Wilder as a player

[SelbyBlade]

I think him and Bradshaw were in the same age group. I remember Wilder as a skilful gobby centre midfielder at schoolboy level. Not sure if he converted to RB at Soton or if I'm talking shit again

yes he was midfield.

 

[Canterbury Blade]

I think him and Bradshaw were in the same age group. I remember Wilder as a skilful gobby centre midfielder at schoolboy level. Not sure if he converted to RB at Soton or if I'm talking shit again

He was gobby, but in the right way and yes he played centre midfield. I know that as I was the centre back behind him for two years and he kept telling me what to do and mopping up my errors. He was no nesh either and could mix it on some of the slopes of Sheffield Secondary Moderns.

He really was talented and 4 clubs came in for him at 14 in 1982. Barnsley, pigs, us and Southampton. He chose Soton, but bear in mind in 82 they had McMenemy and Keegan there. His commitment meant he left school and moved there at 14 at a time when it wasn't that common.

As people say he really was better than the rest of us and it didn't surprise anyone that he made it. He was also an excellent cricketer and I recall either played for or was knocking on the door at Yorkshire level. He was also not thick at school. And yes allegedly he can put the ale away.

And he was a fan as a lad. I didn't go to that many games with him but do recall a night game in Spring 82 standing on the kop. By then we were old enough to go without Dads and the only option was the kop and moving from the 'young uns down the front' to the kop proper behind the central trench with the men.

So we have a human in charge who has brains and empathy but is straight talking. Fans are with him, he understands us and I truly hope the board support him...

Welcome back Chris.

 

[Blade for Sale]

Wilder once tried to pass my ball back to me in Graves Park and absolutely shanked it into some trees the useless twat!

 

[Silent Blade]

[QUOTE="Canterbury Blade, post: 1005281, member: 14814" He was also an excellent cricketer and I recall either played for or was knocking on the door at Yorkshire level. He was also not thick at school. And yes allegedly he can put the ale away.

[/QUOTE]

He bashed my bowling at Castledyke in 1995!

 

[TonyAgana]

Bassett had a habit of discarding some players who seemed to do well and were skilful but perhaps weren't combative enough for him. Wilder was one of these. Alan Roberts was another.

I think it was noted by Bassett that Roberts vocally wasn't happy with the style and they parted ways amicably and respectfully.

 

[TonyAgana]

Who's the striker ?

Assuming he means Lee Gregory

 

[Bergen Blade]

Sorry if covered elsewhere, but I thought this deserved its on thread.

I've done a bit of googling and posted this elsewhere:

"In terms of playing style he seems to favour 4-2-3-1, but has also used 4-4-2. Northampton have played with high tempo and look to create and choose forward passing options, with quick forward movement into space as soon as they win the ball. Their counter attacking has been a strength. From what I've read, Wilder's playing style seems similar to Leicester's this season."​

This article also gives away some clues:

Chris Wilder says his recruitment efforts at Northampton Town this summer have attacking football in mind.

The Cobblers boss, who made former Bury midfielder Nicky Adams his second new signing ahead of the 2015/16 season on Friday, wants his side to play in an eye-catching fashion as he plots promotion from League Two.

Winger Alfie Potter, who was most recently at AFC Wimbledon, was Wilder's first capture and he believes that both new additions will fit in with his philosophy.

"We know the way we want to play, we want a high tempo, high intensity, attacking style that excites the fans," said Wilder to the official site.

"That is the way we play, energetic, forward running with talented players, and we need depth, quality and options to do that for 50 plus games a season.

"We are still developing the team and maybe the fact we have got Nicky has raised a few eyebrows.


"We have worked very hard to get this deal [Adams] done. A lot of work goes on from a lot of people here and we have got it over the line. We know a lot about him, he has won promotions and we feel that is important.

"He knows how to win and he has desire and ambition.

"We are still looking to add and I think a lack of depth let us down a little last season and we want to rectify that this time around.

"I'm delighted with the first two additions.

"They were key men we targeted and we have signed two players who are a good age and suit the way we want to play.

"Technically, mentally and physically they are very good, they have pace, they are creative and it has been a good few days for us."

I watched Northampton once this season, the cup game against Northwich, in which they struggled, but came back from 0-2 to win 3-2. It was a good cup tie and their enthusiasm was matched on the day, but you could still see what they were aiming to do.

Forward movement is key and while the two central midfielders hold back a lot of the time the front four are continuously trying to find good positions off the ball and making penetrative runs. Full backs overlap as well, especially Buchanan on the left. All players looked fit and mobile. Being an attacking side they struggled a bit when hit on the break.

There was nothing to suggest we'll play "hoof ball".

Personally I'm a lot more optimistic about next season now. Let's hope Wilder is able to identify the right type of players that fits into his system, but also have a bit more ability than what was the case at Northampton. A lot of Blades managers have been tempted to go for names, ex-players and pedigree, but Wilder seems to have a very modern, effective football philosophy and should have confidence in that and add players that suits the style.

 

[TJB.]

I spoke to a Cobbler on Twitter who said Wilder likes a target man in a 4-2-3-1 to lay the ball to pacey midfielders, and that 4-4-2 was switched to when necessary.

Just wondering how Sharp could fit into a 4-2-3-1. Could it be more of a 4-4-1-1 with Billy behind a big lad? Someone knocks it down for Billy to smash in?

 

[Chezzy Blades]

I spoke to a Cobbler on Twitter who said Wilder likes a target man in a 4-2-3-1 to lay the ball to pacey midfielders, and that 4-4-2 was switched to when necessary.

Just wondering how Sharp could fit into a 4-2-3-1. Could it be more of a 4-4-1-1 with Billy behind a big lad? Someone knocks it down for Billy to smash in?

I'm not sure Billy fits into anything other than a 4-4-2, same with Adams, who although looked promising on the left wing needs to incorporate the defensive side of being a winger into his game.

It'll be interesting to see how Wilder approaches it, I think most would agree we need a bigger target man type up front regardless of how we set up, but the way Billy's adapted his game from when he was last with us suggests that type of partnership might no longer suit him.

 

[Smirth]

So not the hoof ball merchant some have been portraying then.

If he favours a 4-2-3-1 then it could be a chance for Scougall to reignite his career with us.

 

[BladeFisher]

Sorry if covered elsewhere, but I thought this deserved its on thread.

I've done a bit of googling and posted this elsewhere:

"In terms of playing style he seems to favour 4-2-3-1, but has also used 4-4-2. Northampton have played with high tempo and look to create and choose forward passing options, with quick forward movement into space as soon as they win the ball. Their counter attacking has been a strength. From what I've read, Wilder's playing style seems similar to Leicester's this season."​

This article also gives away some clues:




I watched Northampton once this season, the cup game against Northwich, in which they struggled, but came back from 0-2 to win 3-2. It was a good cup tie and their enthusiasm was matched on the day, but you could still see what they were aiming to do.

Forward movement is key and while the two central midfielders hold back a lot of the time the front four are continuously trying to find good positions off the ball and making penetrative runs. Full backs overlap as well, especially Buchanan on the left. All players looked fit and mobile. Being an attacking side they struggled a bit when hit on the break.

There was nothing to suggest we'll play "hoof ball".

Personally I'm a lot more optimistic about next season now. Let's hope Wilder is able to identify the right type of players that fits into his system, but also have a bit more ability than what was the case at Northampton. A lot of Blades managers have been tempted to go for names, ex-players and pedigree, but Wilder seems to have a very modern, effective football philosophy and should have confidence in that and add players that suits the style.

BB as one of the "Analytical Blades" on here out of the current squad which ones do you think would fit and who do you think would not?

 

[chipsncake]

I'm not sure Billy fits into anything other than a 4-4-2, same with Adams, who although looked promising on the left wing needs to incorporate the defensive side of being a winger into his game.

It'll be interesting to see how Wilder approaches it, I think most would agree we need a bigger target man type up front regardless of how we set up, but the way Billy's adapted his game from when he was last with us suggests that type of partnership might no longer suit him.

Don't get some people's obsession with Sharpe and to a lesser degree Adams.Granted they managed to get on the end of quite a few and Sharpe always put In a shift, but other than that their overall play was poor.

 

[S5Blade]

Don't get some people's obsession with Sharpe and to a lesser degree Adams.Granted they managed to get on the end of quite a few and Sharpe always put In a shift, but other than that their overall play was poor.

I dont get how people can not spell Sharp either, but oh well, swings and roundabouts. I think Sharp is literally the only player in the squad above criticsm from last year. I will take poor overall play in exchange for 20+ goals a season any day of the week.

 

[Dec]

Billy Sharp's overall play was not poor at all. He linked up play and held the ball up very well in many games throughout the season. Yes, he had some games where the ball wouldn't stick but all strikers will have them.

I have no doubt that Billy could play as a lone striker in that formation and link up with on-running midfielders. He's a very intelligent footballer.

Height and perceived strength isn't everything, as Sammon shows.

 

[Chezzy Blades]

Don't get some people's obsession with Sharpe and to a lesser degree Adams.Granted they managed to get on the end of quite a few and Sharpe always put In a shift, but other than that their overall play was poor.

I dont get how people can not spell Sharp either, but oh well, swings and roundabouts. I think Sharp is literally the only player in the squad above criticsm from last year. I will take poor overall play in exchange for 20+ goals a season any day of the week.

I think they're both valid points. There's no doubting that 21? goals is an impressive return at any level and Sharp certainly is above criticism on both his goal scoring return and effort level, however the bottom line of the season is we finished 11th so his goals only took us so far. It could also be argued that Sharp missed just as many chances as he scored. If Wilder is planning on bringing his style of play to the Lane and Sharp doesn't fit into that, is it up to Wilder to change his style of football just to fit Sharp (and to an extent Adams) into his team, or is it more for him forget sentiment and to bring in players to play how he wants us to in order to get promoted?

Either way, think we're in for an interesting summer.

 

[Darren]

Correct. Only penalty he ever took for us too I think.

He only scored 14 goals in 414 games and 11 of them were for Rotherham.

He took a pen v Aldershot at the Lane on 1/5/89 and the goalie saved it.

 

[Revolution]

Don't get some people's obsession with Sharpe and to a lesser degree Adams.Granted they managed to get on the end of quite a few and Sharpe always put In a shift, but other than that their overall play was poor.

Yeh - other than the fact that they didn't score 32 goals between them, and effectively save us from relegation, they were crap.

Goals are useless aren't they? We'd have been fine with Higdon and Sammon.

Jesus wept.

 

[bladesmanluke]

It's 2016, 12 years on from Billy Sharp making his professional debut for Sheffield United and some still struggle with spelling his surname.

 

[Harry's Game]

So not the hoof ball merchant some have been portraying then.

If he favours a 4-2-3-1 then it could be a chance for Scougall to reignite his career with us.

I would to see Scougall's contract ignited, .. With a match.

It's time to move on from some of these failures like Scougall, Flynn and Baxter.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'm not sure Billy fits into anything other than a 4-4-2, same with Adams, who although looked promising on the left wing needs to incorporate the defensive side of being a winger into his game.

It'll be interesting to see how Wilder approaches it, I think most would agree we need a bigger target man type up front regardless of how we set up, but the way Billy's adapted his game from when he was last with us suggests that type of partnership might no longer suit him.

I think like TomJonesBlade mentioned, Billy playing in behind a Target man (Leon Clarke?) in a 4-4-1-1 would work, Billy is grafter and playing a bit of scholes role behind the target man. This would also allow Che to play on the wing. It might work.

Problems we have though:
- Centre Halves
- Central Midfielders
- Target man
- Second winger.

So we may have to go with a 3-5-2 to start with to strengthen the midfield a little to compensate. It would've been interesting to see Wilder in charge for the last game of the season

 

[1889]

If every player had shown Sharps commitment and effort last season we'd have been in the Championship. I include Che Adams in that, who I think needs to up his work rate this season if he wants to occupy such an important position in the team. My worry is, that given his age and background, that should not be a weakness?

 

[sheffielder]

I would like to see an interchangeable front 4 of Adams, Done, Sharp and another. The other behind a pacey hard working wide guy who can play up top. Two real workers in midfield to protect the back four and allow the wingers to bomb on.

 

[Jehovah]

Personally don't agree with a striker as captain but can't fault sharps commitment to the cause.

 

[sheffielder]

Wilder didn't mention a committee like Adkins did he. 6 players he could lean on like mceverley Sammon etc?

 

[Balham]

BB as one of the "Analytical Blades" on here out of the current squad which ones do you think would fit and who do you think would not?

I know this was aimed at Bergen Blade but taking the opinion of Wilder's tactics forward it's clear that he wants a strong spine of the team. If we take the 4-2-3-1 formation, I'd say that the only central midfielder on the books who might be safe is Basham as a the others (Scougall, Coutts, Whiteman) lack either the discipline or the positional nous to play that role - it might be something that Whiteman can grow into.

He also likes attacking full backs so Brayford should flourish but we've got a gap at left back unless Kieron Wallace can make that spot his own. No-nonsense centre halves are lacking - neither McGahey nor McEveley fits the brief so I'd expect to see at least one recruited.

The attacking midfielders would be from Done, De Girolamo, Adams, Scougall and Flynn (if he stays). There's not really a wide man in there but it's probably the area of least concern.

Up front Sharp is more than capable of playing the lone role. He only struggles with hoof (cf Blackwell) and that seems to be something Wilder isn't too keen on. Sharp's positioning, workrate and finishing are all good enough to make him a success if we get the 20 yard balls down the side of the opposition centre halves for him to run onto.

 

[Bergen Blade]

BB as one of the "Analytical Blades" on here out of the current squad which ones do you think would fit and who do you think would not?

Good question. I think he'll be signing a target man. I wouldn't rule out Sharp spearheading the attack either, and Northampton did play 4-4-2 in some games. In the 4-2-3-1 the three players behind the striker seems to have played with a lot of freedom, roaming around and making penetrating runs, buzzing around the striker. I think at least a couple of creative, mobile players will be signed for these positions, but maybe Done and Adams could figure as well.

Notice the amount of players they get in the box in this video:



Obviously highlights videos tend to look brilliant, but there is a noticable difference when you look at our goals from April:



Most of the time we have only a couple of players in the box, and therefore rely on quality accuracy in the final ball and good finishing. It's not easy to do that often enough. Northampton just seem to run riot with loads of players bombing into the box.

How would a Wilderesque team (full squad available) looked against Scunthorpe?

Maybe something like:

Long
Brayford Baptiste Edgar Harris
Basham Whiteman
Done Scougall Adams
Sharp​

Possibly: Reed, DCL, De Girolamo, Flynn.

Hopefully that XI will look quite a bit stronger come August though.

 

[sheffielder]

I think if he goes with the 4231 I would
Like to see reed in the hole behind sharp and have done and Adams. The lad can pick a pass without having too much responsibility

 

[Rodley]

I think like TomJonesBlade mentioned, Billy playing in behind a Target man (Leon Clarke?) in a 4-4-1-1 would work, Billy is grafter and playing a bit of scholes role behind the target man. This would also allow Che to play on the wing. It might work.

Problems we have though:
- Centre Halves
- Central Midfielders
- Target man
- Second winger.

So we may have to go with a 3-5-2 to start with to strengthen the midfield a little to compensate. It would've been interesting to see Wilder in charge for the last game of the season

Sharp playing in the hole. Sounds like madness to me. He's a 6 yard box poacher who can hold the ball up. Can't see him running from deep.

 

[Revolution]

I am a big Billy fan, but I am inconvinced he's the right player for 4-2-3-1 if we are going with that formation.

And if Reed and Scougall are going to be in that midfield 3, we may as well start planning for a seventh season in league one, as we won't score any goals.

Hopefully we will have a number of new faces.

 

[The Crab]

Did a great job for Bradway in Meadowhall Sunday League.

Can he send Hammond and Sammon there?