A New Direction?

[Mousey]

Firstly this is not aimed at any individuals and is merely my observation of how people are reacting to events beyond their control.

Let us start off with the ins and outs of Bramall Lane this summer/autumn. Ok we have sold two of our promising young players to a top Premier League side. Why does this prompt people to call for McCabe's head and calling him a tight arse with no ambition for the club? Can people not take a step back and look at the bigger picture? McCabe has always said any activity will be to the benefit of Sheffield United. I believe this. I was similarly disappointed as most Blades when we sold James Beattie but I didn't call for McCabe's head, I waited to see how things worked out. And soon after Beattie had left we started to play more like a team and made a great push for promotion. This season we have made a solid start against some of the other promotion rivals so why not back McCabe and believe him when he says sales will be in the best interests of Sheffield United?

Next, squad depth. With regards to the above paragraph we have sold some first team and some squad players in this transfer window. Some have been predictable while others have come as a surprise. What we have now is what we have until January barring any loan additions, so Blackwell must be happy with what we have and believes that is what he needs. So why is it people have to question McCabe's integrity because they believe we are a player short in each position? It is not your job to worry about such matters. That is what Blackwell is paid for. If it all goes tits up then he is to blame but there is nothing as supporters we can do, so let it be. Ask yourself what would you rather have, a thin squad of good players or a deep squad consisting of a few good players and plenty of mediocre players?

Tactics. This is a very popular debate. Call it hoofball, long ball or direct. That is how we play. Our team is built around it and geared towards it so why do we complain that we play it? Beautiful football is a rarity at Bramall Lane but we can show flashes of it which are nice on the eye and when we are 3-0 up we feel like we could beat anyone. However just because this happens 2-3 times a season doesn't mean it is how we will play all season because in this division it does not get the results for us. Yes direct play may be boring and tedious to watch but it does get results and that is what we need to succeed.

What I am trying to say is that we cannot influence any of the above as fans. All we can do is encourage the team which in the past few seasons we have seemed reluctant to do. How about we all stop moaning and groaning about the club and get on with getting behind the team? Instead of shouting at a player for misplacing a pass, give them a shout of encouragement? Encouragement is an aid to success.

 

[shorehamview]

You realise that you're going to get slaughtered for saying this, don't you? I agree with most of what you say, but some just might not.

 

[MAQ]

You realise that you're going to get slaughtered for saying this, don't you? I agree with most of what you say, but some just might not.

That was my initial thoughts too.

Cant disagree with the majority of the points youve made. As far as the depth of the squad goes, the loan window is a great advantage and im sure it will be utilised should the need arise, however i think that what may happen is a few new faces arrive from the reserves to cover for certain eventualities.

my 2p worth

 

[Mousey]

I think I can deal with people not agreeing with me What winds me up is people calling themselves supporters and yet do no supporting at all, saying it isn't good enough when I bet they could not do a better job if their life depended on it.

 

[dingledog]

You realise that you're going to get slaughtered for saying this, don't you? I agree with most of what you say, but some just might not.

It takes a brave man to put his head above the parapit, so well done, I suspect most Blades supporters could find something to agree with in what has been written.

For my twopennath, its a long season ahead, nothing is won or lost in September as far as final league positions go. I do feel though we have a better balance than last season and with a bit of luck (surely we are long over due some) we will all be celebrating next May.

 

[Micalijo]

Mousey I find it hard to believe you have to say I believe McCabe when he says everything is done in best interest of SUFC. That goes without saying doesn't it?

He is not this great god like figure - he is just a normal club owner doing his best to provide maximum resources within his own personal budget (now massively diminished following Valad share collapse) to whom I think is a poor manager delivering sterile, mediocre football that will eventually cause crowds to drop and necessitate further reductions in quality playing staff.

I also can't believe how matter of fact you are about the sale of Walker and Naughton. OK if we had to sell because finances, I understand that, but we do have a right to be upset, annoyed etc about it because we enjoyed watching them - that is what we got into United for - watching the first 11. I am fed up with this big picture stuff. It seems as though you are more interested in the balance sheet than the immediate playing side of things

 

[Railway Blade]

While I dont particularly disagree with much of what you say the fact is it is a forum for discussion and your going to have a wide variety of opinions on many Blades subjects. If we all agreed and were prepared to have total blind faith in what goes on at the Lane it would be a pretty dull forum.

Some are always going to grumble even if we win the Premiership !! ( I wish), some will tow the party line, others will have perhaps specific arguements about whats going off.

At the end of the day debate is healthy, Big Mart thinks he's gorgeous ( he isn't ) and Beighton is a moan arse

 

[Revolution]

Accept things as they are
Never question anything
Believe everything you are told
Be satisfied with the mediocre
Disregard anything that doesn't fit in with preconceived notions

No thanks.

 

[Mousey]

He is not this great god like figure - he is just a normal club owner doing his best to provide maximum resources within his own personal budget (now massively diminished following Valad share collapse) to whom I think is a poor manager delivering sterile, mediocre football that will eventually cause crowds to drop and necessitate further reductions in quality playing staff.

I also can't believe how matter of fact you are about the sale of Walker and Naughton. OK if we had to sell because finances, I understand that, but we do have a right to be upset, annoyed etc about it because we enjoyed watching them - that is what we got into United for - watching the first 11. I am fed up with this big picture stuff. It seems as though you are more interested in the balance sheet than the immediate playing side of things

But a healthy balance sheet is essential to adequate success. The club has to be run as a business first and a football club second if things are to be solid for the future. I wouldn't want us to turn out like Leeds.

Look at what happened under Warnock, the club had to stabilise initially before we could begin to dream of success and I am fairly certain the immediate concern would have been with the balance sheet rather than immediate good football.

While I dont particularly disagree with much of what you say the fact is it is a forum for discussion and your going to have a wide variety of opinions on many Blades subjects. If we all agreed and were prepared to have total blind faith in what goes on at the Lane it would be a pretty dull forum.

Some are always going to grumble even if we win the Premiership !! ( I wish), some will tow the party line, others will have perhaps specific arguements about whats going off.

At the end of the day debate is healthy, Big Mart thinks he's gorgeous ( he isn't ) and Beighton is a moan arse

I am not trying to stop people discussing things and giving their opinion on any forum. I'd just like people to support the team at matches rather than just sit there scratching themselves and lambasting a player for misplacing a 40 yard pass. And people need to cheer up a bit rather than being doom and gloom when these are probably the most prosperous years United have had in a long time. Enjoy them while we can

 

[Grecian2000]

What a bizarre thread.

We shouldn't worry about transfers or tactics or bugger all else because it isn't our job?
Going to be one piss poor pre-match discussion on Saturday if we all just stick to talking about our jobs!

"Who do you reckon might be wide right this week?"
"I'm not worried about that but I've put together a major plan to automate our entire billing and invoicing strategy. Care to hear about it?"

 

[Micalijo]

I know a Leeds fan very well who has seen his club play at most of the great stadiums in Europe and he wouldn't swap any of his memories for a bit of the stability you crave.

McCabe is perfectly entitled to strengthen the balance sheet but why do you think this will lead to long term success? Is it because you hope every club in the world will go bust and we will win everything by just turning up?

 

[davidpinder]

Like that response. We as fans pay most into this club on tickets, merchandise and disappointing away days at wembley we are entitled to moan and have our say.
I am like all fans if we play well am full of it and if we don't i like to have a moan.
I,m aloud am a blade

 

[The Fox]

Whilst i'm happy enough to agree that we should support the team and the club I also think we have to keep Mssrs MCCabe and Blackwell on their toes as well.

Forums such as this are irrevalent when were in the ground supporting the team, however between matches it gives people chance to express some considered opinions be they either positive or negative .

No one one wants to do that in the ground whilst the team is playing and the time to be critical is probably better here than on FH or P or G .

Whilst I think both KM and KB have the best intrests of the club at heart , they are a double act , a good cop / bad cop routine and dare i say not always 100% as honest as they sound . Sometimes that will be for the right reasons and sometimes not - thats up to us to debate and voice when we suspect were being mugged off just a little too much . It is after all our club not theirs .

 

[davidpinder]

What a bizarre thread.

We shouldn't worry about transfers or tactics or bugger all else because it isn't our job?
Going to be one piss poor pre-match discussion on Saturday if we all just stick to talking about our jobs!

"Who do you reckon might be wide right this week?"
"I'm not worried about that but I've put together a major plan to automate our entire billing and invoicing strategy. Care to hear about it?"

Like that response. We as fans pay most into this club on tickets, merchandise and disappointing away days at wembley we are entitled to moan and have our say.
I am like all fans if we play well am full of it and if we don't i like to have a moan.
I,m aloud am a blade

 

[Mousey]

I know a Leeds fan very well who has seen his club play at most of the great stadiums in Europe and he wouldn't swap any of his memories for a bit of the stability you crave.

McCabe is perfectly entitled to strengthen the balance sheet but why do you think this will lead to long term success? Is it because you hope every club in the world will go bust and we will win everything by just turning up?

Going by people's reaction to the sale of two youngsters and relegation from our first season back in the Premier League I worry that if we got to the Champions League semi-final and then decend to League One in a few short years that most people on here would commit harakari!!

 

[keenzy]

Let us start off with the ins and outs of Bramall Lane this summer/autumn. Ok we have sold two of our promising young players to a top Premier League side. Why does this prompt people to call for McCabe's head and calling him a tight arse with no ambition for the club? Can people not take a step back and look at the bigger picture? McCabe has always said any activity will be to the benefit of Sheffield United. I believe this. I was similarly disappointed as most Blades when we sold James Beattie but I didn't call for McCabe's head, I waited to see how things worked out. And soon after Beattie had left we started to play more like a team and made a great push for promotion. This season we have made a solid start against some of the other promotion rivals so why not back McCabe and believe him when he says sales will be in the best interests of Sheffield United?

It's hard to believe someone whos says, after selling the most prolific striker the clubs had in years, we have a suitable replacement lined up, and brings in a player from a lower league as a gamble.

Next, squad depth. With regards to the above paragraph we have sold some first team and some squad players in this transfer window. Some have been predictable while others have come as a surprise. What we have now is what we have until January barring any loan additions, so Blackwell must be happy with what we have and believes that is what he needs. So why is it people have to question McCabe's integrity because they believe we are a player short in each position? It is not your job to worry about such matters. That is what Blackwell is paid for. If it all goes tits up then he is to blame but there is nothing as supporters we can do, so let it be. Ask yourself what would you rather have, a thin squad of good players or a deep squad consisting of a few good players and plenty of mediocre players?

It is my job to worry. Paying money out to watch united home and away, i pay Blackwells wages (part of) We are short of players in positions and fans have the right to discuss it and not sit back and accept the fact. The thing is, we don't have a thin squad of good players. We have a thin squad with some good players.

Tactics. This is a very popular debate. Call it hoofball, long ball or direct. That is how we play. Our team is built around it and geared towards it so why do we complain that we play it? Beautiful football is a rarity at Bramall Lane but we can show flashes of it which are nice on the eye and when we are 3-0 up we feel like we could beat anyone. However just because this happens 2-3 times a season doesn't mean it is how we will play all season because in this division it does not get the results for us. Yes direct play may be boring and tedious to watch but it does get results and that is what we need to succeed.

To me, long ball or hoofball is played upto a tall bloke who wins the ball and brings others into play. Henderson doesn't do this. He breaks the play up with all the free kicks given against him, and he has trouble controlling the ball. We have shown we can go out and attack teams, like when blackwell first took over, and thats the fustrating thing, we can do it, but wont.

What I am trying to say is that we cannot influence any of the above as fans. All we can do is encourage the team which in the past few seasons we have seemed reluctant to do. How about we all stop moaning and groaning about the club and get on with getting behind the team? Instead of shouting at a player for misplacing a pass, give them a shout of encouragement? Encouragement is an aid to success.

We as fans can have a shoes off in the car park :thumbup:

But a healthy balance sheet is essential to adequate success. The club has to be run as a business first and a football club second if things are to be solid for the future. I wouldn't want us to turn out like Leeds.

I wouln't say Man Utd or liverpool are run as a business first, all that debt etc. Give me European Champions over a "healthy Balance Sheet" anyday!!

 

[Pinchy]

Of course we should support the lads 100% on match days but these forums and radio phone-ins are essential as both safety valves and channels of communication.

I can't stand long ball football. It's had its day; Bassett and the rest are football dinosaurs. A large number of Blades fans like me have made it clear by proper means (not juvenile 'shoes off' nonsense) that we want proper football. This is legitimate pressure and influence. I believe Blackwell has listened and will now (gradually) change the style of play. Should we have kept quiet? If so, would we have James Harper, a proper midfielder, or just battle on with our mediocre grafters?

I think your heart is In the right place but your philosophy is acquiescent and ultimately unambitious.

I shall continue to wholeheartedly back the Blades but not unquestioningly. I shall argue the cause of proper football until I drop.

Battling Blades? Yes of course but can't we be Beautiful Blades as well?

 

[DuncDisorderly]

... that will eventually cause crowds to drop and necessitate further reductions in quality playing staff.

This old chestnut is trotted out all the time by people who prefer to take a more negative view, as is our 'inevitable slide down the leagues' if we dont spend the multi-millions to 'make a difference to get promotion' but there is little evidence of it.

Contemplating an infinate number of variables within a complex series of events and predicting disaster is too easy. Keep your chin up lad...

 

[Revolution]

And people need to cheer up a bit rather than being doom and gloom when these are probably the most prosperous years United have had in a long time.

Fun fact: in terms of (1) seasons spent in the top division and (2) average league position, the last 10 seasons are the second worst decade in United's history. Only the 1980s are worse.

Seasons in top flight by decade:

1892-99: 6 (out of a possible 7)
1900-09: 10
1910-19: 6 (out of a possible 6)
1920-29: 10
1930-39: 5
1940-49: 3 (out of a possible 3)
1950-59: 3
1960-69: 7
1970-79: 5
1980-89: 0
1990-99: 4
2000-09: 1

 

[Darren]

And people need to cheer up a bit rather than being doom and gloom when these are probably the most prosperous years United have had in a long time.

Fun fact: in terms of (1) seasons spent in the top division and (2) average league position, the last 10 seasons are the second worst decade in United's history. Only the 1980s are worse.

Seasons in top flight by decade:

1892-99: 6 (out of a possible 7)
1900-09: 10
1910-19: 6 (out of a possible 6)
1920-29: 10
1930-39: 5
1940-49: 3 (out of a possible 3)
1950-59: 3
1960-69: 7
1970-79: 5
1980-89: 0
1990-99: 4
2000-09: 1

I can counter that fun fact with the fun fact that our average post war position is 7th in the 2nd tier - so the last few years have actually seen us perform slightly better than the post war average.

What is it they say about statistics?

 

[Revolution]

Our average positon over the last 5 years is 4th in the Championship.

Our average position over the last 10 years is, funnily enough, 7th in the Championship.

Neither can fairly be described as "the most prosperous years we've had in a long time"

 

[Darren]

Our average positon over the last 5 years is 4th in the Championship.

Our average position over the last 10 years is, funnily enough, 7th in the Championship.

Neither can fairly be described as "the most prosperous years we've had in a long time"

All depends what you mean by a "long time". The last time we were doing better than we have been over the last 6ish years was the early 90's. Anyone under 25 would not really remember them, so they might consider that to be a long time ago (though to me it seems like yesterday).

Apart from the 89-93 period, I don't think its unfair to say that the last 6 years (a promotion, 2 play off finals and two semi finals) have been our most prosperous years since, say, 1975.

 

[Revolution]

I don't think its unfair to say that the last 6 years (a promotion, 2 play off finals and two semi finals) have been our most prosperous years since, say, 1975.

I do, because the 2 semi finals and one of the playoff finals were more than 6 years ago.

This leaves you with a promotion, instant relegation and defeat in a playoff final in the last 6 years.

The 6 years before that featured 2 playoff campaigns (one final) and 3 semi finals. Which was better? hard to say. Which proves my point. This simply isn't a golden period as implied. It's more of the same.

 

[fatpat]

While I tend to being more optimistic, the idea that fans at any club should meekly accept that those in charge know best and we should follow uncritically any and all of their decisions is ridiculous. Being a fan is different from being a consumer, we don't fret about asda's balance sheet or whether they managed to sign that store manager down to a 5 year contract!
We are fans we believe that we are a very important part of the club, that the club is ours even if we don't own a single share, you may say its nieve to think that way, but logic isn't always the best arbitor of such things.
We may have finished in respectable positions in the last two years but the football has been awful on far too many occasions, I want us to win but I also want to be entertained, I don't expect brazilian football every week, but we as fans DO have a right to express our wishes thoughts and dreams and as long as they are constructive the club Should listen, Overall I think mCabe does listen and understand, he does care massively about the club.
However that doesn't mean we blindly agree with everything because "he knows best"
utb

 

[Darren]

I don't think its unfair to say that the last 6 years (a promotion, 2 play off finals and two semi finals) have been our most prosperous years since, say, 1975.

I do, because the 2 semi finals and one of the playoff finals were more than 6 years ago.

This leaves you with a promotion, instant relegation and defeat in a playoff final in the last 6 years.

The 6 years before that featured 2 playoff campaigns (one final) and 3 semi finals. Which was better? hard to say. Which proves my point. This simply isn't a golden period as implied. It's more of the same.

Hmmm, I think we are splitting hairs about the 6 year period thing...

However, I think a lot of the feeling of prosperity is due to the fact that, historically, crowds are at a relatively high level at the moment. Going back to that 2002-03 season, getting 20K for a league game would have been considered a good crowd. Now it would be considered a very poor one. Going back even further to the "return of Deane" in 1997-98 following a play off final defeat, we managed only a 17,000 crowd in an atrtractive first game against newly relegated Sunderland. Such a crowd would be viewed as catastrophic now. Add to this that, in the 60's and 70's (apart from 71-72) our average crowd in the top tier was in the low 20K's and the club is certainly doing very well at pulling in the punters at the moment.

That may account for some of the feeling of prosperity which, on league positions alone, I would agree is pretty much average for the club's recent history.

 

[beightonblade]

Fc ukin hell ........................
I'm just about speechless !

What a load of bo!!ox.

 

[Revolution]

However, I think a lot of the feeling of prosperity is due to the fact that, historically, crowds are at a relatively high level at the moment.

That may account for some of the feeling of prosperity which, on league positions alone, I would agree is pretty much average for the club's recent history.

I'm sure there's something in this. The average crowds for the last 4 seasons are all within the top 20 average crowds from our 106 league seasons, and of course the 2007 average gate was the highest for 35 years and only the 2nd 30,000+ average season in 50 years.

Mind you, it cuts both ways - the fact that league position has not improved with crowds, save for one year in the top flight, makes many people frustrated. In fact, I think it's fair to say that just about everything about the club has improved signficantly over McCabe's tenure as chairman except the team, where we are still where we've been for most of post war period.

 

[Mousey]

You realise that you're going to get slaughtered for saying this, don't you? I agree with most of what you say, but some just might not.

You were correct, it seems suggesting to people to support their team rather than belittle them is too much to ask.

I was never telling people to follow United blindly, just have a small amount of faith in what is going on. I'm glad some people do agree with a couple of things I said rather than just saying it is utter rubbish. Heaven forbid we should enjoy football.

Fc ukin hell ........................
I'm just about speechless !

What a load of bo!!ox.

A useful and oh so witty contribution.

 

[Casper]

I dont have a problem with fans rights to free speach and expression of views both good or bad, per say. What i have a problem with, at times, is how it is done. For example, slating a player, Blackwell, McCabe or whoever, when we dont know the circumstances around a particular issue. Take Blackwell dropping a player etc...... we dont know whether the player has personal \ emotional problems or is carrying an injury that we dont really want to be made public etc etc. The manager sees the players more or less every single day and is in a much better position to judge what should \ shouldnt be done than us regular joe punters. That said, of course we should voice our opinions \ concerns, but lets just keep things in balance i say.

 

[beightonblade]

A useful and oh so witty contribution.

I've sussed it......... your on the wind up ! :thumbup: