York today

[chesblade]

I know a lot of fans want to play the youngsters, but after going to york today I don't think many are anywhere near 1st team football. Mcfadzean was excellent, jamall did ok and looked promising. Don't think Ironside was anything special either. Thought matty hill had an excellent game, last man most of time clearing the danger

 

[true99blade]

I thought the majority of the team did fairly well today, like you said McFadzean did well although I wouldn't say he was excellent. The pick of the bunch for me had to be Conor Coady, looked calm and composed on the ball and never did any silly errors and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in League 1. I thought McMahon, Smith, McGinty and Higginbotham were the liabilities today, they often didn't look capable of picking out a simply pass or they didn't even look fit (especially Higgo and McMahon). Taylor did very well in patches of the game holding the ball up and bringing others into play, the rest did well. But in the second half when the rest of the youngsters were brought on it was a pleasant surprise. Hodder, Reed and Kennedy I thought did especially well passing and attempting to create something but unfortunately we had Ironside upfront. I really don't know what to make of him, he can't outpace defenders or out jump them for a header, he even gets pushed off the ball easily at times.
Another good sight today was seeing Howard back in goal, with hoards of speculation on its way without a doubt about Maguire or Long leaving I highly doubt letting Long go would be that bad for us, I'd feel safe knowing Howard is in goal.

 

[GAZBLADE]

I thought the majority of the team did fairly well today, like you said McFadzean did well although I wouldn't say he was excellent. The pick of the bunch for me had to be Conor Coady, looked calm and composed on the ball and never did any silly errors and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in League 1. I thought McMahon, Smith, McGinty and Higginbotham were the liabilities today, they often didn't look capable of picking out a simply pass or they didn't even look fit (especially Higgo and McMahon). Taylor did very well in patches of the game holding the ball up and bringing others into play, the rest did well. But in the second half when the rest of the youngsters were brought on it was a pleasant surprise. Hodder, Reed and Kennedy I thought did especially well passing and attempting to create something but unfortunately we had Ironside upfront. I really don't know what to make of him, he can't outpace defenders or out jump them for a header, he even gets pushed off the ball easily at times.
Another good sight today was seeing Howard back in goal, with hoards of speculation on its way without a doubt about Maguire or Long leaving I highly doubt letting Long go would be that bad for us, I'd feel safe knowing Howard is in goal.

Thank God it's only pre-season then!!

 

[highpeakblade]

Had exactly the same discussion having a pint post match before coming home.

For me personally I think it was hugely important for us as a club to bring new blood in before the season started because quite frankly despite showing promise I don't personally feel these players are anywhere near where they would need to be to play regular football.

A mate of mine hinted that it might have been a bad decision to let Chappell go, but why? Weir has been honest in what he has said and I agree with him. He said we have a few players who are better in his chosen position than he is therefore he wouldn't get a shout therefore as a player taking a wage we didn't need him at the club therefore allowing him to move on suited all parties.

Out of a dozen young players who show potential, you might be lucky enough to bag get one quality all round footballer. Of course in order to shine these young players need pitch time however I don't feel we should be offering it them if we have better options therefore we send them out on loan to see if they cut the mustard and let somebody else do the hard work in breaking them in.

Forget the development or U21 system this should be utilized for players carving out names as amateurs. Upon being offered a professional contract these players need to be out playing regular professional football. For me this applies to Ironside, Whitehouse, Kennedy and Smith. If they do well then this is great, bring them back and put some faith in them. If they don't do that well then you thank them for the efforts over the years and cut the losses and free up wages regardless of how minimal.

The freak emergence of such players as Lowton and the 2 Kyles from our academy system in recent years was great while we had them but not every player coming through the ranks will be as good i'm afraid.

 

[CyrixTheBlade]

I think Howard did have a good game and looked very comfortable in all aspects. One throw straight through the middle of the park as a through-ball in first half was lovely. How would he cope against a better side though? Didn't really see him having to actually shot stop very much.

I was a bit frustrated with the lack of finishing, still missing that Evans style brute force up front.

Connor Coady looked good; pacy and showed the ability to hold up the ball and distribute to someone in space.

 

[CyrixTheBlade]

The freak emergence of such players as Lowton and the 2 Kyles from our academy system in recent years was great while we had them but not every player coming through the ranks will be as good i'm afraid.

I think we have a fairly strong academy with other players of interest being Matthew Lowton who is a solid defender who doesn't mind having a spectacular attempt every so often.

Diego Di Girolamo is looking promising too, it'll be good to see him back from injury. Scored some stunning goals in youth football.

Pushing it a bit but Quinny's playing in the prem for Hull...

But I still take your point.

 

[Maidenhead]

Top day out.

More of us than them at a game that meant nothing but the sun shone, the beer flowed (albeit not in the ground!), and a good time seemed to be had by all.

 

[highpeakblade]

I think we have a fairly strong academy with other players of interest being Matthew Lowton who is a solid defender who doesn't mind having a spectacular attempt every so often.

Diego Di Girolamo is looking promising too, it'll be good to see him back from injury. Scored some stunning goals in youth football.

Pushing it a bit but Quinny's playing in the prem for Hull...

But I still take your point.

Yesterdays post wasn't an attack on our academy system mate, that speaks for itself and we do in definitely have one of the finest set ups in the UK at the minute hence the constant premiership interest.

However as you know generally out of every 11 players on the production ladder you might get one stand out who will go on to much bigger things. After our youth cup attempts I thought we might have bagged a really, really good crop of players however the only real stand outs so far from that have been Long and Maguire. I really want Ironside and whitehouse to prove me wrong however.

 

[Pinchy]

Yesterdays post wasn't an attack on our academy system mate, that speaks for itself and we do in definitely have one of the finest set ups in the UK at the minute hence the constant premiership interest.

However as you know generally out of every 11 players on the production ladder you might get one stand out who will go on to much bigger things. After our youth cup attempts I thought we might have bagged a really, really good crop of players however the only real stand outs so far from that have been Long and Maguire. I really want Ironside and whitehouse to prove me wrong however.

You'll be waiting a long time! Ironside just isn't good enough. It's as simple as that. He never stood out at Youth level and is out of his depth in Division Three. No amount of Bladey, parochial wishful thinking will alter that. The same goes for Chappell. I don't know what made your mate 'hint' that it was a bad decision to move him on. Certainly nothing that he's achieved as a footballer. Is your mate called Chappell?

 

[Jehovah]

What was the score? did Cressy play?

 

[bartman]

I thought the majority of the team did fairly well today, like you said McFadzean did well although I wouldn't say he was excellent. The pick of the bunch for me had to be Conor Coady, looked calm and composed on the ball and never did any silly errors and I'm looking forward to seeing him play in League 1. I thought McMahon, Smith, McGinty and Higginbotham were the liabilities today, they often didn't look capable of picking out a simply pass or they didn't even look fit (especially Higgo and McMahon). Taylor did very well in patches of the game holding the ball up and bringing others into play, the rest did well. But in the second half when the rest of the youngsters were brought on it was a pleasant surprise. Hodder, Reed and Kennedy I thought did especially well passing and attempting to create something but unfortunately we had Ironside upfront. I really don't know what to make of him, he can't outpace defenders or out jump them for a header, he even gets pushed off the ball easily at times.
Another good sight today was seeing Howard back in goal, with hoards of speculation on its way without a doubt about Maguire or Long leaving I highly doubt letting Long go would be that bad for us, I'd feel safe knowing Howard is in goal.

I thought McMahon was OK but showing a lack of fitness(not surprising as he missed pre season) and McGinty and Higginbotham OK...cetainly not liabilities. Smith had pace and strength but needs to relax on the ball.

The standout for me was Whitehouse. Quietly efficient,kept it simple and rarely gave the ball for me. Also had a bite in the tackle

 

[Apperknowle Blade]

I thought there was quiet a lot of positives to take out of yesterday's match, the performances of Coady and McFadzean were the stand outs for me. Coady looked head and shoulders above the rest of the midfield, calm and cool on the ball, never put a foot wrong. McFadzean looked positive always looking to get forward whenever possible.
The youth that all came on in the second half held there own well.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

What was the score? did Cressy play?

1-1, McFadz scored a beauty for us early on. 2nd half was reserves and youth team. Cressy played for them for about an hour and got a great reception from both sets of fans.

Good day out, I thought United showed flashes of promise and good ball retention, and created a few chances, but missed a cutting edge up front, especially when Ironside was on, unfortunately I agree with others that I don't think he'll cut it at League 1 level let alone higher. I was impressed with Coady, Brandy and Taylor, and I also liked that we seemed to play with a lot of width.

I think we'll set midfield up with Coady playing deep and Macca playing behind the strikers when we go for real, I wonder about Doyle and where Weir sees him fitting in. Could be as others have suggested with one up front and a 5 man midfield, Macca advanced and 2 deeper players probably Coady and Doyle. Then 2 wide players like McFadz and Brandy. The choice then is who plays up-front, Taylor or Porter.

Over a thousand Blades there enjoying the sunshine on the open terrace.

 

[Pinchy]

I thought there was quiet a lot of positives to take out of yesterday's match, the performances of Coady and McFadzean were the stand outs for me. Coady looked head and shoulders above the rest of the midfield, calm and cool on the ball, never put a foot wrong. McFadzean looked positive always looking to get forward whenever possible.
The youth that all came on in the second half held there own well.

Could I just say that the much-missed Yellow Lion was one of my very favourite pubs? Great food and a superb pint of Abbott Ale. I had my very first pint of Pale Rider there too; at a beer festival in the garden.

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be......

 

[bartman]

I was impressed with Coady, Brandy and Taylor,

Brandy didn't play yesterday. You are possibly thinking of Jamal Smith

 

[Deadbat]

Had a good few days in York. Drank way too much (some cracking boozers visited over the weekend) but oh well.

As for the game:

We played a 4-2-1-2-1 formation with Coady and Whitehouse in holding midfield, Flynn just ahead and then Mcfadzean and Smith floating around the wings with Taylor up front alone. McFadzean scored a really good goal and we had most of the first half and a few chances we probably should have done better with. We played some neat and tidy football but were not decisive enough in the final third. We were knocking it about on the floor with players coming short all the time and the emphasis on ball retention. 2nd half as changes took place they came into it more and had a few chances themselves. We ended up with a virtual youth team and they scored a scrappy equaliser after this. I left not long after back to the Three Legged Mare.

As for players:

Howard - Competent enough. Made one good save and little chance on goal. Some quick and excellent throw outs.

McMahon - Poor. Not close enough to his man and often gave it away when with the ball. Seemed to pick up a knock and went off.

Hill - Steady but have a feeling Weir does not rate him and has preferred Williams so far. Often does just lump it even if he is no nonsense and tends to get to the ball first. He raised a smile with his loud disappointment and reaction to when the ball just eluded him at the far post.

Higgenbotham - Thought he was really slow and often one of the poorer United players. He was at fault for the goal and nearly led to another one for them earlier on. Why he was given a contract that means we are stuck with him I do not know.

McGinty - He looked shocking to me. Let 3 balls goes under his feet early on; his touch was not great and his basic defending left a lot o be desired. very tall but looked clumsy. Needs to improve massively if he is going to be anywhere near the first team.

Coady - Our best player. Always wanted the ball. Came looking for it and when he had it used it well. Good touch, range of passing and gets about the pitch. Hopefully he may be used instead of Doyle as the season develops as he has some promise.

Whitehouse - A few decent touches but game seemed to just pass him by. He needs to impose himself more. I hope he can push on but does not seem to have moved on that much from the player I saw in the Youth Cup a few years ago and this year is a crucial season for him if he wants to make it here.

McFadzean - Scored a good goal when he ran at men and hit a firm shot from range. Had a few other decent runs. Seemed to drift around rather than stay on the left. Faded as the game went on but one of bright spots.

Smith - Had one good run and shot in the second half but other than that most things he tried did not come off.

Flynn - Had a decent 5 mins to start game but then he did usual of coming back inside or jinking back into trouble and often got outmuscled. Played in the hole behind Taylor.

Taylor - Neat and tidy and some decent hold play but played with his back to goal but that is kind of going to happen with such a formation and he often has to come looking for the ball. Had a few decent chances but snatched at them.

Subs -

Loads came on including Kennedy at right back, Ironside up front (looked really poor -low and weak), Barry and a ton of kids I had never heard of. One lad (Reed?) looked decent. The rest looked nervous and did not particularly stand out but great for them to get their first game at this level and it was very much men v boys literally.

Overall other than Coady, McFadzean and glimses from Taylor I can't se many of the rest of them that played being first team regulars in the early part of the season. It was a typical friendly and the opposition were poor but I expected a few others to try and show Weir something but sadly as I alluded to many were the same poor players we saw last season.

 

[Oreyt]

One lad (Reed?) looked decent.

Aye. I mentioned him on the 'Pre-season' thread - Foxy says it's Reed. Looked good.

 

[ZoneManWilf]

Brandy didn't play yesterday. You are possibly thinking of Jamal Smith

Thanks for that. To be honest we couldn't hear the tannoy at all, so most of it was guesswork for the new lads. Even brought up the squad numbers thread on here to try and work it out, but that clearly didn't tie up to the players on the pitch!

Was mcginty the talk lad at left back for the first half?

 

[Sharrowblade]

Yesterday's line up for those of you interested.

 

[Bergen Blade]

After his team was promoted a manager was once asked which of his players were good enough to play at the next level. He answered: "They can all play there. But not everyone at the same time in the same team."

When loads of youngsters are thrown on in the second halves of friendlies you can't always expect them to impress. A lot of them need time to gain confidence and take responsibility on the pitch. Their true ability won't show before that happens. If we gradually make them a part of the squad and systematically give them playing time, we'll see who can make it and become players who are not just doing a job, but also improving us.

 

[Bergen Blade]

There are 8 minutes of highlights on York's Player.

 

[blade too long]

I left not long after back to the Three Legged Mare.

Your wife sounds interesting , is she from the Isle of Man