Guess Who's Back?

Sheffield United U23 1 v Birmingham City U23 2 

U23 Professional Development League 

Played at Chesterfield 

Monday 6 January 2020 

SUFC 2019/20 Game 45 

Twitter @ball_sup 

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Ultimately, a disappointing result for the Young Blades. We've now lost nine of 17. Only won four. It's difficult to put my finger on it. But everything feels a bit fractured & disjointed for the U23s this season. I haven't got the exact stats. But I count over FORTY players we've used across those seventeen games. We've generally set up as a back three. So, there's some continuity there. But, once the subbing had subsided last night, two of our CBs were makeshift. "Experienced" Midfielders playing out of position.

The Carrier Bag Firm have had to extend pre match drinking time. Scouring the Teamsheets. But, illustratively, not to speculate on tactics, shape, trialists. The common question on their lips is - where's so and so? Makeshift Centre Backs. But, not one of a handful of developing Centre Backs even on the bench. Where's Ky Gordon?

Additional usual suspects line up last night brought to you by Summer Leagues. The return of Jordan Doherty. Been on loan at Tampa Bay. Returning as a makeshift CB. Obvs. The return of David Parky Parkhouse from Derry City. My understanding is Parky has been offered a contract. But, currently doesn't fancy signing it as he wants to explore options. (Media chatter includes Celtic & Everton). So, basically no idea of the motive tonight. Shop window? Let Wilder see him in a game situation? Got to play someone? Anyway - looks like he's grown a bit, and had some gym time. Looked bigger/stronger in his upper body. Finally, Oliver Greaves is/has been on loan at Barrow. But, doesn't always get a shirt. Maybe he's back temporarily to get game time. Oli sat on the bench at kick off, came on at 55.

So. What's happened to 'em? Are they better players Phil? Mate. Not noticeably. I've damned Parkhouse before. Doesn't score enough for someone his size, stature & hype. Didn't score tonight. Same. Obviously, you want to be able to see clear water, demonstrable progress from your loan kids. But, that's a bit unrealistic. More experience. Adjustments on the tiller. Reinforced their strengths. Better on their weaknesses. A lot of that won't be discernible to someone wondering what's being served in the pub over the road. But, honestly, Parkhouse didn't play any different. Got the tools. Did the bits. But, the trees remain unripped.

Jordan Doherty, as he has done in the past, was makeshift centre of the three. Competent. Switched on. But, he didn't make you shuffle in your seat. I'm a big Oli Greaves fan. He slotted in up top. In me head, I see him more as the ten. But, he was lovely & lively. Aside from Jake Young's goal gifted to him on 10mins, Greaves created the best chances. He hit the bar on 77. And, was fully involved in the pile on pressure to try & grab an equaliser.

On paper, that Blades team is stuffed with skillful, creative players. Ndiaye, Andall-Gibbons, Gribbin, Doherty, Broadbent, York. For me, they're underperforming. They don't seem to be driving on, breaking the line, unlocking. It's all too quiet. I did notice Andrew Hughes was a bit more vocal tonight. Geeing Parky up on kick off. Encouraging George Broadbent to get forward from Right Wingback. Andre Brooks came on at HT for Ashton Hall. A trip down memory lane for the Carrier Bag Firm. An U23 manager, quite vocal, encouraging his player - Brooksy, Brooksy, Brooksy. But, Travis & David have gone - we'll have to see how this Tribute Act gets on.

Special word for keeper Amissah. (Remember, we've got a keeper crisis). Jordan made some great saves. Kept us in it a few times before that 70th minute BlueNose winner. If I'm honest, I'm not his biggest fan. But, he did really well tonight.

Not a bad game. Both teams got something going on. But, not much on plan in our system at the minute.

At least at U23s at Chesterfield, the Carrier Bag Firm have "a thing". The Glassworks, a Brampton Brewery pub bang opposite the ground, have a Beer Of The Week at two and half English. This time around….

Brampton Brewery, Jerusalem on cask at 4.6%. English Bitter. Nice balance. The malt works very well. Old Skool bitter.

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