Adkins has to stay

[Tyler Durden]

Hear me out

I know a lot want him out but just hold your horses. What are the common denominators in our past 5 dreadful yeas in this league? The squad. (And McCabe but that's a story for a different day)

We clearly have a squad with not enough good senior pro's to handle the 'nice guy' approach, and not enough grounded youngsters to respect his style - the complete opposite of Leicester. However, the other approach, the fiery Nigel Clough didn't work either. And if a new manager came in we would be keeping the majority of this squad together, you can bet your bottom dollar on that. So what would we do from there?

At least if Adkins stays he gets rid of the crap, the bad eggs, the piss takers, the wage wasters.
He has as much if not more to lose than we do, if he fails again he won't get another job outside League 1. He won't be putting blind faith in his old mates, and hopefully this time he'll be allowed to sign more than 4 players, and hopefully the technical board will give them a thorough going over before even talking to them.

The work has to start now, we have to start telling the crap we don't want them and start talking to the free agents we do. There are plenty of good free agents about but they'll get snapped up quick. Now's our chance to sign Dan Burn for gods sake!!! And try and negotiate with Boro for another year for Baptiste. (Who would replace Edgar for me, him and Baptiste would be as solid as it gets)

Even if it's not working with Adkins after that the next man won't have to worry about having to do much work to his squad because we SHOULD have a squad of quality over quantity after this farce - that's what the technical board is there to do... right?

Agree with most of that, with one exception.

I don't believe that Adkins has anything to lose by leaving United.

Any prospective employer isn't going to look at Uniteds record of abject failure over the past 6 years and conclude that the problem was down to a manager who was here for just over 10 months.
They will look at his record of getting clubs promoted from the division, two clubs who in Southampton and Scunthropes cases are at very different ends of the spectrum.

They will rightly conclude that Sheffield United as club are a fucking train wreck in the boardroom and a bloated legacy of the last incumbant in the dressing room.

To put it another way, Adkins will succeed elsewhere with a club that knows what it's doing....And we'll be left here scratching our heads yet again.

So go on, give him the boot......

 

[Sean Thornton]

I never heard him criticise the fans.

I heard him say "you know what you're going to get at Bramall Lane, it's always been the same, even when I've come as a visiting manager"

No criticism of the fans there.

He's just telling it like it is. I rarely miss a home game and I'm not going to disagree with him, certainly not over the last 8 yrs or so.



Some of the precious, lovies that had their feelings hurt by the truth need to grow up, stop feeling like the victims in all of this, and get behind the club and the team.

It's amazing how far a bit of positivity can take you, even with an average team.


<Stands back, awaits the firing squad but dunt give a monkey's cos is fed up with all the negative whinging and whining>

I can see your point but it's not "always the same" if he'd managed to put out eleven players with a bit of passion he'd see that. And he'd appreciate the backing he and his team would get rather than his bland " the fans were great" afterthoughts in his delusional interviews.

 

[Barney]

I don't think there was anything substantially new on Sunday frankly that would change opinion much compared to barely over a week ago. I didn't like seeing Woolford in the starting lineup, but that's happened previously. His interviews were in keeping with the rest of them. I don't really rate Hammond and he was dragged off at half time. We had nothing to play for, and have lost to far worse teams this year.

His interview wasn't in keeping with the rest of them. He's had a dig at the fans on one maybe two occasions previously but normally it's just waffle. That interview was an integral part of the reason many are either no longer undecided or have changed their minds. You can see that on this board.

 

[grafikhaus]

Yer should do a graph.

 

[finlaytheblade]

30th June

There is a gentleman's agreement in place with all clubs paying contracts until end of July, theoretically you are right Sean but all clubs are part of this agreement.

 

[cmuk]

I read on here that he had a go at the fans, listened to the interview then wondered what the fuss was about.

 

[Woodwardfan]

What evidence is there after a whole season that Turnbull can "produce the players"? Or that he and Adkins will be looking for the kind of players you describe (L1, L2, younger, faster, cheaper) and we'd all like to see?
None whatsoever, I suggest.

Turnbull joined United after Adkins had signed his five men and indeed can't really be blamed for Hammond either. Maybe Baptists can count as the only signing since he joined us.

Proof of my suggested type of player needed? Who from, me? I agree any choice of youth, pace and pressing skills would be new to Adkins, but he doesn't pick such players when he has them, what few options he has had.

 

[Maidenhead]

I can see your point but it's not "always the same" if he'd managed to put out eleven players with a bit of passion he'd see that. And he'd appreciate the backing he and his team would get rather than his bland " the fans were great" afterthoughts in his delusional interviews.

I've never seen a United team go out and not try their best.

I've seen some crap teams but never one that just couldn't be bothered from the off.

If you want passion pick me, LS26BLADE and brownie we'd give you some passion ok.

We'd be bloody crap (sorry lads) but we would be passionate.

It's easy to be a "great" fan when things are going well but it's IMPORTANT to be one when they're not!

 

[Rodley]

I read on here that he had a go at the fans, listened to the interview then wondered what the fuss was about.

The interviews are the source of such repeated outrage, it's almost maniacal. I think Wearside Jack's recordings were afforded less scrutiny.

 

[Sean Thornton]

I've never seen a United team go out and not try their best.

I've seen some crap teams but never one that just couldn't be bothered from the off.

If you want passion pick me, LS26BLADE and brownie we'd give you some passion ok.

We'd be bloody crap (sorry lads) but we would be passionate.

It's easy to be a "great" fan when things are going well but it's IMPORTANT to be one when they're not!

If you were at Bury away then I'd suggest some of them didn't give a toss that night.

Things haven't gone well for a while. Importantly the fans have stuck by the club and its succession of tosspot appointments. My point remains however, Adkins hasn't seen how we can back our team, his comments, as far as I'm concerned anyway, weren't accurate, rattled by the reaction or not.

 

[finlaytheblade]

His interview wasn't in keeping with the rest of them. He's had a dig at the fans on one maybe two occasions previously but normally it's just waffle. That interview was an integral part of the reason many are either no longer undecided or have changed their minds. You can see that on this board.

He was a frustrated man on Sunday so he let it slip.He is right though I can go back right to the sixties and we are as a group very critical.
It is not surprising though as we are
the proverbial nearly men and the frustration goes right back beyond my time as a blade.We have the typical bull dog spirit and come back for more.I will be there like most other loyal blades,criticism of Adkins is just a way of many blades showing there frustration as Adkins did with those comments.
Let's put it to bed and get behind the team Adkins puts together he's going to survive this, ( you know it makes sense). Look forward to next season now, : we go again ! ! !.

 

[Barney]

He was a frustrated man on Sunday so he let it slip.He is right though I can go back right to the sixties and we are as a group very critical.
It is not surprising though as we are
the proverbial nearly men and the frustration goes right back beyond my time as a blade.We have the typical bull dog spirit and come back for more.I will be there like most other loyal blades,criticism of Adkins is just a way of many blades showing there frustration as Adkins did with those comments.
Let's put it to bed and get behind the team Adkins puts together he's going to survive this, ( you know it makes sense). Look forward to next season now, : we go again ! ! !.

It doesn't make sense at all. And I'm dreading next season truth be told.

 

[1889]

The interviews are the source of such repeated outrage, it's almost maniacal. I think Wearside Jack's recordings were afforded less scrutiny.

'Wearside Jack', brilliant, whatever happened to him after his recording career?

"It's me Nigel, well you see I am no nearer catching Wigan.......'

 

[LoughboroBlade]

His interview wasn't in keeping with the rest of them. He's had a dig at the fans on one maybe two occasions previously but normally it's just waffle. That interview was an integral part of the reason many are either no longer undecided or have changed their minds. You can see that on this board.

All I see is, with a handful of exceptions, the same people calling for his head before Sunday calling for the same thing after Sunday. How many of the 260 that would you like to suggest have changed their view?

 

[Barney]

All I see is, with a handful of exceptions, the same people calling for his head before Sunday calling for the same thing after Sunday. How many of the 260 that would you like to suggest have changed their view?

Fuck knows. We haven't had a poll to find out.

 

[bladesmanluke]

I bet the people justifying his sacking by saying he's taken last years squad to a lower finishing position are the same people that were saying Jamie Murphy wasn't that good and that we could easily replace him and that we should sell.

 

[him behind you]

I have argued the toss with Barney and others that wanted Adkins out. Constantly sacking managers is not the answer. Right up until the end of the game on Sunday I was still of the same opinion, let's be honest losing to Scunthorpe was no great shock. One of the oft used excuses for sacking a manager is that he has "lost the dressing room" a convenient one that is difficult to substantiate without being there or directly knowing someone that was. Never agreed with it much, if there is an element causing issues, get rid and bring in those that won't.

Losing the supporters is a whole different scenario. Where do you go from there? Unlike players you can't remove those who are "disagreeable". Having a go at supporters makes things untenable for me, having a go at probably the most loyal, dedicated and patient fans in the world (12,000 season tickets for a 6th season in the 3rd division after that dogshit of a season) means for me he has crossed the line of acceptability and, although I still think constantly changing managers doesn't work, it probably has to happen this time.

I see what you're saying SEB but (and I know I'm in the majority) I honestly don't think his comments were that bad and have possibly been picked up on and magnified by those who want him out to add to their argument. Yes, he said that the fans have vented, and had done since the first game at Gillingham which is a fact not an opinion. Rather than complaining, I heard it as an acknowledgement that it's been a shit season and that the fans expect / demand better - he didn't say we shouldn't. I didn't take it as an out and out slagging of the fans and it was certainly wasn't up there with Warnock's go to Meadowhall and take it out on your wives instead attack on any who had the cheek to moan - and he's someone some people want back .

 

[Blade58]

I was in the Adkins in camp

Then I was undecided

Now I'm leaning towards the time to go camp

The ultimate and deciding factor will be the retained list and whether he's adamant, despite all that's been said and done, in signing Hammond. I certainly wouldn't put it past him

 

[Tezza1889]

What evidence is there after a whole season that Turnbull can "produce the players"? Or that he and Adkins will be looking for the kind of players you describe (L1, L2, younger, faster, cheaper) and we'd all like to see?
None whatsoever, I suggest.

Totally agree...

Young ambitious players who are on the way up come at a price, that's the reason we never seem to recruit them, Adkins will not be backed in this way weather turnbull identifies them or not ( tbh he could just log on here and we'd tell him who to go for, and we wouldn't be far off ) if the latest rumours from Turkish media are to be believed interviews have been held with yuksan in London by sellahatin baki....

I genuinely think we have a better chance of the desired clearout of tossers if the prince has his own man in charge, I'm as dissolutioned as anybody, but I'll try owt to get us out of this league, why not foreign manager and a few players, the British way hasn't worked for us has it...

 

[coaxingstar71]

Good (and brave!) OP dannysufc_ !

Since Sunday, I've been half expecting to read that Adkins had gone. Despite another poor show on Sunday, I'm still just in the 'keep him' camp. If he is to go then I think the board need to act swiftly and make the decision now, they also need to have someone lined up to take over. The new man needs to be able to decide on the retained list and have sufficient time to plan for next season. This leads to a whole other issue about - who would replace Adkins? Probably for another thread so I'll leave that for now.

If Adkins does stay there a lot of things IMO he needs to do to give me any confidence in his ability.

1. DO NOT sign Dean Hammond
2. He needs to decide on his preferred style, tactics and formation and sign players accordingly
3. He needs to stop obsessing about particular players, first it was Hammond is the answer (clearly not) and then it was the mythical saviour, Dan Burn. I've heard he's as slow as any of our current players. Surely our 'net' stretches a little wider than these two? - one can only pray that it does.
4. He needs a good summer - as already established, his signings so far, perhaps barring Billy and Baptiste, have not impressed. I'd even argue that we didn't actually need Billy, given the choice it was centre half and centre mid where our problems lay (and more concerning, still do). This is the crux of the problem for me - he hasn't made any inspired signings at all, so he needs to suddenly find some inspiration from somewhere. We desperately need some pace in the team.
5. He needs a really good start to the new season - if we make a poor start, the pressure from the fans will be intensified and he'll have to go.

 

[Ade Nough]

If Adkins does stay, and at the moment that seems to be a very big if, then he must be told in no uncertain terms that players like Hammond, Woolford and Sammon must not even be considered, but surely he should know this already if he has any brains and actually listens to the fans reactions to these players woeful and pathetic performances this last season.

Do we trust him and Turnbull, plus any other scouts we have, to go out and find the type of player we need ? Passionate, quick, determined amongst the required skills/personality. No more journey men after one last payday, no more old pals act, no more clean slates. I am not sure, perhaps a warning that he has to be in the play offs at the very least by the end of next season or its goodbye and 3rd year of your contract is gone, but after his pathetic after match interviews and PR bullshit I have gone from being unsure to more of a lets find someone new, hungry and upwardly mobile.

In my opinion, for what its worth, I would keep Long with a better back up that Howard, Sharp and try and find a big strong target man style player for him to play off, Che and play him out wide where he is better and Basham and play him in one position which he is best at, for me that is central midfield in a ball winning midfielders/box to box midfielders role. The rest can clear off, they are past redemption, slow, careless and the only thing United means to them is a name on their pay check.

They are just my thoughts after this absolute debacle of a campaign.

 

[Rodley]

All I see is, with a handful of exceptions, the same people calling for his head before Sunday calling for the same thing after Sunday. How many of the 260 that would you like to suggest have changed their view?

Same owd.

 

[Deleted member 875]

Fuck knows. We haven't had a poll to find out.

Doesn't matter to you, you won't be there to watch it anyway

 

[jt64]

The work has to start now, we have to start telling the crap we don't want them and start talking to the free agents we do. There are plenty of good free agents about but they'll get snapped up quick. Now's our chance to sign Dan Burn for gods sake!!!

This Dan Burn, do we really want to be paying what will be good wages for a player that couldn't get in a team that conceded 79 goals last season and only stayed up because Bolton and Charlton are dumpster fires?

 

[Champagneblade]

I really don't think that Sharp has been a success for the team. I am a career long fan of Sharp and wanted him back each time he returned, in fact Warnock' s decision to sell him for 100k was appalling and looked it at the time.

There's no point having a 20 goal striker and finishing eleventh. Sharp has no height or pace but is red hot in the penalty area, good scorer and assister. If you sign him you have to complement him with players who can play to his strengths and cope with his weaknesses, the team system has to provide him with service to his feet in the final third.

Adkins has not done all that. The worst failing has been the lack of bodies in central midfield in the final third. Sharp loves his back to goal and a threaded ball to feet, he's not that keen on speculative crosses. Adams has been a slow learner as his co-striker rookie and its been tough for Sharp.

I wouldn't contest your point Woody.

Sharp would not have been my signing. I'd have preferred a player with an outstanding attribute. Blistering pace or power and aerial prowess. Maybe having Deane and Agana set an unrealistic bar last time we were here!

I also agree the team isn't exactly set up to get the best from him, but who is it set up for? No pace at all, few players who can beat a man, few players who shoot accurately from distance to notch goals or create rebounds that the likes of Sharp feed off.

If you gave me back the 300-500k fee and 10-12k wages then I'd have been fine to give McNulty or Done more game time and improve the defence and midfield.

That said, 20+ goals does represent individual success so I won't be hypocritical and deny credit where it is due.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I see what you're saying SEB but (and I know I'm in the majority) I honestly don't think his comments were that bad and have possibly been picked up on and magnified by those who want him out to add to their argument. Yes, he said that the fans have vented, and had done since the first game at Gillingham which is a fact not an opinion. Rather than complaining, I heard it as an acknowledgement that it's been a shit season and that the fans expect / demand better - he didn't say we shouldn't. I didn't take it as an out and out slagging of the fans and it was certainly wasn't up there with Warnock's go to Meadowhall and take it out on your wives instead attack on any who had the cheek to moan - and he's someone some people want back .

I've listened to it, and I agree it isn't a Warnockesque rant. However, he doesn't at any time when saying that the fans have vented on numerous occasions say that they shouldn't, but he also doesn't acknowledge that they have a point, that they were right because we've been crap most of the season, he just says the fans have vented from day one. If he really wanted the fans to think he was agreeing with them, he isn't an idiot, a few words would have done it. I still read it as a subtle dig that the supporters have upset a good set of lads.

 

[bladesmanluke]

Dan Burn didn't want to come here last season. Now Fulham don't want him I'm sure he'd love to sign for us.

Dan Burn can fuck off

 

[finlaytheblade]

I see what you're saying SEB but (and I know I'm in the majority) I honestly don't think his comments were that bad and have possibly been picked up on and magnified by those who want him out to add to their argument. Yes, he said that the fans have vented, and had done since the first game at Gillingham which is a fact not an opinion. Rather than complaining, I heard it as an acknowledgement that it's been a shit season and that the fans expect / demand better - he didn't say we shouldn't. I didn't take it as an out and out slagging of the fans and it was certainly wasn't up there with Warnock's go to Meadowhall and take it out on your wives instead attack on any who had the cheek to moan - and he's someone some people want back .

Agree with most of that, with one exception.

I don't believe that Adkins has anything to lose by leaving United.

Any prospective employer isn't going to look at Uniteds record of abject failure over the past 6 years and conclude that the problem was down to a manager who was here for just over 10 months.
They will look at his record of getting clubs promoted from the division, two clubs who in Southampton and Scunthropes cases are at very different ends of the spectrum.

They will rightly conclude that Sheffield United as club are a fucking train wreck in the boardroom and a bloated legacy of the last incumbant in the dressing room.

To put it another way, Adkins will succeed elsewhere with a club that knows what it's doing....And we'll be left here scratching our heads yet again.

So go on, give him the boot......

If Adkins gets the boot it will effect his job prospects as this would be the 3Rd sacking in a row.Some team from the lower leagues would maybe
take him but as he said premier league is where he wants to be, that's why he came here.

 

[Dec]

What are the common denominators in our past 5 dreadful yeas in this league? The squad.

It's not though really, is it?

Only a handful of players, such as Flynn, were in the 2012-13 squad. The squad has actually changed massively in the last 5 years.

The common denominator is that the squad has been wank and that is down to the manager to change. If the manager is not up to making those changes then it's up to the owners to change the manager.

Simple this 'running a club' lark... for all but us, it seems.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Dan Burn didn't want to come here last season.

I thought the issue was that Fulham didn't want him to leave so turned down the loan request?