The long road ahead

[SteelCity Blade]

Before I start this is not a doom and gloom thread, just a review of things so far. It sounded like a reasonable performance today but true to form, we were guilty of the same deficiencies as a team. The most apparent problem is our inability to score goals, particularly when we are on top and until we resolve this issue we’re going to keep getting the same results. Defensive errors are inevitable if you aren’t forcing the issue at the other end as the ball will keep coming back. The goal we conceded today sounded rather similar to the one at Middlesbrough in the way that we conceded it.

Leeds is a difficult place to go and when I saw this fixture was coming up I honestly didn’t fancy it with the way United have been shaping up. This game has come at a time when we have been inconsistent and haven’t found the right blend throughout the team but that’s the luck of the draw I suppose. I always felt that a draw would be a great result and without that individual error we would have got it to be fair. But “would have, could have, should have” is something we need to stop saying.

Despite all that I am a patient man and judging from what I’ve seen so far I will need to be. I would be astonished if United finished in the top six this season or even on the periphery of it. I think we’re looking at a long, hard season that ultimately ends in a mid-table finish. I’ll be happy enough with that as long as we see progress and something positive to take into next season, but I genuinely think next season is what we should be looking at in terms of a promotion push.

The important thing now is that the directors have a closer look at things and work something out (maybe with this Malaysian bloke) to create resources for Gary Speed. He’s about four players short of a promotion challenging squad and two short of making a fist of things this season. I can’t see us bringing in anything that could make a difference during the loan window, so we need to look at January and if we’ve got anything about us the manager should be allowed to bring a couple in so that they can bed into the squad for next season.

I’m sure those who went today have a better idea of how the game panned out but it just seemed to me (from listening) that it was another solid United performance with little end product in the final third. Any advance on that?

 

[Houso]

Watched the match online and a few points:

a) Cresswell HAS to be dropped. He does not work in that position especially in the type of game we play now.

b) if the oppo nullifies Britton, they nullify us. We need one or two midfielders who can attacked alongside him.

c) Ward was unlucky as he didn't touch the Leeds player. That said, he went in with a studs up and I couldn't see how Snodgrass should have been sent off. Howson should have been sent off much earlier mind.

d) Our defence was VERY shaky Bartley apart. He's really growing on me and could be central to our success or lack thereof this season.

Both teams were shocking today and a draw would have been fair.

 

[lenners]

We've scored 4 goals in 9 games and yet since Speed tookover we've signed a goalkeeper and a defender.
The deficiencies are glaringly obvious and we've done nothing to rectify it.
As for this season, as things stand, it's about staying up. And unless we find ways to start scoring goals, the current ratio will mean only one outcome.

 

[Blade58]

The problem is glaringly obvious! We can't score for toffee. Whether that's the strikers fault, the inability to create enough chances, or both doesn't really matter.

Btw, where's Highbury Blade?

"3 wins in 5 games and some people still aren't happy."

There you go, I've changed it for you m8!

 

[Houso]

I'm far from panicking and think we've still got a chance of the playoffs at least. Problem is, we really really need to:
a) get some loans in for the midfield, and
b) play with more attacking intent out wide; Quinn on the left and Cresswell on the right is simply ridiculous in this formation.

Ched showed good strength and effort today, but had sod all to feed off. It's such a tough job as a loan striker when we play like this.

 

[Trigger Blade]

We've scored 4 goals in 9 games and yet since Speed tookover we've signed a goalkeeper and a defender.
The deficiencies are glaringly obvious and we've done nothing to rectify it.
As for this season, as things stand, it's about staying up. And unless we find ways to start scoring goals, the current ratio will mean only one outcome.

PC all in working order today after today's defeat len?

Interestingly, in an article in today's Mail, Speed says that this season, the play-offs are a minimum. I was surprised by that, he's set himself up for a fall, but he isn't daft either.

Your logic which says he hasn't addressed them is slightly flawed. As well as not scoring, we have been conceding more than we 've been used to, so shoring up the defence is required and he's addressed that first (the Man U defender, rather than Wright, who's an opportunistic signing in my view)

Of course we need creativity and some firepower, you're surely not suggesting that Speed hasn't noticed? Maybe the players he wants aren't available?

 

[puppet]

Interestingly, in an article in today's Mail, Speed says that this season, the play-offs are a minimum. I was surprised by that, he's set himself up for a fall, but he isn't daft either. - was refreshing to hear him just take blame for the defeat on P&G after the dross we've heard from our last few managers....


Of course we need creativity and some firepower, you're surely not suggesting that Speed hasn't noticed? Maybe the players he wants aren't available?

there has to be better people sat on their arses than some of the people stepping over the white line week in week out??

 

[lenners]

PC all in working order today after today's defeat len?

Interestingly, in an article in today's Mail, Speed says that this season, the play-offs are a minimum. I was surprised by that, he's set himself up for a fall, but he isn't daft either.

Your logic which says he hasn't addressed them is slightly flawed. As well as not scoring, we have been conceding more than we 've been used to, so shoring up the defence is required and he's addressed that first (the Man U defender, rather than Wright, who's an opportunistic signing in my view)

Of course we need creativity and some firepower, you're surely not suggesting that Speed hasn't noticed? Maybe the players he wants aren't available?

He's absolutely barking if he thinks our current squad will finish in the top six.

 

[Deadbat]

Prospects

I am afraid I am with Len on this one. There is no way in a million years this squad is good enough to finish top 6. We will do very well to finish top half. We are not scoring goals and other than the odd game we dont really look like a goal threat. The decision to not change the manager and then do it early in the season means his replacement basically has a squad that he probably maybe not want.

Although his words about the squad being good enough suggests otherwise but I think in reality he probably thinks differently but cannot say that in public. I would sense he does want to make changes but cannot as we have no money to do this (or at least board are not giving him any money).

Everyone saying we will make changes in January cannot have heard Birch the other day who said we would not be signing players for cash (basically just bosmans/free agents), so we are going to be relying on loans until the summer.

The decision to re-sign Montgomery, Cresswell, Quinn is looking like financial disasters on their current contributions this season where all 3 have been very poor. I suppose it is easy to say this in retrospect and I for one was all for keeping at least Monty but we maybe saddled with these 3 for another 2 or 3 years now which is a real concern when we are short financially. I cannot see any of these 3 getting any better and not one of them has any real room to develop as footballers; yet these along with Morgan (rightly) are seen to be the core of our future? Worrying.

The job for me is simple this season.

A) Don't go down
B) Impose a different style and play attractive football that leads to chances being created
C) Bring some young players through either internally or from other clubs with pace, creativity and athletism and move away from this 'honest, hard working, ethos' that has basically got us nowhere.

If we have to take steps backwards to move forwards then so be it but I am concerned it may be a season of struggle meaning we will have to fight and scrap and making the prospect of engieneering a change of style very difficult and the fans wont be as patient with speed if are in the bottom 6 or 7 in a few months.

I just hope Speed is given time and resources to be able to do that but fear he has been given a difficult hand and the board dont seem able to help him if they are not giving him chance to bring in at least 3 or 4 (of the 6 or 7) players we need to compete nearer the top; which Birch's comments the other day confirm (happy with squad and wont be signing anyone for fees - so basically relying on loans again; something we said we would not do. The comments from Birch worryingly suggests we wont be bringing anyone in that will be part of the long term future of SUFC until next summer.

 

[Worksop II]

Watched Stoke last week, they started with Kenwyn Jones and Jon Walters up front

They changed to Fuller and Eider Gudjonsen up front

They have shipped out Kitson and Beattie, just goes to show where Pullis for example sees where the resources need to go.

The point of this, Tuncay must be sitting on his arse somewhere, loan ??

 

[alcoblade]

We can't progress whilst we keep faith in Evans. He's crap. Cresswell is also affering nothing and needs dropping / replacing. Bogdanovich must be really poor in training.

There wasn't a lot wrong today, just the final third as ever. As is, it's just about stopping up, getting used to a new style, and finding a striker / offloading the crippling wages of Evans.

UTB

 

[Northyorksblade]

I didn't even realise Cresswell was playing until the second half today! I thought Evans played well, BUT he's there to score goals. Leeds crowd 35,000 and we ke[pt them quiet until they scored. Great support from the Blades. Shit stewards!

 

[DuncDisorderly]

The biggest problem in the final third is getting the ball there. We are still struggling to maintain possession, but that isn't going to be a quick fix. We're back at the philosophical point that we were at after Warnock. Do we really want a change of style, without really having the 'tools' to do so?

So what next, do we persist in driving on a change of style, or are we pragmatic and play to the strengths we have? Its a testing time for everyone who said that they'd be happy with better football, not necessarily better results.

Either way, mid-table safety (not 'mediocrity'), and some time and resources to effect the changes for next season seem to be the way forward...

 

[alcoblade]

The biggest problem in the final third is getting the ball there. We are still struggling to maintain possession, but that isn't going to be a quick fix. We're back at the philosophical point that we were at after Warnock. Do we really want a change of style, without really having the 'tools' to do so?

So what next, do we persist in driving on a change of style, or are we pragmatic and play to the strengths we have? Its a testing time for everyone who said that they'd be happy with better football, not necessarily better results.

Either way, mid-table safety (not 'mediocrity'), and some time and resources to effect the changes for next season seem to be the way forward...

We were shit before Speed changed the style. There's no real evidence that if he reverted to hoof, things would pick up. Our main striker is guff - I don't think it's a lot more complicated than that.

UTB

---------- Post added at 07:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:22 PM ----------

I didn't even realise Cresswell was playing until the second half today! I thought Evans played well, BUT he's there to score goals. Leeds crowd 35,000 and we ke[pt them quiet until they scored. Great support from the Blades. Shit stewards!

To think what a hotbed Elland Road once was. It was like a library, but the Blades fans were excellent today.

UTB

 

[SoccerCynic]

Its a change for me I know but having watched the game today I am a bit more optimistic. I thought we played some good stuff at times and de Laet looked a good acquisition in the short term. Horrific error cost us the draw but had we turned our superiority into goals we would have run out comfortable winners. With a bit more luck we would have scored at the death and we were only robbed by the woodwork. Speedo is taking us in the right direction and if we can make a couple of decent loan signings next week we will survive. The long term future is more worrying if the assessments of the Birch statements are correct. BTW I did not see the defence as crap today and it is a shame that the Jordan error cost us. Cant disagree with the general view on Ched...he is a real disappointment and I question that we can continue to rely on him to score the goals we need and the pairing with Cresswell is not producing the goods.

 

[diplomat]

I really enjoyed my day out today. Strangely sober for an away game but I thought the support in terms of being constant and varied and from all areas of our end was a joy.

I'm not one to criticise generally but if Cresswell doesn't score he is completely ineffective. I let him off because you couldn't argue with his goals last year but he is too weak and slow to play through the middle and he isn't a winger.

Wardy has now created another problem for us with a silly tackle. Really stupid at times that boy.

Boggy really must be wondering why he can't get a run in the team.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I'm far from panicking and think we've still got a chance of the playoffs at least.

Sorry Houso but you're dreaming. Nothing wrong with being a dreamer but I agree with len and deadbat on this. We're well short of what is required for a top 6 finish and I think we'd do well to finish in the top 10 with what we have. Gary Speed has a massive job and I think he will get it right eventually but not this season.

You cant for one minute say that there arent at least 6 sides better than United in this league. I'll name some:-

QPR, Cardiff, Ipswich, Leeds, Forest, Burnley, Swansea, Reading

I'm not being a doom and gloom merchant and I dont at all feel like we should give up on the season but I can say with absolute certainty that the 8 sides above (just for a start) are better than us.

Again I'm not saying we cant prove that wrong and I hope we do, but I'm being a realist. Just not good enough. Simple

 

[Bergen Blade]

It is difficult to see where the goals are supposed to come from at the moment. Our line up today rivals both Warnock and Blackwell's at their most negative, with the plan seeming to keep it tight and then hope to nick one from a set piece or something.

 

[alcoblade]

I saw nothing to suggest Leeds were better than us - other than our lack of strike power. If that could be solved we'd have a chance in an average league. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be anything in the pipeline as if Boggy was rated, he'd suely have been tried by now. Worryingly, lack of one decent striker could be the difference between a play-off spot and the unthinkable.

UTB

 

[Bergen Blade]

I saw nothing to suggest Leeds were better than us - other than our lack of strike power. If that could be solved we'd have a chance in an average league. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be anything in the pipeline as if Boggy was rated, he'd suely have been tried by now. Worryingly, lack of one decent striker could be the difference between a play-off spot and the unthinkable.

UTB

I don't think Leeds are a great side either. But going through today's line up, over a season how many goals can you see us score over a season.

As a reference we can use their tallies last season:

Simonsen -0
Calve - 0
Bartley - 0
Nosworthy - 0
Jordan -0
Ertl - 0
Britton - 0
Montgomery -1
Cresswell - 12
Quinn - 4
Evans - 4

And Cressy has just the one this season... Will these players suddenly start scoring many more goals this season?

 

[alcoblade]

I don't think Leeds are a great side either. But going through today's line up, over a season how many goals can you see us score over a season.

As a reference we can use their tallies last season:

Simonsen -0
Calve - 0
Bartley - 0
Nosworthy - 0
Jordan -0
Ertl - 0
Britton - 0
Montgomery -1
Cresswell - 12
Quinn - 4
Evans - 4

And Cressy has just the one this season... Will these players suddenly start scoring many more goals this season?

But have we generally scored many from elsewhere over the last few seasons? Although it helps, it's really the strikers job. We have big problems there, agreed. But put a decent striker in there and things will look a lot different. I think Speed is being cautious bvecause he knows if we concede, we've lost. If Evans was replaced by someone who could hit a bulls ass with a banjo, I think we'd open up and create more all round.

UTB

 

[super_pig]

>Really stupid at times that boy.
if you watch the replay, he didnt catch the player.. but as we know us blades have a special law of intent that doesnt apply to other teams it would seem
we need an attacking midfielder and get rid of monty

 

[Kev Gee]

We need to change the formation & we are in DESPERATE need of a striker.
I commend Speeds faith in Evans, but TBH i think even he knows he wont becomme a 20 a season man. Hes only bigging him up to keep his confidence high. what else can he do? He wont destroy his confidence will he?


Teams who dont score get relegated, and TBH im shitting it atm.
I dont think we WILL get relegated, we will be mid table.
But please Gary, sort something with this 433, because its dire. it really is.
I have faith in Speed, please dont end up tunnel visioned like Blackwell. Because that will be his downfall.

 

[Mad Mick]

We were unlucky today, we were the best team by miles second half and one blunder cost us. We nearly got an equaliser. Not saying there aren't problems, I hardly saw Squinney in the first half, and the defence without Morgs looks a little shaky. Up front we are struggling to score. Maybe one day we will give someone a drubbing.

 

[lenners]

After 10 games you've normally got a fair idea what's in store.
We're pretty much there and looking at the fixtures coming up the bottom 3 is beckoning by the end of October without significant improvement.
If we continue to carry no threat up front, we will go down.

 

[oaklandrdblade]

>Really stupid at times that boy.
if you watch the replay, he didnt catch the player.. but as we know us blades have a special law of intent that doesnt apply to other teams it would seem
we need an attacking midfielder and get rid of monty

And it's a good job he didn't looked an awful challenge and I thought he had to go

 

[diplomat]

>Really stupid at times that boy.
if you watch the replay, he didnt catch the player.. but as we know us blades have a special law of intent that doesnt apply to other teams it would seem
we need an attacking midfielder and get rid of monty

Admittedly not seen the vid yet, I have the joys (?) of the Football League show on sky + for later. From where i was sitting though he went in to the challenge recklessly and if you do that you run the risk. He is a bit prone for leaving his foot in on people too.

---------- Post added at 01:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------

I've seen Ward's tackle now and he has no business trying to win a football like that. If that was a L**ds player there would be people going apeshit about it on here. Red card for me.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

And it's a good job he didn't looked an awful challenge and I thought he had to go

Unfortunately I have to agree. Wardy is a favourite of mine but there was no argument IMO. You cant go into a tackle like that nowadays and I dont see how GS or anyone else can complain. Both feet were off the ground and there is only one intention when that happens. Ref had no option.

 

[Ollessendro]

The most worrying thing for me is when you look at the teams at the bottom of the table. I'm concerned about us being rubbish in front of goal and not making any chances, however I'm more worried we'll be dragged into relegation because some of the teams beneath us are better than us. I fully expect Leicester, Pompey and Bristol to get out of the relgation area and Derby and Boro are no mugs. Other than maybe Palace and Scunny I'm struggling to see sides that are worse than us.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Oh for gods sake, we've played eight games and already talk of relegation! We're not as bad as you're making out and a couple of players back from injury and a couple of players in and it will all change. Let's just see where we are at Christmas. There are lots of us that can see changes for the better, so why can't you? Or haven't you actually seen us much this season? Perhaps the silky skills of Chelsea and Newcastle are swaying your opinion.