Tranmere tipping point

[Pinchy]

Has Brayford found his level? [An odd question! He was a regular in Derby's Championship team and generally regarded as one the best in the league].

Kennedy should have a starting place pre-season.

Midfield: Would take or leave Cody [Really? I'd build the team around him and Scoogs in the centre of a 4-4-2. We need to move on from limited triers like Doyle]

Diego adds quality and complements the others, apart from being on the small side like the others [and thinking he knows better than the manager, it seems].

Whitehouse can do a job [other than football, I fear]

Looking at the squad my big concern is height for defending set pieces. That will be a big conundrum for Clough. [especially if, as you suggest, he starts with Kennedy!]

Young lads will get more and more playing time from the bench. Diego should be a regular, otherwise we will lose him. [sounds like blackmail to me - it's up to him to make himself a regular!]

 

[Woodwardfan]

Ambiguous I agree. What I meant, was he playing above himself in those early games with us. I thought he was very poor at Wembley and v Stevenage. Low marks on fans' poll v Tranmere too.

 

[sheffielder]

Kennedy is neither a right back in the style of football we play or a first choice centre half in my opinion. He does a job.

 

[Harry's Game]

Ideally would like to see next season starting with..

Howard

Freeman (We won't get Brayford)
Collins
Maguire (or New CB if Maguire goes)
Harris

Flynn
Scougall
New CM (to replace Doyle and Coady who I can't see being here)
Murphy

New Striker
New Striker

(Baxter to be use as sub or deep laying Striker in away games.)

 

[Linz]

Blader have you seen diego play?if you have then you know hes going places and thats what woodward is implying,why are you allways questioning diegos talents all the time whats your beef with him.if he doesnt start for us next season he will be off and it will be to a better side rest assured

I've seen him play (more than once) and he's far from a finished product and dare I say it, not as consistently good as he thinks he is. I have seen him have blinding games at the Academy. But I have also seen him have completely anonymous games, particularly against a robust defence. I'm sure Foxy and DazBlade88 can elaborate as they have seen him more than me.

I can't help but think that if his name were "Tom Smith", people wouldn't have got half as excited about him and to pin our hopes next season on him is a little optimistic.

 

[Pinchy]

Ambiguous I agree. What I meant, was he playing above himself in those early games with us. I thought he was very poor at Wembley and v Stevenage. Low marks on fans' poll v Tranmere too.

More likely he's had a dip in form in the last three games than playing 'above himself' previously isn't it, given his regular and impressive performances for Derby a league higher? Common sense, I would have thought.

 

[A19 byf]

I mean the lad is different class and we will have to give him loads of first team experience to enable his personal development before he moves on to a bigger club in due course ( unless he rises with us to the Premiership!!!). If he doesn't get picked for the first team he will demand a move and there will be quality clubs interested in taking him off our hands.

The lad was playing for Italy 2 years underage; that is quality the like of which we are unused to.

When did he play for Italy 2 yrs under age ???

 

[Balham]

More likely he's had a dip in form in the last three games than playing 'above himself' previously isn't it, given his regular and impressive performances for Derby a league higher? Common sense, I would have thought.

Indeed. While we'd love every player to play at the absolute limit of their ability every single time they pull on a Blades shirt, it just isn't going to happen.

I would have thought that going from no games in four months (between his last appearance for Cardiff on 24/9/13 and his Blades début on 26/01/14) to 17 games in less than three months - including an injury enforced spell of one game in three weeks in March - has eventually caught up with him.

Personally, I don't think we've got much chance of signing Brayford permanently but I'd be happy if that meant that we signed Freeman instead - younger, cheaper and potentially just as good.

When did he play for Italy 2 yrs under age ???

I wondered that. Maybe Woodwardfan is getting mixed up as he's been playing in the representative groups (U17, U18 and U19?) and thinking that meant U21s?

As far as I can tell, Diego Di Girolamo is a talented kid but his year out has allowed the likes of Dimaio, Reed, Khan and Calvert-Lewin to press their claims. Up to him now to prove himself in pre-season training.

 

[sheffielder]

Ideally would like to see next season starting with..

Howard

Freeman (We won't get Brayford)
Collins
Maguire (or New CB if Maguire goes)
Harris

Flynn
Scougall
New CM (to replace Doyle and Coady who I can't see being here)
Murphy

New Striker
New Striker

(Baxter to be use as sub or deep laying Striker in away games.)

Freeman is another Westlake for me. If we don't get Brayford, I think we can do better there.

 

[Pinchy]

I don't agree with the "won't get Brayford" "won't get Coady" school. I'm not saying we will, but it's much more likely than the cynics/pessimists (choose whichever cap fits you) would [like to] believe. We are in a new era. The contractual objective is the Premiership. Let us see.

 

[wizadry]

I've seen him play (more than once) and he's far from a finished product and dare I say it, not as consistently good as he thinks he is. I have seen him have blinding games at the Academy. But I have also seen him have completely anonymous games, particularly against a robust defence. I'm sure Foxy and DazBlade88 can elaborate as they have seen him more than me.

I can't help but think that if his name were "Tom Smith", people wouldn't have got half as excited about him and to pin our hopes next season on him is a little optimistic.

I have this thing in football linz where as i wont slag or berate a player for being crap in one match ,ill give them a chance,where as if i see one match and i personally rate them,then i think they've got something,just my opinion of this particular lad.What im trying to say is i dont need to see a second match at this level to see this kids got it ,thats 1 of the points blader was trying to get across,and thats my view on it

 

[Pinchy]

Freeman is another Westlake for me. If we don't get Brayford, I think we can do better there.

Good Lord, he's better than that waster! Nowhere near The Beard though.

KEEP THE FAITH: KEEP THE BEARD!

 

[Paulus]

Freeman is another Westlake for me. If we don't get Brayford, I think we can do better there.

I think he's got a lot more about him than Westlake, would be very useful if we could get him.

 

[OllyBlade]

Interesting observations mate. I wrote about Gauld a few months ago, a not dissimilar player to young Scougall, very skilful and one I've thought could make that transition from Scottish football to the demands of division 1.

Hasn't Gauld been linked to Barcelona etc?

 

[sheffielder]

Hasn't Gauld been linked to Barcelona etc?

Want scougall linked with arsenal and man utd. Hopefully Gauld will be another player that understands the need to cut his teeth first. Take note Diego

 

[blader]

Freeman is another Westlake for me. If we don't get Brayford, I think we can do better there.

Ooft, don't think I agree with that mate. Freeman looks a much better footballer to me. I would definitely sign Freeman, and also how many times has he actually played on the right of a back 4 for us? Must only be once or twice

 

[blader]

I have this thing in football linz where as i wont slag or berate a player for being crap in one match ,ill give them a chance,where as if i see one match and i personally rate them,then i think they've got something,just my opinion of this particular lad.What im trying to say is i dont need to see a second match at this level to see this kids got it ,thats 1 of the points blader was trying to get across,and thats my view on it

His game at Coventry was also in a FLT game against half a Coventry team. I was there and thoguht he did OK without pulling up any trees. Hardly the level he will be competing at week in week out. Clough watches the juniors intently, and has decided he doesn't merit a place in his side and that other players have performed better. For many it is 'In Nigel we Trust (unless he doesn't pick Di Girolamo, then he's wrong)'. I know you'll say 'he was injured' but there was a long period where he was playing for Italy and the u21s and still not getting near the first team. I'm saying I trust Clough's judgement in every aspect of football, and if Diego isn't getting picked he clearly isn't good enough at this time.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

One thing is for sure, we need more goals up front and from midfield. Although I would like to improve on Collins, we need to see what happens to Maguire. I also think we can say that defence wasn't our problem in the 2nd half of the year.

My 4 picks

Ryan Gauld - Left sided attacking midfielder who can play all across the midfield. Free's up Murphy to go up top on occassions.
Billy Sharp - His movement and finishing would be perfect.Out of contract I believe
Alex Pritchard - Attacking Central midfield currently on loan to Swindon from Spurs who scores goals. Not good enough for Spurs
Jake Cassidy - Striker, Wolves striker on loan at Tranmere. Wolves won't be wanting him back and he would give us a different look to Sharp.

Other notables.

Jamie Ward - Play outwide and up front. Out of contract and if Derby go up, most probably not needed.
Harry Winks - Right hand sided youth midfielder at Spurs who is highly rated
Andrew Shinnie - Attacking Central midfielder - Birmingham
Luke Varney - Striker, Leeds - See Billy Sharp. Out of contract I believe



Would keep Flynny but as back-up. Murphy and Flynn were both pretty dire under the previous manager and NC got them both to up their performances, however for me Murph is performing week in week out whereas Flynny seems to have gone of the boil a bit.
Ryan Woods - Right Back, Shrewsbury
Martyn Waghorn - Striker, left winger - Leicester. Out of contract I believe and if Wigan go up, I doubt they pick him up.
Ishmael Miller - Striker, Forest who is on loan at Yeovil. Out of contract I believe

Players to let go.

Porter, McGinn, Johns, McGinty, Cuvellier, Brandy, Taylor, Whitehouse, McFadzean, Ironside

I would obviously like to resign Coady and Brayford. I wouldn't resign Davies as he would be a youth blocker to the likes of Khan and Calvert Lewin. Flynn is good enough and will do well from a pre season under Clough. If we signed Gauld then Murphy can also move right on occasions.

 

[wizadry]

His game at Coventry was also in a FLT game against half a Coventry team. I was there and thoguht he did OK without pulling up any trees. Hardly the level he will be competing at week in week out. Clough watches the juniors intently, and has decided he doesn't merit a place in his side and that other players have performed better. For many it is 'In Nigel we Trust (unless he doesn't pick Di Girolamo, then he's wrong)'. I know you'll say 'he was injured' but there was a long period where he was playing for Italy and the u21s and still not getting near the first team. I'm saying I trust Clough's judgement in every aspect of football, and if Diego isn't getting picked he clearly isn't good enough at this time.

If diego isnt getting picked it doesnt clearly mean hes not good enough,theres definately issues between him and cloughy though and as much as id like to see him be a very good player for us i can see him moving on for whatever reasons but theres one thing i do agree with you on is that cloughy will get it right in the end

 

[bartman]

If diego isnt getting picked it doesnt clearly mean hes not good enough,

Of course it does.If he was good enough at the moment ( and fit) he would be in the match day squad.

From what I understand,there are no issues with Clough and Clough has made it clear what he expects in terms and work ethic and team work to all the players throughout the club. If you do well you will get a chance.if you don't you will fall down the pecking order. There are reasons why DG has fallen down the pecking order and Dimiao has been given a chance(and played well yesterday)

If the lad performs well at the lower level,he will get his chance.

I agree with Linz,it is only his name that seems to be the hype rather than the player

 

[DazBlade88]

I've seen him play (more than once) and he's far from a finished product and dare I say it, not as consistently good as he thinks he is. I have seen him have blinding games at the Academy. But I have also seen him have completely anonymous games, particularly against a robust defence. I'm sure Foxy and DazBlade88 can elaborate as they have seen him more than me.

I can't help but think that if his name were "Tom Smith", people wouldn't have got half as excited about him and to pin our hopes next season on him is a little optimistic.

That pretty much sums it up to be fair. The lad is capable of doing great things but every young player is inconsistentand he is no different.

In terms of his chances, I think the injury came at the worst possible time for him. He'd been getting a sniff around the first team, he was on great form for our academy/reserves and Italy, and the hype was getting to ridiculous levels as he looked to be making the breakthrough. The inevitable niggles on his return to fitness have clearly held him back this year and that's very difficult for any player to deal with mentally, never mind at that age.

I've seen enough from Clough at Derby and his short time here to know that his development of young players is excellent. He seems to know how to treat different individuals based on their personalities and I'm sure he's helping keep De Girolamo grounded among the hype whilst telling him he'll get his chance next year after a good pre-season under his belt to get himself fully fit.

The lad himself knows there's work to be done in the summer and I think we'll see the rewards next year. I'm not saying he'll set the world alight, but I can see him being in and around the first team and getting a few appearances/goals under his belt as he builds his strength and confidence.

 

[blade too long]

if we play our best youngsters , and they shine it may attract un wanted attention .such as Diego who had the same injury Gazza was out for 18 month with, if we play him now it may attract too much attention

 

[Sirius]

I mean the lad is different class and we will have to give him loads of first team experience to enable his personal development before he moves on to a bigger club in due course ( unless he rises with us to the Premiership!!!). If he doesn't get picked for the first team he will demand a move and there will be quality clubs interested in taking him off our hands.

The lad was playing for Italy 2 years underage; that is quality the like of which we are unused to.

Monty and Jags I believe played comparable international football to Diego. George Long also has.
May be Diego is as good as I have been told he is and his injury has impeded his development. Either way it is in United's best interest to ensure that he is fit and ready to play.

 

[wizadry]

Of course it does.If he was good enough at the moment ( and fit) he would be in the match day squad.

From what I understand,there are no issues with Clough and Clough has made it clear what he expects in terms and work ethic and team work to all the players throughout the club. If you do well you will get a chance.if you don't you will fall down the pecking order. There are reasons why DG has fallen down the pecking order and Dimiao has been given a chance(and played well yesterday)

If the lad performs well at the lower level,he will get his chance.

I agree with Linz,it is only his name that seems to be the hype rather than the player

Right, welbeck, giggs, hernandez ,januzaj and valencia all on bench for man utd against everton on sunday does that mean they are clearly not good enough for man utd ?answer does it fuck ,thats just 1 example.
And this about the name is cobs wollop ive seen the lad play and he is a player no 2 ways about it end of ,mark my words.

 

[wizadry]

That pretty much sums it up to be fair. The lad is capable of doing great things but every young player is inconsistentand he is no different.

In terms of his chances, I think the injury came at the worst possible time for him. He'd been getting a sniff around the first team, he was on great form for our academy/reserves and Italy, and the hype was getting to ridiculous levels as he looked to be making the breakthrough. The inevitable niggles on his return to fitness have clearly held him back this year and that's very difficult for any player to deal with mentally, never mind at that age.

I've seen enough from Clough at Derby and his short time here to know that his development of young players is excellent. He seems to know how to treat different individuals based on their personalities and I'm sure he's helping keep De Girolamo grounded among the hype whilst telling him he'll get his chance next year after a good pre-season under his belt to get himself fully fit.

The lad himself knows there's work to be done in the summer and I think we'll see the rewards next year. I'm not saying he'll set the world alight, but I can see him being in and around the first team and getting a few appearances/goals under his belt as he builds his strength and confidence.

A very good observation daz ,everytime he gets brought up on here theres a few that seem to try there hardest to pull the lad down and make out like hes not a good player or because cloughy doesnt play him he cant be a good player,i cant understand it because hes one of ours, it really does beggars belief sometimes

 

[blader]

A very good observation daz ,everytime he gets brought up on here theres a few that seem to try there hardest to pull the lad down and make out like hes not a good player or because cloughy doesnt play him he cant be a good player,i cant understand it because hes one of ours, it really does beggars belief sometimes

Absolutely not. I have never once said he is untalented. My point is that he is not playing, and has never played under Clough even when fit. You seem to be behind every decision Clough makes except this one. That's why I get confused. Clough is clearly one for playing the youngsters, as we have already seen, so my question is: why has Diego never featured for Clough? Answer: We don't know, but we must assume it's because the other younger players are performing better. That's simple, it's how football works. Everyone bangs on about diego, yet there are players even younger than him making first team appearances. He must not be ready at this stage.

 

[bartman]

Right, welbeck, giggs, hernandez ,januzaj and valencia all on bench for man utd against everton on sunday does that mean they are clearly not good enough for man utd ?answer does it fuck ,thats just 1 example.
And this about the name is cobs wollop ive seen the lad play and he is a player no 2 ways about it end of ,mark my words.

Those players were on the bench which means the manager deemed they were good enough to be in the squad. MC has decided that DG isn't good enough to be in the squad at the moment (that was before he was injured a few weeks ago). But obviously these Diego lovers can't see that (and yes,if he was called Tom Smith their wouldn't be half as much interest)

There are people on this forum who have seen him play this season who have clearly said he isn't ready yet. Are they all wrong ?

It is time to calm the hype down about him and let NC decide if he is good enough. If he is good enough, that's great news but the fact the other youngsters have played for the 1st team this season ahead of him is surely an indication of either he hasn't fully recovered from his injury or NC isn't convinced yet.

 

[Linz]

A very good observation daz ,everytime he gets brought up on here theres a few that seem to try there hardest to pull the lad down and make out like hes not a good player or because cloughy doesnt play him he cant be a good player,i cant understand it because hes one of ours, it really does beggars belief sometimes

I haven't seen many people suggest that he isn't a good player. I have however, seen many people trying to temper the over-the-top hailing of the new messiah.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I haven't seen many people suggest that he isn't a good player. I have however, seen many people trying to temper the over-the-top hailing of the new messiah.

Indeed a good player (all those scouts from the PL and Italy aren't going to come for nowt) and has the potential to be far more than just good. The hype and stories would get to any 18 year old, understandable. The frustration of not getting first team games this year, less understandable if true. I'm sure the club, doctors and physios have been telling him about the severity of the injury he suffered and the rehabilitation time surrounding that, so if he is getting the mardy on because others are getting games and he isn't then he does need pulling into line. However, this all seems to be conjecture and people reading more into what Clough is saying than there is. Clough has been pretty clear for some time that as far as this season is concerned, Diego can concentrate on getting fit and playing low key games for the U21s and Italy. He's had a few niggling injuries along the way (secondaries are normal after a serious ACL tear like he had) which backs up the Clough stance.

Some are reading into this that Clough doesn't rate him, that Clough thinks he has an attitude problem. That might be true, but more likely Clough is taking a more long-term view of things than the player and more likely fans want to.

 

[JohnDenver]

We should remember that Ross Barclay was heralded as the next big thing three years ago. A broken leg set him back to the extent that he had to go to Barnsley South for a while in order to get his career moving again.

De Girolamo may not blossom for another year or two yet. Whether he does or not is down to him, as it seems SUFC has never been better set up to develop such talent. He'll need plenty of luck too.