The Ballad of Jacob

Mansfield Town 0 v Sheffield United 0

Pre Season Friendly

Saturday 21 July 2018

SUFC 2018/19 Game 6

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I'm starting this as a Jacob Mellis appreciation Blog. I just love the fellas backstory. What? You don't know who he is. And you call yourself a Blade. Pull up a fucking chair.

Today, Jacob started at 8 for Mansfield. He lasted until 61 mins, when he was routinely subbed. In June 2007, Sheffield United (yes, THAT Sheffield United) sold Jacob to Chelsea (yes, THAT Chelsea) for £1 Million (yes,....). Eleven years ago. One million. He played for Chelsea in the Champions League (yes, THAT Champions League, how many fucking Champions Leagues are there FFS?). Versus MSK Zilina in November 2010. Albeit, as a sub, on 90+2. But, you don't have to put that bit on the CV.

Loan spells at Southampton & Barnsley. But, by March 2012 he was back at Stamford Bridge. Or, more accurately at Cobham, Chelsea's training ground. A poor version of Shirecliffe. It was at Cobham that he let off a smoke grenade, causing a full, fucking evacuation of the whole training complex. And, received his marching orders. Sharpish.

As well as training at Cobham, Jacob also had a luxury apartment there. Although, that needed a bit of renovation. Considering the Coppers kicked his door through in April 2012. Plod had to take Jacob to A&E as he'd had a violent set to with his girlfriend. Once they'd tried to sort out who said/did what to who, the Police nicked Jacob IN A&E.  Once the Red Mists had gone, both Jacob & his girlfriend accepted cautions for common assault.

Now come on, that’s a story.

As it turned out, Jacob was one of THREE ex SUFC Youth players out there for Mansfield. Otis Khan & CJ Hamilton. I saw a fair bit of them coming through the ranks. Indeed, I rated Khan (still do). But, physically & haircut wise, I’d have struggled to pick them out in an identity parade. All three played their part in a buoyant and firm performance by The Stags. There were chances of sorts at both ends. On balance, it wouldn’t have been a travesty if Mansfield had won that.

In a way, I thought Utd were better than they actually were. They seem to have a nice accelerator in pre season. Each game, they step something up from a core performance. This time, I felt there was much more bombing down the wing attacking stuff going on from the Centre Backs. From a base of previous games of just play wider & wider. But, actually, with analysis, they were a bit ponderous when they got the ball wide. The midfielder or wingback would have it. He’d be moving forward at pace. With a CB outside him. But, there was too much of that - have a look, draw the man stuff - and not enough - unleash him…..

Last season, we were at our best when we were attacking in waves - relentless. But, that seems like a different life now. Negatively, it feels a bit same old. Quite a lot of the ball. Players with it 25 yards out. Crosses from wide men. But, not much by way of an actual CHANCE.

That was a great Pub. The Brown Cow in Mansfield. It’s roots and core are some sort of Raw Brewery/Everard’s Joint Venture. There were eight on cask - 3 Raw & Everard’s Tiger - plus guests. Two pukka craft keg.

Fierce Beer, Split Shift IPA on keg at 5.5%. I absolutely loved that. That felt like a Throwback IPA. That’s where we came in. That’s where I want to go out. It tasted…. well, it tasted like an IPA. Orange & Marmalade, Gave in to a rich & uncomplicated bitterness. If Mellis had been with me, I’d have set fireworks off in honour of that beer.

Anarchy Brew Co., Anti-Venom IPA on cask at 6%. Yes, that tasted like a serious beer. But, there a little citrus soapiness in it. The mouthfeel was a bit thin for summat packing that oommpphh. Although it did get richer as you got at it.

684/1432