The fans on the terrace are starting to get annoyed with Nigel’s bleatings after each defeat. "Little old Scunthorpe” simply doesn’t wash anymore and rightly so. United have squandered points against poor teams like Palace and Leicester in games which really should have ended up with the Iron taking all three points. Adkins inability to change a game has cost us dear and however some of the promotion winning side simply haven’t cut it so far in the second tier of English Football.
The Iron faithful have turned against homegrown talent such as Sparrow and Williams- whilst loan players simply haven’t performed. Sparrow was influential in United’s promotion season however hasn’t been able to replicate the same sort of form, whilst full back Williams has been found out in a number of games already.
And it becomes increasingly obvious that the midfield is still lacking a creative edge. Kevan Hurst’s excellent start to the season surprised nobody, but his poor performances of late have meant a lack of crosses into the box. Then again we don't have a Torpey like figure to head them home.
A real gem Adkins has uncovered is Jack Cork whose determination is second to none. The loanee fromChelsea started slowly but has performed exquisitely when called upon. Jim Goodwin has also being missed when he has sat out through injury and suspension and the duo are without a doubt the best pairing at present.
But United need to strengthen in January; creative flair is missing and Adkins must bring in a midfielder with a killer pass and someone to finish the chances when they come.
Cleveland Taylor has blown hot and cold, and the same goes for Jonothan Forte who has being played both up front and on the right wing. An impressive performance at Colchester was probably the best of the campaign for him.
Paul Hayes is another the fans are turning on. The old phrase “Lazy Hayesy” has returned, despite some decent displays playing further back than he is used to. Martin Paterson had an excellent start but has maybe being found out a little, his passion is however unquestionable and he always gives 100%.
The back four have being OK with Butler being the real star in the back four so far. Crosby has being caught napping time and time again, but has coped better than everyone thought he might. Loanee Kelly Youga has being criticized by United fans and labeled to casual. He to has dropped some clangers in the left back position, but so has Marcus Williams who is currently having a run in the team.
Adkins also brought in Shaleum Logan in place of the injured Cliff Byrne. Byrne was arguably United’s most consistent player before his injury, which sees him out until next year. It has become apparent that United have missed Byrne at right back, and it is hard to see when the next clean sheet is going to come without the full strength back four.
Izzy Iriekpen has sat out with injury and suspension since his bullet header to earn us a point at Charlton. His headbutt in a reserve game with Grimsby has seen him miss the last 3, and an injury is likely to keep him out further. The former Swansea man looked quite impressive early doors and could be a real part of the battle to survive after Christmas.
Forgotten men Dave Mulligan and Daniel McBreen haven’t got a chance to show what they can do so far this term and are unlikely to do so. It is now time that they got a chance considering the current system isn’t working.
It is clear Adkins doesn’t know how to change a game when loosing, or when going for a win. Long ball tactics in the past few away games against Coventry and Plymouth have been useless, and the 4-5-1 formation has not worked so far. Maybe United need to invest in a master tactician to work with Adkins in January- because the Iron need to tighten up and get the formation right before starting to attempt to win games.
And the Iron still need a target man. Steve Torpey wouldn’t have cut it at Championship level, but a Torpey type figure is needed. Ben May has tried and gone back to Millwall, but had a touch of class about him. Adkins may try to lure him back when his contract runs out at the New Den in the New Year and he could do much worse.
Ameobi looks poor. It is still annoying that we have to delve into League One teams reserve sides to pick out a striker- and the lanky frontman who has being nicknamed “Amoeba” by posters on Iron Bru’s message board is likely to return in January. It is also slightly worrying that Logan, Youga, Cork, Ameobi, all regulars in the squad are all on loan. If United cannot secure the services of Cork and Youga in the New Year it could spell trouble.
United have a million to spend in January but is a million enough? United simply need some quality players particularly in midfield and attack, as well as strength in depth- something we haven’t really had for years.
Ian Morris and Alex Morfaw both are yet to return to the squad, barring Morris’ bench warming performance at Plymouth yesterday- but can they cut it at Championship level? I don’t think so.
And if you thought things couldn’t get any worse, fans were offered a stark reminder that United’s squad is far too small yesterday. 40 year old goalkeeper coach Kevin Pressman, who can barely bend down nowadays, was named amongst the substitutes yesterday at Plymouth- thank God he didn’t have to play.
Scunthorpe are now in a relegation fight and Adkins will need to use the war chest wisely to drag United out of the mire. Positivity and enthusiasm counts for nothing if the team can’t play football.