Well fancy that .

[SandyMcBlade]

The difference between the way Done played the lone striker role when asked and the way Mcnulty played the same role when he came on was a real eye opener .
There has been quite a lot said by some of the way Nigel has criticized McNulty for not playing this role properly, so I'm just wondering after watching that last night how many of those knockers are willing to admit he was right ?.
I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? could the answer possibly be that we have but with out the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

 

[finlaytheblade]

The difference between the way Done played the lone striker role when asked and the way Mcnulty played the same role when he came on was a real eye opener .
There has been quite a lot said by some of the way Nigel has criticized McNulty for not playing this role properly, so I'm just wondering after watching that last night how many of those knockers are willing to admit he was right ?.
I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? could the answer possibly be that we have but with out the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

too true sandy with out those three last night we would have lost as the rest played like nervous kittens they added all the qualities we have been lacking i was really excited with how coutts and done played brayford was as he was last season full of
energy and drive which will rub off on others thats why clough was willing to pay big money for him,he,s a players player.

 

[alcoblade]

The difference between the way Done played the lone striker role when asked and the way Mcnulty played the same role when he came on was a real eye opener .
There has been quite a lot said by some of the way Nigel has criticized McNulty for not playing this role properly, so I'm just wondering after watching that last night how many of those knockers are willing to admit he was right ?.
I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? could the answer possibly be that we have but with out the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

I think a fair bit of the criticism of Clough has come from his inability to get the best out of what he has, by having some flexibility in systems / style.

If you got your club relegated because none of the players could play the system you were determined to impose, you would not expect a queue of people waiting to tell you that you were right all along.

It's about winning matches, not being proved right, or trying to fit square pegs into round holes.

UTB

 

[SandyMcBlade]

I think a fair bit of the criticism of Clough has come from his inability to get the best out of what he has, by having some flexibility in systems / style.

If you got your club relegated because none of the players could play the system you were determined to impose, you would not expect a queue of people waiting to tell you that you were right all along.

It's about winning matches, not being proved right, or trying to fit square pegs into round holes.

UTB

But isn't that what he did last season and in the cups ?

 

[SwissBlade]

McNulty is a work in progress, but he's progressed well this season. Done is more of a finished article, but still some work to do no doubt.

The pair of them will do well in the next couple of years

Exciting times seeing players like Done, McNulty, murphy and che Adams all vying for those striker slots

 

[alcoblade]

But isn't that what he did last season and in the cups ?

It is, but my point is he is only right when results say he is right. Recent form says he's wrong. Promotion will say he is right. One player suiting one position better than another doesn't say anything.

UTB

 

[Pinchy]

It is, but my point is he is only right when results say he is right. Recent form says he's wrong. Promotion will say he is right. One player suiting one position better than another doesn't say anything.

UTB

The level of criticism (including calls for him to be sacked and replaced by Ol' Big Nose!!) of a good manager with a long term plan to build a proper team for a proper club has been absurd. It takes time! Will we never learn at S2?

 

[Pinchy]

The difference between the way Done played the lone striker role when asked and the way Mcnulty played the same role when he came on was a real eye opener .
There has been quite a lot said by some of the way Nigel has criticized McNulty for not playing this role properly, so I'm just wondering after watching that last night how many of those knockers are willing to admit he was right ?.
I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? could the answer possibly be that we have but with out the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

Absolutely. The contrast between Done (really trying to achieve) and McNulty (going through the motions) was there for all to see. McNulty has much to learn and thats the point Cloughie (who knows a bit about forward play) was making. It was lost, of course, on the Playimevryweek Brigade who may now wish to reconsider.

 

[Revolution]

Absolutely. The contrast between Done (really trying to achieve) and McNulty (going through the motions) was there for all to see. McNulty has much to learn and thats the point Cloughie (who knows a bit about forward play) was making. It was lost, of course, on the Playimevryweek Brigade who may now wish to reconsider.

I would hope to see the same team on Saturday.

I expect several changes though.

 

[Pinchy]

I would hope to see the same team on Saturday.

I expect several changes though.

I understand that, but would you select, just as an example, JCR - a player I like but seems lost at the moment?

 

[Revolution]

I understand that, but would you select, just as an example, JCR - a player I like but seems lost at the moment?

Yes I would because:

1. JCR is just coming off a purple patch. He was excellent over Christmas and new year.

2. He and Murphy are our main outlets to assists and chip in with goals.

3. He can link with Brayford better than Davies (that was a big problem at Gillingham)

4. I would pick JCR over Flynn every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[Woodwardfan]

The difference between the way Done played the lone striker role when asked and the way Mcnulty played the same role when he came on was a real eye opener .
There has been quite a lot said by some of the way Nigel has criticized McNulty for not playing this role properly, so I'm just wondering after watching that last night how many of those knockers are willing to admit he was right ?.
I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? could the answer possibly be that we have but with out the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

The main criticism of Clough as I see it is that it has taken so long to bring in an effective striker. Let's hope Done is a key man, but IMO we still need another one for cover for injuries and suspensions and in particular to cover eventualities around the time of the Play-offs.

We are 6 monthhs into the season and way behind the automatic spots and we have just played one game with an effective striker up top. It was against poor opposition and we didn't play that well either.

As for McNulty, Clough stated he was a "development player" when he signed him. He actually made Higdon captain on his first game but things haven't worked out.

You ask what is the reason why we haven't been playing like that all season: well it's because we haven't signed enough good players in amongst the 15 or so new players Clough signed before last month. Yes we signed some quality last month but it's almost left things too late. Let's hope not.

 

[Pinchy]

Yes I would because:

1. JCR is just coming off a purple patch. He was excellent over Christmas and new year.

2. He and Murphy are our main outlets to assists and chip in with goals.

3. He can link with Brayford better than Davies (that was a big problem at Gillingham)

4. I would pick JCR over Flynn every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

I agree with you in principle but on the most recent evidence the purple patch is over and he is (temporarily) out of form.

Would a 4-5-1. 4-3-3. 4-4-2 or whatever of:

Coutts Baxter Doyle
Done Higdon Murphy

not have some merit?

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

JCR has done well and not so well in equal measure, all season. And even when he plays well, he tends to do so for one 45 mins but not the other. As pointed out, this is why he is a journeyman playing at our current level.

Personally, I think we're more likely to see the return of Flynn playing with Brayford--possibly the key partnership, defensively AND offensively, in our great run last year.

The back-end of the Colchester game also suggests we might see a fair bit of Coutts playing in tandem with Brayford, either from the off, or as a switch later in games when we can bring fresh legs off the bench into central midfield and push Coutts out wide. Didn't I read, somewhere on here, that Brayford and Coutts developed a pretty decent relationship on the right at Derby ?

 

[Revolution]

I agree with you in principle but on the most recent evidence the purple patch is over and he is (temporarily) out of form.

Would a 4-5-1. 4-3-3. 4-4-2 or whatever of:

Coutts Baxter Doyle
Done Higdon Murphy

not have some merit?

I like that lineup - not least because I would not pick either Reed or Flynn for the game - but I don't think he'll pick Higdon. So Done up top and JCR on the right is the way to go.

 

[Revolution]

JCR has done well and not so well in equal measure, all season. And even when he plays well, he tends to do so for one 45 mins but not the other. As pointed out, this is why he is a journeyman playing at our current level.

Personally, I think we're more likely to see the return of Flynn playing with Brayford--possibly the key partnership, defensively AND offensively, in our great run last year.

The back-end of the Colchester game also suggests we might see a fair bit of Coutts playing in tandem with Brayford, either from the off, or as a switch later in games when we can bring fresh legs off the bench into central midfield and push Coutts out wide. Didn't I read, somewhere on here, that Brayford and Coutts developed a pretty decent relationship on the right at Derby ?

There are at least half a dozen midfielders and forwards who have done worse than JCR. I think he's clearly one of our best 11 players.

You make a fair point re Flynn but he hasn't played well this year save at Full Back

 

[Pinchy]

JCR has done well and not so well in equal measure, all season. And even when he plays well, he tends to do so for one 45 mins but not the other. As pointed out, this is why he is a journeyman playing at our current level.

Personally, I think we're more likely to see the return of Flynn playing with Brayford--possibly the key partnership, defensively AND offensively, in our great run last year.

The back-end of the Colchester game also suggests we might see a fair bit of Coutts playing in tandem with Brayford, either from the off, or as a switch later in games when we can bring fresh legs off the bench into central midfield and push Coutts out wide. Didn't I read, somewhere on here, that Brayford and Coutts developed a pretty decent relationship on the right at Derby ?

A few Derby fans have said so, but also that they think Coutts is really better deployed in a CM role.

Personally I want my best midfielders, and I think PC promises, (along with JW if he ever gets fit) to be one of our best, in the centre of the battle, especially when they have a bit of height and power!

 

[grafikhaus]

I've also heard some wondering why we haven't been playing like that all season? Could the answer possibly be that we have but without the class of Brayford, Coutts, and Doan to make it work ?

Some good points, Sandy but the last bit...

Could the answer possibly be that Colchester were shite? We'll see about this new influx of class on Saturday.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

You make a fair point re Flynn but he hasn't played well this year save at Full Back

Agree with that, but he has added Beard power now, and the successes of last season suggest it's a partnership that Clough might want to try again ? (a different thing from me suggesting it's what we should do !)

A few Derby fans have said so, but also that they think Coutts is really better deployed in a CM role.

Personally I want my best midfielders, and I think PC promises, (along with JW if he ever gets fit) to be one of our best, in the centre of the battle, especially when they have a bit of height and power!

Agree with this too. I think the absence of a dominant CM has been as big an issue for us this year as the absence of a dominant striker. Particularly as Doyle, despite possibly his best season for us, looks to be on his last legs. Switching Coutts wide to play in front of Brayford does give us options for later in games, though, depending how many midfielders (and what kind) we have on the bench.

Just great to see players like Brayford and Coutts in our squad !

 

[flash-blade]

why we haven't been playing like that all season! anyone who thinks that was a great performance wants their bumps feeling.

 

[Pinchy]

why we haven't been playing like that all season! anyone who thinks that was a great performance wants their bumps feeling.

I haven't seen [m]any suggest that it WAS a great performance. The point is, I think, that the arrival of Beard, Coutts and Done gives genuine cause for optimism for the future. I appreciate that such thoughts do not go down well in the murky depths of S2.

 

[alcoblade]

The level of criticism (including calls for him to be sacked and replaced by Ol' Big Nose!!) of a good manager with a long term plan to build a proper team for a proper club has been absurd. It takes time! Will we never learn at S2?

I have never called for him to be sacked Pinchy. I would sack him at the end of this season if we finish mid table. Or at Chritmas next season if we weren't in a very strong position.

I can't answer for those who've called for his head. What I can say is it's time to stop hiding behind the excuse of "building" and "changing ethos" as this nonesense has coincided with the worst period in the club's long history.

There's some good and some bad under Clough. He should get both time and criticism.

UTB

 

[Darren]

I have never called for him to be sacked Pinchy. I would sack him at the end of this season if we finish mid table. Or at Chritmas next season if we weren't in a very strong position.

I can't answer for those who've called for his head. What I can say is it's time to stop hiding behind the excuse of "building" and "changing ethos" as this nonesense has coincided with the worst period in the club's long history.

There's some good and some bad under Clough. He should get both time and criticism.

UTB

One can also point out that Clough has been backed by the Board this JTW - five players in - Brayford, Coutts, Freeman, Holt and Done and only the dross - Porter, McGinn and Ironside - let go.

I am with you about the "ethos" nonsense. A club of SUFC's size should not be facing a 5th year in the third division. Play offs is a minimum this season. If we don't get that, Clough has some serious questions to answer.

 

[Coily]

Play offs is a minimum this season. If we don't get that, Clough has some serious questions to answer.

This.

There should be, and can be, no excuses if we don't make the play offs this season with the investment recently made. That is not to say I'd necessarily want Clough to go dependent on circumstance, and if we were to balls it up in the play offs then I would imagine there would be enough goodwill available to give him one more full season at getting us out of this shitty division.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Hey fellow Blades. Jonathan Forte has scored 14 goals to take his club, Oldham Athletic, above us in the league. Four teams are way in front of us vying for automatic promotion. They have: Williams 18 goals, Alli 13, Garner 13, Smith 10,Grigg 9, Agard 7, Cole7, Obike 7,; all contributing goals.

Let's not pretend that our manager knew all along what was needed. He's ballsed it up big time. OK, so we move on and the January spending is most welcome. We buy two full backs, a midfielder and a striker, but what's so great about doing the obvious anyway?

The example of Forte shows the standard of this league. Let's support our manager but don't ever lose sight of our lack of quality strikers for the past 13 months. We hope and pray we do not drag Done down to our standards, no pressure Matty!!. We are one of the most impotent squads in league 1, if not the most impotent, when measured on a salary/ goals scored ratio.!!

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

The level of criticism (including calls for him to be sacked and replaced by Ol' Big Nose!!) of a good manager with a long term plan to build a proper team for a proper club has been absurd. It takes time! Will we never learn at S2?

Pinchy , agree , spot on , but football is fickle game and business . It does take time , but i think we will peak in the playoffs , and go up. The only problem a lot would moan if we were just outside the top six in the championship. Lets hope Gillingham was a turning point , and Saturday will be a good barometer on how good or otherwise , we actually are .

UTB

 

[Lane Ender]

McNulty is a work in progress, but he's progressed well this season. Done is more of a finished article, but still some work to do no doubt.

The pair of them will do well in the next couple of years

Exciting times seeing players like Done, McNulty, murphy and che Adams all vying for those striker slots

Pair them up we might get a surprise including our leader

 

[SandyMcBlade]

I think I'm right in say Nigel has never managed in the Third and fourth division and I just wonder if he like many more underestimate the teams in this division.
When he came in last season he did well in the FA cup and skated with ease up this division, it must have looked easy and nailed on for this season, it did to a lot of us and many more outside our circle ..
I bet this season has been as big a learning curve for Nigel as it has been for the players, and now he knows that he will have to start treating the teams down here with a lot more respect no matter who they are...
I believe he has learned that lesson, unlike a lot of the posters on here ....

 

[Woodwardfan]

I think I'm right in say Nigel has never managed in the Third and fourth division and I just wonder if he like many more underestimate the teams in this division.
When he came in last season he did well in the FA cup and skated with ease up this division, it must have looked easy and nailed on for this season, it did to a lot of us and many more outside our circle ..
I bet this season has been as big a learning curve for Nigel as it has been for the players, and now he knows that he will have to start treating the teams down here with a lot more respect no matter who they are...
I believe he has learned that lesson, unlike a lot of the posters on here ....

Too little respect or too much respect, that is the question Sandy. Playing one up front and 5 in midfield at home is most respectful. Playing steady,safe tempo in the first half of home games is most respectful.

 

[Superblades]

We've got to give him time. It took Warnock 6 years to put a team together to achieve promotion, he didn't do it overnight. We've changed managers on a regular basis since we came down from the Premisership and it hasn't worked.