Wilder interview

[HoodedClaw]

It is in my view grossly disrespectful of the owners ( particularly KM) not to engage with CW over the last 7 days. His rationale for speaking out so clearly owes an awful lot to his passion for HIS club. I genuinely think KM has no idea what the backlash is going to be like if CW leaves. CW gave us all our club back and be it his fault or not KM despite all he has done for SUFC will have a legacy that in losing CW he gave our club back to the naysayers who over many years have laughed at our inability to behave coherently at boardroom level.

Maybe the legal folk won't allow this while there is a dispute ongoing? Someone did mention that he was being ushered by his legal team at the Blades Leisure(?) Shareholders meeting recently.

I think you underestimate McCabe on this, personally I think he'll be well aware, HRH maybe not so much.

 

[itsinyerblood]

I still don't see how it would work, whether the statement is public or not. Our owners are in dispute with, I'm assuming, different views, ambition and commitments?

For example, Wilder has mentioned in his latest interview the need for some work to be carried out at the training ground, now McCabe may be up for this he sees some value in our infrastructure maybe HRH doesn't. Maybe HRH says I'll commit to increasing the wage budget and providing £20million for transfers, McCabe can't / won't. How would an agreement viable and also acceptable to Wilder?

Unfortunately until the dispute is resolved I just don't see how there can be any statements or agreements.

There has to be a starting point in order to reach a resolution. Maybe a first meeting wouldn't deliver what was hoped for, but at least the removal of certain things would provide an idea of how KM and the Prince can reach some form of resolution. Having effective mediators is crucial. I speak from personal experience where a meeting lasted 10 hours without a break, so I know it's possible. It all depends if there's a will to make this happen.

 

[zablade]

I assume the legal case is restricting either owner speaking publically on the matter other wise i would gave expected some guff from McCabe by now.

 

[mattbianco1]

One thing I noticed was he kept saying "us" and "we". But when talking about expanding the stadium, he said "if they get to the Premier League"

Was that a slip up or just a figure of speech?

 

[itsinyerblood]

One thing I noticed was he kept saying "us" and "we". But when talking about expanding the stadium, he said "if they get to the Premier League"

Was that a slip up or just a figure of speech?

Matt, I think it's purely down to this being KM's responsibility. Wilder's reference to 'We' or 'Us' is a reflection of what he has control over, and yes, it is a very personal reflection of how he must feel about the club.

 

[56yearsablade]

Maybe the legal folk won't allow this while there is a dispute ongoing? Someone did mention that he was being ushered by his legal team at the Blades Leisure(?) Shareholders meeting recently.

I think you underestimate McCabe on this, personally I think he'll be well aware, HRH maybe not so much.

 

[HoodedClaw]

There has to be a starting point in order to reach a resolution. Maybe a first meeting wouldn't deliver what was hoped for, but at least the removal of certain things would provide an idea of how KM and the Prince can reach some form of resolution. Having effective mediators is crucial. I speak from personal experience where a meeting lasted 10 hours without a break, so I know it's possible. It all depends if there's a will to make this happen.

I agree there has to be a starting point, however I think the starting point in this case was litigation.

Regards the mediators, I think we're past that in this instance, they were needed pre litigation IMO. I can just see the £ signs rolling round the lawyers eyes.

 

[bornablade]

The board are behaving as if they've just got six numbers on the lottery but decide to throw their ticket away because the bonus ball hasn't come up.

 

[Booker4]

One thing I noticed was he kept saying "us" and "we". But when talking about expanding the stadium, he said "if they get to the Premier League"

Was that a slip up or just a figure of speech?

I noticed that too. Who knows the honest answer!

My take on the interview is that nothing has changed from Saturday, according to Wilder, and I've no reason not to believe him. I think we're going to be in for an eventful month but also one which will move slowly until Sunderland are took over. When that happens I've no doubt they'll approach us for Wilder and we'll see then where we stand regarding Wilder's situation. As for the ownership stuff, I can't see that being resolved anytime soon.

My gut feeling is that Wilder will stay but maybe that's just my heart speaking over my mind. As others have said why McCabe hasn't spoken to Wilder this week is beyond me.

 

[LJBlade]

Think it'll all blow over imo

Well lets hope we find something else to complain about before it does. It'll be a long summer otherwise

 

[LJBlade]

Yep, as were two of HRH's representatives.

So Wilder had the opportunity to discuss it with them there and then?

 

[Maidenhead]

My gut feeling is that Wilder will stay but maybe that's just my heart speaking over my mind. As others have said why McCabe hasn't spoken to Wilder this week is beyond me.

Maybe because his lawyers have advised him not to?

Maybe they worry that Wilder is much better at opening his mouth than he is at keeping it shut?

 

[56yearsablade]

Frankly there is an analogy here with a normal business situation. You have an employee who for whatever reason is considering his/her future - you are aware of this and you value them highly - you may not have all the answers available to convince them to stay - what you would do though is convince them that you CARE for them and make them feel wanted by having constructive dialogue with them. There is no legal precedent that stops an employer being courteous and showing etiquette to an employee ie CW . Neither of the owners are clearly doing this , in life and in business relationships you reap what you sow .... I firmly believe this is a clear example of arrogance and commercial stupidity by the owners, particularly KM

 

[Bladezz]

What the f*** are they playing at!?
I've mostly kept my sneck out of this and not even bothered to read most of the 20 page threads about it.
But they're really starting to piss me off now. FFS. Talk to each other!

Even CW is not totally blameless.
I can't believe he doesn't have contact details for either of his two bosses or their representatives.
Why can't he put his questions and concerns to them directly rather than through the press/media?

He says he’s not received anything from them! What more can he do!

 

[Booker4]

Maybe because his lawyers have advised him not to?

Maybe they worry that Wilder is much better at opening his mouth than he is at keeping it shut?

I can't see why McCabe can't at least tell Wilder where he stands regarding a budget which it appears Wilder has no idea of right now.

 

[blademark]

Meanwhile, half of Sheffield (Ok a third) is walking about with an extra spring in their step. I hate it when we give them that opportunity.

 

[itsinyerblood]

I agree there has to be a starting point, however I think the starting point in this case was litigation.

Regards the mediators, I think we're past that in this instance, they were needed pre litigation IMO. I can just see the £ signs rolling round the lawyers eyes.

Then it's down to the owners to tell their solicitors to get a grip and stop imagining that this is a lottery win in the making. Kev and the Prince are clients, therefore they instruct the legal advisers.

There's very little that can't be sorted if the will is there. As you say, if it's gone past that point then it will be litigious and damaging for this club. As I've said elsewhere, I think the Prince needs to adopt a healthier, clearer communication style with the supporters, including either a public meeting restricted to say 500-750 supporters, or maybe a video where he attempts to address the concerns of the supporters. As things stand, both owners are conspicuous by their silence, the worst thing possible for the future well-being of this club.

 

[Woodwardfan]

What the f*** are they playing at!?
I've mostly kept my sneck out of this and not even bothered to read most of the 20 page threads about it.
But they're really starting to piss me off now. FFS. Talk to each other!

Even CW is not totally blameless.
I can't believe he doesn't have contact details for either of his two bosses or their representatives.
Why can't he put his questions and concerns to them directly rather than through the press/media?

Sometimes I wish I read things wrongly. FFS -fans- BACK YOUR MANAGER. he"s sending you an unambiguous message in 2 interviews and through Alan Biggs.

WAKE UP BLADES.

 

[Maidenhead]

I can't see why McCabe can't at least tell Wilder where he stands regarding a budget which it appears Wilder has no idea of right now.

Probably because McCabe has no idea either.

It's a complete mess and the only way to solve it is for the joint owners to have a sensible conversation with each other about the interim period between now and their dispute being resolved.

It would be in both of their interests to do that, but somehow I can't quite see it happening.

In the meantime chaos rules.

 

[bornablade]

Well lets hope we find something else to complain about before it does. It'll be a long summer otherwise

I'm hoping they're going to re-lay the Desso.

 

[Maidenhead]

Well lets hope we find something else to complain about before it does. It'll be a long summer otherwise

Don't worry.

I'll just piss BushBlade off by keeping you all updated with my holiday plans

 

[Booker4]

Probably because McCabe has no idea either.

It's a complete mess and the only way to solve it is for the joint owners to have a sensible conversation with each other about the interim period between now and their dispute being resolved.

It would be in both of their interests to do that, but somehow I can't quite see it happening.

In the meantime chaos rules.

Its the interim that needs sorting as you say. Nobody expects a the takeover to happen in the next week or so. But letting Wilder know where he stands regarding transfer planning is essential - and Wilder stated today he can't make plans for next season yet. I guess McCabe feels he can't give a direction to Wilder until the ownership is sorted but surely we can offer more certainty in the meantime to Wilder. If not I fear that Sunderland's offer of immediate transfer funds could well tempt Wilder.

 

[Maidenhead]

Its the interim that needs sorting as you say. Nobody expects a the takeover to happen in the next week or so. But letting Wilder know where he stands regarding transfer planning is essential - and Wilder stated today he can't make plans for next season yet. I guess McCabe feels he can't give a direction to Wilder until the ownership is sorted but surely we can offer more certainty in the meantime to Wilder. If not I fear that Sunderland's offer of immediate transfer funds could well tempt Wilder.

The Prince has an equal duty to Wilder but both owners need to be on board with what ever interim plan is agreed, or there will be no interim plan.

It's in both of their interests to sort it but if one of them (and I'm not taking sides) thinks they are likely to lose out in the litigation process and is determined to be as awkward as possible in the interim period then we are well and truly stuffed.

 

[HoodedClaw]

Then it's down to the owners to tell their solicitors to get a grip and stop imagining that this is a lottery win in the making. Kev and the Prince are clients, therefore they instruct the legal advisers.

There's very little that can't be sorted if the will is there. As you say, if it's gone past that point then it will be litigious and damaging for this club. As I've said elsewhere, I think the Prince needs to adopt a healthier, clearer communication style with the supporters, including either a public meeting restricted to say 500-750 supporters, or maybe a video where he attempts to address the concerns of the supporters. As things stand, both owners are conspicuous by their silence, the worst thing possible for the future well-being of this club.

I'm pretty sure the legal teams are acting under instruction, just not sure how much incentive they have to recommend an action that may potentially reduce fees or be counter what their respective clients have instructed.

Totally agree on if the will is there front, but I'm not sure what will there is now on either side other than getting the other one out.

In some ways I'd welcome more communication, however in others I don't. McCabe tends to get a bit emotional and verbal which is used as a stick to beat him with. I suppose I get why he does it, I possibly would if it was my club and being a fan also easy to get caught up in it. HRH hasn't really communicated very much in his time but I feel his mouthpiece was Phipps, and again he was pilloried for things he came out with. I think I'm sort of leaning more to not being bothered if the owner(s) communicate with us as long as they communicate with the manager, who in turn could communicate with us if required. Back to an original topic in our discussion, I'm not sure what communcation there can be whilst in dispute.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I'm pretty sure the legal teams are acting under instruction, just not sure how much incentive they have to recommend an action that may potentially reduce fees or be counter what their respective clients have instructed.

Totally agree on if the will is there front, but I'm not sure what will there is now on either side other than getting the other one out.

In some ways I'd welcome more communication, however in others I don't. McCabe tends to get a bit emotional and verbal which is used as a stick to beat him with. I suppose I get why he does it, I possibly would if it was my club and being a fan also easy to get caught up in it. HRH hasn't really communicated very much in his time but I feel his mouthpiece was Phipps, and again he was pilloried for things he came out with. I think I'm sort of leaning more to not being bothered if the owner(s) communicate with us as long as they communicate with the manager, who in turn could communicate with us if required. Back to an original topic in our discussion, I'm not sure what communcation there can be whilst in dispute.

It's the here and now that needs attention regardless of the ownership deliberations .

Summer Transfer Window - early planned business.
.

 

[HoodedClaw]

It's the here and now that needs attention regardless of the ownership deliberations .

Summer Transfer Window - early planned business.
.

You're pointing out stuff we already know and appreciate, any solutions?

 

[Moan? Nope-I saw Longhorn]

Frankly there is an analogy here with a normal business situation. .... I firmly believe this is a clear example of arrogance and commercial stupidity by the owners, particularly KM

Joint owners
Joint responsibility
Joint 'commitment' (sic)
but Uncle Kev is "particularly" to 'blame' ?

 

[Woodwardfan]

You're pointing out stuff we already know and appreciate, any solutions?

My solutions are on 4 threads dating back to 16th April. I already knew it then.

Solution? No .

Suggestion (again)

Thousands of Blades fans write to the owners to back the manager and 'demand' a budget for him to work with now.

I even composed a letter.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

He says he’s not received anything from them! What more can he do!

"Send them an email, drop them a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what he means to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away

Ask for an answer, fill in a form
Yours for evermore
Will you still need him, will you still feed him
When he's fifty-four"

 

[itsinyerblood]

I'm pretty sure the legal teams are acting under instruction, just not sure how much incentive they have to recommend an action that may potentially reduce fees or be counter what their respective clients have instructed.

Totally agree on if the will is there front, but I'm not sure what will there is now on either side other than getting the other one out.

In some ways I'd welcome more communication, however in others I don't. McCabe tends to get a bit emotional and verbal which is used as a stick to beat him with. I suppose I get why he does it, I possibly would if it was my club and being a fan also easy to get caught up in it. HRH hasn't really communicated very much in his time but I feel his mouthpiece was Phipps, and again he was pilloried for things he came out with. I think I'm sort of leaning more to not being bothered if the owner(s) communicate with us as long as they communicate with the manager, who in turn could communicate with us if required. Back to an original topic in our discussion, I'm not sure what communcation there can be whilst in dispute.

Key to all of this is to retain the services of CW and his team, if the owners fail to grasp this then they've failed everyone.

How this is resolved is down to two people. Whether they care, or are willing to make this happen, is down to their capabilities. But more complex issues than this one have been addressed and resolved satisfactory, so rather than pig-headed stubbornness, it's time they confronted the central issues and stopped the apparent dithering. Life is full of lost opportunities, and the fact that Wilder, McCabe, and two of the Prince's representatives were in the same room last weekend was surely a chance to meet beforehand and attempt to make headway.

It's the responsibility of KM and the Prince to resolve this now, not tomorrow.