Replacing Fleck

[Champagneblade]

We’ve 37 points. We’re not going to be relegated.

Let’s not go all defensive or conservative in replacing Fleck.

We’ve got Basham back to RCB and Baldock back. Let’s leave them be. I’d still rather Wright in the middle too.

But with regards to Fleck, just ask Duffy to play a little deeper and get Brooks in there.

You want your best available xi on the field.

I’d rather do this than either lose what Basham beings to RCB or end up with say Carruthers in over Brooks.

This is what I’d do given the current predicament.

If we’re going for 3 points each time, do or die, there’s not much point wavering from that.

As an additional comment, a couple of weeks rest might be good for Fleck. He’s played a lot of games.

 

[zablade]

Don’t tempt fate by saying we are not going to be relegated.

Twenty one years ago this year Milwall were top of this league at this stage with 40 points, they proceeded to then win two, draw six and lose the rest and be relegated on 52 points.

I don’t think we are going to do that but the cold hard facts are that since we lost Coutts we have played four, lost three and drawn one.

We now have lost the second best midfield player at the club for three games.

The Preston and Villa games look like damage limitation, if we pick anything up from those games now it will be a bonus. The Sunderland and Bolton games at home over Xmas are huge and more people need to realise that fact, I would go as far as saying they loom more important than the Pig game in January.

We need to get off this slump as soon as possible.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Spot on O/P. Given that Wilder's got his preferred defence in place, with specialists in their positions, let's not fuck about with the area of the pitch that needs stabilising more than anywhere right now - especially, keep Basham in his best position, where he's so effective.

Carruthers in alongside Lundstram for me. He was told to wait patiently for his chance, & he deserves the opportunity.

Btw, how good was Lundstram tonight? Been getting progressively better, but he's now hit a serious peak he needs to stick at. That's been the Coutts/Fleck hallmark - regular 8 or 8.5 out of 10 performances. Really need him to maintain his standards over the next 3 games.

 

[dc_blade]

Got to disagree, OP, I think Bash in midfield is the only sensible choice. Brooks hasn't shown me that he can play as anything other than a second striker (a true No. 10) and I think asking him to play the Duffy role (which, don't forget, has a defensive component to it as well as the creative side) is asking for us to be worryingly light in the middle of the park.

I think Lundstram, Bash, Duffy as the three lacks a bit of creativity but gives us a solid base.

Maybe Carruthers has a role to play. Each time I see him he looks less convincing, but I thought that about Lundstram at first and he's really coming good.

 

[SwissBlade]

We’ve 37 points. We’re not going to be relegated.

Let’s not go all defensive or conservative in replacing Fleck.

We’ve got Basham back to RCB and Baldock back. Let’s leave them be. I’d still rather Wright in the middle too.

But with regards to Fleck, just ask Duffy to play a little deeper and get Brooks in there.

You want your best available xi on the field.

I’d rather do this than either lose what Basham beings to RCB or end up with say Carruthers in over Brooks.

This is what I’d do given the current predicament.

If we’re going for 3 points each time, do or die, there’s not much point wavering from that.

As an additional comment, a couple of weeks rest might be good for Fleck. He’s played a lot of games.

Playing Duffy deeper isn’t really an option for me. Carruthers though deserves a chance

 

[zablade]

I would go 4-5-1 at Preston and Villa. Stearman may be less of a liability in a back four as that is what he has played all his life.

We will also need more presence in midfield, losing Coutts and Fleck is like losing 3 and a half players not just two.

Go 3-5-2 with the current available players and that is two nailed on loses.

 

[FleaPitBlade]

I assume we can't recall Ben Whiteman until January?

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I need some time to think about this...

 

[Bladezz]

Last night showed how we are million miles away from competiting financially with championship clubs.

On Saturday we will only have 1 available centre midfielder. CW made it known he was keen for Leonard but we didn’t push the boat out enough.

We can rectify this now in January give CW a war chest.

 

[brownie4583]

I would go for Basham Lundstram and Duffy in midfield for the next 2 games with Brooks or Carruthers on bench

 

[UnitedBlade]

Last night showed how we are million miles away from competiting financially with championship clubs.

On Saturday we will only have 1 available centre midfielder. CW made it known he was keen for Leonard but we didn’t push the boat out enough.

We can rectify this now in January give CW a war chest.

Very much so. Bristol City are bankrolled by a billionaire, Lansdown.

They are running the same model as the Pigs - ie run your losses up to the maximum of £13M per year for 3 years by recruiting the maximum wage you can sustain, in their case total wages were 130% of turnover two seasons ago. This in the hope of the playoffs and a chance to get into the PL.

We don’t have owners willing to go that far. We’re competing against clubs with parachute payments plus those willing to sustain annual losses of £13M pa. At least half the division.

That’s the reality.

 

[Iceybabey]

Fleck adds bite in midfield, so does Bash, so I reckon we chuck bash in there. We've got CCV and Wright to come into defence which are not bad options at all.

 

[Sean Thornton]

I need some time to think about this...

We need to get out of this slump as soon as possible. Let's hope Wilder thinks so too. FFS.

 

[Bladesman]

I would go with 4-4-2

Baldock Wright O'Connell Stevens
Carruthers Basham Lundstrum Duffy
Brooks Clarke

Or we keep our shape:

CCV Wright O'Connell
Baldock Lundstrum Basham Stevens
Duffy
Brooks Clarke

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I've had time to think about this now.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

The way I see it, we have to stick to our formation; it's why we are so entertaining to watch, it's why we give most teams a real game, it's why we've been successful. So with that in mind, I think we have two options:

1. Push Basham into midfield to play a deeper role alongside Lundstram with Duffy just in front. Not ideal as to address the unsettled midfield we also have to unsettle the back 5. In comes CCV in my opinion, at RCB. But by doing that, you lose Bash's dynamic runs from the back, as CCV isn't as likely to do that. There also isn't a 'Fleck type' in centre mid then, but I appreciate that's asking to replace one of the best midfielders in the division.
2. Bring in Carruthers alongside Lundstram as a most like-for-like swap for Fleck. Granted, Carruthers hasn't really impressed as yet but he's the most similar to Fleck we would have. Duffy just in front. This is the most untried and tested combination, however.

For me, I think I just about opt for option 2. It's about unsettling the 11 and formation as little as possible. This is what squad players and depth are for too; it's always going to be hard to replace Coutts and Fleck but if the others aren't good enough to step in when needed, they shouldn't be here. Option 2 keeps the back line intact too.

I'd go:

Moore
Baldock---Basham---Wright---O'Connell---Stevens
Lundstram---Carruthers
Duffy
Clarke---Sharp
​

Up the Blades!

 

[Paulus]

Could Lafferty play left side of midfield Fleck role for three games? CW is very big on having the correct mixture of left and right footers.

 

[Bladesman]

I've had time to think drink about this now.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

Are you offering me a pint?

 

[Bladesman]

Are you offering me a pint?

No but I wish you all the best in your search for a pint.

 

[Darthblade]

Spot on O/P. Given that Wilder's got his preferred defence in place, with specialists in their positions, let's not fuck about with the area of the pitch that needs stabilising more than anywhere right now - especially, keep Basham in his best position, where he's so effective.

Carruthers in alongside Lundstram for me. He was told to wait patiently for his chance, & he deserves the opportunity.

Btw, how good was Lundstram tonight? Been getting progressively better, but he's now hit a serious peak he needs to stick at. That's been the Coutts/Fleck hallmark - regular 8 or 8.5 out of 10 performances. Really need him to maintain his standards over the next 3 games.

Lundstram was fine last night, he's not a Paul Coutts but then they're big boots to fill.

However, I wouldn't wish too hard for Carruthers to get a run in the side after last night ........ saw a fair bit of the ball and spent most of the time getting caught in possession or running down blind alleys.

My personal opinion ...... he flatters to deceive and is a "luxury" player that gets carried. That's a luxury we can't afford imho.

UTB & FTP

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Lundstram was fine last night, he's not a Paul Coutts but then they're big boots to fill.

However, I wouldn't wish too hard for Carruthers to get a run in the side after last night ........ saw a fair bit of the ball and spent most of the time getting caught in possession or running down blind alleys.

My personal opinion ...... he flatters to deceive and is a "luxury" player that gets carried. That's a luxury we can't afford imho.

UTB & FTP

I don't think you're alone in that opinion about Carruthers. And I do think when he first arrived he was guilty of ineffective showboating. But the glimpses we've seen this season have been pretty different I'd suggest. And can't say I agree about his little cameo last night - I thought he was generally effective (although - can't fault him for the 50/50 challenge on Reid which led to the cross squirming away for the goal, but would Basham just naturally have been stronger in that position & won the challenge?).

No denying he's got bags of ability, but it's all about whether he can be switched on, & disciplined enough. And will he get stuck in when needs be (which'll be vital at Preston)?

He's got loads of drive & energy, & his close control is peerless. But seems it's all about whether he's been moulded sufficiently over recent months by Wilder & Knill to be as disciplined and characterful as Lundstram's proving to be.

Personally though I very much hope he gets the chance he's been waiting for. He's had to bide his time for a long while now.

 

[LenTednTony]

The way I see it, we have to stick to our formation; it's why we are so entertaining to watch, it's why we give most teams a real game, it's why we've been successful. So with that in mind, I think we have two options:

1. Push Basham into midfield to play a deeper role alongside Lundstram with Duffy just in front. Not ideal as to address the unsettled midfield we also have to unsettle the back 5. In comes CCV in my opinion, at RCB. But by doing that, you lose Bash's dynamic runs from the back, as CCV isn't as likely to do that. There also isn't a 'Fleck type' in centre mid then, but I appreciate that's asking to replace one of the best midfielders in the division.
2. Bring in Carruthers alongside Lundstram as a most like-for-like swap for Fleck. Granted, Carruthers hasn't really impressed as yet but he's the most similar to Fleck we would have. Duffy just in front. This is the most untried and tested combination, however.

For me, I think I just about opt for option 2. It's about unsettling the 11 and formation as little as possible. This is what squad players and depth are for too; it's always going to be hard to replace Coutts and Fleck but if the others aren't good enough to step in when needed, they shouldn't be here. Option 2 keeps the back line intact too.

I'd go:

Moore
Baldock---Basham---Wright---O'Connell---Stevens
Lundstram---Carruthers
Duffy
Clarke---Sharp
​

Up the Blades!

Kozzy, you got it bang on for me.

 

[Deadbat]

I assume we can't recall Ben Whiteman until January?

I know a few Donny fans and they say he has scored a few goals but he disappears most games. He has been in and out of a relegation threatened team. If he can't stand out/be a regular in League One he won't be an improvement on what we have got at the moment.

 

[Deadbat]

I don't think you're alone in that opinion about Carruthers. And I do think when he first arrived he was guilty of ineffective showboating. But the glimpses we've seen this season have been pretty different I'd suggest. And can't say I agree about his little cameo last night - I thought he was generally effective (although - can't fault him for the 50/50 challenge on Reid which led to the cross squirming away for the goal, but would Basham just naturally have been stronger in that position & won the challenge?).

No denying he's got bags of ability, but it's all about whether he can be switched on, & disciplined enough. And will he get stuck in when needs be (which'll be vital at Preston)?

He's got loads of drive & energy, & his close control is peerless. But seems it's all about whether he's been moulded sufficiently over recent months by Wilder & Knill to be as disciplined and characterful as Lundstram's proving to be.

Personally though I very much hope he gets the chance he's been waiting for. He's had to bide his time for a long while now.

Watch the two big moments at the end
Carruthers is slow to react on the chance and overhits it. A really good chance for a winner if he is more careful. On the tackle it was his ball but Reid reacted quicker and was more deterermined. If Carruthers is awake we don't concede that goal. I thought his contribution after he came on was pathetic. He gave it away another couple of occasions also. I would not trust him to play as he is sloppy on and off the ball. I think his control is appalling. It always bounces off him or his second touch is a tackle. Looked a great signing when he came on but just not done it and lacks appetite. Move him on for me.

Bash, Lundstram and Duff next week with Jake Wright back assuming Bash is fit.

 

[snootyfenooty]

If we move Basham to midfield we will lose the next two games. The defence is useless without him. Stearman or Wright, makes no difference, it's Basham who is the lynchpin in defence.

 

[sheffielder]

Playing Duffy deeper isn’t really an option for me. Carruthers though deserves a chance

He doesn't deserve a chance for me, however just through maths he should get one at Preston. The fact he's not really played at all since Coutts injury says a lot to me.

 

[LenTednTony]

Thing is, he probably needs a proper run to get really tight with the rest of the team but, can we afford that run? Personally, I like Carruthers but, it all abaht opinions int it?

 

[ThatJa]

I assume we can't recall Ben Whiteman until January?

Can only recall in a transfer window, if there is a recall option, that is.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Watch the two big moments at the end
Carruthers is slow to react on the chance and overhits it. A really good chance for a winner if he is more careful. On the tackle it was his ball but Reid reacted quicker and was more deterermined. If Carruthers is awake we don't concede that goal. I thought his contribution after he came on was pathetic. He gave it away another couple of occasions also. I would not trust him to play as he is sloppy on and off the ball. I think his control is appalling. It always bounces off him or his second touch is a tackle. Looked a great signing when he came on but just not done it and lacks appetite. Move him on for me.

Bash, Lundstram and Duff next week with Jake Wright back assuming Bash is fit.

Sorry mate, just don't agree with you as regards Carruthers, certainly about his ball control. He's the nearest to Coutts in terms of ability to accept the ball in tight situations & keep it.

Agree partly about the goal, but I don't think it was Carruthers being switched-off or bottling it, more defensive technique & strength. And, yeah, him overrunning it in the penalty box was disappointing (& Leon didn't seem best pleased with him about it), but he's bright spark in attacking areas, more so yesterday in his few minutes than Brooksy was.

IMO it's all about whether Wilder would trust him in an inexperienced midfield duo. But better that in the circumstances than, yet again, yanking Basham out of his best position.