Deadbat
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Defenders
Jack O’Connell was one of the three centre backs United signed in the summer along with James Wilson and Jack O’Connell. O’Connell was maybe seen as the most long term option of the three as Wilson and Wright were more senior in years and had played most of their football in the lower leagues. O’Connell originates from Liverpool but started his career at Blackburn. He actually had loan spells at Rotherham, York and Rochdale and his form with the Lancashire club was excellent as they got promoted. This saw Brentford sign him from Rovers in February 2013 on a 3 and half year deal. He never quite got into the starting line-up and played only 16 games, some left back and some centre back and ended up back at Rochdale on loan and did well again. There was tough competition for places at Griffin Park but many Bees fans were still disappointed when United signed him on a permanent basis and felt he had quite a bit of potential.
First viewing for me was against Derby in a pre-season game. Clearly a big lad (felt he looked like a rugby league player – that could be good and bad!) and did not seem that quick and a bit slow to turn (actually as the season went on he proved he was not as slow as you thought!). He was ok on the ball and a good header of the ball. He certainly did not shirk a tackle and loved getting stuck in. At Bolton, he was the better of the two I felt along with Wilson but you could see it was a lot to pin on an unproven duo who had never played together and they struggled in subsequent weeks. He had a nightmare against Southend making a number of mistakes and scoring an own goal. A week later he made a ridiculous hand ball under little pressure at Millwall and United (and O’Connell) hit rock bottom.
It would have been easy for him to crumble playing in front of huge expectations at a big club but massive credit to him. He never hid, came back and gradually improved. We changed the formation and brought in some power in Ebanks Landell and know how in Wright. He kept improved as the season went on and as we went on that winning run early on became a key man. He missed the odd game though injury but overall was a regular for the most part; only having a few small periods where he was on the bench; that was more down to him having a minor injury but he usually got back in. Continued to make crunching tackles, to also attack the ball in the air and on the floor, showing he is a great header of the ball. He made 50/50’s his. Indeed, he made some 30/70’s in the opponents favour his also! He really put himself on the line. He cut out the mistakes and also used the ball well and showed technically he was better than you thought. Some surging runs forward when he came out of defence showed he wanted to attack and in the closing weeks him and Basham were always driving us forward and putting us on the front foot.
I cannot think of many really poor games he had and he just kept getting better and better. He weighed in with goals too with headed goals at Southend and Walsall. He also then got a big goal at home to Millwall and set up the second with a surging run that embodied everything about him. This was redemption after the disappointment against the same side earlier in the season. His commitment and desire to win was such a breath of fresh air after seeing so many players in recent years going through the motions. Become a bit of a cult hero and even has his own song! He was superb in the closing weeks and great scenes at MK where he wore hat and headed a brick!
He will start next season and whilst his mobility and pace (as I say quicker than you think but still not lightening) will get a more thorough test, you sense a player that can improve and get better and will be part of our future for years to come. He reminds me of Maguire in some of his performances and the way he plays. He is not quite at his level but his desire to get to the ball and wanting to go forward and take the game to opponents are qualities that cannot be underestimated. An excellent signing so far and credit to the scouts as he is not someone that clubs were exactly lining up to take. At 23 still got his best years ahead of him too.
Grade A- (Last season NA)
Chris Basham was one of the few to escape lots off criticism last season but the fact he got a D- shows what kind of season he had and indeed I wrote this in my review at the end of the 2015/16 season: ‘He has just been more reliable in terms of starting games and quite consistent with his effort/work ethic but actual contributions and qualities, does he offer that much rather than an honest pro who runs around a lot? Sadly, I think for us to progress we need to do better than average players like him but as I say with so many holes he will probably start somewhere next season….’
Pretty damning really and I have to say I had never been convinced by him much of the previous campaigns. He had moved between defence and midfield and then ended up right back but not sure what his best position was or if he had one. Wilder said he saw him as a midfielder first and foremost and did not think he would even play centre back (only maybe in emergency) and certainly not right back.
He started in midfield but was not exactly convincing in a two with John Fleck. He began pressing well to start the game at Bolton but we were all at sea in subsequent games and never really controlled midfield. He ended up back in the defence as we went to a 3 at the back and quite quickly probably showed Wilder that his strength was his versatility and not be tied down to one position as much as he and many Blades maybe asked for this over the years. The reality is he is s decent midfielder and a decent centre back for this level. He showed this for much of the season and played better than decent in long runs. He still had some poor games where he gave the ball away too much and got sent off at Scunthorpe (our only red card) for a poor tackle, after scoring a superbly made team goal earlier in the game. He lost his place due to suspension but slowly came back into the side and scored a crucial equaliser at Bradford and then a few in the cup games.
Basham was almost ever present and had the third most appearances behind Sharp and Moore says it all. Sure, his passing at times was mixed and he did make odd mistakes but for the most part he was dependable and did a solid job.
I have to say though as the season entered the final months, he went from just doing a solid, reliable job to being absolutely unbelievable. He upped his game and was our best player in the last 3 months. Whether at centre back or midfield (and he would switch seamlessly between positions, often during games as Wilder changed tactics/personnel and knew Bash could do this) he was immense. I recall a driving run at Rochdale where he set up Sharps’s goal and he punched the air to the big United following on the side. He was inspirational in everything he did. It was not just about working hard as he has always had a good work ethic but it was more than that. He was winning every tackle/loose ball, coming forward with it and using the ball far better than he ever had in any other stage of his United career. Completely turned my opinion round and was a colossus in the run in. He went from a steady B to a A- for me!
He has gone through the mill with a few others over the last 3 years but he deserves promotion for grafting and keeping at it. He never hides, clearly loves pulling on a red and white shirt and embodies much of the turnaround this season. He seemed to be permanently drinking peroni or champagne the last few weeks of the season but still was our best player most weeks!
Grade A- (Last season D-)
John Brayford had come back to United and not quite hit the heights of his previous loan spell. A cult hero and a man of the people/fans, the down to earth bearded hipster was someone the fans associated with. Most were delighted when he returned albeit on a big and long contract. Slowly fans started to wonder if the money may have been better served on other areas of the side as Brayford did not quite find his form. At times, he still looked very good though and you felt he would be one of the mainstays of any promotion assault under Wilder. Indeed, Wilder spoke glowingly of him pre- season. He began the season poorly with some really sloppy displays both home and away. He looked really slow and languid as wingers caused him all sorts of problems. He barely got forward at the other end. He seemed so out of sorts and sadly the enthusiasm and zest we saw both in his play and persona was completely missing. He seemed a bit disinterested and something did not seem right. There was no confirmation of any bust up or anything behind the scenes but it was no surprise Wilder made some moves after the awful August and Brayford’s wage was undoubtedly a bit of a millstone.
Nigel Clough clearly saw an opportunity and asked to take him and Wilder agreed knowing the funds he saved could be used elsewhere let him go on a season loan. Some fans felt it was still a risky move with only the unwanted Freeman behind him. Of course, it worked out great for all parties. Freeman was a revelation, Brayford did well as both a right wing back and right sided centre back and ended up skipper on occasions as the Brewers fought successfully against relegation. The games I saw (including his debut) he seemed back to the committed, passionate and driving forward Brayford I remembered. He had not become a bad player overnight and maybe things had just done stale at the Lane. He did not rule out coming back and a lot will depend if Burton can take over his contract full time as he has another year and will not come cheap. I expect this to happen but if it didn’t he would come back into the group and may offer some good competition at both right wing back and maybe the centre back positions if we play 3. I do expect him to be join Burton permanently and would be surprised if he does return. Whatever happens despite the way he left, his play at United, particularly in the first spell will be fondly remembered as he became a real talisman in that cup run and am sure will be heartily applauded if he comes back with Burton next season.
Grade E (Last season D-)
Jake Wright was one of Wilder’s favourites having followed him from Halifax to Oxford. Was signed for United despite being the wrong side of 30. He had never played higher than the third Division/National League (other than a brief spell at Brighton). It concerned me that Oxford fans whilst praising him for 6 years of service and for being their captain for periods of this, felt he would not be good enough for them in the step up the pyramid. They cited his lack of pace as a factor and said he would be a squad player for them. You sensed this it would be the same as the Lane and with Wilson, O’Connell and Basham and expectation of another coming in (proved to be Ebanks Landell) you sensed he may not play much.
The poor start to the season and some less than convincing defensive performances saw him put in the side as we moved to 3 central defenders against his former club Oxford. He played well and was just solid. His lack of pace showed up the next week when McDonald sprinted away and should have scored at Priestfield but we won again. We kept winning and the improvement of O’Connell and the addition of Ebanks Landell saw Wilder land on a three that would be his backline for most of the coming months. Basham came in at times and Wright had a few games out of the side here and there but overall, he played a lot more than he missed. A real talker and we seemed so much better when he was out there. Made some great interceptions, tackles and blocks. Just did the simple things. Nothing flash and usually when he got the ball he just gave it to Coutts or Fleck and moved back to his position. He was always talking and pointing and helping us keep a really good shape. He made sure we did not get too deep but also could sit off at times allowing the more dominant centre backs to attack the ball coming forward. He then just picked up the scraps.
Incredible record that he had this record where we never lost when he played. It was more than a good luck charm though as when he played we just seemed more secure and panicked less. His authority and calmness then seemed to cascade through the rest of the side.
Next season I do worry that the higher league will see him tested a lot more but he may prove me and others wrong again and be more than just a fill in/squad player and might play more than we think. His strengths are reading the game and talking. If we have some pace and power alongside him and continue with a 3; then maybe he will be used. Still even if not he seems the sort of solid veteran who offers leadership we need on and off the pitch. Sure, he will just be happy to be part of a promotion side and continue to do his best and not let us down when he is used. Real unsung hero.
Grade A- (Last season NA)
Daniel Lafferty is someone I had never heard of when he came in from Burnley I have to say. He actually began his career at Oxford before moving to Celtic and then Derry in the Irish league before Burnley picked him up. A quick look at his Wikipedia page revealed a player that had not been involved at Turf Moor much recently and a loan spell at Oldham was the last time he had played regularly. He had only played 40 times in 5 years for his parent club.
With Hussey struggling, Wilder made a move to bring him in the Northern Ireland international and he began straight away at Gillingham. He was ok in this game and after this became a fixture in the side. He was solid at most things without being exceptional at any one thing. He was simply functional and did the basics well defensively. Kept to a good position and helped us have a really good shape. Decent on the ball and a good passer, he linked well with others. His crossing was mixed to say the least. He put a few good balls in but also hit the first man way too much. Scored a header at Shrewsbury to open his United account. The winning run kept going on and he was a regular.
In January, his move was turned into a permanent deal as Wilder saw him another piece of the jigsaw that had done so well and could hopefully help carry us over the line. He had a spell out of the side and we noticeable struggled when he was out with Done being exploited by opponents. It was seen as a big plus when he returned to the side and sure enough this coincided with another long run. Believe he has only lost twice (Walsall home and Fleetwood home) and whilst not quite Jake Wright for level of success, he is not far behind as he was not here when we had the bad start
He scored a superb goal at Rochdale, a contender for our goal of the season in a game he was terrible ironically! His performance remained solid for the most part. Not scintillating but not awful. Just steady. He enjoys getting forward and getting into areas where he can get the ball over but this crossing continued to frustrate at times but did get a few goals also. Not sure he is great defensively to be honest and seen some wingers overpower him for strength, pace and trickery. Mendez Laing tore him apart at times at Rochdale and other wingers have had success against him. He is too easy to beat sadly. At times I may have been accused of being too critical of him, as he does lots of decent things but do feel he is one we could look to upgrade on. I am sure he will be part of the squad moving forward but does he have the quality to play higher up. His CV thus far would suggest not but we will see. He was certainly a signing that improved us and the fact he was a regular in the side that went up summed up how well he did and the fact is, we were worse when he was out of the side.
Grade B- (Last season NA)
Jack O’Connell was one of the three centre backs United signed in the summer along with James Wilson and Jack O’Connell. O’Connell was maybe seen as the most long term option of the three as Wilson and Wright were more senior in years and had played most of their football in the lower leagues. O’Connell originates from Liverpool but started his career at Blackburn. He actually had loan spells at Rotherham, York and Rochdale and his form with the Lancashire club was excellent as they got promoted. This saw Brentford sign him from Rovers in February 2013 on a 3 and half year deal. He never quite got into the starting line-up and played only 16 games, some left back and some centre back and ended up back at Rochdale on loan and did well again. There was tough competition for places at Griffin Park but many Bees fans were still disappointed when United signed him on a permanent basis and felt he had quite a bit of potential.
First viewing for me was against Derby in a pre-season game. Clearly a big lad (felt he looked like a rugby league player – that could be good and bad!) and did not seem that quick and a bit slow to turn (actually as the season went on he proved he was not as slow as you thought!). He was ok on the ball and a good header of the ball. He certainly did not shirk a tackle and loved getting stuck in. At Bolton, he was the better of the two I felt along with Wilson but you could see it was a lot to pin on an unproven duo who had never played together and they struggled in subsequent weeks. He had a nightmare against Southend making a number of mistakes and scoring an own goal. A week later he made a ridiculous hand ball under little pressure at Millwall and United (and O’Connell) hit rock bottom.
It would have been easy for him to crumble playing in front of huge expectations at a big club but massive credit to him. He never hid, came back and gradually improved. We changed the formation and brought in some power in Ebanks Landell and know how in Wright. He kept improved as the season went on and as we went on that winning run early on became a key man. He missed the odd game though injury but overall was a regular for the most part; only having a few small periods where he was on the bench; that was more down to him having a minor injury but he usually got back in. Continued to make crunching tackles, to also attack the ball in the air and on the floor, showing he is a great header of the ball. He made 50/50’s his. Indeed, he made some 30/70’s in the opponents favour his also! He really put himself on the line. He cut out the mistakes and also used the ball well and showed technically he was better than you thought. Some surging runs forward when he came out of defence showed he wanted to attack and in the closing weeks him and Basham were always driving us forward and putting us on the front foot.
I cannot think of many really poor games he had and he just kept getting better and better. He weighed in with goals too with headed goals at Southend and Walsall. He also then got a big goal at home to Millwall and set up the second with a surging run that embodied everything about him. This was redemption after the disappointment against the same side earlier in the season. His commitment and desire to win was such a breath of fresh air after seeing so many players in recent years going through the motions. Become a bit of a cult hero and even has his own song! He was superb in the closing weeks and great scenes at MK where he wore hat and headed a brick!
He will start next season and whilst his mobility and pace (as I say quicker than you think but still not lightening) will get a more thorough test, you sense a player that can improve and get better and will be part of our future for years to come. He reminds me of Maguire in some of his performances and the way he plays. He is not quite at his level but his desire to get to the ball and wanting to go forward and take the game to opponents are qualities that cannot be underestimated. An excellent signing so far and credit to the scouts as he is not someone that clubs were exactly lining up to take. At 23 still got his best years ahead of him too.
Grade A- (Last season NA)
Chris Basham was one of the few to escape lots off criticism last season but the fact he got a D- shows what kind of season he had and indeed I wrote this in my review at the end of the 2015/16 season: ‘He has just been more reliable in terms of starting games and quite consistent with his effort/work ethic but actual contributions and qualities, does he offer that much rather than an honest pro who runs around a lot? Sadly, I think for us to progress we need to do better than average players like him but as I say with so many holes he will probably start somewhere next season….’
Pretty damning really and I have to say I had never been convinced by him much of the previous campaigns. He had moved between defence and midfield and then ended up right back but not sure what his best position was or if he had one. Wilder said he saw him as a midfielder first and foremost and did not think he would even play centre back (only maybe in emergency) and certainly not right back.
He started in midfield but was not exactly convincing in a two with John Fleck. He began pressing well to start the game at Bolton but we were all at sea in subsequent games and never really controlled midfield. He ended up back in the defence as we went to a 3 at the back and quite quickly probably showed Wilder that his strength was his versatility and not be tied down to one position as much as he and many Blades maybe asked for this over the years. The reality is he is s decent midfielder and a decent centre back for this level. He showed this for much of the season and played better than decent in long runs. He still had some poor games where he gave the ball away too much and got sent off at Scunthorpe (our only red card) for a poor tackle, after scoring a superbly made team goal earlier in the game. He lost his place due to suspension but slowly came back into the side and scored a crucial equaliser at Bradford and then a few in the cup games.
Basham was almost ever present and had the third most appearances behind Sharp and Moore says it all. Sure, his passing at times was mixed and he did make odd mistakes but for the most part he was dependable and did a solid job.
I have to say though as the season entered the final months, he went from just doing a solid, reliable job to being absolutely unbelievable. He upped his game and was our best player in the last 3 months. Whether at centre back or midfield (and he would switch seamlessly between positions, often during games as Wilder changed tactics/personnel and knew Bash could do this) he was immense. I recall a driving run at Rochdale where he set up Sharps’s goal and he punched the air to the big United following on the side. He was inspirational in everything he did. It was not just about working hard as he has always had a good work ethic but it was more than that. He was winning every tackle/loose ball, coming forward with it and using the ball far better than he ever had in any other stage of his United career. Completely turned my opinion round and was a colossus in the run in. He went from a steady B to a A- for me!
He has gone through the mill with a few others over the last 3 years but he deserves promotion for grafting and keeping at it. He never hides, clearly loves pulling on a red and white shirt and embodies much of the turnaround this season. He seemed to be permanently drinking peroni or champagne the last few weeks of the season but still was our best player most weeks!
Grade A- (Last season D-)
John Brayford had come back to United and not quite hit the heights of his previous loan spell. A cult hero and a man of the people/fans, the down to earth bearded hipster was someone the fans associated with. Most were delighted when he returned albeit on a big and long contract. Slowly fans started to wonder if the money may have been better served on other areas of the side as Brayford did not quite find his form. At times, he still looked very good though and you felt he would be one of the mainstays of any promotion assault under Wilder. Indeed, Wilder spoke glowingly of him pre- season. He began the season poorly with some really sloppy displays both home and away. He looked really slow and languid as wingers caused him all sorts of problems. He barely got forward at the other end. He seemed so out of sorts and sadly the enthusiasm and zest we saw both in his play and persona was completely missing. He seemed a bit disinterested and something did not seem right. There was no confirmation of any bust up or anything behind the scenes but it was no surprise Wilder made some moves after the awful August and Brayford’s wage was undoubtedly a bit of a millstone.
Nigel Clough clearly saw an opportunity and asked to take him and Wilder agreed knowing the funds he saved could be used elsewhere let him go on a season loan. Some fans felt it was still a risky move with only the unwanted Freeman behind him. Of course, it worked out great for all parties. Freeman was a revelation, Brayford did well as both a right wing back and right sided centre back and ended up skipper on occasions as the Brewers fought successfully against relegation. The games I saw (including his debut) he seemed back to the committed, passionate and driving forward Brayford I remembered. He had not become a bad player overnight and maybe things had just done stale at the Lane. He did not rule out coming back and a lot will depend if Burton can take over his contract full time as he has another year and will not come cheap. I expect this to happen but if it didn’t he would come back into the group and may offer some good competition at both right wing back and maybe the centre back positions if we play 3. I do expect him to be join Burton permanently and would be surprised if he does return. Whatever happens despite the way he left, his play at United, particularly in the first spell will be fondly remembered as he became a real talisman in that cup run and am sure will be heartily applauded if he comes back with Burton next season.
Grade E (Last season D-)
Jake Wright was one of Wilder’s favourites having followed him from Halifax to Oxford. Was signed for United despite being the wrong side of 30. He had never played higher than the third Division/National League (other than a brief spell at Brighton). It concerned me that Oxford fans whilst praising him for 6 years of service and for being their captain for periods of this, felt he would not be good enough for them in the step up the pyramid. They cited his lack of pace as a factor and said he would be a squad player for them. You sensed this it would be the same as the Lane and with Wilson, O’Connell and Basham and expectation of another coming in (proved to be Ebanks Landell) you sensed he may not play much.
The poor start to the season and some less than convincing defensive performances saw him put in the side as we moved to 3 central defenders against his former club Oxford. He played well and was just solid. His lack of pace showed up the next week when McDonald sprinted away and should have scored at Priestfield but we won again. We kept winning and the improvement of O’Connell and the addition of Ebanks Landell saw Wilder land on a three that would be his backline for most of the coming months. Basham came in at times and Wright had a few games out of the side here and there but overall, he played a lot more than he missed. A real talker and we seemed so much better when he was out there. Made some great interceptions, tackles and blocks. Just did the simple things. Nothing flash and usually when he got the ball he just gave it to Coutts or Fleck and moved back to his position. He was always talking and pointing and helping us keep a really good shape. He made sure we did not get too deep but also could sit off at times allowing the more dominant centre backs to attack the ball coming forward. He then just picked up the scraps.
Incredible record that he had this record where we never lost when he played. It was more than a good luck charm though as when he played we just seemed more secure and panicked less. His authority and calmness then seemed to cascade through the rest of the side.
Next season I do worry that the higher league will see him tested a lot more but he may prove me and others wrong again and be more than just a fill in/squad player and might play more than we think. His strengths are reading the game and talking. If we have some pace and power alongside him and continue with a 3; then maybe he will be used. Still even if not he seems the sort of solid veteran who offers leadership we need on and off the pitch. Sure, he will just be happy to be part of a promotion side and continue to do his best and not let us down when he is used. Real unsung hero.
Grade A- (Last season NA)
Daniel Lafferty is someone I had never heard of when he came in from Burnley I have to say. He actually began his career at Oxford before moving to Celtic and then Derry in the Irish league before Burnley picked him up. A quick look at his Wikipedia page revealed a player that had not been involved at Turf Moor much recently and a loan spell at Oldham was the last time he had played regularly. He had only played 40 times in 5 years for his parent club.
With Hussey struggling, Wilder made a move to bring him in the Northern Ireland international and he began straight away at Gillingham. He was ok in this game and after this became a fixture in the side. He was solid at most things without being exceptional at any one thing. He was simply functional and did the basics well defensively. Kept to a good position and helped us have a really good shape. Decent on the ball and a good passer, he linked well with others. His crossing was mixed to say the least. He put a few good balls in but also hit the first man way too much. Scored a header at Shrewsbury to open his United account. The winning run kept going on and he was a regular.
In January, his move was turned into a permanent deal as Wilder saw him another piece of the jigsaw that had done so well and could hopefully help carry us over the line. He had a spell out of the side and we noticeable struggled when he was out with Done being exploited by opponents. It was seen as a big plus when he returned to the side and sure enough this coincided with another long run. Believe he has only lost twice (Walsall home and Fleetwood home) and whilst not quite Jake Wright for level of success, he is not far behind as he was not here when we had the bad start
He scored a superb goal at Rochdale, a contender for our goal of the season in a game he was terrible ironically! His performance remained solid for the most part. Not scintillating but not awful. Just steady. He enjoys getting forward and getting into areas where he can get the ball over but this crossing continued to frustrate at times but did get a few goals also. Not sure he is great defensively to be honest and seen some wingers overpower him for strength, pace and trickery. Mendez Laing tore him apart at times at Rochdale and other wingers have had success against him. He is too easy to beat sadly. At times I may have been accused of being too critical of him, as he does lots of decent things but do feel he is one we could look to upgrade on. I am sure he will be part of the squad moving forward but does he have the quality to play higher up. His CV thus far would suggest not but we will see. He was certainly a signing that improved us and the fact he was a regular in the side that went up summed up how well he did and the fact is, we were worse when he was out of the side.
Grade B- (Last season NA)
..(magic) Hats off to you sir 
