Which player is NA talking about?

[Loxleyviewblade]

With these comments in his post-match presser

NA: "Anyone who has got an ego has got to put it to one side. We have a responsibility to this great club."

NA: "You can talk about tactics and formations. One player, quite clearly, wasn't going to adhere to that."

I'm guessing it's Coutts.

He's talking about multiple players and not an individual
One player that,one player this............and so on.

 

[Racing Blade]

How about something altogether more sinister?

We all know Clough's track record of signing known quantities. What if he's already privately spoken to a couple of players about a summer move? The wages involved would almost certainly mean it only becoming feasible if Burton get promoted.

Maybe there was more to Tuesday than us just being plain useless.

 

[alcoblade]

Thought about something else with this talking to my old man yesterday.

If Adkins says he had tactics and a plan that were totally undermined by one player. Why not get info onto the pitch, possibly via the captain who was playing on Adkins flank, to make said player stick to instructions.

Then if said player still didn't stick to the plan, why not have a set of bollocks and substitute said player for one who would stick to the plan? Changing your entire tactics in order to accomodate someone who is blatently ignoring your instructions is about the most ridiculous thing he could have done.

If he asked the player to stick to a plan as they ran out, and he was ignored, why would they then stick to the plan when "Collins" passed them a post it note?

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

How about something altogether more sinister?

We all know Clough's track record of signing known quantities. What if he's already privately spoken to a couple of players about a summer move? The wages involved would almost certainly mean it only becoming feasible if Burton get promoted.

Maybe there was more to Tuesday than us just being plain useless.

Sadly, I don't think there's a chance that Burton will match their wages, whatever the division.

UTB

 

[Bladepicker]

If he asked the player to stick to a plan as they ran out, and he was ignored, why would they then stick to the plan when "Collins" passed them a post it note?

UTB

Obviously they might not - but it may be that said player wasn't aware he wasn't sticking to the plan or wasn't 100 per cent sure what the plan was. That's why as a manager, you try and establish that.

If a player isn't sticking to your game plan and ruining tactics you wanted to have in place (we know this happened, Adkins said so), I reckon you have four options:

1. Do nothing.
2. Tell said player he isn't sticking to the plan and see if that makes any difference.
3. Substitute problem player.
4. Change entire plan and formation in order to accommodate problem player.

It seems common sense to me that you try 2 as I said above, and then if you don't get a response then you choose 3. Adkins went for option 4 which is almost as ridiculous as option 1 - in my opinion of course. Would you not agree?

 

[SUFC Guy]

If you watch the extended highlights on the OS then it has to be Coutts. He is seen in them quite a lot and not once does he put a meaningful tackle in. He is definitely not trying. He was the one that gave the ball away for their goal as well. Got to be him and I cannot see him starting at Fleetwood.

 

[grafikhaus]

btw - Baxter has completely disappeared from the OS players and stats pages so I am assuming he has gone for good.

Yes, I had seen that Baxter had dropped off the stats. While we know he has done wrong, that feels a little North Korea to me. He did still exist and contribute to the team this season.

Baxter is risen!

Thought about something else with this talking to my old man yesterday.

If Adkins says he had tactics and a plan that were totally undermined by one player. Why not get info onto the pitch, possibly via the captain who was playing on Adkins flank, to make said player stick to instructions.

I think it's more likely that Adkins' 'tactics' were so baffling, nobody knew what the fuck he was on about.

 

[nopigfansintown]

United are in most sundays nowadays, and do a lot of work on team shape. He's being undermined.

 

[Sean Thornton]

United are in most sundays nowadays, and do a lot of work on team shape. He's being undermined.

You obviously have an insight into the footballing side of the club so can I ask how come if he's a strong personality he's dropped various players only to keep bringing them back in to be let down again?

If he's undermined - which wouldn't surprise me - has he gone to McCabe and , for instance, said we need to get these players away from the first team and either get replacements or play the kids? Or something similar?

I don't expect names but do you know which players are the problem?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

United are in most sundays nowadays, and do a lot of work on team shape. He's being undermined.

United have been in every Sunday haven't they? I thought that was SOP.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

You obviously have an insight into the footballing side of the club so can I ask how come if he's a strong personality he's dropped various players only to keep bringing them back in to be let down again?

If he's undermined - which wouldn't surprise me - has he gone to McCabe and , for instance, said we need to get these players away from the first team and either get replacements or play the kids? Or something similar?

I don't expect names but do you know which players are the problem?

I think you can be undermined in various ways:

Deliberately/knowingly - as it seems happened Tuesday
inadvertently 1 - Che not knowing the defensive side of his game
Drifting, this happens at all levels of football, even internationally, you just wander to the space you're used to
Switching off, Done has done this this season, Woolford did it once right at the end of a game but it didn't cost us, I'm sure plenty of others have - it's natural
Not being good enough to repay the faith the manager has in you.

I think he has been undermined off and on all season by a combination of the last three.

Looks like what was different Tuesday was open insubordination.

 

[west_yorks_blade]

Adkins had a series of one to ones with players today apparently.

So all should be warm and fluffy again now.

I expect they all have personal development plans based on Myers Briggs personality type analysis and a set of smart objectives.

 

[nopigfansintown]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

 

[Sean Thornton]

I think you can be undermined in various ways:

Deliberately/knowingly - as it seems happened Tuesday
inadvertently 1 - Che not knowing the defensive side of his game
Drifting, this happens at all levels of football, even internationally, you just wander to the space you're used to
Switching off, Done has done this this season, Woolford did it once right at the end of a game but it didn't cost us, I'm sure plenty of others have - it's natural
Not being good enough to repay the faith the manager has in you.

I think he has been undermined off and on all season by a combination of the last three.

Looks like what was different Tuesday was open insubordination.

Other than the first one those scenarios can happen anywhere and do. Hardly just applicable to Adkins. As I said, he's brought players back who appear to have let him down. What's the reasoning and why has it not been dealt with?

 

[Sean Thornton]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

Very interesting, thanks.

Seems fair to say then that the board effectively gave up on promotion - or just left NA to sort it out with no ongoing financial support - some time ago.

 

[nopigfansintown]

United have been in every Sunday haven't they? I thought that was SOP.

Not really. Its just coaching. He's also far more involved with the U21s. We've had far more U21s training with the first team than under any manager we've had in league one.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Very interesting, thanks.

Seems fair to say then that the board effectively gave up on promotion - or just left NA to sort it out with no ongoing financial support - some time ago.

Operation next season has already started with the signing of Baptiste. I expect him to sign for the Blades if he proves he's still the player he was and Boro go up. We wouldn't have him on such favourable terms otherwise.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Other than the first one those scenarios can happen anywhere and do. Hardly just applicable to Adkins. As I said, he's brought players back who appear to have let him down. What's the reasoning and why has it not been dealt with?

Specifically, Adams's defensive indiscipline is being addressed very successfully I think.

Generally, the others, it's more about ability. And that requires (wholesale?) change of playing staff. This process is now clearly in motion I think.

He's playing the hand he was dealt.

The rest will probably be addressed in the summer as players who are not good enough/suited are released.

Baxter played with commitment after his chance but it looks like he's self-destructive and could end up like Gazza or George Best. Was worth a shot - especially bc of his goals and assists - but costs now outweigh benefits.

Presumably whoever didn't comply Tuesday will be dealt with accordingly. Ideally this would be a fine of wages and exile, if practical.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Not really. Its just coaching. He's also far more involved with the U21s. We've had far more U21s training with the first team than under any manager we've had in league one.

Lost in translation?

I thought the first team had been in on Sundays all season.

Haven't they?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

Taking this as genuine ITK it's a great post. Thanks.

 

[bladesmanluke]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

Thanks for posting this. It's relieving to hear that there's at least some kind of plan. However challenging it may be

 

[Sean Thornton]

Specifically, Adams's defensive indiscipline is being addressed very successfully I think.

Generally, the others, it's more about ability. And that requires (wholesale?) change of playing staff. This process is now clearly in motion I think.

He's playing the hand he was dealt.

The rest will probably be addressed in the summer as players who are not good enough/suited are released.

Baxter played with commitment after his chance but it looks like he's self-destructive and could end up like Gazza or George Best. Was worth a shot - especially bc of his goals and assists - but costs now outweigh benefits.

Presumably whoever didn't comply Tuesday will be dealt with accordingly. Ideally this would be a fine of wages and exile, if practical.

I don't seecwhy you are making these points, other than the last paragraph when I was asking about him being undermined, quite clearly I thought, in relation to deliberate actions by the players, not normal run of the mill situations that most managers will come across.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

And you know this how?

 

[Bartleby]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

Interesting, puts things in a bit of perspective and it gives me a bit of confidence looking beyond this season.

 

[alcoblade]

Adkins had a series of one to ones with players today apparently.

So all should be warm and fluffy again now.

I expect they all have personal development plans based on Myers Briggs personality type analysis and a set of smart objectives.

A smart objective for them;

Leave
Obtain a contract elsewhere
Consider the conference
Or even a window cleaning round
At the end of this season, or sooner.

That's s.m.a.r.t.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!





1





1

Just as desperate as it looks.
Just as desperate as we thought.

At least the manager recognises it. That's first base.

UTB

 

[Bartleby]

A smart objective for them;

Leave
Obtain a contract elsewhere
Consider the conference
Or even a window cleaning round
At the end of this season, or sooner.

That's s.m.a.r.t.

UTB

In most other professions that the likes of us are employed in, if we are not performing or even trying the manager would get HR involved, set up a plan, all the s.m.a.r.t. stuff etc, and then if ther'es no improvement it's contract terminated. Footballers have it so cushy.

 

[Large Mendonca]

He's tried to get the players out, but some of them cant be shifted for financial reasons, and won't take the wage cuts required to move on. Some are happy to sit on their ass as "Sheffield United" players. One of the more desirable ones, Scougall, is Adkins' passport to strengthening our team -he wont be let go for nothing (there's been considerable interest in him). Some young players are dropped just because he cannot expect them to go through the physical rigours required, without it potentially damaging them longer term. He's in an extremely uncomfortable position, because he has to ask players who don't want to play for him or the board to put in a shift. The players who are the problem are the most obvious ones, who have not put in much effort all season, have vanished, or have already moved on (not James Wallace). There are players who are claiming to be more hurt than they are as they look towards pastures new, and when they play are not seen on the pitch for weeks. He has already had these conversations with McCabe a long time ago, and the major surgery required has been put off. The board are/were well aware of the squad's general unhappiness with Clough's departure. Adkins is challenging everything behind the scenes, and could potentially modernise the footballing and administrative side of the club - if he and the board can ride out the current storm. His playing Cuveliar on tuesday was an act of desperation, he needs slowly ushering back in and felt a twinge after the Rochdale game. A nightmare!

Would explain a lot. Really hope that this is the case, as it would mean we aren't quite so rudderless as we currently think.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Lost in translation?

I thought the first team had been in on Sundays all season.

Haven't they?

Almost all season, which is far from the norm. Adkins is not the shrinking violet that he can come across as in the media, he just prefers to deal with things behind closed doors. If you listen carefully to interviews during his tenure he alludes to almost everything I've said. The big concern for blades, if he is forced out, should be that the board operate a policy of conciliation with wasters at the club, and real, structural changes aren't implemented.

 

[nopigfansintown]

And you know this how?

I used to work at the club and know two people in senior positions. This is a very similar situation to Micky Adams reign.