2013/14 Review - A Change of Direction Under Clough

It has been a strange sort of season watching United. Last Summer I suggested a season of consolidation was expected, with some player churn and a young manager adapting to his first managerial role. I expected that the outcome might not be the top 6 finish United had achieved for the last two years, but top half and outside the play offs.

 

In the end my prediction was right. However, in-between United fans have witnessed one of the most tumultuous seasons in recent memory. Just four players who started the opening game of the season started the final game at home to Coventry City. There were changes in ownership, team management and coaching staff, along with several high profile executive changes.

 

The team was at times abject, at others thrilling, but ended the season having forged renewed hope and a degree of expectation within the fan-base which will need careful management in future months.

 

The start made by David Weir was bright, but the opening game of the football league season and a 2-1 win over, what was in reality, a poor Notts County masked inadequacies in man-management, squad structure and tactics that unravelled over the following couple of months.

 

I was one of those who preached for giving the new manager time, believing that the team assembled was better than it was showing, but even to those who believed in giving a man a chance, it soon became apparent that we were acting more in feint hope than on the back of any strong evidence for the status quo.

 

Players looked lost on the pitch, unsure what to do for the best, despairing at themselves and each other. It became increasingly difficult for any to build any confidence as the team was chopped and changed - with 26 players used in the first 10 league games - and the results on the pitch failed to improve. For me it culminated in one of the worst performances I have seen from a United team against Hartlepool in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

 

Weir was trapped by his own football mantra and possibly by the edicts from above in terms of squad size and player recruitment. We had too big a squad, which created pockets of discontent as players were seemingly pigeon-holed into positions and their versatility limited.

 

On the pitch the players seemed reined in by the manager's defensive mentality. Possession football was played, but with little impetus and few goal-scoring opportunities created. The best defence in the league the previous season were wracked with nerves, knowing one goal conceded, one mistake, could prove fatal. The fans knew this as well. Players, fans and management trapped by fear. A manager seemingly inert and unable to change. Academy football was not working in League One.

 

The manager's cause was not helped by the arrival of a new co-owner and the promise of significant, monies.  The Prince's investment was a game changer in many people's eyes and I think fans probably expected more short term change than ever was going to be the reality. I still think this is the case, as there are still those who will still expect more than the "measured" investment decisions promised.

 

David Weir left without much of the vitriol and anger that has been directed at previous managerial failures. That's not to say such feelings didn't exist, but they seemed more muted, perhaps symptomatic of a malaise in the support and a feeling that the man tried his best, but just wasn't ready for the opportunity to manage.

 

Following David Weir's departure I wrote;

 

"Whoever takes charge at Bramall Lane, needs to be a strong personality and willing to deal with long running issues on the playing side. There are clear tactical decisions to be made and although there isn't an unlimited transfer kitty to deal with defensive frailties and attacking gaps, you can imagine there will be significant churn of players in January. This is a group of good League One players who should be up and around the Top 6, what it needs is a manager with lower league success who will take the club and team to where they should be."

 

Most of this turned out to be right and whilst my gut reaction to some of the changes was to disagree at the time, I am more than happy to be proved wrong. Nigel Clough's arrival was greeted cautiously and a steady run of early results highlighted the difficulties he faced in managing/reducing the squad, strengthening fragile confidence and finding a system and way of playing to bring the best out of the players at his disposal.

 

Even on an unbeaten run up to Christmas, momentum and movement up the table was lacking. We were still drawing too many matches. This was at least an improvement, as these would have been matches we had lost earlier in the season. yet teams can be relegated by drawing too many. Unbeaten, yes. But turning draws into wins was proving difficult.

 

Hope could be gained by the increased defensive sturdiness, but there was still a lack of goals. A great afternoon at Villa Park might have ignited the season. The Blades 2-1 FA Cup 3rd Round win was one of the great away days following United and the noise in that second half as United gave Premier League opposition a real bashing will remain in the memories of the 6,000 Unitedites there for some time.

 

Time to kick on we hoped, or not as was the case. By the 22nd January the club were noting the anniversary of the first football radio commentary some 87 years earlier, when The Blades took on Arsenal. It was that commentary that spurned the phrase "Back to square one" and that is exactly where United found themselves, fifth bottom, the same position they were after a win over Crewe in Clough's first game in charge.

 

It was the visit to Crewe, just over a week later that defined United's season. A 3-0 defeat at Crewe left United second bottom and part of a bottom five potentially being cut adrift. Post-match, Nigel Clough seemed incredulous at what he had seen. A result and performance that he just hadn't seen coming, especially after a spirited fight with ten men that earned a replay with Fulham in the FA Cup.

 

He didn't seem to know what to do. Strong words were had and they must have had some effect. As the rain poured in West London the following Tuesday, Fulham toiled to little effect against the superior Blades and a goal in the last minute of extra time by Shaun Miller saw the Blades into the FA Cup 5th round. Fears that a cup run were an unwelcome distraction in the battle to stay up were about to be dismissed and in emphatic fashion.

 

Loan moves and January signings certainly had an impact and, with the odd exception, you can't really fault Clough's eye for a player and how they will fit into his system. At the same time he instigated changes that made huge improvements in player confidence, several whose heads were down and shoulders hunched increase in stature - Doyle, Murphy and Flynn in particular.

 

The two wingers were the key to how we played, providing attacking thrust, often in the absence of a true striker. Players were playing to a system, but with a freedom absent in the first few months of the season. They also had an on-pitch leader. Michael Doyle played a team role that suited him and as a result gave a base to many of United's successes. Michael Doyle's captaincy was criticised by this blog earlier in the season and I wouldn't retract any of my words at that time as I still believe they were valid. However, as the team grew in confidence and status, so the captain became the root of the success. 

 

The cup run galvanised the Blades further and although an unbeaten league run was brought to an end - giving us all an idea of the standards set at the top of League One this season - another run was started.

 

From a team that looked like they wanted to curl up in a ball and die early in the season, they were now a team that never says die. The commitment, the  late goals, the closeness of fans and players, the team spirit and good-humoured management team. As United fans looked back fondly to the scenes at Leicester and United's on the anniversary of United's memorable return to the top flight, comparisons were being made. There was much the same feel about the place as there was under Dave Bassett, nearly a quarter of a century ago.

 

There is a good feeling around the club. A feeling of hope. To those outside of Sheffield that might seem odd for a team of United's size and stature who have just finished seventh in League One, completing a third season at this level. However, we can now see the green shoots of a long term recovery.

 

Nigel Clough has made changes over the course of the season that took the club closer to the play offs than anyone might have hoped in February, never mind October. The difficulty will be re-energising the team and picking up where we left off, whilst integrating new personnel and introducing players in key positions, not least up front.

 

This is a huge summer for the club, the board and the manager. Promotion was an outside aim for much of this season. It will be an expectation next season. United need to maintain the progression they have achieved since January.

 

"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight"

~ Jim Rohn

Pride in the name of our club

I'm currently sat on a coach. Somewhere in Hertfordshire. It's just coming up to 7:30 and the sun is going down out of the window to my left. The radio is playing some tinny, unrecognisable pop track. My mate Steve is jolting himself awake from his slumbers every so often. Thankfully before his head lands on my right shoulder.

I am slightly hoarse and when I do speak, the odd word comes out with a slight squeak. I have a glow on my cheeks from a few beers in the sun, but more importantly pride in my team. Pride that no bitter and twisted Wednesdayite is going to downgrade or diminish. 

I believed that United would turn up today, when so often they have gone missing at Wembley. I believed that they would play with unity, pride and no shortage of passion. For forty five minutes they more than surpassed that.

They outfought and outplayed a lifeless Hull side and scored their first goals in three visits to new Wembley. 

As Jose Baxter opened the scoring within the first twenty minutes I was in shock. I celebrated like I've never celebrated before but felt kind of shell shocked. When Stefan Scougall added the second, straight after Hull had equalised, I hugged my mates and felt tears welling up.

I thought of my Nan, who passed away last August. I wished she had seen this. United outplaying a Premier League team, two divisions above us. They are performing at Wembley Nan. I pictured her sat in an armchair, holding her scarf, kicking every ball.

I thought of my Dad, back home listening to the radio. This, one Wembley trip too many to contemplate. I wished that he was stood next to me. 

I knew it could all change. It did. But for forty five minutes I felt on top of the world. At half time I saw and hugged a Blade I know from twitter. We stood in queues, wide eyed in wonder. We deserved this. We had lost concentration once and been punished, but that aside we had performed way above any expectations. 

We will tire, got to keep it solid for ten or fifteen minutes, we said. We have a chance then. 

In the end, neither happened. Facing an onslaught after positive half time changes by Steve Bruce we found ourselves 4-2 down and seemingly down and out. Then in the final 90 seconds of normal time we scored. We had a chance and nothing to lose.

Throwing caution to the wind in injury time time, Harry Maguire burst forward. His shot was blocked and Hull broke scoring a fifth goal. 

As one, the 32,000 Blades fans started applauding and cheering their team, with the Hull fans in raptures at the opposite end having sealed victory. It's something I've never seen or experienced before. Pride in the team. Pride in the club. Acknowledgment that we had lost, but by heck we had given it a go. And Hull knew it.

Ultimately the result is tinged with disappointment. When you lead 2-1 and eventually lose there is bound to be that emotion. But the fans lifted their arms, stuck out their chests and applauded the crestfallen players in red and white shirts.

Much has changed at Sheffield United in the last 7 months, most - if not all - of it for the better. We are a couple of players, a striker in particular, away from a successful side. The cup run, allied with the upturn in league form, makes the retention and recruitment of players an easier task.

Off the pitch the club is operating more efficiently and creatively, with communication much improved and a genuine unification of fans, players, staff and board members.

People left Wembley tonight in a positive mood. A seemingly hard concept for some fans of other clubs to consider. We had conceded five they said, what is there to be happy about? How little they know.

As the sun disappears beyond the horizon and the day is ending, it is clear that United are moving in a positive direction. And today is only the beginning.  

A Window of Opportunity and Change

c A United View

 

 

With the January transfer window approaching it is clear that Nigel Clough will be busy, with players leaving Bramall Lane likely to exceed those incoming. A squad with quantity exceeding quality needs to be trimmed. I thought it would be worth offering my two penn'orth on who to keep and who we should look to move on, recognising that some of the departures may be delayed until the Summer when a more drastic re-shaping will probably take place.

Alongside this I have run a poll asking Blades fans for their opinions (you can fill it in HERE) and I will post the results after I have reviewed the squad, player by player. This post will develop over the next few days as I review each area of the squad in turn.

Goalkeepers

George Long - contracted until June 2016 (Keep):

A talented goalkeeper and great  shot stopper, but frailties in decision making, a lack of domination of his area and a failure to deal with crosses have again come to the fore. In addition he has developed a tendency to parry rather than make a caught save, although this seems to be an increasingly visible phenomenon in the modern game.

Easy to forget he is still only 20 and very few goalkeepers have over 60 first team starts at this age. You could argue that learning whilst firmly in the spotlight is the best way to learn, but also the most difficult, especially in a side performing below expectations and with little confidence for much of the season.

I am confident Long will develop into a good keeper, but equally could do with a rest to relieve the pressure now and again.

Mark Howard - Contracted until June 2014 (Keep, but revisit in Summer):

A steady and largely able deputy, but I am not sure I'd be comfortable if he had a prolonged run in the side. I think we need a keeper we would be comfortable playing if Long was injured or suffered a continuing lack of form. At present I can't help feeling we would look to the loan market.

George Willis - under contract until June 2015 (Keep, but look to loan out):

Considered a better prospect than Long by some and having gained England youth recognition, the key is how we best develop this natural talent.

Lower league and non-league clubs will be reluctant to take on and play a young keeper, preferring the many experienced keepers freely available.

 

 

Defenders

 

Tony McMahon - contracted until June 2014  (Keep, but revisit in Summer):

Whilst his free kicks bring hope of a goal, they aren't frequent enough to mask his defensive frailties, particularly when up against a direct left winger with pace.

Too often guilty of playing the man and not the ball, he has been caught out positionally and been out thought and out run by average League 1 wide men.

Capable of much more than he is currently delivering. 

Darryl Westlake - contracted until June 2014 with option of further year (January departure):

Looks lightweight for a defensive player and with limited runs in the side, he has had little opportunity to build his seemingly brittle confidence. 

Had gone downhill after a promising start to his career at Walsall and I have seen little in his time at Bramall Lane to suggest we will see any further promise, never mind fulfilment of it. With McMahon seemingly untouchable at left back despite his frailties Westlake is not required. McMahon's recent suspension was covered by a change of formation and Ryan Flynn in a wing back role.

Currently out on loan at Mansfield Town and I suspect he will remain there or on loan elsewhere from January onwards. Ideally we should be looking to create an opportunity to move him on permanently.

Marcus Williams - contracted until June 2014 (January departure): 

Another awful player. Neither left back or left winger, he is a defensive mistake waiting to happen. The fact he was given a contract extension - along with Porter and Doyle - in the Summer of 2012, shows the limited squad size and budget we intended working with and a fair degree of panic by club management at that time.

The fact he is now not getting in the Scunthorpe side says a lot. I would be making him immediately available in January and potentially paying up his contract to facilitate a move. 

Matt Hill - contracted until June 2014 (Keep and review in the Summer):

A much derided figure. Hill always guarantees you 100% effort, but often that alone is not enough.

Too slow and uncomfortable on the ball to play the kind of attacking full back role required by Clough, Hill has looked much better at centre back and it could be argued has been unlucky to lose his place after ably deputising for Collins and Maguire. A good squad player, Hill provides useful cover. I just don't see him starting.

Harry Maguire - contracted until June 2015 (Keep):

A lynch pin of a defence that has gone from one of the best defensive records in Europe to letting in more than a goal a game on average.

Maguire showed much promise in the FA Youth Cup winning team of 2011. He is still a reasonably solid defender of at least Championship level, but his lack of pace will stop him developing a career at the very top level.

Mistakes have been more prominent this season and a lack of a commanding voice amongst back four and keeper has become an issue. When mistakes are made Maguire rarely has the pace to recover,  although the timing of his tackling can compensate.

In some ways he would benefit from a rest, but aside from Hill we have had no centre back cover to allow for it. 

Neill Collins - contracted until June 2015 but with option of further year (Keep and review in the Summer):

One of the few left from the team that took us down to the third tier and has looked much more at home at this level, forming a rock steady partnership with Maguire, until this season.

Quite whether you can pin the blame on Collins for defensive frailties is open to debate, you could look across the whole back four in all honesty, but we desperately need a vocal organiser at the back. If you were to have a defender make way then it would be Collins.

For now he should remain, however it would do United the world of good to lose the remaining players who set us on this downward slide.

Terry Kennedy - contracted until June 2014 (Keep, but look to loan out):

A hugely promising player in the FA Youth Cup squad of  2010 and was being talked of as a prospect before fans were aware of his central defensive partner Maguire.

There has always been concern about his lack of height and a series of injury problems have made it difficult for him to make that breakthrough. A single appearance away at Doncaster last season has been his only start, although he has made the bench in recent weeks under Nigel Clough. Would really benefit from first team starts and may have to go out on loan to achieve this.

Aaron Barry - contracted until June 2014 (January departure):

Never made a breakthrough after being signed in his late teens. If ever there has been an opportunity for a promising left back, it has been at United in recent seasons. The fact he has not been given a chance perhaps says everything.

Barry has been a regular in the Dumbarton side since moving on loan at the start of the season and may benefit from a move where this momentum and a stable start to his career can be made.

Sean McGinty - contracted until June 2015 (Keep and review in the Summer):

A promising Manchester United youngster who did much to squander his opportunities after falling out with Alex Ferguson and then displaying behavioural issues whilst on loan at Carlisle.

Another of Weir's signings the Irishman has shown little in a handful of league and cup appearances. With severe deficiencies at left back, it may be worth retaining him until the Summer, pending Clough's transfer window signings.

Jasper Johns - contracted until June 2014 (January departure):

In a squad over-burdened with inadequate left backs Johns was picked up by David Weir, who had worked with him at Everton. Nowhere near threatening the first team, despite appearing briefly under Weir, I see no point in keeping him and blocking the development of home-grown youngsters. He may well see his short term contract out, but why not clear the decks now?

Aidy White - returned to Leeds after loan (Would not re-sign):

One of Nigel Clough's first moves was to bring in Aidy White on loan from Leeds.  Utilised in both left back and a more advanced left sided position, I saw little that suggested we should look to retain his services in January.

His much vaunted pace was not apparent and he often ran into trouble pressing forward. Defensively he was suspect and I cannot help thinking there are better options out there.

Nigel Clough has different opinion and his comments after White went off injured in his final game versus Oldham suggests he will look to take White back, if a deal can be agreed post-injury. My worry with this is that it says quite a bit about the type of player Nigel Clough values. I hope that I am wrong.



Midfield

Michael Doyle - under contract until June 2015 (Keep and review in the Summer)

I have made my views on the leadership of the club captain known before. There is little point in going over old ground, you can read my thoughts on that here.

Whilst I accept there will always be water carriers in a team, the players who do the graft and ball winning and leave the incisive passing and goal threat to others (see, regular under several Blades managers, Nick Montgomery) I do wonder if we could do better than what we have got? A bit more energy, a few more forward passes. I wondered whether Coady might play that role at the start of the season.

Doyle has been picked under the last three managers and has retained the captaincy, most probably in light of a lack of alternative candidates. I see no reason why that won't continue, although I hope that the situation is revisited in the Summer.

I would acknowledge that his performances have picked up at times recently, but you need a dependable and consistent performer in the heart of midfield. Doyle is not that for me.

Stephen McGinn - under contract until June 2015 (Keep)

A player of much promise whose career had been severely disrupted by injury prior to joining United in the Summer.

After a promising opening under David Weir, McGinn disappeared from the first team and struggled to regain a place in the team.

Back in the first team now, it is clear that McGinn is a talented ball player and ought to be a comfortable choice in central midfield. Sadly, he is a little inconsistent in his performances, perhaps a reflection of an interrupted last couple of years, and this needs to change if he is to play a role in turning United's season round.

Connor Coady - on loan until January (renew until end of Summer)

I think there is a player of promise in Coady, however the lack of a decent run in the side and when he has, being played out wide hasn't helped him.

I would like to see more of him, however I cannot see him dislodging Doyle or McGinn from Clough's starting XI. And for that reason we may see him return to Anfield and potentially head elsewhere to a club that will give him game time. That would be a shame, as I think he still has a role to play at United.

Elliott Whitehouse - contract expires June 2014, currently on loan at York City (Keep, but stay out on loan)

Captain of the FA Youth Cup team of 2010, Whitehouse was an energetic box to box midfielder with a fiery temperament. After a promising start in the first team pre-season the Summer before last a problematic and niggling injury kept him out for much of the season.

The loan to York will have done him the world of good and the player himself has recognised the importance of playing first team football at this stage of his career. Feedback from Bramall Lane has been positive and Whitehouse seems keen to remain at Bootham Crescent until the end of the season, playing regular games.

I would like to think Whitehouse could still forge a successful career at Bramall Lane, whether he can is still up for question. The best he can do is stay at York and hope the club are paying attention to his development and progress.

Simon Lappin - on loan from Cardiff City (No renewal of loan deal)

Signed by David Weir and played at left back and in a more advanced left sided role, but was unconvincing in both positions.

A game or two in central midfield demonstrated neat and tidy passing, but he appears nothing more than an average utility man. His wages could be better spent strengthening other areas. However, it appears that Nigel is keen to retain Lappin which I find disappointing.

Jamie Murphy - under contract until June 2016 (Keep)

We are still yet to see the player who excited Blades fans when video clips of his Motherwell goals and skill/capabilities were shared around the internet forums and social media prior to his signing.

Not an orthodox winger, in that he rarely takes on his man, not helped by being played on the opposite side as an inverted winger. When on the ball he often looks to cut inside and playing on the wing allows him to drift out of games, both of which raises fans' ire and causes frustration.

I can't help feeling that he may offer more threat down the middle, but this is a view not shared by those who manage him. Recent performances have seen Murphy's contributions improve and finding the net will only help this continue.

Ryan Flynn - under contract until June 2014 (Keep)

Inconsistent and as frustrating as his fellow Scot Murphy, Flynn is capable of creating chances and contributing to the team's goal tally. We are yet to see it often enough this season.

Away at Scunthorpe in the JPT and given a rare start by David Weir, Flynn did little to enhance his reputation or stake a claim for a shirt. His marker got man of the match, but that was as much to do with the ineffectual Flynn than any great defensive play.

Recent weeks have seen Flynn contribute to the Blades' unbeaten run and he was extremely unfortunate to find himself back on the bench after good performances.

Like Murphy, Flynn should be kept on the basis of what he is capable of, not what he has contributed so far this season.

Febian Brandy - under contract until June 2015 (Keep and review in the Summer)

An enigma. An enigma with disciplinary issues. Some could argue that Brandy is lucky to still have a Blades career after two wholly unnecessary and costly red cards. Under a strict disciplinarian like Nigel Clough it is clear Brandy is on his final warning.

His signing was warmly greeted by Blades fans who remembered his performances against United last season and basked in the anger and frustration Walsall fans displayed at his departure. We have seen little excitement in the performances of a player who should have brought pace, exciting wing play and goals to the team.

For what he could provide the team, he should be retained. But to have any sort of impact on the team he will need to work hard to get that chance.

Florent Cuvelier - under contract until June 2016 (Keep and review in the Summer)

Brief glimpses have shown a technically adept young footballer who perhaps lacks a little brawn to go with the brain.

The question now is where does he fit into Nigel Clough's team. Jose Baxter has claimed the deep lying striker role and Clough clearly prefers others alongside Michael Doyle in the central creative role.

Maybe he will get a chance out wide, probably off the bench, but that seems a waste. It will be an important 6 months for a player trying to launch his career.

Callum McFadzean - (Keep and review in the Summer)

Another FA Youth Cup finalist who made a breakthrough in the first team at the end of last season and contributed a then important goal against Yeovil in the home leg of the play offs.

Sadly, like his brother before him, he found himself in trouble with the police in unsavoury circumstances and risks throwing away his career thanks to a violent streak and sheer stupidity.

A loan move was welcomed, although a move out of the area and away from potential for trouble might have been better. I suspect that his community service contributed to the close locality of the Chesterfield move.

Has been on the bench in recent games for the Spireites. Yet I still think he could offer an option for United if he gets his head straight. He was played at left back for the reserves last season and could offer another option there.

Forwards

Chris Porter - under contract until June 2014 with option of a further year (Keep, and move on in the Summer)

Strikers are paid to score goals and if judged on that then quite frankly Chris Porter wouldn't be paid in washers. He has averaged a goal every four starts for United, with a further 26 substitute appearances on top.

In his defence you can point to the limited number of chances we have created this season, but that can be as much due to the type of striker and how well they hold the ball up and bring others into play.

Yes he tries hard (and God how do we love a trier) but is slow, barely leaves the ground when jumping for headers, nesh in the tackle, has no natural instinct in the box and has fluffed many more opportunities than he has scored with.

When listed like that it doesn't really compensate for "trying" does it?

However you can see us persevering with him in the squad until the Summer. He linked up well with Shaun Miller in a brief spell prior to the latter's injury last season, but that aside it is desperation that sees him involved. Hopefully January transfer movement will see a first choice striker arrive and that reduces Porter's involvement to back-up. Plenty will defend Porter, but successful sides have one, sometimes two strikers who will score 15-20 goals a season. Unfortunately our current first choice is not capable of that.

Lyle Taylor - under contract until June 2015 (Loan out, review in Summer)

I am disappointed to see Taylor head back North of the border until the end of the season. I can't help feeling he hasn't been afforded the best of opportunities at Bramall Lane. After a bright introduction v Notts County he has been in and out of the side and on and off the bench. We have seen glimpses of what he is capable of and he may well have benefited from playing in a side with more confidence and having a consistent strike partner. Obviously we don't see how he trains and there have been rumours of him being unsettled since the move from Scotland, but he would have at least offered some pace, mobility, direct running at defenders as well as some height up front.

I hope that he finds his form on loan and that he returns to United for pre-season with confidence and a belief that he make an impression next season.

Jose Baxter - under contract until June 2016 (Keep)

On his day our best and most technically gifted player. Injury has interrupted an impressive run in the side, but he is the one player with a bit of imagination who can make us tick, linking midfield and forwards. Sometimes you can see what he is attempting, but others aren't on his wavelength. Still plenty that we are yet to see and he will have a crucial role in how our season pans out.

Shaun Miller - under contract until June 2014, with option of a further year (Keep, review in the Summer)

Returning from such a serious injury was always going to be tough. The fact he was hitting a good run of form prior to the injury only heightened expectations for what he might do on his return. Expectations subsequently enhanced by the sheer desperation of the unexpected position the club finds itself in.

Miller was not match fit, without a pre-season behind him and still doesn't look match sharp. In a way he could do with a loan to a League 2 club. Play games, build fitness and hopefully score goals to build sharpness and confidence. In our current situation that's not going to happen.

The rest afforded by Jose Baxter's inclusion up front versus Tranmere may be beneficial, but could have  equally set him back more as he needs games to find his touch and raise his awareness. Depending on the severity of Baxter's injury against Walsall that chance may well be presented back to him. The next four months will determine whether Miller has a future at Bramall Lane.

Marlon King - under contract until June 2014 (January departure)

I would not have had him near the club in the first place. This isn't a young lad making a mistake, a youthful indiscretion. This is a habitual criminal, with no remorse for increasingly violent and vengeful crimes that tarnishes what is left of the club name.

"Ah, but that will all be forgotten when he scores goals".

One goal, a lot of overweight, unfit huffing and puffing around the football pitch later.....

An awful decision by David Weir, a hugely divisive and risky gamble that has not paid off. Clough clearly determined his stance on him early in his reign and I am glad to see the club trying to agree a deal to get him out of the club as soon as possible. It is only a shame that the deal will have been relatively costly in terms of wage budget, with both salary and a pay-off.

Joe Ironside - under contract until June 2015 (stay out on loan or look to move on)

 A youth loan to Halifax was a good move for the young striker and it may be in the player and club's interests to make this permanent. Ironside did not stand out in the side that were FA Youth Cup finalists and from limited viewing, largely off the bench, I don't see how he offers anything different. I don't see any pace, strength or guile that is required.

 

He is yet to score a senior goal for United and has scored two goals in ten appearances for Town during his loan spell. I am just not sure if he is up to League One football.

Diego De Girolamo - under contract until October 2015 (Keep)

Said to be close to a return after a long injury lay-off, there was a real buzz around his arrival in the first team squad last season. How much of that buzz was justified is difficult to say, as we saw little of him in first team action before he suffered a knee injury whilst on international duty for Italy Under 18s. As with Shaun Miller, we need to be careful not to place unnecessary pressure and expectation on Diego's shoulders. It will also be interesting to see if/how Nigel Clough accommodates him in his team, which seems at present to have a focus on solid work ethic, rather than flair and unpredictability. 

 

Final Thoughts

 

When I first shared this post I had a mixed response. "We don't need a witch-hunt", "This doesn't help the team", "Just get behind them". Yet I found writing this and the debate it has stimulated interesting.

 

Everyone has a different opinion on our players, some are more vocal about it than others. This isn't about scapegoating players, it is about saying where we need to strengthen and who we move on to facilitate it. At the end of the day we all want the best for United and the bare facts are that we need changes in the playing squad to improve, to reach safety and create a platform for a promotion push next season.

 

Alongside writing this  I ran a poll of Blades fans to see what action they would take with regards to each member of the squad. The huge diversity of opinion is very apparent in those results, which I will share on here tomorrow. Of course only one man's opinion really matters, Nigel Clough. His actions in the window will tell us a lot about our new manager, what he wants in his squad and what we might expect when more wholesale changes are made in the summer. Things might be a lot clearer when the window is closed.

 

UTB!  

Time to let Chris Morgan go?

In a recent post on A United View, I extolled the virtues of a captain like Chris Morgan and rued the lack of similar on-field leadership in recent years. However it is off pitch leadership that leads me to post this. 

There are no "easy" jobs in football management. The level of scrutiny is intensified by the many ways fans and onlookers can express their opinion. Blogs, forums, message boards, phone-ins, super-slow motion replays and analysis of every little detail. Hours of air-time, free-time and so many channels and mediums to fill with content and opinion.

The next managerial sacking is just another line on the bookmakers odds lists and then there are just as many money making opportunities as there are column inches in predicting the replacement.

First steps in management are increasingly difficult for any player or coach looking to make the step up. If you ask any potential football manager how they would like their first job opportunity to come up, then it is fair to say the nature of Chris Morgan's first two opportunities would not be top of the list. 

 

As a means of proving your worth and potential as a manager they provided two wildly different scenarios, both within a six month period, and the circumstances would make it difficult to come out the other side with a great deal of credit. They probably tested Morgan mentally as much as technically.

Despite the disappointing run of form post-Christmas, it is fair to say United ought to have finished in the top 6 last season even if he Danny Wilson had stayed. To change managers with just 5 league games left (plus expected play off games) put the new incumbent in an unenviable position. A steady run to the end of the season - play offs, finish on a winning run - possible automatic but definitely play offs, struggle to maintain existing form - risk of missing play offs. All ways up it looked like play offs. 

The man offered the opportunity was Chris Morgan and he took over as caretaker with one eye on a long term position. Yet the timing of the change created a level of pressure on a manager - promoted from within - that was unnecessary and could have proved counter-productive. Changing manager was a risk and it didn't pay off.

Whilst you could never doubt Morgan's belief, motivational impact and care, results and performances were mixed. A lacklustre defeat at Huish Park saved The Blades from another expensive disappointment at Wembley.

 

Having applied for the permanent job himself it must have been an odd feeling for Morgan, looking on, as a player with the same coaching experience was eventually appointed.

Was it just the element of the unknown and a better playing pedigree that made Blades fans more willing to accept and, in some cases, be more excited about Weir's appointment than they would have been about having Morgan in charge? Was Morgan's commitment and loyalty when stepping into the breach now counting against him. 2 wins from 7 matches was not a track record to excite or encourage. So much so that it made Weir's non-existent record somehow preferable?

Roll forward to this season and the Weir experiment failed in dramatic style. With the decision made to axe the Scot on the Friday before a televised trip to Sixfields to face Coventry City. The delay in disposing of Weir gave Morgan little time to prepare his team and the first hour of the game saw little change from the tepid and gutless displays seen under Weir. 

 

Then Morgan made two substitutions and the Blades were suddenly back to 3-2 from three down and close to achieving an improbable comeback. Whilst the final half hour was gratifying, it was clear that the team lacked direction and a great deal of confidence. For the following two games against Port Vale and Peterborough, Morgan was given an experienced hand. Mick Wadsworth, a respected and experienced lower league coach, was brought in and the impact of Wadsworth's intervention should not be under-estimated. 

This is not intended to deride how Morgan steadied the ship, but a recognition that a steady hand with lots of lower league experience can have a positive effect. Maybe Morgan should have been given that steadying hand at the end of last season? It could be that he wanted the personal test and trusted in the support of David Unsworth or, in the different financial landscape pre-Prince, perhaps the budget did not allow for it. I do wonder if things may have turned out differently if he had been afforded an experienced aide and adviser. 

Morgan seemingly didn't apply for the managerial post after Weir's sacking. Maybe his experience of the summer deterred him, or there was a recognition that the club wanted an experienced manager? United were unlikely to trust a rookie now, with the club in the relegation zone and the Saudi investment creating an expectation of progress. That left him merely holding the fort again. As fellow Blade Lee Doane described him - a modern day Cec Coldwell. Cec was acting manager twice and spent 14 years on United's coaching staff after ending his career at Bramall Lane. 

So what now? Well Morgan prowled the touchline on Monday afternoon, as his Under 21 side lost 3-2 to Birmingham City; failing to hold on to a 2-0 lead. He was assured by Nigel Clough that he had a key role to play in his matchday team. Although Morgan cut a more benign figure against Crewe; resting on the dugout against Crewe as Clough and Andy Garner encouraged, remonstrated and motivated in the technical area.

 

We have to be careful of imposing staff on an incoming manager. In any business you will perform stronger and better with trusted allies and while I don't doubt Chris would support Clough and deliver in his duties wholeheartedly, a manager has to bring in his own people. Clough has done that and we now have a strong, maybe overstaffed, coaching set-up. The worse thing now would be for the new manager to pay lip-service to the club's request to find Chris a role.

 

I, like many, would want him to remain at the club. Although a Barnsley lad from the tarn, Morgan is as much a man of Sheffield now as the town of his birth. The fact that the club seemed to have made encouraging noises to fans' clamour for a testimonial match for Morgan is great recognition for his service, as player, captain, coach and caretaker manager.

While not a candidate for United's managerial job now, he may well be down the line. But to be that strong a candidate should the required learning and development be undertaken at United, or elsewhere?

For  the good of his career, it may be that he has to leave Bramall Lane. Assuming Nigel Clough is successful - and we all hope that he is - that means Morgan may not get a shot at management at Bramall Lane for four or five years. Will he be any better prepared after 4/5 years of coaching the Under 21s and more limited involvement in first team preparation?

Chris Morgan will always be well thought of by Sheffield United fans and whilst we always want the club to be built around passionate characters, with a clear love for the club, sometimes we have to free them from their roles. If we do that we will maybe see them return better for it.

Assuming he wants to forge a managerial career, it would make sense for him to seek opportunities elsewhere.  That way he can build his managerial credibility and enhance his knowledge and skills. It may cause gnashing of teeth and sadness amongst supporters, but he should pursue opportunities with good wishes and thanks. You never know, in doing this it may mean that one day he may be back....

The Weight of United's Armband

 

 

In Issue 9 of the football quarterly TheBlizzard, Joel Richards  interviews Alejandro (Alex) Sabella. The former Blades and Leeds striker is now coach of the Argentine national team and much of the article "The Weight of the Armband" makes reference to his decision to give Lionel Messi the national team captaincy. Sabella describes captaincy and leadership thus;

 

"There are different types of leaders. You have the ones who lead by sheer ability and others who lead because of their personality. In rare cases you have someone who brings together both of those. You could say that is absolute leadership."

 

At Bramall Lane over the years we have had some of the former, plenty of the latter and a few times we have been lucky enough to have the holy grail of the two factors combined. Sadly, at the moment we have a leader with neither ability or personality. The problem we have was crystalized in last Tuesday's Johnstone Paint Trophy defeat to Hartlepool United, which culminated in David Weir losing his job. It was prominently on display that night, but the rot has been visible for some time. When the going got tough, many hid and there was a distinct lack of leadership on the pitch including the man with the weight of the armband - Michael Doyle.

 

Those who stick up for the captain point to his running and commitment. Exactly the same traits many were quick to dismiss Nick Montgomery for, both during and after his lengthy spell at the Lane. Whilst this observed commitment perhaps points to a captain who leads by example, I think the observation is misguided. How often do the running and chasing have an end product? Rarely for me. He is clever about how and when he does it; making the tireless run to a lost cause tackle he will never make, yet not winning the loose ball that is close enough to be won. For a player that has a reputation for his disciplinary record the fact he picked up his first yellow card against Coventry on Sunday says much about his lack of fight.

 

Over the course of David Weir's short managerial reign, there have been increasingly loud rumours of a divided dressing room. Talk of disruptive players pre-dates his appointment, but on top of this there were reportedly players at odds with his tactics, his coaching staff and his man-management. Nothing points to it more than what we saw on the pitch against Hartlepool. A team barely playing for each other; never mind their manager, or the fans. When the going gets  role of a captain all the more important. Looking back at the previous match against Crawley, United find themselves behind early and the crowd are understandably restless. Where was our captain? Rarely visibly encouraging his team-mates, all fist pumps and geeing up the fans when we equalise, not when we are trying to get back in the game. Then it was all head down, looking at feet.

 

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm - The Latin writer Publilius Syrus

 

The same can be said of Doyle. When things were good and United were flying in the first season under Wilson you didn't notice, but when times are tougher and the team is struggling for results, you again notice what we are missing.

 

During the Hartlepool game Doyle actually seemed to be ignoring certain team-mates. Simon Lappin does not seem to be up to much as a left back, no better than what we have already got, but with such a narrow diamond shape in midfield the need for over-lapping full backs was vital. I counted at least three times when Lappin assumed attacking positions in space on the left, clearly within Doyle's peripheral vision, yet Doyle never once looked to him for the pass; instead prodding the ball inside where players were crowded out and United's attack was neutered. Maybe he didn't see him? But not three times. Another sign of a captain not at one with his colleagues?

 

I have observed him berating of players for missing chances. Chris Porter, headed over against Crawley (towards the end of last season) and was the recipient of spittle flecked, eye popping aggression, with arms flailing around. An effective captain should also take the individual player's character into consideration. Some players respond well if you talk calmly to them privately, but will go to pieces if confronted in an aggressive, public manner. Porter - a confidence player if ever there was one, looked even more devastated than the missed chance had left him.

 

In tough times there is rightly a claim that you need to have leaders all over the pitch and it should not all fall on one man. Yet the fact is, it is the captain who the fans look to; a leader by example. If he is incapable and others are unwilling or unable to step into the breach the team has significant problems. Players can draw so much strength from their captain, but it can be the opposite if they get the wrong message.

 

Players rarely give incisive comment in post-match interviews, but on Tuesday night Doyle took this to new levels of earnest banality;

 

"Collectively we have to take responsibility and react positively to what is expected when playing for Sheffield United. We can't afford to feel sorry for ourselves; we have to pump our chests out and stand up and be counted."

 

This is just mere lip-service to the fans and media. How can I believe that will change, that we will have players who raise their chests and fight, when the chests caved in and most looked limply at the floor when the fight was required against Pools. Talk is cheap and while it is good he faced the press, you need to have some confidence in what you are being told.

 

Sunday's performance showed little to change my view. Limp, lifeless and beaten for an hour, it took the introduction of two substitutes to change our game and bring the Blades back to within a whisker of an unexpected point. McGinn and Taylor showed a bit of confidence and belief that provided a spark and ideas that up until that point were missing presumed dead. 

 

Oh for a Chris Morgan, a Paul Stancliffe or a Rob Page. All good captains in my lifetime and all led the side in their own way. Back at the time of our relegation to League One in May 2011 I said that I felt that it wasn't just Chris Morgan the defender we had missed through injury, but the on pitch leadership. In fact you can probably trace the origins of United's eventual relegation and current predicament to the cruciate ligament injury against Coventry in November, that ended Morgan's career. We have never replaced that leadership and successive managers have placed their faith in Doyle, when a foray into the transfer market might have delivered a more apt candidate. I for one hope that David Weir's replacement acknowledges the problem.

 

Any good captain for me lays himself on the line for the team and the fans and has a strong will to win. Morgan reminded me of the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail who, when losing his leg, claims "tis but a scratch…..had worse". The knight suffers further blows; "tis but a flesh wound" and continues to lose other limbs, yet he still believes he is invincible and stands his ground; only claiming a draw when he is left limbless.

 

That backbone, fight and indefatigability has been sadly lacking both on the pitch and on the touchline this season and has been missing on the pitch for a couple of seasons. A conceded goal is not a scratch or a flesh wound, it is a fatal blow and you can see from the captain and players' demeanour that they believe it.