style of play

[Micalijo]

No doubt this has been mentioned on other threads but I'm at a loss to describe just how painful the first half was to watch.

Blackwell would just laugh and show me the league table from last term and say unbeaten this term but the lack of quality and ability from such a highly paid squad is frightening.

We all go the Lane because we love it but it is like watching a collection of very fit pub footballers. When we do try and pass it there is no control of the ball, we move into dead ends and almost totally run away from the man in possession as opposed to giving options

I hoped that the summer would bring a fresh approach. A couple of new midfielders might lead to a slightly different way of playing - no chance.

When we go with 2 in midfield we get totally overrun. Go with 3 and it seems better but we lack options up top.

But to balance the above, last 30 minutes were great to watch. I'm not one of these who expect scintillating football all the time.

 

[Northyorksblade]

I have to agree. I am a clapper of the highest order, but that first half was dire. Did Howard pass a ball to a red and white shirt once? If he did I missed it. He seemed to be neshing out of tackles or not tackling at all, but perhaps that was because he was ill. Bad decision on his part not to say before the game though. Second half great improvement, down to Quinny to a large degree, though Leicester did seem to tire too. A friend watched their game against Swansea and said they were pedestrian and very poor. Not on last night's performance I have to say. At one stage I'd have been happy with a draw, but in the end we could and should have won it. What was Evans thinking of in the dying seconds???

 

[Fiery Blade]

It appears that everyone can see the problem except that idiot Blackwell - as much tactical nous as a baboon!
Then to add insult to injury on the radio interview glosses over a dire 1st half performance and says how well the lads have done!
Only one solution - BLACKWELL OUT

 

[Foxy]

It appears that everyone can see the problem except that idiot Blackwell - as much tactical nous as a baboon!
Then to add insult to injury on the radio interview glosses over a dire 1st half performance and says how well the lads have done!
Only one solution - BLACKWELL OUT

On the interview I heard, he said he'd had a go at them at half time about not starting and that we weren't in the game at all.

 

[jono]

We've been slow out of the starting blocks for a long time now. I would have thought it's something that would have been addressed by now as more often than now it means the half is wasted!
What I find frustrating about Blackwell's style is the apparent inability to change things up when things obviously aren't working. If after 10-15 minutes of hoofing balls down the channels or into the box results in either the keeper claiming or a centre back winning the header it time to try something different!

 

[Fiery Blade]

How can the man change things to Plan B when he doesn't have a Plan A

 

[Micalijo]

My belief is there are plenty of Blades who are sick to the back teeth of Blackwell and what we have to watch week in week out. Unfortunately we have to accept that he is going nowhere and we have to delve deep into the memory banks of why we go - ie to support the club that will be around long after Blackwell and have an afternoon out with family/mates. This doesn't mean that I sit their booing and shouting Blackwell Out - it just means I really dislike him as a football manager and it pains me that we have him in charge

I get no enjoyment out of going and within 10 minutes every time thinking what a joke we have as a manager but that's just the way it is. It is very, very difficult for me to get behind a team that offers very little excitement, has no real spark, the subsititutions baffle me, his post match commenst are often pure fantasy and it is like watching a wrestling contest at times. The stick Warnock got at times baffles me now - some of the football we played in 02/03 and 05/06 was on a different planet.

I maybe the joke when you look at Balckwell's overall record at the Lane but when it has mattered most he isn't up to it and he cannot get us up

 

[mall]

When, last season,I lived a hundred miles away I didn't get to many games at all. I did most of my supporting on the internet via BladesWorld. For the majority of the home matches the consensus was that United didn't turn up at all in the first half, received a rollocking, then played better in the second half. So it was Tuesday night against Leicester and in fact they only put in a 30 minute shift to level the game. The Watford match, although eventually a comfortable scoreline, was dire in the extreme for the football played and the first half against Leicester was worse than almost anything I saw under Warnock, and that's saying something.
The Directors must be watching this and surely they are reporting to McCabe, so why is this being allowed to continue. On Tuesday I felt that the crowd at times were only a whisker away from venting their feelings. Blackwell is walking a tightrope if he thinks he can get away with these kinds of displays even if we are undefeated at the moment.
These performances are nowhere close to being promotion standard and seeing that Blackwell "owns" these players he is gong to heap pressure on himself if they continue.
And if they do continue this may have an effect on attendences and McCabe will be very interested then.

 

[jono]

To be fair Blackwell has gotten it right, such as Preston at the end of last season. The problem is these occasions are too few and far between.
By all accounts, Donny are playing decent football week in week out. Our club, with significantly greater resources to draw from, isn't. As we've seen on the rare occasions, our players do have enough quality to play decent football so I believe it rests on the manager to get them playing it!
I put little blame on the players because if they are being told to repeatedly hoof it forward at the first opportunity then that is what they have to do! And if they don't, they'll lose their place...

 

[Micalijo]

Good points Mall in my opinion.

Hit nail on head that crowd were getting very impatient against Leicester and it is such a crying shame that at a time when our crowds are brilliantly high we are served up with such dire entertainment

It is pretty dispiriting to know deep down, 3 games in, despite having £2m plus signings all over the squad, that we have no serious chance of automatic and a manager totally incapable of successfully managing in big games.

 

[Foxy]

To be perfectly honest, I think Blackwell comes in for a lot stronger critisism than he actually deserves.

People mention knowing deep down that we have no serious chance of automatic after only 3 games? you what?

We have a squad with lots of new faces, half of which haven't had a proper pre-season or weren't regular first teamers elsewhere for whatever reason. Not only will they take time to gel, they'll take time to get totally match fit and back to their best. 3 games in and we have hardly disgraced ourselves and are currently 2 points behind the best performers at this stage.

Many people said last year that we had no chance of the playoffs, we cemented ourselves in those and then they said we had no chance of automatic, then we went into the last game with a chance of sneaking in.
Then people said we had no chance of making it to the final and that Preston would beat us... We battered them.

True to form we did the usual in the final, but many so vocally believed that we wouldn't even get there.

People say he tells players to hoof the ball and that if they don't they will be dropped? Is there any evidence of this in the slightest? who has been dropped for not hoofing?
When I look at him on the sidelines, he's usually screaming at the players to do exactly what the rest of us are wanting. He spends time encouraging the full backs to get forward, tells people off for panicing on the ball and randomly getting rid, etc etc.

I really don't understand what has happened in terms of peoples thoughts on our performances. Whilst poor at times, anyone would think we've reverted from successful total football. I really don't see that some of our recent performances have been any worse than any of the last few years.

By no means is he completely infallable, and I don't always agree with his methods and tactics. But his win record has got to be up there with the best managers we've had in recent times.

I don't by any stretch think he's the messiah, I wouldn't even say his definately the man to take us forward.... But he's no where near as bad as many make out in my opinion.

I think the overall atmosphere is still caught up in the relegation and Robson tenure. It's correct, the crowd were once again getting impatient, but this has been a trait that has been creeping in over the last few years. We can be 3-0 up and the crowd sighs, screams or jumps on the back of a mistake with nervousness. That is one of the reasons we've generally looked more solid away from home in my opinion, the players are always on edge and nervous at the lane.

We have a difficult start, playing against some of the stronger sides in the division, yes we need to be beating them if we are to be automatic contenders, but it isn't the walkover many seem to think it is.

Without doubt we need to improve on the likes of the first half against Leicester, but for me, there are signs of hope. We've managed to put spells together where we look good, where we play it on the floor far more and where we genuinely look dangerous.

To write us of at this stage and to speak about sacking and replacing the manager is in my mind a little ridiculous.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Whilst you paint a picture of hope there are several issues that need to be addressed.
Firstly we employ professional footballers who should not get nervous playing in front of an expectant crowd.
Its also not about total football as you describe but a passing game rather than kick it as far as possible and hopefully the donkey up front (henderson) will get a knock on.
If you listen to Blackwell he holds Henderson in such high regard as the team is built around him - Henderson is a donkey who only ever scores around 10 per season (good season) -he generally fouls, pushes and barges his way and supporters are in diosbelief that he gets sent off and yellow carded as often as he does. Also everyone is singing Monty's praises - whilst he does give 100% effort he still cannot pass and cannot shoot or cannot cross a ball - fantastic for a professional footballer and Chris Morgan whilst again a total 100% effort and a top leader still gives away needless free kicks around the 18 yard area and prone to the odd mistake. We still have a loan goalie as our own is too thick to function as a professional sportsman and the two reserves not deemed good enough to replace him.
A tale of woe if you consider the spine of the team - Blackwells team
And finally Blackwell himself - looking for cheap shots when interviewed -everybodies fault if they fail - total incompetant!

 

[Vistoma]

Whilst you paint a picture of hope there are several issues that need to be addressed.
Firstly we employ professional footballers who should not get nervous playing in front of an expectant crowd.
Its also not about total football as you describe but a passing game rather than kick it as far as possible and hopefully the donkey up front (henderson) will get a knock on.
If you listen to Blackwell he holds Henderson in such high regard as the team is built around him - Henderson is a donkey who only ever scores around 10 per season (good season) -he generally fouls, pushes and barges his way and supporters are in diosbelief that he gets sent off and yellow carded as often as he does. Also everyone is singing Monty's praises - whilst he does give 100% effort he still cannot pass and cannot shoot or cannot cross a ball - fantastic for a professional footballer and Chris Morgan whilst again a total 100% effort and a top leader still gives away needless free kicks around the 18 yard area and prone to the odd mistake. We still have a loan goalie as our own is too thick to function as a professional sportsman and the two reserves not deemed good enough to replace him.
A tale of woe if you consider the spine of the team - Blackwells team
And finally Blackwell himself - looking for cheap shots when interviewed -everybodies fault if they fail - total incompetant!

Hmmm.. bit harsh mate, however I do agree with most of what you have said here, the main point in my eyes is the bit about it being Blackwells team and whilst we have a £2m man he bought we WILL continue to play up to him as he has to be justified as a big buy.

 

[Foxy]

Firstly we employ professional footballers who should not get nervous playing in front of an expectant crowd.

Just how do we get hold of a squad full of these machines? Would you continue to work to the same level and not make mistakes if everyone else in the company was shouting at you or booing you to your desk?

Its also not about total football as you describe but a passing game rather than kick it as far as possible and hopefully the donkey up front (henderson) will get a knock on.

But as I said, whilst we are guilty of this some of the time, that is by no means the sole way we play. Nor the way I believe the manager directs them to play.

If you listen to Blackwell he holds Henderson in such high regard as the team is built around him - Henderson is a donkey who only ever scores around 10 per season (good season) -he generally fouls, pushes and barges his way and supporters are in diosbelief that he gets sent off and yellow carded as often as he does.

Would you rather he came out to the press and labeled him a donkey?

In his good seasons, he's generally got around 15 goals (from memory). The way we generally use him means he's there to often create chances for others, rather than being a goal poacher.

Also everyone is singing Monty's praises - whilst he does give 100% effort he still cannot pass and cannot shoot or cannot cross a ball - fantastic for a professional footballer

I'd hazard a guess that Monty probably has one of the highest pass completion rates in the team most matches. He also probably makes more passes than a number of the team and generally has a lot fewer options when on the ball. Despite his mis-hit attempt the other night he can cross a ball and has managed to get a few assists with good crossing over the years. Don't forget he broke through as a winger.
His shooting is indeed one thing that lets him down, but he's not in the team for his shooting abilities!

There are indeed issues that need to be addressed, but like I say, I don't think it is as bad as people make out. Nor is Blackwell's record.

 

[Fiery Blade]

I agree Blackwells record isn't too bad on paper, but, he inherited a team of good players Beattie, Speed, Naysmith, Stead, Geary etc
But can he kick on - not by last years standards.
Any manager worth his salt would have rang Brian Laws up and said 'whats the secret - how did your lot put eight goals past Burnley' - We surrended at Turf Moor and then surrendered at Wembley just a few weeks later. It is clear that Blackwell just cannot react to what is happening - his substitutions are horrendous -too late to affect the game- Ive said it before and i'll say it again the man is a buffoon

 

[Shirty Blade]

In a very direct Watford team Henderson scored around 13 - 14 goals at this level, perhaps he will improve his strike rate if he has a regular strike partner (Evans) and with our new acquired pace on the left wing? I Can't knock Monty's effort but he is only a destructive presence which means the other central midfield player needs to attack minded and creative. This can't be said of Quinn or Howard (My Dingles supporting mates told me at the time we had been had!). Hendry never gets a prolonged chance. What is Williamson like, appart from injured? Yep Morgan tends to give needless free kicks away but he will do for me!

Problem last year was lack of pace up front a midfield who couldn't string two passes together, poor quality hoofball, not even played effectively, and we still came third! Just goes to show how poor this league was, I don't know why but I somehow think it might be a bit stronger this year. We may have addressed the first issue, but I'm not too sure about the second or third? How long have we all been crying out for that illusive midfield player? Would he do any good if the ball sailed over his head all the time?

UTB

 

[Foxy]

I agree Blackwells record isn't too bad on paper, but, he inherited a team of good players Beattie, Speed, Naysmith, Stead, Geary etc

Which of that team of good players you mention has he had to choose from regularly? Is it not an achievement if you do well if you happened to be left with good players?

But can he kick on - not by last years standards.

Surely last year, he did just that? He got us to a play off final, is that not an improvement on the year before, despite losing our top scorer?

Any manager worth his salt would have rang Brian Laws up and said 'whats the secret - how did your lot put eight goals past Burnley'

Again, do you know he didn't do that?

Should it not be Brian Laws and 20 other managers ringing him up for advice given that we finished 3rd in the league?

We surrended at Turf Moor and then surrendered at Wembley just a few weeks later. It is clear that Blackwell just cannot react to what is happening - his substitutions are horrendous -too late to affect the game- Ive said it before and i'll say it again the man is a buffoon

We did indeed produce poor performances in both the matches you mention. But other than completely changing the 11 underperforming players, there's not a massive amount more he could do.

Is there a particular reason that whenever his achievements are pointed out it wasn't his doing, but all the down points lay solely at his door?

 

[beightonblade]

People mention knowing deep down that we have no serious chance of automatic after only 3 games? you what?

I'll bet yer a Mars bar we don't get promoted this season Foxy !

 

[Foxy]

I'll bet yer a Mars bar we don't get promoted this season Foxy !

Because it's merely a Mars Bar and not a load of money, i'm tempted... But I have the fact that the only year I haven't had a daft bet on the Blades being promoted, we actually bloody did So far, this year I haven't bet.

I'm not actually saying that we will be promoted, just that we can't be written off after merely 3 games (none of which we have lost).

 

[beightonblade]

Because it's merely a Mars Bar and not a load of money, i'm tempted... But I have the fact that the only year I haven't had a daft bet on the Blades being promoted, we actually bloody did So far, this year I haven't bet.

I'm not actually saying that we will be promoted, just that we can't be written off after merely 3 games (none of which we have lost).

I actally agree with you. Up the Blades.

 

[Micalijo]

Foxy - excellent first post and I think you make excellent points in defence of KB, even though I disagree with vast majority of what you say.

The reason people didn't expect us to get in the play-offs was because KB produced such a horrendous first half of the season. I still have no idea how we finished third but KB must take alot of credit, quite rightly.

However, he has spent loads of money compared with virtually every other manager in the division and I don't think he is anywhere near producing a side that can score enough goals to get up. It's great to have a sound defence but WBA and Wolves have been prime examples recently of goals making the difference. Goals in this division come from pace and talent. We have very little of either.

 

[Willie Carlin]

First half was all Leceister but second half we played well I thought.

 

[cooperblade]

It's great to have a sound defence but WBA and Wolves have been prime examples recently of goals making the difference.

Not quite as recent but WBA are the best example going that success can be achieved in this section by being very dour and hard to beat.

 

[Shirty Blade]

Birmingham were the same last year! Dour bad to watch and hard to beat. They did however have Kevin Phillips who got them out of gaol on the odd occasion!

UTB

 

[Fiery Blade]

As shown in the Play Off Semis we can play football although we didn't have the finisher to put it beyond PNE, but our football deserved much more than the two goals over the two legs But for some reason Blackwell then decides hoofball is more effective by passing the team. Why put so much faith in Donkey Henderson-turning circle of the QE2 and not as mobile

 

[Currie on Radio]

On the interview I heard, he said he'd had a go at them at half time about not starting and that we weren't in the game at all.

How about having a go at them before the kick off and not when we have given the a load of confidence about our respective abilities....

 

[Foxy]

How about having a go at them before the kick off and not when we have given the a load of confidence about our respective abilities....

Because at kick off, they were fresh from outplaying Watford in a game in which we didn't look like panicing kids trying to get rid of the ball at the first opportunity

That was yet to come.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Thats another point - why from the kick off do we pass the ball all the way to the keeper for him then to launch it forward!

 

[Sensiblade]

Thats another point - why from the kick off do we pass the ball all the way to the keeper for him then to launch it forward!

Because when we used to 'pass' it forward to try and pick out a non existent winger on the right at the kick off it never worked.
Plus i'd imagine it's designed to give our forward line time to get into the other half and try and pull the opposition defence away from their 18 yard box.

 

[beechblade]

Someone mentioned about Henderson giving away all the fouls he does. When ever I have watched Hendo closely, I often see him backing into players as every striker does to jostle for the ball, he may do the odd shirt pull as many other players do also. But one thing I notice about him is the alarming amount of decisions he doesn't get as was case and point against both Watford, Middlesbrough and Lecister this season, in all 3 games he has got little in way of decisions and has had a stupid amount of decisions go against him when players have been using him as ladder or just generally trying to rag him about. I also saw this happen to J Beattie (Mind you I do know someone who played alongside BT when thet were younger and he did say he's a dirty bugger) alot as well. It seems to me the bigger strikers get an instant reputaion from refs. When we have players like that N'guessen falling all over the pitch like he's playing acting in the next sharpe battle scene on ITV, How do people expect a player like Hendo to get it to a game when any slight movement he makes means a whistle gets blown against him?

And reference to KB and a goal scoring side, as far as I remember and what both my dad and my mums partner tells me it has always been a problem of uniteds, barring the odd seasons were we have had a 20+ goal scoring striker or player.