Paul Coutts

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Because its either just going over old ground or a load of shit. Ive taken massive stick for saying Coutts is a good player for long enough ,Ive also explained his injury problems and manger problems which are documented by others ,its all getting a bit boring.

Sitwell , apologies if I am a boring twat but my view on the fella Coutts has changed somewhat .

The bloke was injured , we had a punt on him . That punt although long time coming is now paying dividends .

The bloke has been mismanaged by all and sundry . No wonder the bloke played and thought fuck it attitude .

I was a bit of a sad bastard on Sunday at the match. , and concentrated for a long spell in the game , watching what he did both with and without the ball . Was impressed .

My view is the guy can play football and the midfield will be built around him , who now marshals it already .

That Bradley Dack plays with a swagger , which we will see more and more from Coutts as his confidence soars and fitness is now not a issue .

We have someone who actually helped to gel us together. Another part of the jigsaw who was already on the payroll.

Well done Wilder.

Supporters , relish what the bloke is / will bring , which will get better the more wins we get under our belts .

Happy fucking bunny . You bet

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

For whatever reason(s) Coutts was an utter waste of fucking space until a week or so ago.

For whatever reason(s) it would be nice to see him employ his bountiful talent for the betterment of the team and drive us to promotion.
That is all.

I agree, this issue is more with posters who have a told you so attitude after a couple of good games.

 

[Barney]

I was one of the first to join you, you just came across wrong ,as I do probably.

If he continues to be a good player for us this season I will apologise.

 

[alcoblade]

If he continues to be a good player for us this season I will apologise.

Really? I'll thank him warmly for this season's efforts. What went before is unforgivable.

He's not alone in that mind.

UTB

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

If he continues to be a good player for us this season I will apologise.

Why would anyone apologise to a footballer stealing a wage.
Fuck that shit.
Easiest and best job in the fucking world.
Get it done to the very best of your ability every second of every minute on the park.
If you`re not up to it Fuck Right Off.

 

[Barney]

Really? I'll thank him warmly for this season's efforts. What went before is unforgivable.

He's not alone in that mind.

UTB

To sitwell, for doubting his projection that Coutts will continue to be a good player for us this season.

Not an apology for rejecting that he has been excellent before the last 2 games, because he hasn't, hence the doubt about the projection.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

ahha- the Paul Coutts saga - it's like the Forsythe saga and eastenders all rolled into one.

He's never been crap - he's never been shit - perhaps we have a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.

He is playing a certain way that CW wants and appears to be doing it well - he'll never score goals, he probably won't create much either, but we should have players like Fleck/Duffy/Done to do that sort of work as well as our two new wing backs.

As CW keeps trying to tell our fans - it's the group, it's the team - just perhaps Coutts has found his niche in the team.

UTB

 

[Silent Blade]

Agreed. At least Clough recognised his poor performance, and just dropped him.

UTB

Wrong! He played in every game under Clough since signing for us in mid-January apart from at Walsall (injured) and at home to Chesterfield (rested for play-offs)

 

[alcoblade]

Wrong! He played in every game under Clough since signing for us in mid-January apart from at Walsall (injured) and at home to Chesterfield (rested for play-offs)

Fair enough, memory fails me. I suspect he was dropped to the bench for long periods though, because I remember thinking "what the hell have we got here", and Clough appearing to back that with his actions.

But perhaps Clough was just as guilty as Adkins.

UTB

 

[Grizzly blade]

The point I am making is this.

Far too many posters aim remarks such as "parasite"..."wage thief"...even "scum" at our own players. I personally do not believe that is in any way necessary, but also that it is somewhat accurate.

What posters seem to ignore is that players perform at their best when they are fully fit and utilised to their strengths by the manager. And when the player isn't doing the business, which lets be honest has been the case for most of Coutts stay, (and many other players I might add) abuse is directed at them. Perhaps a lack of understanding, lack of thought or just refusing to accept the manager may not be using them correctly is the cause of this behaviour.

Whatever it is, Coutts is an example of a player who was written off as above, when the reality is he is a good player who is more than capable. And instead of hounding him out, like the manager has with others he has deemed as having a poor attitude, he has won over the manager and made himself a role in this team.

Similar can be said about freeman. All I am highlighting is that we as fans need to show more patience, and to back them whoever they are, no matter what.
If we do that, then who knows....we might suddenly see a similar resurgence from other players in the squad.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

The point I am making is this.

Far too many posters aim remarks such as "parasite"..."wage thief"...even "scum" at our own players. I personally do not believe that is in any way necessary, but also that it is somewhat accurate.

What posters seem to ignore is that players perform at their best when they are fully fit and utilised to their strengths by the manager. And when the player isn't doing the business, which lets be honest has been the case for most of Coutts stay, (and many other players I might add) abuse is directed at them. Perhaps a lack of understanding, lack of thought or just refusing to accept the manager may not be using them correctly is the cause of this behaviour.

Whatever it is, Coutts is an example of a player who was written off as above, when the reality is he is a good player who is more than capable. And instead of hounding him out, like the manager has with others he has deemed as having a poor attitude, he has won over the manager and made himself a role in this team.

Similar can be said about freeman. All I am highlighting is that we as fans need to show more patience, and to back them whoever they are, no matter what.
If we do that, then who knows....we might suddenly see a similar resurgence from other players in the squad.

Ah patience,that old chestnut.
19k plus to watch shit for the 6th season suggests Blades have that in abundance.
Think its more the case the wage thieving parasites step the fuck up.

 

[alcoblade]

The point I am making is this.

Far too many posters aim remarks such as "parasite"..."wage thief"...even "scum" at our own players. I personally do not believe that is in any way necessary, but also that it is somewhat accurate.

What posters seem to ignore is that players perform at their best when they are fully fit and utilised to their strengths by the manager. And when the player isn't doing the business, which lets be honest has been the case for most of Coutts stay, (and many other players I might add) abuse is directed at them. Perhaps a lack of understanding, lack of thought or just refusing to accept the manager may not be using them correctly is the cause of this behaviour.

Whatever it is, Coutts is an example of a player who was written off as above, when the reality is he is a good player who is more than capable. And instead of hounding him out, like the manager has with others he has deemed as having a poor attitude, he has won over the manager and made himself a role in this team.

Similar can be said about freeman. All I am highlighting is that we as fans need to show more patience, and to back them whoever they are, no matter what.
If we do that, then who knows....we might suddenly see a similar resurgence from other players in the squad.

I think far too many people make projections and stick to them. I think, in the case of Coutts, its more a case of the few supporters he has retained now making noises about being proved right. .That's pretty laughable

It's much better if we just describe what we see, and take time to form our opinions, and time to change them. It's important that we do change them when it's earned.

I stand by all I've said - he's been an incredibly poor value signing, in terms of both cost and delivery. What has gone has gone. I will have no problem singing his praises when he's performed well. Of course that can't undo what's been done.

UTB

 

[Bladepicker]

The only myth is that Coutts has been shit for the last 20 months when he has co.fortably been our best footballing midfielder and has put in some brilliant performances.

His fitness has let him down but never his ability.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

The only myth is that Coutts has been shit for the last 20 months when he has co.fortably been our best footballing midfielder and has put in some brilliant performances.

His fitness has let him down but never his ability.

Crystal meth?

 

[Lazerblade]

What bothers me about the coutts situation is that some fans actual thought he was crap.

As a far as I'm concerned it has always been obvious that he just about has it all, other than 8 maybe 10 goals per season.

There's no denying that his application for whatever reason hasn't been there but his ability always has been glaringly obvious.

Let's just hope this up turn in performance is here to stay. First name on team sheet for me.

 

[Ricky]

I think application and how he's been used have been the main problems in the past, but I think the main reason for his resurgence is having a long uninterrupted spell without injury with another full pre season behind him and regaining confidence in his body. He's obviously better physically than he has been previously. Then there's also the small matter of playing for his future with him being in the last year of his contract.

 

[Bladepicker]

Crystal meth?

Swindon away in the play offs, Barnsley away twice, Burton away, Fleetwood at home, Worcester at home.

6 games off the top of my head where Coutts was head and shoulders above any other player on the park and many at the time of those performances (even his biggest critics) acknowledged it.

However, one below par performance later and its all forgotten and he's been shite the last 20 months? Simply not true.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Swindon away in the play offs, Barnsley away twice, Burton away, Fleetwood at home, Worcester at home.

6 games off the top of my head where Coutts was head and shoulders above any other player on the park and many at the time of those performances (even his biggest critics) acknowledged it.

However, one below par performance later and its all forgotten and he's been shite the last 20 months? Simply not true.

Yes it is.
He`s been as much a waste of space as Woolford or Hammond.

I very much hope all this talent will now be unleashed and he can spend this season doubling his efforts to drive us to promotion.
I`ll lead the plaudits when that happens,and give him positive woo hoos all along the way.

 

[Barney]

Swindon away in the play offs, Barnsley away twice, Burton away, Fleetwood at home, Worcester at home.

6 games off the top of my head where Coutts was head and shoulders above any other player on the park and many at the time of those performances (even his biggest critics) acknowledged it.

However, one below par performance later and its all forgotten and he's been shite the last 20 months? Simply not true.

Last 2 games aside, you simply cannot say that Coutts has been a good player for us.

I'm astonished some are even putting the argument forward.

 

[alcoblade]

Swindon away in the play offs, Barnsley away twice, Burton away, Fleetwood at home, Worcester at home.

6 games off the top of my head where Coutts was head and shoulders above any other player on the park and many at the time of those performances (even his biggest critics) acknowledged it.

However, one below par performance later and its all forgotten and he's been shite the last 20 months? Simply not true.

The fact that you're picking out performances from a truly forgettable season says it all though.

For example, I remember the first Barnsley performance - he was excellent and I said so - I remember it because I was astonished. (Last season, and Barnsley, he was anonymous).

UTB

 

[Bergen Blade]

I think far too many people make projections and stick to them. I think, in the case of Coutts, its more a case of the few supporters he has retained now making noises about being proved right. .That's pretty laughable

It's much better if we just describe what we see, and take time to form our opinions, and time to change them. It's important that we do change them when it's earned.

I stand by all I've said - he's been an incredibly poor value signing, in terms of both cost and delivery. What has gone has gone. I will have no problem singing his praises when he's performed well. Of course that can't undo what's been done.

UTB

I think it's also interesting to try and see beyond performances and stats, trying to imagine if it's possible to make a player better in a different set up, etc. Before this season, my thoughts on Coutts was that he had a lot of ability on the ball, yet his fitness and work rate was so poor that there's only one role that's been possible to play him in, while getting away with his defensive/physical weaknesses. That role was as the deepest of a midfield trio, flanked by two super-fit box-to-box athletes to compensate for Coutts' inability to cover ground.

I always find it difficult to take into account poor attitudes and lack of professionalism. When Coutts has been found wanting in terms of chasing, pressing, tracking and also getting forward regularly, I've just concluded that's just something he's unable to do and therefore the veteran holding playmaker role is the one I've felt he could still do. When Wilder came in and transfer listed him straight away I was fine with that, realising that Wilder would be reluctant to play a system that included such a role.

To see Coutts coming into the side and looking fit enough to do another role than the one I had in mind is a nice surprise. Being transfer listed may have been the kick up his backside that he needed. Wilder's training methods may be more demanding than Adkins and Clough's. Wilder may be a tougher type that made it clear to the likes of Coutts that there was no way he'd figure unless he improved his work rate considerably. Wilder wants his midfielders to press, while Clough and Adkins were probably willing to sacrifice that, appreciating neat treatment of the ball.

Anyway, it's a good position to be in. We seem to be improving, Coutts is now competing with Fleck for a place in the team and he will have to keep up his form to stay in the team. Let's forget what's happened before, who was right and who was wrong, and evaluate his performances from now on.

 

[Bladepicker]

Yes it is.
He`s been as much a waste of space as Woolford or Hammond.

I very much hope all this talent will now be unleashed and he can spend this season doubling his efforts to drive us to promotion.
I`ll lead the plaudits when that happens,and give him positive woo hoos all along the way.

So you think he had NO good matches in the last 20 months and was poor the whole time?

As much as a waste of space as Woolford? You'1re on the wind up!

The fact that you're picking out performances from a truly forgettable season says it all though.

For example, I remember the first Barnsley performance - he was excellent and I said so - I remember it because I was astonished. (Last season, and Barnsley, he was anonymous).

UTB

He was decent last season at times that you acknowledged before. Coming on at home to Fleetwood and Burton away were stand outs. I know me and you will never agree on Coutts and I respect your opinion Alco, but you can't say he has been terrible full stop for the last 20 months (though fully get the point of the frustration of not been able to maintain a level of consistency).

 

[alcoblade]

I think it's also interesting to try and see beyond performances and stats, trying to imagine if it's possible to make a player better in a different set up, etc. Before this season, my thoughts on Coutts was that he had a lot of ability on the ball, yet his fitness and work rate was so poor that there's only one role that's been possible to play him in, while getting away with his defensive/physical weaknesses. That role was as the deepest of a midfield trio, flanked by two super-fit box-to-box athletes to compensate for Coutts' inability to cover ground.

I always find it difficult to take into account poor attitudes and lack of professionalism. When Coutts has been found wanting in terms of chasing, pressing, tracking and also getting forward regularly, I've just concluded that's just something he's unable to do and therefore the veteran holding playmaker role is the one I've felt he could still do. When Wilder came in and transfer listed him straight away I was fine with that, realising that Wilder would be reluctant to play a system that included such a role.

To see Coutts coming into the side and looking fit enough to do another role than the one I had in mind is a nice surprise. Being transfer listed may have been the kick up his backside that he needed. Wilder's training methods may be more demanding than Adkins and Clough's. Wilder may be a tougher type that made it clear to the likes of Coutts that there was no way he'd figure unless he improved his work rate considerably. Wilder wants his midfielders to press, while Clough and Adkins were probably willing to sacrifice that, appreciating neat treatment of the ball.

Anyway, it's a good position to be in. We seem to be improving, Coutts is now competing with Fleck for a place in the team and he will have to keep up his form to stay in the team. Let's forget what's happened before, who was right and who was wrong, and evaluate his performances from now on.

In the midst of all our bickering, I think you've nailed it.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

So you think he had NO good matches in the last 20 months and was poor the whole time?



He was decent last season at times that you acknowledged before. Coming on at home to Fleetwood and Burton away were stand outs. I know me and you will never agree on Coutts and I respect your opinion Alco, but you can't say he has been terrible full stop for the last 20 months (though fully get the point of the frustration of not been able to maintain a level of consistency).

No, I've said on a few occasions he's been good. I've never doubted his technical ability, just his application. Be it his natural fitness, his attitude, or desire - it's been well below that required.

As Bergen said, we should all draw a line under it. We should all agree that we'd love for this recent "blip" in performance to carry on.

UTB

 

[Roygbiv]

I think it's also interesting to try and see beyond performances and stats, trying to imagine if it's possible to make a player better in a different set up, etc. Before this season, my thoughts on Coutts was that he had a lot of ability on the ball, yet his fitness and work rate was so poor that there's only one role that's been possible to play him in, while getting away with his defensive/physical weaknesses. That role was as the deepest of a midfield trio, flanked by two super-fit box-to-box athletes to compensate for Coutts' inability to cover ground.

I always find it difficult to take into account poor attitudes and lack of professionalism. When Coutts has been found wanting in terms of chasing, pressing, tracking and also getting forward regularly, I've just concluded that's just something he's unable to do and therefore the veteran holding playmaker role is the one I've felt he could still do. When Wilder came in and transfer listed him straight away I was fine with that, realising that Wilder would be reluctant to play a system that included such a role.

To see Coutts coming into the side and looking fit enough to do another role than the one I had in mind is a nice surprise. Being transfer listed may have been the kick up his backside that he needed. Wilder's training methods may be more demanding than Adkins and Clough's. Wilder may be a tougher type that made it clear to the likes of Coutts that there was no way he'd figure unless he improved his work rate considerably. Wilder wants his midfielders to press, while Clough and Adkins were probably willing to sacrifice that, appreciating neat treatment of the ball.

Anyway, it's a good position to be in. We seem to be improving, Coutts is now competing with Fleck for a place in the team and he will have to keep up his form to stay in the team. Let's forget what's happened before, who was right and who was wrong, and evaluate his performances from now on.

Any tactical analysis for the Gillingham game Bergen? My favourite posts on this board . Especially as I see most games half cut

 

[Bladepicker]

No, I've said on a few occasions he's been good. I've never doubted his technical ability, just his application. Be it his natural fitness, his attitude, or desire - it's been well below that required.

As Bergen said, we should all draw a line under it. We should all agree that we'd love for this recent "blip" in performance to carry on.

UTB

Yup. Agreed. UTB.

 

[sitwell]

I think far too many people make projections and stick to them. I think, in the case of Coutts, its more a case of the few supporters he has retained now making noises about being proved right. .That's pretty laughable

It's much better if we just describe what we see, and take time to form our opinions, and time to change them. It's important that we do change them when it's earned.

I stand by all I've said - he's been an incredibly poor value signing, in terms of both cost and delivery. What has gone has gone. I will have no problem singing his praises when he's performed well. Of course that can't undo what's been done.

UTB

Would you have got rid of him ?

 

[Patient Bus]

I met some Aberdeen fans on holiday. One of them knew coutts and asked my opinion of him, was surprised when I said he was shit. He reckons one of best players he'd seen and put his poor form for us down to injuries rather than attitude or application. Perhaps he is right and coutts could finally be showing us what he can do.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Having followed which particular side of the like/dislike line each poster chooses to place themselves where Coutts is concerned, it puzzles me how there seems to be a need to remind the rest of the forum just how ordinary or wasteful Coutts has been. Whatever the reasons for Coutts' previous form, we've seen what he's now capable of and we should be proud he's one of us. If he played for an opposing team in this division we'd be complaining that we never seem to sign players of Coutts' quality.

Like every other Blade I know he's underwhelmed, but I cannot express just how pleased I am that he's now delivering. Coutts, under Adkins and Clough, wasn't the player we're now witnessing. Presumably the secret for what we're now seeing lies with Wilder. Maybe CW has the necessary man-management skills to recognise the talent that's been dormant until now? If so, well that's what Wilder is paid for, and the benefits to the team are immense. We have a player with guile, be happy for that and don't start with the "I told you so's" if Coutts fails to deliver for one or two games. We have competition in most positions, and Fleck should provide similar qualities if called upon. Competition is the life-blood of any ambitious club, I hope we're witnessing Wilder mould this team and take us forward, it's been long overdue.​

 

[alcoblade]

Would you have got rid of him ?

Yes, as would Wilder. But nobody else wanted him either. Only the future will tell if that fact was good or bad for us, but that remains the fact.

Of course, going further back, it would be better if we'd never signed him - I can only imagine the huge costs involved versus the pitiful return. But he's no different to just about every player signed by Clough, and half the players signed by Adkins - terrible value for money.

Any how, again as with Wilder, if he proves his worth from now on, I'd welcome him back.

UTB