Watching Brighton tonight, how could they not want O'Grady back?

[Woodwardfan]

What's going on?

 

[DSB-91]

He didn't impress there at all. They are awful though so you would have thought they'd want all the options they can get. Don't understand why they've let Mackail-Smith go to Posh either.

That Lee Gregory who scored for Millwall was in our academy.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Brighton is one of the best examples of a club overspending and then having to cut costs dramatically due to Championship FFP rules.

Dead cert for relegation.

Ipswich as well - lost £13M two years ago and £8M last year.

Perhaps our Piggy friend in charge at S6 is right that they are long £5M per year - seems small fry compared to the rest.

Now we all want to get up a division - some one (the Prince?) is going to have deep pockets just to stay there.

UTB

 

[Woodwardfan]

Brighton is one of the best examples of a club overspending and then having to cut costs dramatically due to Championship FFP rules.

Dead cert for relegation.

Ipswich as well - lost £13M two years ago and £8M last year.

Perhaps our Piggy friend in charge at S6 is right that they are long £5M per year - seems small fry compared to the rest.

Now we all want to get up a division - some one (the Prince?) is going to have deep pockets just to stay there.

UTB

That's why it is vital to put a squad together in league I that is capable of competing in the Championship, subject to a little "tweaking" as you call it Fulwood.

Looking at our current squad we certainly need game changers/ key players/ star players call them what you like. If we were to go up we would need two or three of those at least, plus a few others. I fear for us if we were to sneak up this season.

I listened to the Wednesday commentary the other day and they have a better calibre of player throughout their team. We have sunk to a depth way below Championship survival, never mind top 6.

 

[JohnDenver]

Don't understand why they've let Mackail-Smith go to Posh either.

If he was fit and firing he'd be exactly what we need. A perpetual motion centre forward with goals to spare.

Presume he's been injured for much of the last year or two?

 

[blade.i.am]

That's why it is vital to put a squad together in league I that is capable of competing in the Championship, subject to a little "tweaking" as you call it Fulwood.

Looking at our current squad we certainly need game changers/ key players/ star players call them what you like. If we were to go up we would need two or three of those at least, plus a few others. I fear for us if we were to sneak up this season.

I listened to the Wednesday commentary the other day and they have a better calibre of player throughout their team. We have sunk to a depth way below Championship survival, never mind top 6.

Unfortunately, Clough doesn't seem to like game changers/ key players/ star players. A sort of footballing communism if you will.

 

[wizadry]

Unfortunately, Clough doesn't seem to like game changers/ key players/ star players. A sort of footballing communism if you will.

Yes,if you don't work hard for the team you're out! Forget about quality,what's that?

It does make you wonder though why Higdon,who doesn't shift 'atm' gets no stick,yet McNulty who does run around quite a bit is getting all the stick under the sun of Cloughy.He does have some strange and confusing tendencies at times does our manager.

 

[Bladepicker]

Unfortunately, Clough doesn't seem to like game changers/ key players/ star players. A sort of footballing communism if you will.

Jamie Ward.
Kris Commons.
John Brayford.
Will Hughes.
Paul Coutts.
Jamie Murphy.

 

[wizadry]

Jamie Ward.
Kris Commons.
John Brayford.
Will Hughes.
Paul Coutts.
Jamie Murphy.

If we were to put a list up to back blade.i.am 's post up,it would far outweigh this post mate.I also think it's fair to say he didn't mean completely none,and it's very interesting that you only have one of our current players on your list.

 

[Bladepicker]

If we were to put a list up to back blade.i.am 's post up,it would far outweigh this post mate.I also think it's fair to say he didn't mean completely none,and it's very interesting that you only have one of our current players on your list.

Just because currently we are at a worse level than his Derby team so it was easier to highlight their star men. Though Wallace could easily be on there fully fit and JCR too along with Howard.

It is not that Clough doesn't give flair players or key pLayers a chance. He does everywhere he has been manager, in fact we play sone great football now and he loves a flashy winger. He just also likes them to have the right work ethic and team attitude.

To say he doesn't like star/key players is clearly a myth.

 

[Hartley Hare]

It is true. We seek promotion but need to lay the foundation to establish ourselves in league one.

HH

 

[BerksBlade]

Brighton seem to be in freefall. I reckon we'd beat them on current form.

 

[judge]

So O grady is now the new messiah then ?
Based on what exactly ?
Maybe Brighton got shut because he is never fit

 

[ThatJa]

Brighton is one of the best examples of a club overspending and then having to cut costs dramatically due to Championship FFP rules.

Dead cert for relegation.

Ipswich as well - lost £13M two years ago and £8M last year.

Perhaps our Piggy friend in charge at S6 is right that they are long £5M per year - seems small fry compared to the rest.

Now we all want to get up a division - some one (the Prince?) is going to have deep pockets just to stay there.

UTB

You do realise the FFP has now changed for Championship clubs? Its max of 39mill loss over 3 seasons.. Brighton will be now-where near losing 13mill + a season why does that make them guaranteed relegation contenders? They don't and havent "cut costs" we aren't paying O'Gradys full wage, and i highly doubt Peterborough are paying CMS full wages, on the flip side, they arent paying Darren Bents wages either.

The prince doesn't have to spend either, that put us in the sh** last time. Its proven that the gap between L1 and the Championship is small, Southampton, Norwich both went up successivly, from, and the previous promoted teams aren't doing bad, none of them have broke the bank to do so.

 

[grafikhaus]

Its proven that the gap between L1 and the Championship is small, Southampton, Norwich both went up successivly, from, and the previous promoted teams aren't doing bad, none of them have broke the bank to do so.

Teams like Southampton, Norwich (and Stoke) were, incredibly, in the Third Division not too long ago. I'm afraid they were the exception rather than the rule. Same with Wolves last season. All teams with recent 'top level' quality which they didn't completely demolish in the name of short-term expediency. Unlike us.

Same with Bournemouth - an incredibly good manager, able to buy quality like Kermogant, Wilson etc. Unlike these teams the gap between Div. One and the Championship is not small, it's massive for United. Simply limping over the line (as we would have done in 2012) just guarantees a speedy return from whence we came. Unfortunately, the present team is way behind that one of 2012...

 

[SwissBlade]

Unfortunately, Clough doesn't seem to like game changers/ key players/ star players. A sort of footballing communism if you will.

Very odd statement to make.... Perhaps you could back this up???

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

That's why it is vital to put a squad together in league I that is capable of competing in the Championship, subject to a little "tweaking" as you call it Fulwood.

Looking at our current squad we certainly need game changers/ key players/ star players call them what you like. If we were to go up we would need two or three of those at least, plus a few others. I fear for us if we were to sneak up this season.

I listened to the Wednesday commentary the other day and they have a better calibre of player throughout their team. We have sunk to a depth way below Championship survival, never mind top 6.

The step up from League 1 to the Championship and staying there is becoming harder every season due to finacial restrictions and parachute payments . It is becoming like the premiership ( 3no leagues in one).

The current Blades squad is just not quite there yet to get us out of league 1 , never mind survive in the premiership. We do need experienced ,quality , athletic loan players in January to help make the Blades ,solid and productive for the final push for promotion.

When we get promotion this season , the rebuilding for the Championship will begin . However Championship survival , stability ,will still not be good enough for some fans.

It is the first time for many ,many years we are getting the foundation / infrastructure of the club correct and heading in the right direction , which will pay dividends in the future.

Although it pains me to say , Stuart Grey at S6 also appears to be heading in the right direction , with financial control , calibre of playing staff , and top up loanees , in a strict structure of governance. The benchmark for me is still Bournemouth .

Mr Clough is heading us in the right direction , and today after previous results , the Fleetwood game becomes a focus , to the club and fans , of vital importance . Lose today and the knives will be out for Mr Clough yet again . Totally unfair , but this is the fanatical religion of football , we are all part of .

Good luck to Mr Clough and the team today.

UTB

 

[Esablade]

The step up from League 1 to the Championship and staying there is becoming harder every season due to finacial restrictions and parachute payments . It is becoming like the premiership ( 3no leagues in one).

The current Blades squad is just not quite there yet to get us out of league 1 , never mind survive in the premiership. We do need experienced ,quality , athletic loan players in January to help make the Blades ,solid and productive for the final push for promotion.

When we get promotion this season , the rebuilding for the Championship will begin . However Championship survival , stability ,will still not be good enough for some fans.

It is the first time for many ,many years we are getting the foundation / infrastructure of the club correct and heading in the right direction , which will pay dividends in the future.

Although it pains me to say , Stuart Grey at S6 also appears to be heading in the right direction , with financial control , calibre of playing staff , and top up loanees , in a strict structure of governance. The benchmark for me is still Bournemouth .

Mr Clough is heading us in the right direction , and today after previous results , the Fleetwood game becomes a focus , to the club and fans , of vital importance . Lose today and the knives will be out for Mr Clough yet again . Totally unfair , but this is the fanatical religion of football , we are all part of .

Good luck to Mr Clough and the team today.

UTB

..it's beginning to look like we need another run similar to last season's to be in with a shout of the top two.
Here's hoping, starting today!

UTB!

 

[OllyBlade]

The step up from League 1 to the Championship and staying there is becoming harder every season due to finacial restrictions and parachute payments . It is becoming like the premiership ( 3no leagues in one).

I'm not sure, the Bournemouth team that went up a few years ago were not great. They are now flying. They and Brentford show what can be achieved.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I'm not sure, the Bournemouth team that went up a few years ago were not great. They are now flying. They and Brentford show what can be achieved.

Forget the size of the football grounds , support base , but the Blades and Bournemouth have a lot in common. Bournemouth to me are the benchmark , on how to run and grow a successful football club . Mr Clough and Mr Howe have a lot in common on the philosophy of football , although , i do think Mr Howe is streets ahead in tactical awareness and infectious character / personality.

Both clubs are being run correctly in financial terms . The Blades will up the game with player recruitment in January. Lets hope Mr Clough has found is spiritual home , like Mr Howe has. We do require spiritual intervention sometimes.

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

Southampton, Norwich both went up successivly, from, and the previous promoted teams aren't doing bad, none of them have broke the bank to do so.

That's a case of misinformation and I'll tell you why. Saints had Oxlade-C and Lallana as youf and spent £1m on Lambert in that division. They didn't sell their best players and not replace them. They scored bags of goals (Barnard scored a hatful that season too) and won the JPT on the way.

In contrast we've spent £150k on Higdon - perhaps we can get Liverpool to buy him for £4m when we get into the Prem in a couple of years

 

[Fulwood Blade]

You do realise the FFP has now changed for Championship clubs? Its max of 39mill loss over 3 seasons.. Brighton will be now-where near losing 13mill + a season why does that make them guaranteed relegation contenders? They don't and havent "cut costs" we aren't paying O'Gradys full wage, and i highly doubt Peterborough are paying CMS full wages, on the flip side, they arent paying Darren Bents wages either.

The prince doesn't have to spend either, that put us in the sh** last time. Its proven that the gap between L1 and the Championship is small, Southampton, Norwich both went up successivly, from, and the previous promoted teams aren't doing bad, none of them have broke the bank to do so.

Yes I am aware of the new FFP rules and you should look at the following website - it's a good read.

http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk/

Brightons chairman has in effect tried to bankroll a double promotion push and the club has overspent accordingly. He fully accepted this 3 years ago and has made stringent cuts so that 2 years ago they only lost £15m. This is probably why Poyet was "eased" out as promises were broken on signings. Ulloa has eased the situation but by replacing with inferior players such as COG, they are now on the slippery slope which is exactly the position we were in under Adams.

My opinion on Brighton going down, is based on that slippery slope - they cannot spend in January and are reverting now to quick, inexpensive fixes such as loans that rarely happens once you are on the pole. Do I actually hope they go down? - yes, yet another example of how football clubs are spending stupid money - FFP is the best thing brought in and will hopefully stop the fantasy world that football clubs and fans live in (we have numerous on here)

It is also interesting to note that Brighton's chairman opposed the new FFP rules as he has made all sorts of sacrifices to meet the old rules - quite typical of football to move the goalposts.

UTB

 

[wizadry]

Very odd statement to make.... Perhaps you could back this up???

McNulty is a prime example.He gets a lot of goals for a Blades striker,never gets a sustained run of games,gets told to work harder,yet i remember quite a few occasions where he has worked back to help the team out and one of them occasions were against Bradford,where i was sat no less than 10 yards away,he'd chased all the way back,gave a free kick away and got a right bollocking off Clough.There was no need to bollock him as we won and it can't be good for the lads confidence.

Now Higdon,who doesn't do any chasing back,who certainly needs to work harder never gets a bad word said against him of Cloughy.Do you not think it's strange that Clough only bollocks certain players,and they always seem to be the ones who are doing something to help the team,i.e JCR and McNulty,i'd love to see the yards covered by JCR on a pitch,not all good ones i may add but he's one of the few players we have who will actually run at players and try to make things happen.

No need to bollock them,footballers are fragile with confidence as it is without Cloughy berating them in public.

 

[wizadry]

Just because currently we are at a worse level than his Derby team so it was easier to highlight their star men. Though Wallace could easily be on there fully fit and JCR too along with Howard.

It is not that Clough doesn't give flair players or key pLayers a chance. He does everywhere he has been manager, in fact we play sone great football now and he loves a flashy winger. He just also likes them to have the right work ethic and team attitude.

To say he doesn't like star/key players is clearly a myth.

I think if we rephrase it to Clough is more interested in work ethic and attitude rather than the other sides of the game you've mentioned,it would be more accurate

 

[sitwell]

Unfortunately, Clough doesn't seem to like game changers/ key players/ star players. A sort of footballing communism if you will.

Really ?

 

[metty]

McNulty is a prime example.He gets a lot of goals for a Blades striker,never gets a sustained run of games,gets told to work harder,yet i remember quite a few occasions where he has worked back to help the team out and one of them occasions were against Bradford,where i was sat no less than 10 yards away,he'd chased all the way back,gave a free kick away and got a right bollocking off Clough.There was no need to bollock him as we won and it can't be good for the lads confidence.

Now Higdon,who doesn't do any chasing back,who certainly needs to work harder never gets a bad word said against him of Cloughy.Do you not think it's strange that Clough only bollocks certain players,and they always seem to be the ones who are doing something to help the team,i.e JCR and McNulty,i'd love to see the yards covered by JCR on a pitch,not all good ones i may add but he's one of the few players we have who will actually run at players and try to make things happen.

No need to bollock them,footballers are fragile with confidence as it is without Cloughy berating them in public.

Have you listened to NC's latest interview on Audioboom? He explains where he is with McNuts and how highly he rates him.

 

[blade too long]

Sammi Hypia , hasnt got a clue

 

[wizadry]

Have you listened to NC's latest interview on Audioboom? He explains where he is with McNuts and how highly he rates him.

No i haven't heard it mate.He has a funny way of showing how highly he rates him though wouldn't you say?

 

[Fulwood Blade]

No i haven't heard it mate.He has a funny way of showing how highly he rates him though wouldn't you say?

Clough does indeed have a strange way with Mcnuts - I half expected 2 up ytop today (after Higdon and Mcnuts in 2nd half v Plymouth) but would never have thought it would be Higdon and COG.

Find it very strange - obviously a v good two footed striker, is probably the only "proper" striker we have and scores goals on a regular (ish) way.

Clough certainly has his foibles.

UTB

 

[wizadry]

Clough does indeed have a strange way with Mcnuts - I half expected 2 up ytop today (after Higdon and Mcnuts in 2nd half v Plymouth) but would never have thought it would be Higdon and COG.

Find it very strange - obviously a v good two footed striker, is probably the only "proper" striker we have and scores goals on a regular (ish) way.

Clough certainly has his foibles.

UTB

I have to admit that Cloughy is sending me bonkers not starting McNulty more often,we all know it's bonkers as it is being a blade without Cloughy making it worse