Deadbat
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Midfielders
John Fleck was a player that was so close to signing in 2011 along with Kyle Hutton from Rangers but the faulty fax machine scuppered this move and he eventually ended up at Blackpool on loan and then eventually at Coventry a few years later. He actually was not a regular in his first season under Mark Robins but as City went down and played at the Sixfields, he became a key man under fellow Scot Steven Pressley firstly. His form was up and down as the club started to struggle and became nearer the bottom than the top. A better start for 15-16 for Coventry saw them near the top before fading away but Fleck was excellent won won the player of the year. Out of contract United made their move and signed him to a 3-year deal with City’s financial woes stopping any realistic counter offer.
Wilder saw a player who was box to box, could set up goals but also score them. He felt he was a combative player who could be a real lynchpin in his side. It was unclear what the rest of the midfield would look like but he seemed a certain starter. At Bolton, he showed his pressing and harrying but faded somewhat and this was a sign of things to come in the early games as decent first halves were not matched by his form in the second half. He actually was taken out of the team and was in and out for a period even though we started to win games. As the formation changed and we saw Coutts come in and Duffy play further forward, Fleck regained his place fully and his form started to really improve. He got on the ball, drove at players, passed it short and long. He was a real pivotal player in the improvements and most things came through him and Coutts. They started to completely dictate games and we dominated midfield week in, week out on a long unbeaten run. He was the one who would do the dirty things (got quite a few bookings and some cynical fouls – not always a bad thing as we have been a soft touch before) but also get forward in attack and in that sense was our most complete midfielder.
He was superb and around Xmas he picked his game up even more. Even when he had quiet first half performances he would raise it second half and start to dictate. Got his foot in, won tackles and did the nasty stuff but on the ball his quality surprised even me. He like the others could get out of tight spots and find space and equally his passing was superb. Some tremendous assists for goals and led the league in this respect and also took some great corners. A few quick and well throughout out free kicks also led to goals. Seems to be very good on both feet and ability to pass and go into space for wall passes was a feature of our play. Also, showed he could dribble with the ball and carry it and had good stamina levels too.
He scored his first goal at Chesterfield with a driving run and shot; after many mixed efforts, up to that point (the one maybe weak link in his game was shooting and finished. He did not score again until the Wimbledon game but then of course scored two big goals in the final weeks with a brilliant individual goal against Coventry and then the late winner that sealed glory at Northampton.
Contender for player of the season and although he lost out to Sharp in the EFL Awards; I see he has won quite a few of the club and supporters awards and well deserved. He had a subpar start but has been remarkably consistent and you were surprised if he had a bad game.
I do not see why he cannot play higher up. There will be quicker, more powerful and better midfielders than in League One, but Fleck has a little bit of everything and I actually have seen him getting better as the season went on. I actually think we may need an enforcer type alongside him and Coutts (a brick outhouse that can really break things up even more) and not sure we will get away with a Duffy type and that sort of formation higher up. Fleck will almost certainly start though and be seen as one we can pin our hopes on in the Championship.
Grade A (Last season NA)
Mark Duffy first came to the prominence of United fans when he gave a superb performance from the right wing in a Scunthorpe defeat to the Blades in a night match a few years ago. Many fans wanted us to sign him then and I think we were linked with him a few times before Doncaster signed him to play in the Championship after getting promoted. He was ok at Donny but I think they went down and he activated a release clause and signed for Birmingham. He only played 4 times though and went back on loan to League One in Chesterfield before eventually the following season signing for Burton. He was played in a playmaker role rather than winger and he excelled scoring 8 goals, having numerous assists and only missing one league game as Burton won promotion. He got in the PFA Division One side and you felt Burton would sign him from Birmingham on a permanent deal as Clough saw him as a key man. However, contract/wages or whatever reasons, Wilder earmarked him early on as someone who United could beat Burton to and signed him early on in the summer. Duffy was in affect dropping down a level again but knew he was joining a bigger club.
He started in wide right role in the first few games and showed a few neat touches but was on the periphery most of the early games as we struggled. He was moved to a position just behind the strikers and this suited him and he improved immeasurably. He began to get on the ball, get into little areas and link with the returning Coutts and fellow newcomer Fleck. This midfield axis would provide us the lifting point to go such a great unbeaten run. He weighed in with a few goals scoring at Wimbledon, Charlton and at home to Port Vale; he then got 2 in a superb win versus Swindon at the Lane. In the early months, he gave several man of the match performances. Very good on the ball and full of tricks, he could get it under control quickly and then find a ball, whether it be short or long. Showed some lovely pieces of skill and caused defenders all manner of problems who simply could not pick him. Teams actually started employing a man to mark him but he continued his excellent form and often even if he was quite this left gaps for others. The formation and the role suited him perfectly.
Was a regular all of the season other than the odd games he was rested or has minor injuries and despite a few down games near the end, continued to be a key man. His crossing and final ball was a bit mixed with some superb deliveries and then some shockers. As the season came to an end he tired a bit and he would play one, miss one. I recall a superb performance at Rochdale where he played them on his own first half toying with the full back down the right and scoring a great indirect free kick. Even the home games v Charlton, Millwall and Coventry where his end product lacked, he was still a nuisance and would pop up all over making it so hard for defenders to pick him up. He also worked hard for the team.
Seems to have wasted his career somewhat in that ability wise he is much better than League One but has played his best football here. For all the vision and tricks and technical play, maybe he is just not quite good enough at the league above and that is why he has not made it there. I do not see him as a week in, week out starter next season and it is up to him to take chances when they come. This season he could be rested and would always be involved even after some iffy games but next season he will have to be much more consistent. There is definite ability there though and whether he starts or is a squad player will be a factor I feel next season and hopefully for his sake will not be a journeyman to end his career and have to go back down the leagues. This is his last chance really at a higher level being 31.
Grade B+ (Last season NA)
Paul CouttsAnother one that seemed on his way out; his form had been inconsistent and his inability to last full games remained a concern. One whose attitude in the final game at home to Scunthorpe where he did not even run back on some attacks summed it up. Indeed, I wrote this at the end of last season: ‘A player I would personally look to move on. We have had a good look at him now but he is not someone that I would see as a starter in a team that is winning week after week and going for promotion? Not the worst player in the world but one who simply cannot cover the ground you need at this level and very average in most things he does.’
How wrong was I (more of that later)? Wilder still seemed to think the same as me in the summer and he was put on the transfer list but there were no takers or even rumours of interest. He began on the bench but that was maybe down to lack of numbers than anything else although Wilder said he was one of the lads who got his head down and worked hard (others Hammond, Wallaces, Hammond maybe did not do this). After the poor start he was given a chance at Millwall and did well and never really looked back from that. He ended up being give or take the odd game, a regular. Within a month or so, him and Freeman were seen as key men. He was playing in a central role rather than the wide positon Adkins had used him and like with others the new formation seemed to work perfectly as we had two others who dovetailed with him in the middle. Duffy furthest forward probing and Fleck in the middle doing the tackling, chasing (and much more!). Him and Fleck especially formed a great partnership but he also worked well in tandem with Duffy and also Freeman in so many games
I called him the quarterback in many of my match reports and this is what he did. Picking the ball up off the defence and then moving us forward. Technically I thought he was decent but he surprised many with how good he was on the ball. His ability to make space with a touch or bring it down and go into an area where he had space was uncanny. He was also stronger than you think holding off players many times. His range of passing both short and long was a joy to watch and he looked a class above many weeks. Suddenly this player who had shown such promise at Derby and Preston was fit and back to a high level of form. He became captain at points of the season too showing his added responsibility. We rarely heard from off the pitch but having seen him somewhat of a forlorn figure in years past (seemed a bit of a loner!); to see him joining him goal celebrations showed he had found form and happiness. The moment when the fans and players serenaded him with his chant, ‘Coutts, there it is!’ back at the Lane showed his popularity and importance.
He even started scoring goals! After not scoring for us in 2 seasons before, he managed 4 (2 in the league) this season and a few really good ones such as the one at home to Swindon and was looking to shoot more and had many more better efforts after having never looked like scoring before.
He seemed to be finally fit and was finishing games strongly. He was doing the defensive work better than I have ever seen before and was a real team players. Just overall a much better and more consistent player. Some will say he always showed glimpses and maybe he did but he did not do it week in, week out and his legs seemed to have gone. He really seems to have worked hard (credit to new fitness guy and others) and made himself one of the first names on the team sheet and played 40 games. He has had an excellent season and right up there with Sharp, Freeman, Fleck for player of the season.
Grade A- (Last season D-)
Samir Carruthers was another like many signings that we not really linked with and suddenly a rumour and he signs. The way Wilder does it in not talking about players/transfers until they are done has been very good. None of this messing round we have had in recent years. Seems Carruthers former manager Karl Robinson was desperate to sign him judging the press conferences he gave in the lead up a game around about the time he signed. He spoke glowingly about him again when we played Charlton later in the season.
He was probably best known at MK for p*****g in a pint pot at the racing but I do remember to be fair to him, him being excellent in the 2-1 win at the Lane earlier in the season. He was one of their standouts (with Reeves) as I referred to at the time writing: ‘Thought Carruthers played well and looked a threat before he went off. Good on the ball and full of energy. We found him hard to pick up.’
We seemed quite strong in midfield but Wilder saw an opportunity to get him and signed him. Formerly with Arsenal and Villa as a kid, Carruthers had been on loan at MK before signing and played 117 games over the last 4 seasons scoring 8 goals. He had also played for the Republic of Ireland junior sides right up to u21 level. We paid a fee for his services and clearly saw him as one for the future at still only 23 (24 now). I was not sure what sort of midfielder he would be. He came on at Southend and was busy and got on the ball but got a knock on his debut and was then out for a few weeks. He returned against Wimbledon as sub and showed his strong running with the ball and his technical ability. He then started at Peterborough. He was ok but more functional than anything else and tired. You could see early on he was not at same fitness level as most United players with the injury not helping. Wilder has spoken about him having a proper preseason and getting to same level as others and he is right. I also feel he is carrying a few pounds although he can be quite strong and hard to knock off the ball.
After this he was in and out and used mainly as a sub as Wilder rightly went with likes of Duffy, Coutts, Fleck and Basham in the midfield. He came on at home to Bolton and was superb. I wrote: ‘What a cameo. Came on and looked inspired. He got on the ball, drove at players and looked a proper footballer. He had one or two driving runs and one mazy dribble where he poked wide after some great skill. Won the penalty and overall looked a bundle of energy.’ He was poor at Rochdale on a difficult pitch and went off at half time and then was back on the bench offering fits and starts when he came on. Did win another penalty to seal things at Swindon. Showed again at MK his ability on the ball and strong running and again against Chesterfield.
Overall some promise but things to work on. He showed he can carry the ball and loves to run at people. Technically very good and lovely first touch for the most part. Can pass short and long but his strength is getting at people and drawing opponents. Neat and tidy on the ball and looks like he could be a goal threat even though he has not scored many in his career before so we will wait and see. He was a bit inconsistent and I suppose would argue he needed a run of starts and with the team doing so well he was always going to be a contributor more than a main man. Hard to get that consistency when you are in and out. Does not do the defensive side that well and could lose men sometimes or not chase back. When he gets fitter and he adapts too our pressing game, he will do these things better – he will have to in order to stay in the team.
I feel he was bought more with an eye on next season and that he is one of the few that could play higher up. I hope he comes back busting a gut to start (you would guess Coutts and Fleck would get two of the places if we keep same formation and there may be another coming in). However, there are rumours about his wife not being settled and linked with Charlton- Holmes maybe coming the other way.
Grade C+ (Last season NA
John Fleck was a player that was so close to signing in 2011 along with Kyle Hutton from Rangers but the faulty fax machine scuppered this move and he eventually ended up at Blackpool on loan and then eventually at Coventry a few years later. He actually was not a regular in his first season under Mark Robins but as City went down and played at the Sixfields, he became a key man under fellow Scot Steven Pressley firstly. His form was up and down as the club started to struggle and became nearer the bottom than the top. A better start for 15-16 for Coventry saw them near the top before fading away but Fleck was excellent won won the player of the year. Out of contract United made their move and signed him to a 3-year deal with City’s financial woes stopping any realistic counter offer.
Wilder saw a player who was box to box, could set up goals but also score them. He felt he was a combative player who could be a real lynchpin in his side. It was unclear what the rest of the midfield would look like but he seemed a certain starter. At Bolton, he showed his pressing and harrying but faded somewhat and this was a sign of things to come in the early games as decent first halves were not matched by his form in the second half. He actually was taken out of the team and was in and out for a period even though we started to win games. As the formation changed and we saw Coutts come in and Duffy play further forward, Fleck regained his place fully and his form started to really improve. He got on the ball, drove at players, passed it short and long. He was a real pivotal player in the improvements and most things came through him and Coutts. They started to completely dictate games and we dominated midfield week in, week out on a long unbeaten run. He was the one who would do the dirty things (got quite a few bookings and some cynical fouls – not always a bad thing as we have been a soft touch before) but also get forward in attack and in that sense was our most complete midfielder.
He was superb and around Xmas he picked his game up even more. Even when he had quiet first half performances he would raise it second half and start to dictate. Got his foot in, won tackles and did the nasty stuff but on the ball his quality surprised even me. He like the others could get out of tight spots and find space and equally his passing was superb. Some tremendous assists for goals and led the league in this respect and also took some great corners. A few quick and well throughout out free kicks also led to goals. Seems to be very good on both feet and ability to pass and go into space for wall passes was a feature of our play. Also, showed he could dribble with the ball and carry it and had good stamina levels too.
He scored his first goal at Chesterfield with a driving run and shot; after many mixed efforts, up to that point (the one maybe weak link in his game was shooting and finished. He did not score again until the Wimbledon game but then of course scored two big goals in the final weeks with a brilliant individual goal against Coventry and then the late winner that sealed glory at Northampton.
Contender for player of the season and although he lost out to Sharp in the EFL Awards; I see he has won quite a few of the club and supporters awards and well deserved. He had a subpar start but has been remarkably consistent and you were surprised if he had a bad game.
I do not see why he cannot play higher up. There will be quicker, more powerful and better midfielders than in League One, but Fleck has a little bit of everything and I actually have seen him getting better as the season went on. I actually think we may need an enforcer type alongside him and Coutts (a brick outhouse that can really break things up even more) and not sure we will get away with a Duffy type and that sort of formation higher up. Fleck will almost certainly start though and be seen as one we can pin our hopes on in the Championship.
Grade A (Last season NA)
Mark Duffy first came to the prominence of United fans when he gave a superb performance from the right wing in a Scunthorpe defeat to the Blades in a night match a few years ago. Many fans wanted us to sign him then and I think we were linked with him a few times before Doncaster signed him to play in the Championship after getting promoted. He was ok at Donny but I think they went down and he activated a release clause and signed for Birmingham. He only played 4 times though and went back on loan to League One in Chesterfield before eventually the following season signing for Burton. He was played in a playmaker role rather than winger and he excelled scoring 8 goals, having numerous assists and only missing one league game as Burton won promotion. He got in the PFA Division One side and you felt Burton would sign him from Birmingham on a permanent deal as Clough saw him as a key man. However, contract/wages or whatever reasons, Wilder earmarked him early on as someone who United could beat Burton to and signed him early on in the summer. Duffy was in affect dropping down a level again but knew he was joining a bigger club.
He started in wide right role in the first few games and showed a few neat touches but was on the periphery most of the early games as we struggled. He was moved to a position just behind the strikers and this suited him and he improved immeasurably. He began to get on the ball, get into little areas and link with the returning Coutts and fellow newcomer Fleck. This midfield axis would provide us the lifting point to go such a great unbeaten run. He weighed in with a few goals scoring at Wimbledon, Charlton and at home to Port Vale; he then got 2 in a superb win versus Swindon at the Lane. In the early months, he gave several man of the match performances. Very good on the ball and full of tricks, he could get it under control quickly and then find a ball, whether it be short or long. Showed some lovely pieces of skill and caused defenders all manner of problems who simply could not pick him. Teams actually started employing a man to mark him but he continued his excellent form and often even if he was quite this left gaps for others. The formation and the role suited him perfectly.
Was a regular all of the season other than the odd games he was rested or has minor injuries and despite a few down games near the end, continued to be a key man. His crossing and final ball was a bit mixed with some superb deliveries and then some shockers. As the season came to an end he tired a bit and he would play one, miss one. I recall a superb performance at Rochdale where he played them on his own first half toying with the full back down the right and scoring a great indirect free kick. Even the home games v Charlton, Millwall and Coventry where his end product lacked, he was still a nuisance and would pop up all over making it so hard for defenders to pick him up. He also worked hard for the team.
Seems to have wasted his career somewhat in that ability wise he is much better than League One but has played his best football here. For all the vision and tricks and technical play, maybe he is just not quite good enough at the league above and that is why he has not made it there. I do not see him as a week in, week out starter next season and it is up to him to take chances when they come. This season he could be rested and would always be involved even after some iffy games but next season he will have to be much more consistent. There is definite ability there though and whether he starts or is a squad player will be a factor I feel next season and hopefully for his sake will not be a journeyman to end his career and have to go back down the leagues. This is his last chance really at a higher level being 31.
Grade B+ (Last season NA)
Paul CouttsAnother one that seemed on his way out; his form had been inconsistent and his inability to last full games remained a concern. One whose attitude in the final game at home to Scunthorpe where he did not even run back on some attacks summed it up. Indeed, I wrote this at the end of last season: ‘A player I would personally look to move on. We have had a good look at him now but he is not someone that I would see as a starter in a team that is winning week after week and going for promotion? Not the worst player in the world but one who simply cannot cover the ground you need at this level and very average in most things he does.’
How wrong was I (more of that later)? Wilder still seemed to think the same as me in the summer and he was put on the transfer list but there were no takers or even rumours of interest. He began on the bench but that was maybe down to lack of numbers than anything else although Wilder said he was one of the lads who got his head down and worked hard (others Hammond, Wallaces, Hammond maybe did not do this). After the poor start he was given a chance at Millwall and did well and never really looked back from that. He ended up being give or take the odd game, a regular. Within a month or so, him and Freeman were seen as key men. He was playing in a central role rather than the wide positon Adkins had used him and like with others the new formation seemed to work perfectly as we had two others who dovetailed with him in the middle. Duffy furthest forward probing and Fleck in the middle doing the tackling, chasing (and much more!). Him and Fleck especially formed a great partnership but he also worked well in tandem with Duffy and also Freeman in so many games
I called him the quarterback in many of my match reports and this is what he did. Picking the ball up off the defence and then moving us forward. Technically I thought he was decent but he surprised many with how good he was on the ball. His ability to make space with a touch or bring it down and go into an area where he had space was uncanny. He was also stronger than you think holding off players many times. His range of passing both short and long was a joy to watch and he looked a class above many weeks. Suddenly this player who had shown such promise at Derby and Preston was fit and back to a high level of form. He became captain at points of the season too showing his added responsibility. We rarely heard from off the pitch but having seen him somewhat of a forlorn figure in years past (seemed a bit of a loner!); to see him joining him goal celebrations showed he had found form and happiness. The moment when the fans and players serenaded him with his chant, ‘Coutts, there it is!’ back at the Lane showed his popularity and importance.
He even started scoring goals! After not scoring for us in 2 seasons before, he managed 4 (2 in the league) this season and a few really good ones such as the one at home to Swindon and was looking to shoot more and had many more better efforts after having never looked like scoring before.
He seemed to be finally fit and was finishing games strongly. He was doing the defensive work better than I have ever seen before and was a real team players. Just overall a much better and more consistent player. Some will say he always showed glimpses and maybe he did but he did not do it week in, week out and his legs seemed to have gone. He really seems to have worked hard (credit to new fitness guy and others) and made himself one of the first names on the team sheet and played 40 games. He has had an excellent season and right up there with Sharp, Freeman, Fleck for player of the season.
Grade A- (Last season D-)
Samir Carruthers was another like many signings that we not really linked with and suddenly a rumour and he signs. The way Wilder does it in not talking about players/transfers until they are done has been very good. None of this messing round we have had in recent years. Seems Carruthers former manager Karl Robinson was desperate to sign him judging the press conferences he gave in the lead up a game around about the time he signed. He spoke glowingly about him again when we played Charlton later in the season.
He was probably best known at MK for p*****g in a pint pot at the racing but I do remember to be fair to him, him being excellent in the 2-1 win at the Lane earlier in the season. He was one of their standouts (with Reeves) as I referred to at the time writing: ‘Thought Carruthers played well and looked a threat before he went off. Good on the ball and full of energy. We found him hard to pick up.’
We seemed quite strong in midfield but Wilder saw an opportunity to get him and signed him. Formerly with Arsenal and Villa as a kid, Carruthers had been on loan at MK before signing and played 117 games over the last 4 seasons scoring 8 goals. He had also played for the Republic of Ireland junior sides right up to u21 level. We paid a fee for his services and clearly saw him as one for the future at still only 23 (24 now). I was not sure what sort of midfielder he would be. He came on at Southend and was busy and got on the ball but got a knock on his debut and was then out for a few weeks. He returned against Wimbledon as sub and showed his strong running with the ball and his technical ability. He then started at Peterborough. He was ok but more functional than anything else and tired. You could see early on he was not at same fitness level as most United players with the injury not helping. Wilder has spoken about him having a proper preseason and getting to same level as others and he is right. I also feel he is carrying a few pounds although he can be quite strong and hard to knock off the ball.
After this he was in and out and used mainly as a sub as Wilder rightly went with likes of Duffy, Coutts, Fleck and Basham in the midfield. He came on at home to Bolton and was superb. I wrote: ‘What a cameo. Came on and looked inspired. He got on the ball, drove at players and looked a proper footballer. He had one or two driving runs and one mazy dribble where he poked wide after some great skill. Won the penalty and overall looked a bundle of energy.’ He was poor at Rochdale on a difficult pitch and went off at half time and then was back on the bench offering fits and starts when he came on. Did win another penalty to seal things at Swindon. Showed again at MK his ability on the ball and strong running and again against Chesterfield.
Overall some promise but things to work on. He showed he can carry the ball and loves to run at people. Technically very good and lovely first touch for the most part. Can pass short and long but his strength is getting at people and drawing opponents. Neat and tidy on the ball and looks like he could be a goal threat even though he has not scored many in his career before so we will wait and see. He was a bit inconsistent and I suppose would argue he needed a run of starts and with the team doing so well he was always going to be a contributor more than a main man. Hard to get that consistency when you are in and out. Does not do the defensive side that well and could lose men sometimes or not chase back. When he gets fitter and he adapts too our pressing game, he will do these things better – he will have to in order to stay in the team.
I feel he was bought more with an eye on next season and that he is one of the few that could play higher up. I hope he comes back busting a gut to start (you would guess Coutts and Fleck would get two of the places if we keep same formation and there may be another coming in). However, there are rumours about his wife not being settled and linked with Charlton- Holmes maybe coming the other way.
Grade C+ (Last season NA
