Some questions

[Bergen Blade]

What's the early impression of Cofie and Blackman as a pair, can they play together? Or are they too similar?

What did you think of McAllister in right midfield?

How does McMahon compare to Lowton?

Why did Shrewsbury get on top in the second half? What should we have done to prevent it?

 

[alcoblade]

What's the early impression of Cofie and Blackman as a pair, can they play together? Or are they too similar?

What did you think of McAllister in right midfield?

How does McMahon compare to Lowton?

Why did Shrewsbury get on top in the second half? What should we have done to prevent it?

I can't see a partership there at all, though it's clearly very early. Neither can hold the ball up to well. Cofie's first touch was awful and he looked to weak. I'm sure Backman will be a top player. Not so sure about Cofie, but time's on his side overall.

McCallister looked poor IMHO. He was one of 3 forward players who didn't really get hold of the ball at all.

Too early to judge McMahon. Just OK in a poor team performnce.

Shrewsbury got on top because we played so poorly. Midfield didn't work the ball forward well, when they did we couldn't hold it up. When you see a forward partership like that, you realise Porter or Cresswell will vey likely remain involved this year. Not a good sign, but reality.

UTB

 

[yorkshirecoast]

What's the early impression of Cofie and Blackman as a pair, can they play together? Or are they too similar?


What did you think of McAllister in right midfield?


How does McMahon compare to Lowton?


Why did Shrewsbury get on top in the second half? What should we have done to prevent it?

Blackman showed some promise - hard working, runs the channels, good pace. Cofie was a bit disappointing - tried hard but little came off. It was good to have a forward line with some pace though & I think they could do ok.

McAllister - great finish but did little.

McMahon - looked solid - their main threat was down the other side

Why they got on top - We kept giving the ball away & weren't positive enough - too much passing backwards & sideways. Midfield - Quinn apart - was poor.

 

[s35blade]

1. i didnt think cofie and blackman worked as a pair to be honest. cofie was the biggest disappointment today looked to weak at this level.

2. thought mcallister was ok on the right sometimes lost his nerve and hoofed it but could grow into into it

3. mchahon was good but not up to lowtons quality especially attacking.
4. we started to look uncomfortable on the ball and gave posseion

 

[bartman]

We kept givin the ball away & weren't positive enough - too much passing backwards & sideways.

Doyle and McDonald were shocking today. Won few tackles and passing from these two was the poorest I have seen from them. The other problem we have is that our front two didn't hold the ball up. Something Porter and Cresswell are able to do.

I thought Blackman was the better of the two today and it wouldn't surprise me if Cresswell or Porter started instead of Cofie on Tuesday

 

[Foxy]

What's the early impression of Cofie and Blackman as a pair, can they play together? Or are they too similar?

I think they offer something different and Blackman has a number of positive attributes. Too much playing it into the air to them today though and Shrewsbury worked hard at closing the space when we were on the ball.

What did you think of McAllister in right midfield?

I think he's too weak at the moment in the middle of the park, so the wing could be a better option, cracking finish and he was clearly told to get into the box as much as possible. He isn't a natural winger though.

How does McMahon compare to Lowton?

In the two competitive games so far he's playing like he's been told to be conservative. Seen him join many more attacks elsewhere and pre-season and he made a good run which Blackman picked out - could have easily got a goal.

Why did Shrewsbury get on top in the second half? What should we have done to prevent it?

They worked hard and we gave them too much space, midfield were poor for me, didn't support the defence and at times just went missing.

 

[Pinchy]

bartman,

You get one game, You don't impress, You're out?

Unlucky lad, John! Some local heroes would not have made a dozen appearances under those rules!

 

[Foxy]

You get one game, You don't impress, You're out?

Unlucky lad, John! Some local heroes would not have made a dozen appearances under those rules!

Indeed, like Danny said, it's the first game of the season... there will be much to improve on.

 

[wardlowwanderer]

I'd send Cofie back. He will have to start otherwise McRednose will spit out his dummy and take him back. He's not good enough to start based on that performance. He's lightweight and gets bundled off the ball easily. He was disinterested most of the time and was so unfocussed a couple of times that he didn't realise that the ball was coming his way. Get rid now and stick with Porter and Miller (and Cresswell if he's staying) for the second striker. Blackman will (hopefully) come good. He certainly looks like he has great potential, but maybe not a 40 goal Chedwyn.

 

[Foxy]

I'd send Cofie back. He will have to start otherwise McRednose will spit out his dummy and take him back. He's not good enough to start based on that performance. He's lightweight and gets bundled off the ball easily. He was disinterested most of the time and was so unfocussed a couple of times that he didn't realise that the ball was coming his way. Get rid now and stick with Porter and Miller (and Cresswell if he's staying) for the second striker. Blackman will (hopefully) come good. He certainly looks like he has great potential, but maybe not a 40 goal Chedwyn.

Really? send him back based on the one appearance?

Had you been to the Rotherham match and seen his goal instead would you be calling for us to sell anyone and everyone in an attempt to get the funds to sign him up?

 

[metty]

I thought Blackman did show some good attributes and I am sure that he will go on to be very good for us. We didnt get the right kind of ball to Cofie as he always seemed to receive the ball with his back to goal. We should have played him in through the channels so that he could use his pace, mind you he couldn't trap a bag of cement today. I thought Mc Allister had a poor game (apart from the goal) along with KMac and Doyle. McMahon was steady and I'm sure he will go on to be a firm favourite.

 

[GAZBLADE]

Fuck me one game and hang em all. It'll get better.
UTB
COYRWW

 

[wardlowwanderer]

Really? send him back based on the one appearance?

Had you been to the Rotherham match and seen his goal instead would you be calling for us to sell anyone and everyone in an attempt to get the funds to sign him up?

I'd rather play the players that are ours and get them to form a cohesive front line. He could be recalled at any time (although I stand to be corrected on that) and based on that performance and how completely powder puff he is then I'd say get rid. He might score a few goals but I didn't see a team player there. I didn't see someone who is going to stick his head in like John Stead. I would love nothing more than him scoring 40 goals and being our new messiah, but I've been watching football for too long and am too disenchanted with the state of the game to think that that is what will happen.

I reckon that he will have been recalled to man u by Christmas because he's not getting games.

 

[Latters]

I think Blackman and Cofie could be a good partnership. They're both quick and look skilful. Blackman is the stronger of the two and likes to collect the ball from further back, Cofie seems to like to step over and run on to the ball. Their first touches didn't look quite so good today but I'm hoping that's just rustiness that will wear off very quickly. I did feel Blackman went missing a few times when the ball went forward. He was miles away from where you'd expect him to be. Still looks like he'll come good.

McAlister didn't look quick or skilful enough for right midfield. He did take his goal really well but I thought he looked like a central midfielder being played out of position.

It wasn't the best performance overall so I'll wait to judge McMahon. Heard good things about him so I'm hoping he turns out to be better than he looked. He was reluctant to overlap and looked quite slow.

What stood out to me was our apparent lack of fitness. They got on top when we started to stand off and looked too knackered to track back and follow the runners. It didn't look like we'd done any fitness work all close-season.

 

[beechblade]

Its hard to do anything good, when balls are lumped aimless into the channels, they're not chasers there footballers, they need the ball played into feet, or using combination play that allows to run onto a ball.

My boss knows of Cofie through working with Man U and through previously coaching at Bradford, says he's great on the ball and can absolutely murder the defenders if given a chance with a decent ball.

Incidently when we did this on the few occasions we did both looked promising players.

 

[ShropshireBlade]

I don't know what the rest of you think but we're still cyring out for a tricky winger, someone with pace and has the skill to take on and beat a defender. Too much hoofball today but saying that didn't think either KMac or Doyle had a great game.

 

[alcoblade]

I'd send Cofie back. He will have to start otherwise McRednose will spit out his dummy and take him back. He's not good enough to start based on that performance. He's lightweight and gets bundled off the ball easily. He was disinterested most of the time and was so unfocussed a couple of times that he didn't realise that the ball was coming his way. Get rid now and stick with Porter and Miller (and Cresswell if he's staying) for the second striker..

Aye, fuck him. We've wasted a full 65 minutes on him and he gave us nothing in return.



UTB

 

[Bergen Blade]

McAlister didn't look quick or skilful enough for right midfield. He did take his goal really well but I thought he looked like a central midfielder being played out of position.

It wasn't the best performance overall so I'll wait to judge McMahon. Heard good things about him so I'm hoping he turns out to be better than he looked. He was reluctant to overlap and looked quite slow.

This is the concern. Williamson wasn't an out and out winger, but coupled with the superb overlaps and attacking support from Lowton it worked. If McMahon is a more steady, holding type who can usually hold his own defensively we may be better off looking for a pacey winger down the right. Chappell is the only one in the squad who's that type of player, but will he get the chance to show if he can do it at first team level?

 

[Foxy]

This is the concern. Williamson wasn't an out and out winger, but coupled with the superb overlaps and attacking support from Lowton it worked. If McMahon is a more steady, holding type who can usually hold his own defensively we may be better off looking for a pacey winger down the right. Chappell is the only one in the squad who's that type of player, but will he get the chance to show if he can do it at first team level?

McMahon from what I've seen of him in the past does like to get forward, as does Westlake. It's just so far in the Cup game and today, barring a couple of runs, he seems to be hanging back a little more.

 

[Bladesman]

Yeah I have always thought of McMahon as a player that gets forward a bit.

Early days and some of us thought we started a little slow in the first game last season. Some reckoned we only won that because Oldham didn't perform rather than us performing well. http://www.s24su.com/forum/index.ph...dham-athletic-v-sheffield-united.23738/page-5

 

[Princess Annes Dog]

What stood out to me was our apparent lack of fitness. They got on top when we started to stand off and looked too knackered to track back and follow the runners. It didn't look like we'd done any fitness work all close-season.

Agree with that, but for a few years I've wondered if it's fitness or attitude. I can't see how professional players can run out of gas with 30 minutes left, I'm more tempted to think that they're so full of themselves that they're only playing the likes of Shrewsbury so they can play half pace and still get the result. Mental attitude can slow you down just as much as being physically unfit.

These prima donnas need to graft and to smarten themselves up because as shit as the pub league is, our little daisies aren't much better than the teams that are in here scrapping it out with us. Blades of yesteryear could feight it out with the best of them , I'm not too sure about the current shower of shit.

 

[God]

What's the early impression of Cofie and Blackman as a pair, can they play together? Or are they too similar?

What did you think of McAllister in right midfield?

How does McMahon compare to Lowton?

Why did Shrewsbury get on top in the second half? What should we have done to prevent it?

Firstly I thought Blackman was quite impressive. Pacey, strong, takes players on, like him. I reckon if he can get a goal or two in his first outings his confidence will rise and hopefully go some way to fill the void of Ched.

Cofie, sorry did nothing for me at all. Needs to get his head down and work more. Try the fancy dan flicks when he's proved himself. Thought Miller looked better.

McAllister, great finish but did little after that. Expect him to improve though with games under his belt.

McMahon is no where near the class of Lowton at the moment. Looked paniky under pressure , and hoofed a few occassions instead of picking a ball. Although I have to say Shrewbusy were very good at pressing our back four high up the pitch which none of them liked.

Shakey start for me although a clean sheet is always good...................................... 6/10

Oh PS liked Howard too but JESUS H hes got to learn to control that mule of a kick!!!!!

 

[essexblade87]

It's only 1 game....Thought theres potential with Blackman and Cofie, have to remember how young Cofie is give him 10 games then judge him. Liked Miller as well think he might be Blackmans partner eventually.
Thought McAllister was quite good on right great goal, was bypassed a little in the game. Thought Midfield wasn't great, McDonald was good but looked short of match fitness, Doyle always looks slightly lost to me, gives ball away abit too much, Quinn was Quinn, looked good, made mistakes but made up for them quickly.
Think McMahon was solid and thats what we'll get all season and he'll start to come forward more once settled.
For me it was great to see so many academy players in squad, this is the most exciting time for Blades with the Kids we have coming through and the ones ready for the Squad already. Will be a blessing eventually coming down.

 

[Blade58]

Positives: (on yesterdays showing only)

Howard
Blackman
Clean sheet
3 points
short spells of ok football


Negatives (on yesterdays showing only)

Cofie seemed like a lost soul. Sure this will change when we play "his" game

The away opposition created far too many chances for a home side supposedly on the short list for promotion. On another day we would have been punished. If we continue to give away possession as cheaply as we did yesterday, we'll lose many games this season

LB is still a problem.

McAllister is not a winger persay, although he has something to offer the team

We weren't as strong as we should be in the middle of the park

Lack of options for the man on the ball, often resulting in going backwards rather than forwards and all too often giving away possession



A number of the above will I feel improve (I hope) and Wilson hopefully will address

 

[moDtheGod]

We always start slowly anyway. 2 wins in the last 10 opening games prior to yesterday. I was openly tipping a draw. Sounds like we were a little fortunate to get the points, so I'm quite happy with that. It will take time to for the new side to gel and if I'm honest, I don't think Wilson is 100% sure of his best starting XI at present.

 

[Rodders]

Blackman reminds me very much of Jermaine Beckford; quick,seems to know where the goal is but a crap first touch

 

[Fiery Blade]

Whilst I understand it is the first game of the season and we have new players on board it was the midfield that didn't perform - Doyle, McDonald, MacAllister and to a lesser extent Quinny - all who have been at the club 12 months or more - now that is far more worrying than the new strike force, full back or goalkeeper!
For all of them to have an off day seems like an almighty coincidence - Mr Wilson, you were supposedly a star midfielder - sort it out!!

 

[alcoblade]

For me it was great to see so many academy players in squad, this is the most exciting time for Blades with the Kids we have coming through and the ones ready for the Squad already. Will be a blessing eventually coming down.

It's only a blessing if they'e any good. 5 lost games on te bounce with the kids, and there'd be nobody asking for them to be given time. They'd be calling for the managers head.

I never quite understand the fascination with kids (though I'mall for bringing good ones through). I think there's some sort of belief that they've got the club at heart more. In reality, they would all leave at the drop of hat, given better offers from elsewhere.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

McAllister is not a winger persay, although he has something to offer the team

People keep saying this. It's the same with Tonne. I feel like I've been away for 5 years and missed something.

UTB

 

[moDtheGod]

I never quite understand the fascination with kids.

There's definitely a joke in there somewhere.