Players that influenced you

[Geordie Blade]

How have SUFC players influenced your playing style when you play footy? For me, it's:

- Peter Duffield penalties. I still think of him every time that I take a penalty, and always put them in the same spot that he used to (low to the goalie's right).
- When I play in goal and come out to close down a one-on-one, for some reason I think of Keith Waugh.
- For a long time, I used to the do the shirt 'half tucked in, half out' thing that Carl Bradshaw did.
- When Nathan Blake wore cycling shorts under his kit, I started doing the same.
- When I was eight or nine years old, I used to endlessly practise Mel Eves diving headers in the garden. Was he even known for diving headers, or did I just see one once?

Things I've tried to copy, but failed:

- The Pemberton Rocket.
- The Dean Saunders throw-in at at an opponent.
- Countless Borbokis-style free-kicks.

Or is it just me?

 

[LoughboroBlade]

I adopted a Nick Montgomery approach to my on-pitch efforts, and when I inevitably tired would revert to Stuart McCall second-season levels of running and pointing.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Len Badger - firstly for being the finest full-back Sheffield ever produced

Secondly, for agreeing to coach our football team. I'm not sure what he was expecting, but we were utterly crap. After a ten minute warm-up, there was no-one on the pitch at all, because we were all throwing up in the nearby rhododendrons. We must have made an impression though, because Woody turned up to watch a couple of weeks later - after half an hour, he was facing away from the pitch, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

Thanks for all the great memories, Len

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I tried to be a good lad in the dressing room like Kozzy.

When that failed, I told everyone my work was unseen like Hammond.

When that failed, I said "I've paid my subs so you're stuck with me" and out two fingers up (like Hammond 2nd season).




In all seriousness though

1. Alan Kelly- my lack of pace meant that I was never a good outfield player so I played mainly in goal and Kelly was my idol growing up. I bought Uhlsport gloves cos he wore them even though all the other kids had Reusch to be like Schmeichel.

2. Glynn Hodges/ Gordon Cowans/ Stuart McCall- Because I'm ridiculously slow, when I played outfield, I have to rely on close control and passing ability. I developed these to a decent standard trying to play like those listed. Not enough to make me a good player, just enough to keep me from being so embarrassingly bad.

 

[pommpey]

1. Woodward. Hitting a ball. His ability to hit a rolling ball through it's arse and not have it end up in Beighton was what I wanted in football. It had to go away from my boot in a straight line and have the keeper thing 'fucking hell, that is shifting'. Bit harder to do with today's footballs, which are more designed and sculpted toward Beckhamseque striking.
2. Currie. The lofted pass. The ability to look up and strike the ball with enough pace and height to drop it beyond a defender and into the path of an advancing attacker/winger, with enough backlift.
3. Mark Hughes. Volleying. I used to spend hours in the gym kicking the ball against a sidewall and running onto the dropping rebound to hit it toward a 4-a-side goal. On both feet. I recall him always saying to get your knee above the ball and angle your body in such a manner that the impetus is transferred like a punch through your striking foot, whilst concentrating on planting your standing foot firmly as the weight transfers through. Some hits would end up in Beighton, some you'd spank at the correct volume and trajectory. I have scored a few goals like that in matches.
4. Michael Brown/Trevor Hockey. Tackling. Just get in there. Get your boots into the tackle, make sure you make contact with the ball, make the defender know you are committed and make him think that he is shit. Bring the ball out of the tackle, look up and find a player on your side.

pommpey

 

[JohnDenver]

I adopted a Nick Montgomery approach to my on-pitch efforts, and when I inevitably tired would revert to Stuart McCall second-season levels of running and pointing.

Monty for me too. I can't trap a bag of cement but soon learned I could run when others were worn out. Wear the bastards down that's what I say.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Peter Crouch- Because I'm crap but I have a knack for scoring some impossibly fortuitous goals.

 

[BushBlade]

I used to practice jumping to get as high as Keith seemed to, but I almost never actually scored with my head.

 

[Ricky]

Maybe a surprising one, but Lee Williamson. The way he protected the ball in tight areas and avoided being tackled, and the way he worked angles for himself and others around him with intelligent body positioning, close control and good timing. Intelligent player. Too intelligent for League One opponents anyway.

 

[Silent Blade]

The first trick I copied was from John Barnwell in the Watney Cup semi final match at Derby in August 1970. He had the ball about 35 yards away from goal, a Derby player tried to close him down, Barnwell then feinted to shoot for goal making his challenger turn his back and jump thinking he was getting in the way of the shot only to find out that Barnwell had pushed the ball past him

In the early 1970s I copied Woody's penalty technique. Hitting the ball firmly to the keeper's left

Playing for my school's 1st team in the 1978-79 season I got told off by the captain (L**ds fan) for trying to copy Sabella's tricks!

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Monty for me too. I can't trap a bag of cement but soon learned I could run when others were worn out. Wear the bastards down that's what I say.

And taken into posting

 

[PeteBlade]

I tried to emulate Eric Cantona in his way of dealing with abusive spectators.

I had a short career.

 

[Jonboy60]

Got to be George best, soon as I got the ball, no thoughts on passing to anyone, just try and beat everyone until I lost the ball. Nothing like George really, more Tony fields.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Vinnie Jones. I like to feel everyone's nuts. It's made me very popular.

 

[Esablade]

Ched

 

[TopBoy]

I captained my Sunday league side and used to do the Morgan handshake and stare. Used to intimidate myself even!

 

[Treeton Blade]

Ched

ON the pitch I hope

 

[Treeton Blade]

James Wallace for me,

I love the idea of being paid for doing nothing.

 

[Cyprus Blade]

Not sure how to describe it - the TC hop when running ( shielding the ball from the defender with the non-standing leg) - tip - I learnt very quickly to always wear a pair of good shinpads when playing in a pub league.

 

[Ricky]

If we're talking about non Blades players too, then Zidane. Total genius. Always tried to copy his moves. Michael Laudrup too, another great player with his own unique way.

 

[him behind you]

Paul McGrath because my training always involved alcohol and I don't do running around.

 

[Esablade]

ON the pitch I hope

...of course..

 

[Keef Chedwyn]

Most of the Sheffield United 15/16 side.

I'm wank and I've got a heart the size of a pea.

 

[UnitedBlade]

Len Badger for slide tackling. Currie shuffle. TC also had a trick where he dragged the ball back and then flicked it behind his standing leg, I was quite good at that. Tried to hang in the air like Mick Jones.

I wish I could strike a ball like Woody did.

And there can't be a person on here who didn't do a Cryuff turn.

One tip I didn't follow through: I had the pleasure of playing against Fred Furniss in the 70s some time (Fred was in his fifties). He toe-ended his free kicks. It always struck me that. It should increase accuracy but it is something that has completely gone out of the game.

 

[TJB.]

Most definitely Marcus Williams.

Well if he can make it...

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Dean Hammond.

Makes me believe I can be a professional footballer.

Not sure what my manager at work will make of my "you don't see the work I actually do" philosophy though.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Glyn Hodges for proving you don't need to be an athlete to be a top footballer.
Mel Rees (RIP) for making me thankful of my health and that nothing else matters.
Dave Bassett. For the memories .
Pesch. For that goal.
Browny. Ditto.
Tongey. Ditto.

Bit sad that nothing springs to mind since these !!

UTB

 

[SRBlade]

I always try the Dean Saunders throw in, if anyone is near me with their back turned i'll throw it straight off them and run with it.

I usually take the James Harper approach nowadays and direct everyone else to do everything for me "Hey, mark my man for me".

Surprisingly Christian Nade actually influenced my play somewhat, I noticed that he could beat a man just by body movement while the ball was stationary.

 

[pommpey]

There was of course:

Monty: To pick the ball up between the centre circle and your penalty 'D', and by the time you have reached the halfway line it is:

a. running out of play
b. picking up bobbles against your shinpads
c. the subject of a tackle
d. in Beighton
e. any combination of the above

Kozzy: For the simple pinpoint accuracy of his crossing. Straight onto the head of the occupant of seat N36.

John Hope: For his vision as a goalkeeper. Playing in next weeks match as diving for a ball played last week whilst turning out for Sheffield United today was some feat of athleticism.

Chris Porter: A complete menace in the air in the 18 yard box. Provided the ball was hit at under six feet.

pommpey

 

[S5Blade]

d. in Beighton