United season review and school report part 4 -midfield

[Deadbat]

Midfielders

Michael Doyle Often maligned, Doyle for me was one of our most consistent players this season. He had a difficult spell to start that mirrored much of the side and became the brunt of many fans frustrations (the truth was hardly anyone was performing in a strange system/tactical approach). For all the criticism he gets, manager keeps picking him so must be doing something right (although the counter argument may me most of our managers have been useless as we slide down the leagues!). One of the few constants all season and rarely was out of the team with McGinn and Coady the two often rotated alongside him and latterly Scougall when we went with a three in there.

His early performances were mixed and at times he got a lot of flak (maybe many others - some of the newer players who did not shine deserved more) but steadily he got better and became a key man as the resurgence took place. Continued to sit in front of the back four and break up play/make tackles and act as the spoiler but also his passing was underrated. The so called ball player McGinn alongside him was far more careless with the ball than Doyle. Also got a few goals showing he could hit a ball from range and maybe does not do this enough.



When he got sent off against Fulham it was interesting that he was not given the same treatment as Brandy and showed what Clough thought of him as he came back in almost straight away. A big part of the run when he put in 7.5 and 8/10 most weeks and I felt was one of standout players keeping to his standards most weeks when others often had some good games and then some off games or were rotated in and out of the team.



Often questions mark arose over his leadership and some were valid as he often barked at players or criticised rather than talking or cajoling and you rarely saw him leading in terms of gathering the players or even the spoken word on the field (although this is hard to know for sure). This side of his game got better under Clough as the team became more together and I felt he was rallying the troops in a productive way and there were some sense to his radio interviews (said a lot of rubbish in previous years without backing it up). His interview to Radio Sheffield where he was crying almost summed up that he did care and maybe finally changed some fans opinions of him.


Overall, he is not great and for a side looking for promotion, is he good enough? Yes and no. If you surround him with the right players in front of him and behind he can be fine and is effective at what he does. He probably would start for nearly every other team. The issue we have is with so many small players you would like bigger, more physical presence, especially in the sitting, holding midfielder type but that is nit picking. As others have alluded to I like the lad at Brentford who seemed to have lost his way a bit; Diagouraga (loaned to Pompey but came back and did well against us and always impresses) and he would be an excellent signing to provide completion here. I expect Doyle will be one of the first names on the team sheets as priorities are elsewhere and he is in a similar situation to Collins in this regard.



Like Collins, in an ideal world, he will be part of the side/quad next season as we go up and then as callous as it seems he will leave when his contract is up as we seek faster, more mobile and generally better players who could thrive at the second tier.

Grade B-

Kevin McDonald Still gets a lot of criticism when he is discussed but to my mind was a huge loss when he left (look at the results/performance after he went - know it was not all down to him). Sure, he did not score many or actually directly set up many. He went missing in some of the big games and has been drifting around quite a bit since promise shown at Burnley when he was young BUT he was still the best technical midfielder we have had for many years. His touch, control and range of passing was excellent and he made us tick in many games. He could have done more and at times seemed very weak for his size and never seemed much of a team player (almost never celebrated goals with his colleagues) but I enjoyed watching him and felt he was one of the key men as we made the playoffs two years running. He began very well against Notts County but then had an indifferent game in the cup but Weir felt he would be the man to build around (unwisely if he knew of the contract situation). No one will know if United could have done more to keep him (should they have put clause in - did they have a choice and/or could they have offered him more to stay?) and I am not sure anyone could blame him going if he got more money and playing for a better team (eventual champions). Yes Scougall and Baxter did ok but are different players. If McDonald had been at the club all season would we have done better and hot more results/goals; particularly the early spell? Think the answer is unequivocally yes to these questions.

He was by many reports one of Wolves best players throughout season and won some of the player of the season awards. At the Lane he may not have been brilliant but he kick started many of their attacks and I felt helped them control the game. Unsure if he will ever be a top, top player but should be comfortable in the league above. He seems to be adding goals/assists more and if he can be more consistent and develop a toughness to his game still could go on and be a top end Championship player at the least. Hopefully if we get players of his ilk in the future we will be in a better position to keep with new finances and management team.

Grade B-

Connor Coady Came from Liverpool with a decent reputation as he captained England u20's and had been a stand out in the reserves but was now 20 and not close to the first team. I saw him against York and then Notts County (brief cameo) and he looked very good, got on the ball and showed he could get up and down. After this as the team struggled he was in and out of the team and ended up often playing more wide which did not suit him as he lacks strength or pace. The whole side struggled and he looked a bit lost and lacking confidence. I think I even wrote at the time he was no better than some of the youngsters we had (McFadzean, Whitehouse etc) which now looks foolish in hindsight. He kept working hard and like with most, when Clough came in his standards improved. As the new formation settled down he just grew and got better and better. He had a spell around the winning run where he was exceptional and I recall games against Forest and Peterborough where he was very good, getting on the ball, making good runs and playing good passes or having shots on goal. He seemed to be getting physically stronger and more confident in everything he did and his fitness levels improved too. He became a key man as he played in the 5 but often alternated with Scougall and/or Baxter in the ones who moved forward/back and the new formation seemed to suit him as he could be more flexible. He had a so-so game in the semi final and a few injuries saw him have a stop-start end to the season but he had been a big part of the improvements of the whole side.




Refreshing to see a midfielder who wanted to get beyond the strikers and make good runs. He got into the box and was quite a decent finisher when he got there. He scored 6 goals and probably could have had more (maybe matches former Blade Peter Hetherston for his ability to somehow hit the post/bar in games).


Would like to see him back as feel he is getting better and better. He knows his own game more now and what he can do and cannot do and believe he would stand out at this level next season. Will he return? I think he would if he had a choice and unsure if Liverpool would have him in a 25 man squad especially with incoming players if they win the league and then have Champions League football too. If I was Liverpool you would be delighted with what United have done with him as he plays every week almost and is improving but you would want to see him do it at a higher level too and I think they will explore if Championship teams may take him. That is what I would do even though that is no good for United. If they did they could then take him back if he does it there or move him on (still entitled to a fee for him as he is under 24) at the end of his contract next season. Be great if we could get him for another season loan or bettering this buy him (he is 21 now so will Liverpool think he will ever be quite enough for them?).

Grade B-

Ryan Flynn I have been accused of having a real blind spot when it comes to my analysis of Flynn but I believe I have always tried to be fair. Up to this season he had shown some flashes and always put a shift in for the side. He always looked a decent finisher and scored some vital goals and made some with good passes/crosses. However, I felt he was weak, quite slow and often games drifted him by. I felt he was one of players who summed up the state of the club. Did their best but ultimately no real huge positives and the sort of player why we were at the level we were. That may sound harsh but I felt was true. He always gave 100% though and could not question the job he did for the team but for a winger I needed more out of him in terms of threat and/or penetration. This season for the first half it was much of the same with some decent showings mixed in with a lot more average-poor ones (with the rest of the side).




When Clough came things changed. Some will say to critique me he had done some of the things under Clough but even those will admit he did not do it anywhere near consistently enough. He suddenly started to become a major attacking threat. He still did the hard work and the defensive stuff but things we had only seen in flashes came to the fore. He almost became quick and strong overnight (sounds off but others I sit with have said the same) and we saw some lung bursting 40 or 50 yard runs where he went past men for speed and strength. It was bizarre but in a good way. His performance at Villa was superb with a great winner (maybe the moment of the season for me) and he had numerous other good games as we moved up the league. He became one of our key men and some teams started to double up on him. He has always been a good finisher (his chance to goal ratio must be exceptionally high) and the goal v Charlton proved this as it was not an easy finish by any stretch. His performance in the semi was decent as he got up and down, contributed to a goal and looked a player who could cause defenders problems. Became a fan favourite and to me suddenly started to 'get it' in terms of what a winger needed to do (eg not come inside but go at defenders a lot of the time and turn them the other way - get crosses in and make things happen allied to the defensive/hard work he puts in). Teamed up great with Brayford as we caused teams so many problems down our right hand side. It was notable when Brayford was out that his threat did lessen and something to look out for and consider if/when Brayford goes back.


Great to have him back resigned on a longer deal but he must show what he has in the second half from the start of next season. He needs to prove he was not doing it just for a contract or to impress the new manager and it is vital his performances do not tail off. That is why it would be good to have a Brandy (see section for explanation) or someone of that ilk to pressure him and Murphy if they do not perform.

Grade B-

 

[Deadbat]

Jamie Murphy For much of Murphy, see Flynn. I would even go as far to say at least Flynn had shown some decent games; Murphy had been a major disappointment after being seen as quite a coup when we signed him. He looked weak, slow and generally disinterested. He looked out of his depth even at League One level. I was all for sending him back. He seemed to lack the hunger and heart but also lacked ability to me with a poor touch, lack of goal threat and inability to beat his man. As the season started he was once again in and out of the side and never really pressed his claim to start despite a struggling side. I recall seeing him in an under 21 game against Forest and he was even poor in that and I felt sure he would move on in January.

When Clough came, he admitted Murphy had been quiet and not really impressed him initially and certainly did not stand out. Gradually he managed to force his way in and Clough said he saw something he liked. Played well as a sub v Cambridge with a good goal scored and then was excellent at Villa. This continued with some really good games and started to show positive running, some pace which we had not seen before and real desire to drive at his man. He became a huge threat and was maybe our best attacking player from Xmas onwards. Scored goals, made goals and caused all sorts of problems and looked a different player. Showed abilities with both feet and often just dropped the shoulder and went past men. Was brilliant in the game against Forest and made the two vital late goals. He was the player teams started doubling up on and realised he was the main threat. Had some superb games and was a joy to watch with quick feet, close control and more that running with the ball and turning defender the other way. Crowd were actually excited when he got it and drove into the heart of the opposition which you would have never thought possible when he had played earlier in the season or the back end of last. Hugely influential in the games against Charlton and also at Wembley. Even as the season petered out he continued to weigh in with assists and goals in the closing weeks.

He went from a player seemingly on the way out (rumoured to be going to Hibs - Butcher was interested) to someone who now you were concerned bigger clubs may come for him (I compared him with the lad Patterson at Forest who did well at a similar level for Walsall and has gone on and done it at Championship and Murphy could certainly do that. Crucial we keep him and surround better attacking threats that can thrive off his service and also not just double up on them.

Big credit to him for turning his fortunes around and becoming a key player when he could have just gone back to Scotland for a comfortable life but he has knuckled down and got the rewards.

Grade B

Stephen McGinn Had been seen as a decent passer of the ball and had played a lot of games in 2010/11 for Watford but a bad injury and managerial changes saw him loaned out to Shrewsbury where he did quite well. He was signed probably before Weir came in (although announced after) and seen to give us some good completion in midfield. He started the season alongside Doyle with McDonald just in front and might have been our best player versus Notts County as he was involved in both goals and gave a solid performance where he hardly wasted a ball.

Made some bad errors in the next league game against Brentford and then seemed to be blamed somewhat and disappeared from the starting eleven for a while even when McDonald left (I said unfairly at the time). After this his season was really stop start although he did come back when Morgan came in and played well for a few games. When Clough came back in he was in and out although had some decent games and contributed to some of the wins. I did feel when he played we dropped off a bit (usually due to an injury or Clough rotating the squad) and looked one of the weak links. His passing and set play that he had shown originally kind of disappeared.


He started 30 league games in the end but he never was quite seen as first choice and although he did a decent job by the end of the season it was hard to pin point what he offered. He is not awful by any stretch but is quite weak, not a tackler, not good in the air, nor very quick. He does not score goals - not scored one and had some woeful efforts and not even come that close which is really poor for a midfielder of any note. I could cope with all those things if he was the technician he had been made out to be but he was not really. After the first few games he either did not take set plays or was quite wasteful. His passing was poor a lot of the time and he only often went short and still telegraphed many balls. Also he never seemed to be able to last full games and often went off well before the end when he did start and is not the sort you could bring on as an impact player due to above aforementioned weaknesses.


Don't get me wrong he is a useful squad player and had some decent games (Rotherham at home played well and others where he was steady enough) but with some good youngsters coming through in this area of the field, not sure what he can really offer long term other than covering for a few injuries here and there and surely some of the youngsters can do that? I don't see him being close to being a started if Coady stays. If Coady goes, you would look to reinforce in that area anyway.


He is 25 so not sure he will improve now and the fact he struggled to be a regular for us when we spent most of the season at the wrong end of the division; suggests he is not quite good enough. Would you want him playing regularly for a side going for promotion? I don't think you would. If they can find a taker (with another year left on his contract) I would move him on. We need pace, power and size to compliment some of skilled players we do have and he does not really offer any of the qualities you need in a side serious about going up.

Grade D+

Stephan Scougall I have to admit I have never heard of him when he was linked with United after Xmas. He had apparently been close to joining Peterborough and had a few other teams South of the Border interested but it seemed Clough was an admirer. Not long after the rumours Clough confirmed it and it was a done deal. He was said to be one more for next season and youtube clips (although not always an accurate assessment) showed a very small and slight player that non the less could dribble and had good control and an eye for a goal.

It was a surprise when he was put straight on the bench when we played Fulham but he came on and was instantly very impressive. His excellent first touch, his low centre of gravity and an ability to run with ball all stood out. For such a small player he seemed quite tough and got stuck in and did not fear contact. He was excellent and looked a real find even with just half an hour under his belt. He played at Crewe and was less impressive by all accounts but then did well in the replay at Craven Cottage before scoring against Shrewsbury with a long range strike. He again excelled against Forest and suddenly was a regular.

It seemed the next season prediction was way off as he was becoming part of the resurgence and very much a player for the here and now. Scored a lovely goal to win at MK Dons and played just in the hole causing real problems. He seemed to drift into good areas and defenders did not know how or when to pick him up. Scored a lovely goal at Wembley and seems very determined to make it down here. He has had an excellent start in such a little period.

Of course there are things he needs to work on. Mostly it is his consistency to play as well from the start to the end and put in a series of good performance not say 1 in 2. He needs to get involved more and not let the games pass him by as they did on occasions. Also, at times some of his runs petered out and he does need to add an end product at times un terms of finish or final ball. Also needs more strength because as game as he is for the physical battle; he still can get muscled out at times. There is definitely some real raw potential with continued development and coaching he could be a key player for years to come. Still not totally sure on his position although the formation we played suited him drifting between the midfield and a lone striker. He will have to contribute more in the last third if he plays that position and ensure he does not fade in games as sometimes he did. When he gets a full season and adjusts to the English leagues more, I think he can get better. You can help players become stronger and fitter but it is harder to teach natural ability and close control. These are qualities he definitely has. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that we have not quite had a player like him for some time. He offers something different and I mean that in a positive way.

Grade B-

Calllum McFadzean
McFadzean had broken into the team at the end of the previous campaign and scored in the first leg of the playoffs against Yeovil. He seemed set to be part of the side or at least the first team squad moving forward and seemed to have learned from the mistakes his brother Kyle had made in not knuckling down. He was on the bench for the opener but then was not great when we played Burton but was involved from the start v Colchester and Bradford.

He did not exactly impress but the whole side were not great. He was not playing in an orthodox side position and ended up more inside. He then went back to the bench before disappearing from the squad completely. News broke of him being involved in some less than savoury incident out in Sheffield at night and he was in court in November. He ended up admitting to head butting and hitting two different women and was fortunate perhaps to only get a 12 month supervised community order. He ended up on loan at Chesterfield but was poor there and never a regular before coming back. He had a start against Peterborough as Clough rested one or two but went off injured. He then headed on loan again to another League Two promotion contender Burton. He scored here and at least was able to play. His career is at a crossroads now. He still has time left on his contract I believe but unsure there is a future for him at the Lane unless he knuckles down and comes back and really impresses Clough in pre season.

Grade E-

 

[Deadbat]

Febian Brandy I am sure I speak for most when I say I was pleased when we signed him. Despite him losing his way after being a kid at Man Utd; he had done really well at Walsall and was one of their key players as they competed for the playoffs. He seemed the right sort of age (24 when we signed him) and had pace and power that we had not seen the previous season. He seemed to weigh in with the odd goal but had ripped us apart in the draw at the Bescot only a few months previously. However not much went right for Brandy.

Much of this analysis sadly will be very negative but he will not quite get the damnation that many may expect. Yes, he was a major disappointment, petulant and in reality offered little and was rightly (again was not sure at the time) bombed out by Clough. However many forget he was one of our only few stand out players in the opening to the season and did have some good games (a few with lower grades did not even do that). It is just that we expected so much more but got to little from him overall.

He was excellent against Notts County and was one of our main threats in some of the other opening games without an end product (least he looked likely). Then he was out of the side as Weir rotated players in a desperate attempt to find answers. He often flattered to deceive in terms of end product and spent more time on the floor and certainly wound up opposition fans due to his liking to hit the deck shall we say. He ended up coming on v MK Dons and he missed an open goal and then got sent off for a stupid kick out in his frustration as we lost the game. It would have been interesting to see what happened if he had scored that and we won; both to him and Weir. It was probably the start of the end of his United career really (or could be). He came back in after his ban but his form was mixed with some pace and dribbling but often little end product. He did play well against Port Vale I recall and was a real danger man.

He then picked up an injury before Clough took over so missed his first game and then came on and was again stupidly sent off at Shrewsbury. After this he was criticised heavily by Clough and it seemed he had not exactly impressed with his attitude around the club since the new manager came in. He was around the bench a few times after his second, even longer ban but only came on twice. His final game was at former club Walsall before being unused at Villa and Notts County; a game where despite his previous indiscretions, I was imploring him to be given a chance as we were so slow and insipid.

It is clear Clough did not fancy him and you cannot blame him. He had given him a chance early on and he blew it. The fact he moved him out quite quickly summed up what he felt and also was an example to others who maybe did not toe the line. We had a wafer thin squad but Clough was more bothered about team spirit, work ethic and togetherness and Brandy did not seem to fit these ideals from looking in on the outside. He went back to Walsall and being a big fish in a small pond seemed to suit him as he scored a hat trick back at Meadow Lane and did quite well in his early games. Reports suggests his form has tailed off and he was in the paper saying he wants his future sorting out. I have to be honest unless he was misquoted then it was not the words of a man I want playing for my club.

There was none of the ’I’ll fight for my place or ‘I want to make it work there as I failed so far.’ It is almost as if he blames others for him simply not doing it. Despite all this I do feel at this level he offers something we do not have and in an ideal world he would say the above, come back with a different attitude and really have a go (like Murphy and Flynn have). He has flattered to deceive but has pace, can run and shown at Walsall can be somewhat of a threat. Still, I am happy with whatever Clough decides. He got it right first time with him as results bear out. If Clough can find another quick wide man to compliment the others we have then that is fine. Equally we won’t get any money for him and I am not sure he will leave his contract as he will be on better wages at the Lane than Walsall or wherever else he goes. Depends how much of a bad influence he is or if he does come back and actually fight for his place. My gut feeling is Clough will move him on as he does not want his work being undermined by potential (say potential as we do not know) ‘bad eggs.’

Grade E


Ben Davies Davies came in from Derby after a career where he had bounced around most of the lower leagues playing in recent times for Shrewsbury, Notts County (scored 16 goals in their title side in League Two and was in the PFA team of the year) and then Derby. He never fully established himself as a regular started at Derby and in 3 seasons only played around 70 times but injuries did not help. He had barely played for County this season and even less so when Clough left. Seeing him as a good utility man for the run in, Clough was proved right. He played at left back, right back, central midfield and both wide positions. He was a real steady eddy and never really let us down.

Lacking pace and maybe fitness (had not played much of course) he was decent on the ball and struck an excellent dead ball as evidenced with a beauty of a free kick Beckham would have been proud of against Peterbrough. He also scored a vital spot kick in the win against Rotherham. He was in and out of the team and did not play in the big cup games but never moaned and just did what was asked of him. Seemed a real pro and much like Matt Hill, the sort every club needs. Not someone who will turn games or maybe play every week due to aforementioned speed/stamina issues but he is someone what is an asset. For that reason would have no issue if Clough gives him say a 1 year deal. He is out of contract at Derby and I think I would be surprised if he does not return next season.

Grade C


Florent Cuvelier Got to be honest for all the hammer Brandy gets (and rightly so for his red cards etc), at least he showed something in some games. This lad in limited games to me looked really poor. People harped on about what he had done on loan spells for Walsall and Pompey or clips on Youtube but in the 6 games he played (granted not much) he did not impress. He looked weak, did not get on the ball and games just went by without him touching it. We picked up one point in the games he started and I recall going to Carlisle and not even knowing he was playing until about 80th minute when he hit a weak long range shot.

I had heard he was creative and a clever player but we saw none of this. He looked like he did not want to battle for the ball and simply did not impose himself. Often Doyle was having to cover for him and do his job as he did not get back or track runners defensively.

Attacking wise I cannot recall him making any chances or having any decent efforts on goal. As we struggled he was taken out of team before Clough came in and never got back in. Did not seem to impress the new man and was on the bench for a long period and had a few knocks too which did not help. He had a few appearances from the bench but was not great when he did come on. Recall him giving it away for a goal against Tranmere and he was not used after this. He left for a loan spell at Port Vale but picked up a serious cruciate ligament injury not long after and is now out till around Xmas time. A player that was seen to be the right sort of signing (good reputation at Stoke) but struggled in a side that was losing. Not sure how he fits with the players we now have and will find it tough to get back in but is still young (21) and contracted to us for another 2 years so plenty of time to show his qualities, if he has them, to Clough. Despite his less than impressive start and now his unfortunate injury, I hope he can turn it around when he is fit but he will have to show a real graft and application (not sure we saw that) when we have players like Baxter, Murphy, Flynn and Scougall clearly ahead of him.

Grade E

Simon Lappin Lappin was a player that Weir signed just before he left. He began with a bit of a mare at left back against Crawley and not better in the nightmare against Hartlepool. As Clough came in you feared he may not be used and would go back to Cardiff where it seemed astonishing he was part of a Premier League squad. However he stuck around and Clough quite liked his versatility. He played wide left as a defensive midfielder who gave us some solidity and also left back. He was not a regular and spent more time on the bench. The game at Bristol where he just did a solid defensive job in front of Aidy White summed up what he could do well but he did not offer that much going the other way. He was not a fast player not much a dribbler. He was supposed to be decent on the ball but never convinced me. However he did a variety of jobs and was an ideal sort of player as Clough tried to make us hard to beat rather than a team going all out for goals. He went back to Cardiff after Xmas. There was talk of him maybe coming back but this never happened. Has not had a look in at Cardiff and I am sure he will move on this summer but don’t think we will look at him.

Grade D


Ryan Hall Hall was signed the same time as Marlon King and was pitched in straight away against Preston. He did not do bad in this game with some strong runs and positive dribbles which is something we had not seen from most of the team. This was as good as it got. He played unimpressively against Wolves and Crawley and then was on the bench; briefly doing ok as a sub in Morgan’s game at Coventry but it was not long went back. This was not long before he tweeted a ridiculous comment about not being worried he was not playing as he was getting paid. He was disciplined by his parent club Leeds (we assume for this) and soon after released. He seemed another with a very questionable attitude and someone we could do without as we were in enough of a mess as it was. We needed everyone fighting together but he seemed disinterested. He ended up at non league Bromley in quite a fall from grace but Karl Robinson gave him another go at injury stricken MK Dons and he has played quite a bit for them since he went there. Clearly had some talent from his days where he impressed at Southend but needs to get it together as he is now 26 and not a kid anymore.

Grade E

Connor Dimaio Despite being born in Chesterfield, he has Irish roots and has been involved in the Irish youth sides up to under 19 level. He had been in and around the development side and had been a regular at Academy level but was not really mentioned under Weir. When Clough came in, it seemed he had shown some impressive performances and soon he was training with the first team squad along with De Girolamo, Calvert Lewin, Khan and Reed. He was on the bench for a few games but maybe seemed the lesser known of all of them but Clough saw something he liked in this lad. He actually by passed the lot and after coming on briefly at Crawley, he started against Rotherham. In this game he was excellent and did not freeze. He was composed on the ball, kept it simple and looked at home. He got a standing ovation and a big hug from Clough and then was starting again when we played at Tranmere and again did ok.

He is not that quick but isn’t small like a lot of the other young kids and has a bit more of a physique on him. He does not look like he will get forward and get many goals from what I have seen nor does he look the sort of ling bursting player. However he could develop these things and he is a good passer, possesses a decent touch and seems to have good awareness of what is around him and takes care of the football. Showed a good range of passing short and long in the Rotherham game. The fact Clough rates him and has pushed him forward must give him desire to have a strong summer and pre season and make himself a regular part of the first team squad.

Grade B-

 

[Deadbat]

The rest

Elliott Whitehouse Whitehouse was seen as one of the more talented players in the Youth Cup side of a few years ago that made the final but a series of injuries held him back. He began the season involved in a few pre season games and did ok with neat passing and sensible play and was on the bench a few times under Weir. He never really got involved properly with the first team though and ended up going out on loan to York for a period and did quite well. He came back at Xmas but then no nearer to our first team ended up on loan at Alfreton around March time. He is one that has not really progressed. He lacks pace and maybe does not do anything outstandingly well. Maybe he may get picked up by a League Two or a Conference side but sadly time seems to have run out on his United career as 3 or 4 managers have not seen enough to consider him. Out of contract and won’t be back I am quite certain.

Otis Khan Khan has been playing quite a bit for the u21 side and seemed to be one that caught the eye with his pace and eye for a goal. He had a further rich vein of form with a number of goals in a few weeks that saw Clough get him in the 1st team squad. He made the bench 5 times and then came on briefly at Crawley before having more time against Rotherham. He impressed in this short stint down the left hand side running at his man and winning a series of free kicks. Hopefully he can push on and keep developing.

Dominic Calvert Lewin was one of the first youngsters Clough got involved as he watched the Youth games (particularly the Youth Cup – got a hat trick in one of these games). He was surprisingly put on the bench at Villa and although did not come on was in and around the first team squads for a while and impressed for the u21’s. He looked to have a decent, physique and size for his size and many who saw him at the younger levels enthused about his natural talent. He got a few knocks towards the end of the season or he may have featured like some of his colleagues.

Louis Reed had been spoken about as a decent prospect even at the back end of last season when he was only 15 and was impressing for the academy sides. He came on at York in pre season so was clearly being pushed through due to his ability. When Clough came he also must have been impressed and was involved in a few match day squads and then made the bench and came on against Rotherham. Of course he is tiny and frail in physique but is only 16 and may grow/fill out more and clearly is seen as a very good footballer who has vision and can pass. He did ok on debut as it must have been daunting being United’s youngest ever player and is another we hope can push on and we may see more of.

Ben Whiteman and Joel Coustrain were both given pro deals with Reed, Khan and Calvert Lewin but I cannot profess to know much about them; Whiteman is a central midfielder (another I believe) and Coustrain a wide man. They will hope to see the progress of their colleagues as a sign they can get chances if they progress and develop. The lad Jamie McDonagah has been out injured but also is highly thought of and got back playing and will be one to keep an eye on. Also the pacy CJ Hamilton has impressed in some of the Academy and U21 games.


Next season

This is the most stable part of the side; at least contractually. Doyle will likely start next season and hopefully Coady can return alongside him. If he does not we need another player here. In an ideal world we would sign another here anywhere as my doubts about McGinn above means we are still a little lightweight and need some power and height. However, maybe Dimaio can keep progressing and some of the other youngsters can push on.

We have a plethora of young talent with Dimaio, Reed, Calvert Lewin, Khan and others pushing though and even if one can get in and play a series of game and who knows hold down a regular place then it is a real bonus. It means the players we have with most of them picking themselves have some real completion and have to keep playing well to maintain their places.

If Clough keeps the same formation then I feel Scougall and Baxter will compete for that most forward midfield player although Baxter may play as an orthodox withdrawn striker if we go 2 up top. With so many games it would be good to get a really good striker (or two) and let those two fight for the spot behind him or them and maybe even rotated depending on form/fitness and opponents.

The wide men seem set if Flynn comes back with him and Murphy almost certain to start. I do feel though we have no real completion (Khan still very young as are others) and if Brandy could add that completion (if he comes back with right attitude) or another player can be added with genuine pace then it would help.

Player / Position Years remaining (contract expires)


Midfielders

Elliott Whitehouse Out of contract (2014)
Michael Doyle 1 year (2015)
Febian Brandy 1 year (2015)
Jamie Murphy 1 year (2015)
Callum McFadzean 1 year (2015)
Ryan Flynn 2 years (2016)
Florent Cuvelier 2 years (2016)
Louis Reed 2 years (2016)
Dominic Calvert Lewin 2 years (2016)
Connor Dimaio 2 years (2016)
Stephan Scougall 3 years (2017)

Connor Coady Loan signing – returns to parent club Liverpool
Ben Davies Loan signing – returns to parent club Derby

 

[true99blade]

Murphy was given a 3 and a half year contract under Wilson. His contract runs out in 2016.

 

[Deadbat]

Thought it was 2015 - but stand to be corrected.

 

[wizadry]

Thought it was 2015 - but stand to be corrected.

Come on deadbat,don't let the standards drop after all this time and effort

 

[Rodders]

Great reports as ever Deadbat; just to nit-pick (you know where this is going don't you ) - it seems a little off to give a rejuvinated Flynn the same mark as a bloke who only played 2/3 games (McDonald).
B+ for Flynn and C for McDonald I would say in my opinion.

 

[Deadbat]

Totally agree Rodders if I had been doing it over contribution but had to do it on games played - see start of part 1 when I tried to explain

So if one player had one league game (McDonald) and played well not sure how I can grade him a C?

He did well in the one game he played - less so in cup match

So Dimaio got a good mark in same respect.

As I say if did it on contribution etc or even on him buggering off, he would score much lower but it was about how they had played really!