages and suddenly losing form/interest. Wasn't he a total knob at Burnley as well?
He has started well for Fulham so we will see how it pans out but I suspect it won't last.

 

[FTPE]

Paul Coutts is better than Kevin MacDonald. FACT

Disagree.
But I'm very happy that the statement is up for debate

 

[YES Blade]

Disagree.
But I'm very happy that the statement is up for debate

I'm sorry but it's not up for debate, Coutts has been good for 1/2 a season. McDonald was consistently quality throughout his entire time at United, hence why he is playing in the Championship.

Fleck on the other hand is at McDonald's level and could definitely go further in the game.

Fleck will be playing Championship football next season, hopefully it'll be with us!

 

[andy m]

I'm sorry but it's not up for debate, Coutts has been good for 1/2 a season. McDonald was consistently quality throughout his entire time at United, hence why he is playing in the Championship.

Fleck on the other hand is at McDonald's level and could definitely go further in the game.

Fleck will be playing Championship football next season, hopefully it'll be with us!

You're right its not up for debate. That's why I put FACT

 

[blade67]

thank god we spent the million plus on the pitch cause these lads will want a surface that plays this way all season long.

Coutts is a total mystery. I'd like to hear his views on what's changed really. Is it the job he's been asked to do, is it simply a better fitness regime or is it the players around him (although looking forwards, that hasn't really changed - Sharp and done)

What ever the cause it's great to watch 3 players who all pass and move and retain possession in a positive way. interesting that when Wilders name came up in the summer, there were some suggesting it would be hoof

 

[DronnieBlade]

A privilege and a pleasure to pay to watch. All 3 of them ran the game. Again.

Proper ballers.

UTB

 

[blader]

Perhaps Tonge, Brown and McCall is the last time we had three footballers in midfield but even then I'd say the current three are more pure footballers.

This is how we were known up until the 80s really. We went through the 80s never challenging the top flight and the poverty and lack of investment meant we had to seek other means to succeed.

Top league scorers in Europe as well aren't we? Let's not get carried away but it looks like we've finally got the right man in charge.

Not even top scorers in our own division, pal. Steady on!

 

[FTPE]

I'm sorry but it's not up for debate, Coutts has been good for 1/2 a season. McDonald was consistently quality throughout his entire time at United, hence why he is playing in the Championship.
I was probably MacDonalds biggest nut hugger, but you're right on the Fleck comparison.

Fleck on the other hand is at McDonald's level and could definitely go further in the game.

Fleck will be playing Championship football next season, hopefully it'll be with us!

 

[FTPE]

Well I fucked that up.
I was a massive Macca fan but I agree with the Fleck comparison.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Coutts is a total mystery. I'd like to hear his views on what's changed really. Is it the job he's been asked to do, is it simply a better fitness regime or is it the players around him (although looking forwards, that hasn't really changed - Sharp and done)

I think it's a combination of all three. The style of play suits him, there are better and more intelligent players around him than last season, and I think the manager has been able to motivate him accordingly. I don't think anyone was wrong to call him up on his performances last season, but I'll fully admit to being wrong in suggesting he wasn't going to turn things around and that the best thing would have been to get rid. He was excellent yesterday – displaying everything we want to see from him.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Agree with above but is it just me that feels a bit cheated by Coutts ? By his own admission, he's been holding back for the last 18 months or so. Could barely play 2 consecutive games, looked disinterested for the most part yet look at the difference now. Most people could see there was a player there but what's been going on for the last 2 seasons ?

 

[Fulwood Blade]

It was a pleasure to see players like Harper and Sidwell when they went up with us. They dictated the play for Reading (from Centre mid) for a few years and it is now no different to Fleck and Coutts in centre mid for us.They give the team it's heartbeat.

Have left Duffy out as he is the free spirit in the team and just pops up all over the place. First saw him when we drew 0-0 with Burton away last season and thought at the time what a good footballer he was. He is even better now given this free roll by CW & AK - a very clever footballer and a joy to watch.

It probably isn't lost on anyone on here - that it is vital we keep them ALL fit as we have no replacements for any of them.

UTB