The case for Lundstram

[Punk Blade]

Watching the deadline day video we got a glimpse of a chart with the whole squad listed in position, indicating primary position and extra cover, and it appeared every position had two players (plus extra forwards). I believe Lundstram has always been intended as Coutts’ understudy, and with Coutts playing so well we’ve only seen Lundstram in cameos just adding an extra body in midfield to see games out.

We’ve already seen against Ipswich that Lundstram is first choice to fill Coutts’ role, and also that he can do a good job of it. The important thing for us as fans is to get behind the lad and not expect him to be a replica of Coutts. He will do things differently, he will not protect the ball as well and he will give it away more, but that would be true of anyone trying to fill Coutts’ boots. Hopefully a run in the side now will help him settle into a role and develop.

Another thing to keep in mind is how every set back seems to be an opportunity for Wilder and Knill to tweak things and improve on what we already have. Maybe a few weeks from now we’ll have evolved our style into something even better.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Watching the deadline day video we got a glimpse of a chart with the whole squad listed in position, indicating primary position and extra cover, and it appeared every position had two players (plus extra forwards). I believe Lundstram has always been intended as Coutts’ understudy, and with Coutts playing so well we’ve only seen Lundstram in cameos just adding an extra body in midfield to see games out.

We’ve already seen against Ipswich that Lundstram is first choice to fill Coutts’ role, and also that he can do a good job of it. The important thing for us as fans is to get behind the lad and not expect him to be a replica of Coutts. He will do things differently, he will not protect the ball as well and he will give it away more, but that would be true of anyone trying to fill Coutts’ boots. Hopefully a run in the side now will help him settle into a role and develop.

Another thing to keep in mind is how every set back seems to be an opportunity for Wilder and Knill to tweak things and improve on what we already have. Maybe a few weeks from now we’ll have evolved our style into something even better.

I hope you're right but I've got big doubts tbh. I think I've seen every game that Lundstram has played in bar one. I thought he was very slow at first, I still don't think he's fast, but I do think he's adapting better to the Championship in recent games. I must say, I'm not a great fan based on what I've seen so far. He is one of these midfielders that earn a living from hitting a simple 5 yard pass, usually sideways or backwards. That seems to be the main part of his game. He's got a long way to go to come anywhere near what Coutts offers tbh. Anyone who was at Burton last night will know what I mean - as soon as Coutts went off we looked a different team - couldn't hold on to possession and were not calm and composed anymore. As I say, I think he has improved, but I'm really not confident that he can step up to fill those boots.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Watching the deadline day video we got a glimpse of a chart with the whole squad listed in position, indicating primary position and extra cover, and it appeared every position had two players (plus extra forwards). I believe Lundstram has always been intended as Coutts’ understudy, and with Coutts playing so well we’ve only seen Lundstram in cameos just adding an extra body in midfield to see games out.

We’ve already seen against Ipswich that Lundstram is first choice to fill Coutts’ role, and also that he can do a good job of it. The important thing for us as fans is to get behind the lad and not expect him to be a replica of Coutts. He will do things differently, he will not protect the ball as well and he will give it away more, but that would be true of anyone trying to fill Coutts’ boots. Hopefully a run in the side now will help him settle into a role and develop.

Another thing to keep in mind is how every set back seems to be an opportunity for Wilder and Knill to tweak things and improve on what we already have. Maybe a few weeks from now we’ll have evolved our style into something even better.

It was actually Quina listed as the replacement for Coutts:-






But I would agree that Lundstram is the closest we have to a replacement in the current squad.

Playing that position also requires a great deal of confidence to keep getting on the ball.

We fans have a role to play in giving JL plenty of support and encouragement.

 

[Chicken with no head]

I think when coutts went off, we were a different team, but mainly in our heads.
You could tell that the incident had an influence on the players and rightly so, after all he is there mate.
Anyway trust in Wilder and Knill to get them in the right frame of mind Tuesday.
BTW wouldn’t it be good if couttsy could come out on Tuesday ( even on crutches) so we could show our appreciation.

 

[1973Blade]

I heard fans moaning about Lundstram at Burton yesterday. He has hardly played for us, give the man a chance!

 

[Bladezz]

Away at QPR I thought Lundtsram was our best player and he was also excellent away at Forrest.

When he starts he looks much better than coming in as sub.

 

[Bladezz]

I think when coutts went off, we were a different team, but mainly in our heads.
You could tell that the incident had an influence on the players and rightly so, after all he is there mate.
Anyway trust in Wilder and Knill to get them in the right frame of mind Tuesday.
BTW wouldn’t it be good if couttsy could come out on Tuesday ( even on crutches) so we could show our appreciation.

We won the second half 1-0. I don’t remember them having a shot when Lundstram was on the pitch.

 

[Rodley]

It was actually Quina listed as the replacement for Coutts:-




View attachment 33388

But I would agree that Lundstram is the closest we have to a replacement in the current squad.

Playing that position also requires a great deal of confidence to keep getting on the ball.

We fans have a role to play in giving JL plenty of support and encouragement.

That’s interesting (the DQ bit). Suspect we’ll go in for a deep lying playmaker type on loan in January.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Whoever is chosen, and I agree it will most likely be Lundy, it won’t be an adequate replacement. With respect.

Coutts is that good.

Think Cesc Fabregas, not Kieron Lee.

Immense loss.

UTB

 

[Chicken with no head]

I think you’d better watch highlights mate there’s at least one on target and one off target where lundstrum gets dispossessed , but whether we won the half 1-0 or not , it’s not the point I was making.
I was merely saying I thought the incident had affected our players.

 

[Rob86]

He'll get my full support, no doubt about that. Anyone expecting him to produce what Coutts does and reacting when he doesn't, needs to keep the feelings to themselves, it won't happen. The last thing we need is to make him the scapegoat or we really will suffer. He isn't as good as Coutts and that's not his fault, nor is it his fault Coutts is out.

What the fuck we do now, I really have no idea, but I'm sure Lundstram will give it his all.

Seriously, who is there that does what Coutts does in the Championship. I really do think he's the best midfielder in the Championship at doing what he does. Touch, vision, ball retention and passing is just sublime and now he gets stuck in he is just the complete midfielder.

 

[FTPE]

I know it will be the cool thing soon to slag off our fans that are writting Lundstram off already.
Obviously if you dont think he's good enough then you're negative or an undcover pig.
I haven't wrote him off as yet but from what I've seen I wouldnt class him as a steady or short term replacement, let alone for almost a full (promotion pushing) season. What I will say though is this...
I bet just as many fans wrote Coutts off before Wilder took over too.
I think he has so, so much to prove before I would have confidence in him but with the resurgence in Freeman, Coutts and in a way Sharp under this management, we would be crazy to assume it's impossible that he could make the step up.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

It would be great for his confidence to have a song for him from the off and I think I've got the perfect one for Coutssy's replacement:
Badeyah (or whatever it is)
His second name is Lundstrum
Badeyah
He came to us from Oxford
Badeyah
He's-a-Blade-so-let's-not-get-on-his-back-but-be-patient-until-he's-had-chance-to-get-up-to-speed if he gives the ball awaaayyy

 

[Punk Blade]

I know it will be the cool thing soon to slag off our fans that are writting Lundstram off already.
Obviously if you dont think he's good enough then you're negative or an undcover pig.
I haven't wrote him off as yet but from what I've seen I wouldnt class him as a steady or short term replacement, let alone for almost a full (promotion pushing) season. What I will say though is this...
I bet just as many fans wrote Coutts off before Wilder took over too.
I think he has so, so much to prove before I would have confidence in him but with the resurgence in Freeman, Coutts and in a way Sharp under this management, we would be crazy to assume it's impossible that he could make the step up.

I don’t think anyone’s slagging Lundstram off, nor anyone criticising those who don’t rate him at this point. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, personally I thought he was very good against Ipswich but struggles to get up to the pace of the game when he comes on as a late sub. This is only based on home games.

My point is that, whether he starts the next few games or others get a chance, he’s now up one in the pecking order and will definitely be getting more minutes. Whether we’ve been impressed by him or not, collectively we need to show him support when he’s on the pitch and not rate his performances against those of Coutts.

 

[McGrath]

I can't believe so many are writing Lundstram off. He's never had a run of games to show what he can do. He's mostly come off the bench to sure up midfield when we are looking to protect a lead.

Give him time. Coutts needed time and look what happened there 19 months ago he was behind Hammond and Whiteman in the centre midfield pecking order!

 

[Rodley]

I know it will be the cool thing soon to slag off our fans that are writting Lundstram off already.
Obviously if you dont think he's good enough then you're negative or an undcover pig.
I haven't wrote him off as yet but from what I've seen I wouldnt class him as a steady or short term replacement, let alone for almost a full (promotion pushing) season. What I will say though is this...
I bet just as many fans wrote Coutts off before Wilder took over too.
I think he has so, so much to prove before I would have confidence in him but with the resurgence in Freeman, Coutts and in a way Sharp under this management, we would be crazy to assume it's impossible that he could make the step up.

I think it’s less that, more that fans slagging / barracking a player at matches who’s started a couple of games for us when we’re top of the league is a disgrace. People will always react against that.

 

[McGrath]

His sister was in 'Desperate Scousewives'

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/desperate-scousewives/profiles/all/jodie-lundstram/526

 

[SteveBlade]

We've had games away from home where even when Coutts and Fleck have been playing we've looked off the pace, and our passing game hasn't been on point.

The one home game Lundstram has started we won, and he had a good game. The performance was almost identical to what we're used to. We played it about as well as ever, and should have had more.

The rest of the time, he's either been a second half sub, or he's been called upon in difficult circumstances. By all accounts, when he replaced Fleck for QPR away and played with Coutts, he was the better of the two. Fleck was sorely missed.

With Fleck, Duffy and Brooks buzzing around, and with Lundstram and Carruthers having major points to prove, the creativity in our squad can never be in doubt.

Remember when the only fucker in our team who could make a pass was Kevin fucking McDonald?

 

[blade too long]

lets not forget a year ago today most peoples opinion of Clarke was the same as some have of Lundstram
look how Clarkes flourished since getting the chance ,to play regularly
Lundstram wasnt oxfords player of the season for nothing

 

[Punk Blade]

It was actually Quina listed as the replacement for Coutts:-




View attachment 33388

But I would agree that Lundstram is the closest we have to a replacement in the current squad.

Playing that position also requires a great deal of confidence to keep getting on the ball.

We fans have a role to play in giving JL plenty of support and encouragement.

Interesting, I’d forgotten about Quina. I’m sure we’ll be bringing in reinforcements in January but for now we ‘go with what we have’.

Also interesting to note there are plenty of arrows pointing at JF but none pointing at PC.

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

Lundstrum is not a write off yet - he is just getting up to speed in a higher league, in a new team etc, and has shown in flashes what he can do. So he could come good. I still feel though we might need more of a ready made replacement for Couttsy, in January.

 

[robbiez666]

He's the natural replacement. He's, to a large degree, the only replacement we have whilst Basham deputises at RWB.

It's a lot of pressure on him and not many options coming off the bench if his fitness isn't right or he's not performing.

We're very short in that area. Hence Chris' attempt to bring Leonard and Quina in last summer.

We've got 8 games before January. It's going to be interesting.

 

[Foody]

I think a lot of the criticism Lundstram faces is purely down to the role he has been asked to do. With the exception of a couple of starts we have predominantly seen him come on for the last 15-20 minutes when we are winning. He has clearly been asked to steady the ship, win possession and keep it simple, this perceived lack of pace is probably down to him following instructions and slowing the game down. Oxford fans talk about his creativity and attacking ability, a side we haven't yet seen.

I believe he can do a job for us, the biggest challenge is understanding. Fleck, Coutts and Duffy know each others games inside out, that will take some time to come. Plus we still have options in Carruthers, Bash and Brooks, but I still think we now need at least someone else to offer cover/ competition.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Totally agree with Foody.

The Oxford fans really rated Lundstrum. They were gutted to lose him saying he was their best player.
He was their captain and leader, good engine and very creative, said he was eager to play the Hollywood pass.

 

[Working Class Hero]

People comparing Coutts early days with Lundstram are well wide of the mark. Coutts was written off by many because of his laziness/fitness/attitude but his quality on the ball was never in doubt. With Lundstram it's very different, I've seen every game he's played and he clearly doesn't have the ability, composure or intelligence that Coutts has. For that reason he can't be Coutts' replacement in the current set up because they are the exact attributes that role requires. I admire people's optimism regarding Lundstram and I would never give him grief as a blade, but something will have to change in my opinion. Be that a new signing or a re-jig of the formation/style of play (surely no one wants the latter, ideally?).

 

[S64 Blade]

Let's give him a chance. There's obviously talent there, it may just take him a few full games to get up to our match speed and style of play. He'll be under no illusions the task in hand and will be encouraged by Wilder to take the opportunity with both hands.

If he doesn't perform, there are others who can come in and replace him: Carruthers etc.

 

[Worksop II]

I suspect Lundstrom will get the shirt Tuesday night and beyond ....

It is up to him to convince Tufty and Knill they dont need anyone in January

Chance of a lifetime

 

[DronnieBlade]

Lundstram should rightly be given the opportunity.

If he takes it, all well and good.

If he doesn’t, and we continue to miss the fluidity that Coutts gives us, I see no point whatsoever in a permanent transfer to replace.

6 month loan from the PL is what I would be looking at.

Wonder if that Mousa Dembele at Spurs would fancy it if he isn’t getting a regular shirt ?

Or is that a bit too high to aim ??

UTB

 

[Pedro's Winger]

It's the 'Nightmare following Alex Ferguson syndrome' that's Lundstram's biggest problem, with Coutts obviously substituted for Fergie.
Not only does he not look as talented but every appearance is going to be measured against what went before.
Very tough gig.

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

Lundstram should rightly be given the opportunity.

If he takes it, all well and good.

If he doesn’t, and we continue to miss the fluidity that Coutts gives us, I see no point whatsoever in a permanent transfer to replace.

6 month loan from the PL is what I would be looking at.

Wonder if that Mousa Dembele at Spurs would fancy it if he isn’t getting a regular shirt ?

Or is that a bit too high to aim ??

UTB

Is Dembele too high to aim?

I think so, perhaps we could try Matic instead.