Is It Off Because It's Off?

Brentford 2 v Sheffield United 0 

Premier League 

Saturday 13 April 2024 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #59 

Ground Tick #486 

Different Ground watching a Sheffield United XI #234 

English Ground Tick #300 

There was plausible beer in the ground. As you'll recall, the Carrier Bag Firm Charter requires us to buy, drink and tick those. Even if you've already had a bellyful in the local Real Ale Pubs & Craft Beer Bars.

Meantime Brewing Co, Anytime IPA on Keg at 4.7%

And. Fuck me. I needed that one as “they” all descended on me on the Brentford concourse.

In case you ain't heard, this was the first time The Blades had played at Brentford's new build ground. I think it's fair to say that a number of people had made the effort to come and see their team. And to tick this ground off. I know I had.

First, there were The Polite Enquirers.

“Phil, how many grounds is this you've seen a United team play on?”

(Narrator takes big slurp of Meantime IPA)

“What? Any team? Friendlies? The lot? Even The Futures? … 234.”

The Polite Enquirer had done 238. Fair fucking play.

Second, there were The Assertive Quizzers.

“Counting this one, how many of the current 92 have United never played on?”

“Fuck knows. Er. Well. Counting this one, they've now played at every ground in the Premier League and The Championship. And I've done all those.”

“Correct. But what about the others.”

“Well. They've played at every ground in League One. And I've done all those.”

“No. They've never played at Cheltenham Town.”

“Yes they have. 19 July 2003. I went.”

“That was a friendly. You can't count those…”

(Narrator takes VERY big slurp of Meantime IPA.)

“Well. In League Two, it'd be Wimbledon, Harrogate, Sutton United but I've been to all those as a Neutral. Then Forest Green Rovers, Newport County and Salford City.”

“Yes. Those. And Barrow and Accrington.”

(Narrator, needing courage for this next bit, downs rest of Meantime IPA in one.)

“United sent an Under 23 side to Barrow in 2019. We got beat 3-1.”

“United sent a side to Accrington in 2001. The Reserves played Rochdale Reserves there.”

“You can't count those…”

I mentioned the Carrier Bag Firm Charter earlier. Well, the Charter is helpful here as well.

“Everybody. It's your Tick list. They're your Ticks. There's no Rules. Only your Rules. Tick yer Ticks. Celebrate yer Ticks. And celebrate how others are Ticking.”

I have seen football played on 486 grounds. By chance that includes exactly 300 grounds in England. On 234 of those grounds, I have seen a Sheffield United XI play. I have seen Sheffield United XIs play on 84 of the current 92. But, adding in Neutral games, I have seen games at 87 of the current 92.

Thank Fuck that debates over for a bit…

Brentford scored their second on 90 +3. Their opening goal on 63 was a big deflection OG. United not only stayed in that game for long periods. They were IN that game for long periods. Nothing mad. No particular claims of should have won. Maybe - could have drawn.

We had half n half possession. We had more than a handful of pukka shots. We had some intent. We couldn't really get much going up top. Brereton-Díaz and McB not gelling quite as well as recent games.

Arblaster enhanced his rep. If/when he gets the chance, he needs to go - mid-expansive. He (understandably) plays a fair few safe, help it on balls. He occasionally looks for the Hollywood cross fielder out wide. A key strength is the 15 yard progression - 12 sometimes. Either playing between the lines. Or a quick burst between the lines. Those will come (I hope). Because meaningful possession and progression is where he can make a difference.

Injuries mean we are still juggling at the back. But, Yasser Juggledin Larouci did well I thought. More minutes mean more settled in. I thought he did the job Wilder probably told him to do.

The McAtee thing is getting to me a bit. He's fucking lazy. Alright, alright he looks fucking lazy. He's marking time (because FFS he's not marking his man) when he could be using this opportunity to march forward.

But, anyway, you don't get any fucking points for any of that shit.

We had an interesting Quality Control issue in our bar of choice;

The Black Dog Beer House 

17 Albany Rd, Brentford TW8 0NF

You know the Black Dog right? Just along from St Paul's Rec? Where I was detained after the game in 1979 in connection with a Murder!!!

By exploration, we knew the Beer Board in the BDBH by heart. Intimately. So, when we went in after the game, we knew that this one must be fresh on. 

True Story Brewing Co (Wiltshire), Gone Postal, Hazy IPA on Keg at 5.8%

Quick sip. Nice. But, more or less immediately, the Bar Manager has rubbed it off the board. And turned the pump clip around. It's Off. But, is it Off because it's Off, or is it just Off?

I'd be interested in what you, reader, would do in those circumstances. You've bought a round of a particular beer. It tastes good to you. It's clearly not run out. But, the Manager then takes it off.

I went to enquire…

“Some customers have a problem with it, it's busy, so I'm taking it off.”

“Fine, but what do you want me to do with the three I've just bought?”

“Drink them if you want. I can't be replacing and refunding beers left right and centre.”

“But, if there's something wrong with it…”

“Have you tasted it? Do you think there's something wrong with it?”

“But, you're taking it off. Do you think there's something wrong with it?”

“Sometimes, during sparging, a bit of an antiseptic flavour can develop from the husks. It's a brewing issue. It's actually detectable in a lot of beers. I don't think there's anything seriously wrong with the beer. It's certainly not off. But, I can just detect it when I taste it. I'm going to have a good look at it, and a good taste of it, when I open in the morning. But, to save a lot of hassle while we're busy. I'm taking it off for now.”

That's unusual. The Manager, giving a full and robust explanation of what's occurring. Almost as if he knows what he's doing!!!

I'm proud to say the Carrier Bag Firm routinely have very little idea of what's occurring. So, we did as he said. We drank and thoroughly enjoyed that beer.

The Black Dog is a superb place. I counted eleven pukka craft Keg and four on Cask. In the unlikely event you've thoroughly enjoyed reading about Biggest Ticker, Lazy Midfielders, Beer In The Ground, and Unusual Quality Control Discussions, then please feel free to stop reading right here.

But, feels like we ain't had a Beer Blog for ages. So, for the unintentionally interested, I'm now going to run through the lot.

Round Corner Brewing (Melton Mowbray), Drovers, IPA on Keg at 4.3%

Fresh & Zingy. Tang to the bitterness. Rather than a throat grabber. Long finish. Dry Hopped with Citra, Mosaic & Simcoe.

Boundary Brewing (Belfast), Imagine Not Liking The Corners, Porter on Keg at 4.1%

Oatmeal porter. Some toast. Hint of chocolate.

Polly's Brew Co (Flintshire), Yonkers, Hazy Pale on Keg at 5.6%

Superb. It sounds odd. But in a certain light, it was so dense & opaque, it looked almost grey. Which I found very inviting. Tropical fruit backed up by marmalade orange.

Lost and Grounded Brewers (Bristol), Collab with Burnt Mill Brewery (Ipswich), Big Thaw 5, West Coast IPA on Keg at 6.8%

Westie Bestie. Two of my favourite English breweries Collabing. This was the one that replaced the - I've taken it off Gone Postal. Absolute Belter. Pils, Pale Ale and Cara malts. Columbus, Chinook and HBC 586 Hops. Citrus, pine, rich bitterness.

The Kernel Brewery (London), Small Pale Ale Citra Centennial Columbus Chinook Simcoe on Keg at 4.2%

Surprisingly ordinary. Couldn't help thinking they've gone in with a few hops too many and it's all lost in translation.

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Perfect Hot Potatoes

Sheffield United 1 v Brentford 0 

Premier League 

Saturday 9 December 2023 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #29 

Sheffield United 0 v Liverpool 2 

Premier League 

Wednesday 6 December 2023 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #28 

So. There we have it. New manager. We've made the change. Here's how the NOLs (New Old Lot) are putting the cones out now.

By the time I Blogged from that horrendous defeat at Brunlea, Heckingbottom had gone, and Wilder had arrived. I had a go at what I'd like to see, rather than what I thought he'd do. Simply, performance has improved and we've got a result.

We played more of the game facing the opponents goal. It was still all a bit hot potato at times. But, key players were willing and able to trap the ball, get it under control, and turn with it. That included Jack Robinson, turning calmly. And Cameron Archer, more hectic, but trying to lose his marker.

They've obviously been drilled to go a bit longer from the back. Particularly from goal kicks. They tried to exploit the fact we've got Auston Trusty at makeshift left back in a conventional four. Pushed him up halfway for goal kicks to try and win the header.

The press was controlled and shaped rather than harem scarem. That's useful for now so we're not always caught on the break. We looked comfortable ish as a back four. As we went into the disrupt yourself phase v Brentford, Max Lowe turned up and we went back to a three with wingbacks. The point there is - we've got options, we can be flexible.

Will Osula is SHOCKING as a zone man at defensive corners. He goes for balls he can't possibly get. Jumps under balls he should get. And has a tendency to get in the way. That needs working on. After he'd been subbed, the organisation failed and we had at least one corner with no one in the Zone.

In general, the strikers need to pull the trigger more. Any small percentage gains might get us the right side of the knife edge.

‘dre Brooks started both games. And Sydie Peck was trusted and came on. Brooks did very well. He's not one of those players in the Academy who make you shut up, sit up and look. Those are Harry Boyes, Louie Marsh and Kurt Havenhand. I feel Brooks has benefitted right place, right time a bit. We're short on bodies, he's not out on loan and he's not injured. But, he's grabbed it.

He's got the brain and discipline to do the defensive stuff. Against Liverpool, Darren Ward had given Andre the number to mark at corners. And I watched keenly, he was obsessed with getting close to him and moving with him around the box. He also had a fill in behind role on those goal kicks as Trusty pushed.

But, most people will have noticed Brooks in transitions. Short, diagonal dribbles. Even when he's robbed, the ball just breaks 50/50 loose high up the pitch. He's made it difficult for Wilder to drop him.

I didn't include Peck in that Boyes, Marsh, Havenhand fanboy list. Only because I feel he drifts at times in Academy games. Peck has great feet. He can hit corners left or right foot. He has lovely low trajectory cross field balls. And he's great at moving it quickly and accurately - perfect hot potatoes.

I'm happy to say that all those insightful points were considered and developed over some lovely beers. I'm going to single out as follows.

Nailmaker Brewing Company (Barnsley), Wentworth IPA on Cask at 4.8%

My photo doesn't do it justice. But, that was ridiculously clear. Pale straw in the glass. Just the merest hint of blackcurrant in the first bite. The bitter held back a bit longer. And icing sugar dusting and dancing on your lips. Excellent.

Siren Craft Brew (Wokingham), Coldblooded Christmas, Chocolate Porter on Keg at 5%

Another beer from Siren which uses Amburana wood Spirals in the brew. It comes across as deep, dark chocolate at first. That was a bit too dominant for me and overpowered the slightly spicy orange background. But a very moreish beer.

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Tufty Talk v Brentford

If you've had the good fortune to get your hands on the truly beautiful Dem Blades Quarterly Fanzine #1, you'll have seen a piece on the hidden messages Chris Wilder puts in his interviews with James Shield of The Sheffield Star (and others). We all know the deal, Wilder remains honest & upbeat. But, let me remind you. We. Are. Sheffield. United. Gloom inevitably follows Doom. Go on Social Media within seconds of what Wilder actually SAID, and the conspiracy theorists will tell you what he actually MEANT.

The Carrier Bag Firm have been called nerds, geeks, anoraks - and more frequently virgins. But, really, we're Coneheads. We've set our minds to it. If it's Cryptology Chris, Cipher Chris or Coded Chris we'll crack it.

I couldn't be at that fantastic win against Brentford last night. I was desperate to see what Wilder had said to James ….. roughly (winks)

“

I just said to the lads in there, I don't care how the rest of it turns out, they put everything in for this club. They were sharp and switched on. That’s what we wanted when we first came in and that's what these lads have brought.  From a character point of view, from the art of defending, that was ridiculous. Everyone talks about we need rotation and to just play between the lines and stuff like that - I've got a word for it but I won't put it out there  - but that was sheer attitude. The attitude was right up there. That was about the will not to get anything wrong and not concede a goal. I thought our number was up a few times, but we put our bodies on the line and kept it out of the net.

“

A lot of praise for Chris as he switched systems to cope with Madine being sent off. And, truly inspired substitutions I'm hearing. Or, were they?

The Tufty Talk has been picked out in red.

I said don't put Sharp on. That's ridiculous. We just put the wrong number up!

One Pub, Two Names

Brentford 2 v Sheffield United 3
The Championship
Tuesday 27 November 2018

Sheffield United U23 0 v Everton U23 1
Premier League Cup, Group B
Friday 30 November 2018
Played at Stocksbridge Park Steels

SUFC 2018/19 Games 42 & 43

May to May Brewery Visits - 67

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The Beer

I love a bit of unusual beer history me. Did you read my previous Blog? About the two Pressure Drop beers? Both brewed with the same Hops? But, with different “recipes”? No. Why not? We tasted them side by side in a classic Beer Off. It was a lovely bit of Blogging. Give it a hit up. Anyway, I mention that “two beers” Blog. Because this one is a Two Pubs Blog. The drink up before that marvellous away win at Brentford was in The Mawson Arms, in Chiswick, right next to the Fuller's Griffin Brewery. Or was it? The Mawson Arms is also the Fox and Hounds. The pub has two “legitimate names”. I've seen the story told a few different ways.

Basically, it's around the old Licencing Laws ruling that Beer could not be sold on the same premises as Wines & Spirits. The story is either those were the real rules, or it was a misunderstanding that those were the rules. Matters not. Because, in a classic manoeuvre, they just gave the pub two names. The authorities OK'd Ale in The Mawson Arms & OK'd Wine in the Fox and Hounds. Without understanding they were one and the same pub. What. Japes.

Maybe it's the water. But, I generally find Fuller's beers a bit thin. The three I had, including London Pride (I just HAD to), certainly were. It was a close call. But, my favourite of the day was,

Fuller's, Off Piste on cask at 4.6%. That was lovely and hoppy. Not powerful, but gentle & floral flowing through it. The inevitable thin mouthfeel actually suited the balance.

The Under 23s

A very young Blades XI, missing Norrington-Davies, Graham, Semple, Slater, Gilmour, Smith, Hallam & Parkhouse, gave a really good account of themselves. All of those listed are experienced and senior U23 players who are currently out on loan to further their development. I get that. But, I do sometimes feel there's a critical mass. Unless you retain a core of players, then it's difficult for the rest to shine. But, I get it.

The apparent gulf is that Everton are second in Premier League 2, Division 1 - the top division for U23 teams. United are fifth in Professional Development League, North. You could call that U23 Division 3. It was certainly NOT one way traffic. United had a really good spell from around 55 minutes to 80. And, there was a mad, great chance for the equaliser in stoppage time. Stephen Mallon had a shot blocked. Harry Boyes banged the rebound against the bar. And, Simeon Oure had a header from that rebound cleared.

Both teams were in it constantly. Chances at both ends. Neither could really get on top & impose control. On balance, I'm happy that Everton probably just shaved it. The Young Blades stayed in it by working really hard. In their better spells, they were happy to trust their skills. Passing it around the back line & through linking midfielders. Inevitably, there was the odd mistake. But, I felt if United hadn't played like that, getting the ball moving all the time, Everton could have really stamped control.

It was noticeable that Travis was constantly encouraging the players to keep working. Coaxing, rather than castigating.

George Cantrill set up in the middle of a three. Jean Belehouan on his right, Tommy Williams on his right. Harry Sheppeard & Stephen Mallon as wingbacks. Doherty, York and (presumed trialist) Kalinauskas in midfield. Jake Young & Simeon Oure up top.

That performance is not particularly one for singling individuals out. A collective effort. I thought Cantrill, Williams & Belehouan dealt well with a lot of things at the back in difficult circumstances. York started really well - but faded a bit I felt. Stephen Mallon shone at times. Let's put it simply. He's better when he's got the ball than when has hasn't.

Everton's goal on 25 minutes looked ugly. A surging run from midfield was ended by a crunching tackle (and foul) in the D, bang centre. From my angle, Marcus looked like he was set up on the left post. I'm sure that was a bit of an illusion. But, it looked a simple, up n over, bit of away curl, chip into acres of goal to his right.

There's no disgrace, lots to be proud of, in that defeat. We just need to hang on in there & get through the group stage.

750/1564

3 new signings for SUFC

Brentford U18 2 v Sheffield United U18 2

Saturday 28 March 2015

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Great pub this lunchtime.

The Express Tavern,
56 Kew Bridge Rd,
Brentford TW8 0EW

It's bang next to Kew Bridge Station on a main road. Nice & traditional multi-room feel & layout. According to their website, it's from the same mob who have The Sussex Arms in Twickenham. Which is also a great pub.

10 on cask. Nice range. Some interesting looking ones. Maybe a few less on keg, if you discount the duplicates & standard of the bogs. I've never been "this side of Brentford" before. In the unlikely event we ever play them again in the Football League, I may hit this pub again. It has got to be reasonably convenient, hasn't it?

I had Sambrooks Power House Porter on cask at 4.9%. It was pleasant enough. Slightly sour lead in. (My palate is getting that on a lot of Porters at the moment). Nice bittering & some gentle toast.

But, that was easily trounced by the Ilkley Kahika (New Zealand Red IPA) on cask at a whopping 6%. Just maybe, a bit more malty sweetness jumping into a big hop hit, was required. But, it was still a lovely complex, tongue numbing affair. Rich & mouthfilling.

As the game unfolded at the Brentford Training Ground, I began to realise how successful Brentford U18 have been this season. They were 11 points clear at the top of Division 2 South. They came into this game knowing a win could give them the Title. (If other results went their way). So, in the grand scheme of things, that is a nice result for the Young Blades.

Both sides have finished with 10 men  You don't see too many bookings at this level. The guys are usually just too interested in playing to let stuff get in the way. But, there were a lot of little trip kicks at blokes running at pace. Dangerous. Rightly punished.

Tyrick Mitchell was sent off early in the 2nd half for Brentford. It was over on the far side. I couldn't quite make it out. Looked like a reaction, with a United player on the deck. Anyway. Tyrick can speak for himself. But the poor chap looked absolutely distraught to me. In an I've let myself and my team down sort of way. If I've got that right, then all credit to him. The right way to behave. Bounce back Mate.

Brentford were two up at that stage. I've had it as David Brooks nicking one back for United. Before Shea Gordon broke clear, shrugged off a blatant shirt pull, and got his rolled shot off. Which went off the post.

United were very bright at this stage. Danny Cockerline hit the bar, and had another couple of chances. Eventually, the Blades were down to 10, with Ioan Evans off for a 2nd bookable offence.

Three "new signings" out there. Following pro contracts for Evans, Cockerline & Brooks in the week.

Aaron Ramsdale; Alex Brown, Ioan Evans, Emmanuel Adebowale, Graham Kelly; David Brooks, Fahad Ishmail, Shea Gordon, Spencer Maw; Dan Cockerline, Jorome Slew
Subs: Josh Perryman, Danny Ramsey, Tom Charlesworth, Keegan Burton

107/249

Diego Watch - From the Grassy Knoll

Sheffield United U21 4 v Brentford U21 1

Monday 29 September 2014

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The grassy knoll at Shirecliffe for the U21s. Good open game. Lots of chances at both ends. The 1st half was pretty even. I was going to give it to Brentford on points. But United scored direct from a corner or maybe flapped in by the keeper (I couldn't quite tell). Other reports are saying Ben Whiteman, I'll bow to that, I mistakenly had it to Kyle Scarisbrick.

So I've got the wrong scorer & I don't really know how it's gone in. Excellent blogging.

By the end, United were running away with it.  Brentford equalised. But then in goalscoring terms it became the Diego show.  I've said before, he's better when he faces goal.

Right at the beginning of the game he made a tricky turn & got a great shot off. Beaten out by the keeper. Then he had a good run & chance down the left channel. Beaten out for a corner. Still in the first half he had a really good chance in front of a gaping goal. But missed it.

In the 2nd half, well the results speak. Diego took up good positions, looked for the ball, anticipated and took gambles & was calm in front of goal.

He tucked away a great Jason Paling cross. He chased down a defensive kerfuffle and put it in the empty net after the keeper had to scamper back & scoop it off the line.. He followed up a shot & was miles quicker reacting, the keeper parried & he calmly put it away.

Not an awe inspiring, all over the park, beat them on his own performance. Steady. Effective. Calm. Got the rewards.  Well done Kid.

Iain Turner looks a safe & class act, if we ever need him. Very vocal with his defenders. But not critical, just organising. Helping them with their positions.

So, a good win, so a quick celebratory drink in the Benjamin Huntsman Wetherspoons. Saltaire South Island Pale at 3.5%. Nice, simple easy drinking. I thought it was a bit honey sweet at first - which surprised me a little. The tastes weren’t all that powerful. But quite nice in a subtle way.  The fruit tones were a little grapefruit at first, but then a bit of pineapple I thought. Not much bitterness, but I didn’t miss it all that much - nice balance.