Sense and Sensibility!

[highpeakblade]

Been today and witnessed another some what unspectacular but never the less attacking minded and highly fruitful 90 minutes of football. Shed loads to work on but the positives I took away from that crappy soul-less stadium today in regards to what I saw on the pitch could have filled the luggage area on the coach!

Mr Clough take a bow for what can only be described as a very sensible approach to and set up in a game that was never going to blow us out of the water. On in which at times we looked very well going forward and more importantly one again which showed a level of desire from the players and management that proves we want to win games.

The sensible approach - That would be two solid banks of four and two front men. A rigid backbone to the squad and more than a singular option up front Mr Weir. The system which is tried and tested as successful within this level of the english system.

Today I think I witnessed a turning point in Sheffield United's season. Professionalism, real desire and work rate all spring to mind. Carry on like that and the only way is up.

Now lets carry this on into the league. Lets keep the same mentality and tally up some points on the board and who knows we might well still achieve something from this season to at least restore a bit of pride.

In Mr Clough I believe!

 

[Sirius]

Thanks for the report HPB. Are the fitness levels improving? King gets slated for being unfit,I wondered if having a fitness coach has made any difference to the rest of the team?

 

[highpeakblade]

Thanks for the report HPB. Are the fitness levels improving? King gets slated for being unfit,I wondered if having a fitness coach has made any difference to the rest of the team?

A few were blowing at the end Sirius mate but yeah we looked better and kept going at them until the death which is what got us the penalty.

A few players looked in better shape. Stand outs were McMahon and Hill who both looked in much better shape and were both terrific. Both worked both ends of the pitch very well.

But Coady and Mcginn looked well in midfield. Miller looks like hes a lot fitter and nearly there.

But yes actually the fitness levels looked much better today. The work rate was upped big time and the majority impressed for 90 minutes.

 

[bladesadviser]

I have to say I really enjoyed watching the game yesterday and how often have we said that recently. A lot of hard work put in and good to see the heads not dropping when they pulled back to 2-2

The interesting thing for me that other than the midfield the team that started was mainly pre Weir signings. I don't know what that proves other than there was a lot of expensive (relatively speaking) players on the bench!!

 

[Hartley Hare]

Did anybody see what happend to Collins in the warm-up? I was watching Morgan throwing balls to the defense for heading practice. Turned my back for a moment, and next minute he was rubbing his head, clearly in a bit of pain.

When the game started he had a big bandage on? How did he cut his head?

Lot's of positives from yesterday;

Lappin looks well up to the job despite my previous reservations.
Porter always gives 100%. His all round effort and performance deserves praise.
It is good to have Miller back. He could become our best and most valuable player.
Harry is a menace going forward for corners and set plays.
McGinn is not too bad at delivering crosses, corners and free kicks.

I reckon that starting line-up could be just about our best. With decent cover and options. Taylor for Porter; Baxter for Miller; Murphy for Lappin etc......

To be honest the facilities at Colchester are good. The ground is easy to get to and away from. If only they could start to develop the area around the ground, which is in the middle of nowhere.

An enjoyable day out for me and young Tom.

HH

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Did anybody see what happend to Collins in the warm-up? I was watching Morgan throwing balls to the defense for heading practice. Turned my back for a moment, and next minute he was rubbing his head, clearly in a bit of pain.

When the game started he had a big bandage on? How did he cut his head?

Collins aggravated the injury he picked up from last week according to Clough.

 

[Bergen Blade]

A few were blowing at the end Sirius mate but yeah we looked better and kept going at them until the death which is what got us the penalty.

A few players looked in better shape. Stand outs were McMahon and Hill who both looked in much better shape and were both terrific. Both worked both ends of the pitch very well.

But Coady and Mcginn looked well in midfield. Miller looks like hes a lot fitter and nearly there.

But yes actually the fitness levels looked much better today. The work rate was upped big time and the majority impressed for 90 minutes.

Agree that McMahon in particular overlapped more than he's done. He's got some ability and for me he's been a real underachiever, but maybe Clough had made it clear to him that he's got to do more. With Coady at right midfield we needed our right back to support him and keep more width.

There were a couple of occasions where he could have chosen better passing options, there was one occasion where Lappin had acres of space on the opposite side, but it was great to see McMahon sprinting forward a few times like he did for Porter's big chance. Make sure he keeps it up, Clough!

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

"The sensible approach - That would be two solid banks of four and two front men. A rigid backbone to the squad and more than a singular option up front Mr Weir. The system which is tried and tested as successful within this level of the English system. "

That's what Wilson did last season and it worked a treat in away games. They weren't particularly pretty to watch but it worked a treat.

3 wins out of the last 5, if they carry that on over the rest of the season we wouldn't be that far off the play-offs.

 

[Dkc]

Realistically, out target is 6th place now. We're 11 points off 6th spot, but if we can get some consistancy with wins and draws I can see us in mid table by Christmas, and potentially knocking on the door come March or April. And if we do make the play offs, we'll be the "form team" - promotion this season is still a possibility.

Next reason, with Ched back and the Prince's dosh, the sky's the limit

Now where did I put the rest of those drugs...

 

[Darren]

Realistically, out target is 6th place now. We're 11 points off 6th spot, but if we can get some consistancy with wins and draws I can see us in mid table by Christmas, and potentially knocking on the door come March or April. And if we do make the play offs, we'll be the "form team" - promotion this season is still a possibility.

Next reason, with Ched back and the Prince's dosh, the sky's the limit

Now where did I put the rest of those drugs...

Realsitically, avoiding relegation is our target this season. It would take something amazing to get in the play offs.

Weir has wasted this season.