Blade58
Once a Blade, always a daft ****
View from the John Street has conducted an interview with our new chairman
Talks well.
Not sure what to make of CW's comments
Ground development if/when sale goes through but only adding a max 5000 capacity
Club chairman Prince Musa'ad bin Khalid Al Saud talks about:
‘UNDER new management’ often breeds more than an element of suspicion, historically justified scepticism along with a helping of ‘we’ve seen it all before’. Certainly where Sheffield United are concerned.
Their outstanding performance since returning to the Premier League which even the the wildest of optimists could not have dared to dream – a third of the season gone and currently eighth in the table, unbeaten away since day one and about to face Newcastle United at Bramall Lane with the chance to extend an unbeaten run, home or away to eight matches, – has deflected from a seismic shift in the balance of power at Bramall Lane.
An upheaval which has major consequences for the long-term future of the club. Many supporters choose not to dwell on this – que sera sera. But in the shorter term, if that means losing manager Chris Wilder because, having studied the blueprint, he feels he has a better chance of succeeding elsewhere, those same ambivalent fans will be incandescent with rage at the new paymasters.
ALARM BELLS
Worryingly, Wilder told the Sunday Times at the weekend: “I believe that this club, where it goes now, is out of my hands. But I want more. I want more from the players, more from the staff more from the football club.” For a man who relishes being hands on across the club to voluntarily admit he feels that future direction of travel is now beyond him should set alarm bells ringing.
He continued: “It’s funny: I plan short, medium and long-term for my players and my club but I don’t do it with myself. Anything can happen in this game so I don’t look too far ahead. I think that if I look after football, football will look after me.”
Success breeds success and United’s manager is one of the hottest properties in football management. Wilder’s record, and evolving methods based on a firm foundation, has stood the test of time from lowly non-league beginnings right up the football ladder to the highest level. It shows no signs of abating. The danger being that United won’t be able, or more importantly, willing to match his boundless ambition.
So with all that in mind, ViewFromTheJohnStreet.com found the opportunity to talk with newly appointed United chairman Prince Musa'ad bin Khalid Al Saud. Only 26 years old, he the son-in-law of new club owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who was granted full control in a High Court judgment in September which former partner Kevin McCabe is contesting. The youngest Premier League chairman cuts an impressive figure when talking all things Sheffield United. Take it from me, at first glance he certainly belies his tender years.
“Whatever I say, talk is cheap,” says Prince Musa'ad, 11 years younger than Blades defender Phil Jagielka, three years older than striker Lys Mousset and 26 years behind boss Wilder. “What we bring to the club and what we create is really what matters.”
REALISTIC
So does he agree with me that Wilder, the club’s greatest asset, might be difficult to keep hold of? “No one is bigger than the club,” says the Prince. “Owner, manager, players. “We hope Chris stays with us for many years to come but this is football.” A level-headed and realistic answer, if not quite the emphatic declaration Blades fans might like to hear.
Straight-talking is the overriding impression given by the young prince who is continually at pains to point out during our conversation that the new ownership will be judged by what it does, not through easy words and creation of false dawns.
Unprompted, he surprised me by demonstrating an understanding of what being a Blade is all about and the working class fabric of Sheffield society. He’s obviously been doing his homework. “Our supporters are special,” he says. “It can be magic and it is really important that the club remains representative of the city. People in Sheffield are hard working, straight talkers and we must reflect that.”
In that case something has to change. United are rated a shocking 41st in a table of 44 Premier and Championship clubs analysing engagement with supporters based on dialogue, governance and transparency, the Fan Engagement Index. Something that will come as little surprise to Blades used to, at best, being patronised but mostly taken for granted by the various powers that be.
MYSTERIOUS
Prince Abdullah bought into the club in 2013 but to this day remains largely a mysterious figure who appears to actively avoid any sort of engagement. Matchday for him involves watching the Blades on one of his bank of TV screens at homes in Riyadh or California. Former player and living legend Tony Currie, who resigned his seat on the Board in September after the Saudi royal was granted full control of the club by the High Court, commented: “I’ve only seen him at the ground twice. I’ve only spoken to him once.”
So I put it to Prince Mussad that his father-in-law’s low profile doesn’t help the cause in winning over fans and instilling confidence about the future direction of the club.
“That’s why I am here, to provide that presence,” he says. “Prince Abdullah keeps a close connection and he prefers his way. What would supporters be more happy with, someone who just talked a lot or someone who demonstrated achievement? Look how far we have come from 2013. We had a fans’ forum in September (at Bramall Lane which Prince Abdullah attended following the takeover) and we’re going to have another one in February. I will attend all matches and from later this month will be living in Sheffield.”
Prince Mosaad will celebrate his fifth wedding anniversary in May with Princess Latifa, daughter of Prince Abdullah. One of her four sisters has recently been listed as a club director. In the next fortnight the couple are due to move into their new home in a swish suburb of Sheffield.
“It was suggested to me that I should live in Manchester, but I thought ‘no’, it is important that I live in Sheffield where the club is. I really like the city, it’s a great place, and we’re both looking forward to being here. At the moment I am splitting my time between London and Sheffield where I stay at the (Copthorne) hotel. But being permanently based in Sheffield will be much better.”
TALENT
Prince Musa'ad, who supported AC Milan from afar in Saudi Arabia as a younger man, has a background in strategic sports entertainment management. He also created a football academy in his homeland to help develop young talent and admits to having harboured his own dream. “I played defensive midfield, so I could maybe do a Lundstram or Norwood,” he jokes. “There are many young players with talent, but football is not only about that it is also what’s in here (pointing to his head).”
So what of the immediate future? “Now there is an opportunity to develop the club and move it on to the next level. But we are not going to do that by threatening financial stability. We’re not going to be a Fulham or a Stoke, there is a very good article about them that I would advise you to read. If we were to find ourselves back in the Championship, and I don’t think we will, we don’t want to be burdened by big wages which kills clubs in those circumstances.”
Prince Musa'ad points to Burnley, a club which twice flirted with the top flight (2009-10 and 2014-15) before establishing itself on a modest but improving budget since winning promotion again four seasons ago. “It’s gradual steps but the stability and well-being of the club must never be threatened.”
STADIUM
What of the future of Bramall Lane? “I can tell you first that Bramall Lane is safe. We would never want to move into a new stadium.” He agrees with me that many of the newly-built creations are built at the expense of the soul of clubs. We have plans for its development and to improve the experience for fans. But of course, at the moment we don’t own the ground, Kevin (McCabe) does, so it is difficult. As the High Court said we will buy it and when those negotiations are concluded will be able to move forward.”
That may include adding capacity but Prince Musa'ad stressed that any extension would probably be limited to 5,000. “We don’t want to make the ground too big, it is very intimidating for opposition teams and we want to keep it that way.”
The prince asks me where I think United will finish at the end of the season. I tell him around mid-table which would be regarded as a great start to life in the Premier League and ask for his opinion. “Seventeenth has to be the bottom line,” he says. “Hopefully we will do better than that but staying in the Premier League is what really matters.”
And the January transfer window, will the necessary funds be made available to Wilder? “That is a matter for Chris,” says the Blades chairman whose answer for once in our frank exchanges probably owed more to diplomacy than fact.”
Talks well.
Not sure what to make of CW's comments
Ground development if/when sale goes through but only adding a max 5000 capacity
Club chairman Prince Musa'ad bin Khalid Al Saud talks about:
- Chris Wilder and if the club can keep hold of him
- Plans for Bramall Lane
- Father-in-law and United’s sole owner Prince Abdullah
- Making his home in Sheffield
- Financial model which will shape the future
- January transfer window
- Oh, and chances of standing in for Olly Norwood
‘UNDER new management’ often breeds more than an element of suspicion, historically justified scepticism along with a helping of ‘we’ve seen it all before’. Certainly where Sheffield United are concerned.
Their outstanding performance since returning to the Premier League which even the the wildest of optimists could not have dared to dream – a third of the season gone and currently eighth in the table, unbeaten away since day one and about to face Newcastle United at Bramall Lane with the chance to extend an unbeaten run, home or away to eight matches, – has deflected from a seismic shift in the balance of power at Bramall Lane.
An upheaval which has major consequences for the long-term future of the club. Many supporters choose not to dwell on this – que sera sera. But in the shorter term, if that means losing manager Chris Wilder because, having studied the blueprint, he feels he has a better chance of succeeding elsewhere, those same ambivalent fans will be incandescent with rage at the new paymasters.
ALARM BELLS
Worryingly, Wilder told the Sunday Times at the weekend: “I believe that this club, where it goes now, is out of my hands. But I want more. I want more from the players, more from the staff more from the football club.” For a man who relishes being hands on across the club to voluntarily admit he feels that future direction of travel is now beyond him should set alarm bells ringing.
He continued: “It’s funny: I plan short, medium and long-term for my players and my club but I don’t do it with myself. Anything can happen in this game so I don’t look too far ahead. I think that if I look after football, football will look after me.”
Success breeds success and United’s manager is one of the hottest properties in football management. Wilder’s record, and evolving methods based on a firm foundation, has stood the test of time from lowly non-league beginnings right up the football ladder to the highest level. It shows no signs of abating. The danger being that United won’t be able, or more importantly, willing to match his boundless ambition.
So with all that in mind, ViewFromTheJohnStreet.com found the opportunity to talk with newly appointed United chairman Prince Musa'ad bin Khalid Al Saud. Only 26 years old, he the son-in-law of new club owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who was granted full control in a High Court judgment in September which former partner Kevin McCabe is contesting. The youngest Premier League chairman cuts an impressive figure when talking all things Sheffield United. Take it from me, at first glance he certainly belies his tender years.
“Whatever I say, talk is cheap,” says Prince Musa'ad, 11 years younger than Blades defender Phil Jagielka, three years older than striker Lys Mousset and 26 years behind boss Wilder. “What we bring to the club and what we create is really what matters.”
REALISTIC
So does he agree with me that Wilder, the club’s greatest asset, might be difficult to keep hold of? “No one is bigger than the club,” says the Prince. “Owner, manager, players. “We hope Chris stays with us for many years to come but this is football.” A level-headed and realistic answer, if not quite the emphatic declaration Blades fans might like to hear.
Straight-talking is the overriding impression given by the young prince who is continually at pains to point out during our conversation that the new ownership will be judged by what it does, not through easy words and creation of false dawns.
Unprompted, he surprised me by demonstrating an understanding of what being a Blade is all about and the working class fabric of Sheffield society. He’s obviously been doing his homework. “Our supporters are special,” he says. “It can be magic and it is really important that the club remains representative of the city. People in Sheffield are hard working, straight talkers and we must reflect that.”
In that case something has to change. United are rated a shocking 41st in a table of 44 Premier and Championship clubs analysing engagement with supporters based on dialogue, governance and transparency, the Fan Engagement Index. Something that will come as little surprise to Blades used to, at best, being patronised but mostly taken for granted by the various powers that be.
MYSTERIOUS
Prince Abdullah bought into the club in 2013 but to this day remains largely a mysterious figure who appears to actively avoid any sort of engagement. Matchday for him involves watching the Blades on one of his bank of TV screens at homes in Riyadh or California. Former player and living legend Tony Currie, who resigned his seat on the Board in September after the Saudi royal was granted full control of the club by the High Court, commented: “I’ve only seen him at the ground twice. I’ve only spoken to him once.”
So I put it to Prince Mussad that his father-in-law’s low profile doesn’t help the cause in winning over fans and instilling confidence about the future direction of the club.
“That’s why I am here, to provide that presence,” he says. “Prince Abdullah keeps a close connection and he prefers his way. What would supporters be more happy with, someone who just talked a lot or someone who demonstrated achievement? Look how far we have come from 2013. We had a fans’ forum in September (at Bramall Lane which Prince Abdullah attended following the takeover) and we’re going to have another one in February. I will attend all matches and from later this month will be living in Sheffield.”
Prince Mosaad will celebrate his fifth wedding anniversary in May with Princess Latifa, daughter of Prince Abdullah. One of her four sisters has recently been listed as a club director. In the next fortnight the couple are due to move into their new home in a swish suburb of Sheffield.
“It was suggested to me that I should live in Manchester, but I thought ‘no’, it is important that I live in Sheffield where the club is. I really like the city, it’s a great place, and we’re both looking forward to being here. At the moment I am splitting my time between London and Sheffield where I stay at the (Copthorne) hotel. But being permanently based in Sheffield will be much better.”
TALENT
Prince Musa'ad, who supported AC Milan from afar in Saudi Arabia as a younger man, has a background in strategic sports entertainment management. He also created a football academy in his homeland to help develop young talent and admits to having harboured his own dream. “I played defensive midfield, so I could maybe do a Lundstram or Norwood,” he jokes. “There are many young players with talent, but football is not only about that it is also what’s in here (pointing to his head).”
So what of the immediate future? “Now there is an opportunity to develop the club and move it on to the next level. But we are not going to do that by threatening financial stability. We’re not going to be a Fulham or a Stoke, there is a very good article about them that I would advise you to read. If we were to find ourselves back in the Championship, and I don’t think we will, we don’t want to be burdened by big wages which kills clubs in those circumstances.”
Prince Musa'ad points to Burnley, a club which twice flirted with the top flight (2009-10 and 2014-15) before establishing itself on a modest but improving budget since winning promotion again four seasons ago. “It’s gradual steps but the stability and well-being of the club must never be threatened.”
STADIUM
What of the future of Bramall Lane? “I can tell you first that Bramall Lane is safe. We would never want to move into a new stadium.” He agrees with me that many of the newly-built creations are built at the expense of the soul of clubs. We have plans for its development and to improve the experience for fans. But of course, at the moment we don’t own the ground, Kevin (McCabe) does, so it is difficult. As the High Court said we will buy it and when those negotiations are concluded will be able to move forward.”
That may include adding capacity but Prince Musa'ad stressed that any extension would probably be limited to 5,000. “We don’t want to make the ground too big, it is very intimidating for opposition teams and we want to keep it that way.”
The prince asks me where I think United will finish at the end of the season. I tell him around mid-table which would be regarded as a great start to life in the Premier League and ask for his opinion. “Seventeenth has to be the bottom line,” he says. “Hopefully we will do better than that but staying in the Premier League is what really matters.”
And the January transfer window, will the necessary funds be made available to Wilder? “That is a matter for Chris,” says the Blades chairman whose answer for once in our frank exchanges probably owed more to diplomacy than fact.”
