Bye Bye Blackwell

[Foxy]

Blackwell, whatever his failings, was let down badly by a number of men on the pitch today.

Not least Matt "Premiership quality" Killgallon, who will be laughed out of the Premier League with defending like that. He also threw out the dummy and argued with Speed, who then signalled towards the mistake he'd made just before being taken off.

If he doesn't want to knuckle down and be here, let him go. He'll only harm us otherwise.

Poor performance all round, wasn't really tactics, wasn't really personell (other than the fact they didn't actually turn up).

Scunny wanted it more and were playing 11-men which included, once again, too many players who had off days.

Something has to change.

 

[matth]

And with that, i'm off - got better things to do than pointlessly argue with you. Have a nice evening.

 

[silverfox]

No, you're right. Of course you weren't suggesting that I wanted to see something like one of these archetypal Prem chairmen in charge. Of course you weren't highlighting an extreme antithesis of what I was complaining about to make my suggestion look flawed. Of course, whenever anyone suggests a change to the status quo, they're not assigned with hyperbolic arguments that make them look like they're advocating either a Leeds style overspending or the investment of some foreign playboy with more money than sense.

It's no wonder I don't bother posting much on here anymore. If it's not the same point being endlessly repeated in rapidly-multiplying threads, it's people being marginalised and ridiculed for posting what are perfectly legitimate concerns and treated either like idiots, youngsters who can't have an opinion because they weren't around when we were in division eight in 1463, or red-faced rabble-rousers who want to return to the bad old days just because they have the bare-faced cheek to question where the club is going.

I'll copy the post that this is all about....

You mean like the Chairmen in the Premiership?

You are having a lauugh I take it?

Or do you really believe they are are all there for the football?

 

[SwissBlade]

i was only asking due to your location. don't get your knickers in a twist.

Apologies Stafford, I read more into your post

Spadge, I don't think its that relevant how many games McCabe gets to. I imagine its similar to me as he's a tax exile too so can't manage that many days.

I'd hope that he's there to make the business decisions and he also has people around him giving him info. Also the results and league speak for themselves. I'm sure like us he'll be concerned. But then he also has the priviledge of having all the facts and not having to speculate like we do.

I agree on the comments about the missleading information. We hear lots of positive retoric from the club, Blackie all the way up to McCabe. We hear lots about ambition but on the field it rarely bares fruit.

So in that way is Blackie truely to blame? Personally I don't think Blackie has that much to work with. We have great facilities, cracking support and a few big names in the team, but it seems this year that we have no depth to the squad so injuries decimate the team. Not sure any of that is Blackies fault, I'd have thought he'd want as many players as possible.

What is Blackies fault is the inability to have a plan B, its bitten us in the backside previously and recently we've been getting found out.

Like I said many times before we need to stop the rot and I believe that Blackie is the man to do it. He needs to get the players fit and get Ward back in.

 

[silverfox]

1463?

mmmmmm

 

[SwissBlade]

Blackwell, whatever his failings, was let down badly by a number of men on the pitch today.

Not least Matt "Premiership quality" Killgallon, who will be laughed out of the Premier League with defending like that. He also threw out the dummy and argued with Speed, who then signalled towards the mistake he'd made just before being taken off.

If he doesn't want to knuckle down and be here, let him go. He'll only harm us otherwise.

Poor performance all round, wasn't really tactics, wasn't really personell (other than the fact they didn't actually turn up).

Scunny wanted it more and were playing 11-men which included, once again, too many players who had off days.

Something has to change.

Cheers Foxy, sounded very much how you summed it up from listening on Radio Sheff.

So what do we need to change?

 

[Micalijo]

I'd rather hear from someone who was at the match than discuss what Paul Walker/Keith Edwards has to say.

If this forum becomes a place to discuss matches that no one attends it becomes a joke.

What on earth has it got to do with you?

 

[Foxy]

What on earth has it got to do with you?

His opinion is equally as valid as yours is it not?

You create a thread - others offer their opinions, hopefully respecfully without name calling.

That's kinda the way it goes, contrary to a number of peoples beliefs recently.

It's a perfectly valid point, I'm all for people having their own opinions (why else would I set up a forum), but when they start to tell people who saw something that they are incorrect, based purely on someone elses opinion or without even that.... It seems a little silly on their part.

Silverfox's point is that he trusts other people at the match more than the Radio Sheffield commentry team and that if we had a forum purely to discuss Keith Edwards opinion and nothing else, it would be a bit pointless.

Seems a perfectly valid opinion to me.

 

[keenzy]

I went. We were shit. Blackwell needs to go.

 

[Lincoln Blade]

The buck remains with mccabe, simple as.... he is the one who has told blackwell to dramatically cut the wage bill!
Blackwell has brought in a number of average players simply because he hasnt had the money to bring in better players and then there is blackwell's inability to motivate the players and tactically adjust to beat mediocre sides such as lowly scunny!!!
Mccabe needs to look at himself and what he is trying to achieve with sheffield united and realise that he has to put more money into the club... we dont strength in depth at all.

I think it may well be time for blackwell to go too, we are going backwards with his signings and tactical failings.... Shoes off once we get beaten by cardiff on saturday I reckon

Lincoln Blade

 

[Vistoma]

The really, really sad thing is this result does not surprise me. What has happened to the "never say die" spirit we once had.

I am fed up with squad members saying we have one of, if not the, best squads in the division. Well boys the results say otherwise, take a very long look at yourselves in the mirror in the morning and ask, is it true what they say, Scunny wanted it more than us, 'cos if it is true then hang your heads in shame and stop hiding behind the injury crisis.

We fickle fans can't F**k off to another club and kiss the badge like we mean it whilst counting our cash (and before anyone says we don't pay big wages the average United player is paid a shed load more than the average supporter) We are here to stay and all we ask is that you try and the other team can't be said to "want it more"

 

[SwissBlade]

The buck remains with mccabe, simple as.... he is the one who has told blackwell to dramatically cut the wage bill!
Blackwell has brought in a number of average players simply because he hasnt had the money to bring in better players and then there is blackwell's inability to motivate the players and tactically adjust to beat mediocre sides such as lowly scunny!!!
Mccabe needs to look at himself and what he is trying to achieve with sheffield united and realise that he has to put more money into the club... we dont strength in depth at all.

I think it may well be time for blackwell to go too, we are going backwards with his signings and tactical failings.... Shoes off once we get beaten by cardiff on saturday I reckon

Lincoln Blade

Perhaps the buck stops with the Balance sheet and not McCabe

 

[Micalijo]

His opinion is equally as valid as yours is it not?

You create a thread - others offer their opinions, hopefully respecfully without name calling.

That's kinda the way it goes, contrary to a number of peoples beliefs recently.

It's a perfectly valid point, I'm all for people having their own opinions (why else would I set up a forum), but when they start to tell people who saw something that they are incorrect, based purely on someone elses opinion or without even that.... It seems a little silly on their part.

Silverfox's point is that he trusts other people at the match more than the Radio Sheffield commentry team and that if we had a forum purely to discuss Keith Edwards opinion and nothing else, it would be a bit pointless.

Seems a perfectly valid opinion to me.

I'm sorry Foxy but I really haven't got a clue what you are on about in your 3rd paragraph?

I personally haven't told anybody that what they saw was incorrect.

Silverfox seemed to be suggesting mentioning Radio Sheffield was a no-no.

 

[Toronto Blade]

The pressure is on now and its early season.Unless he can get some injured players back,bring in Mac Sheff this same uninspired group will drop points at Blackpool.If the piggies win they also go in front as their goal differential is better.
That would set up Cardiff and Newcastle games nicely as pressure cookers.Squeeky bum time.

 

[Foxy]

I'm sorry Foxy but I really haven't got a clue what you are on about in your 3rd paragraph?

I personally haven't told anybody that what they saw was incorrect.

I didn't say you had, but it regularly happens and highlights what Silverfox was trying to say about him personally trusting people he knew at the match more than the radio.

Silverfox seemed to be suggesting mentioning Radio Sheffield was a no-no.

I'll not put words in his mouth, but I read it as him saying he prefered to see it himself before forming a strong opinion. That and that if the forum discussed United purely off the back of a second hand opinion, then it would be a bit of a joke.

 

[Belfastblade]

Thanks for nothing you total and utter joke. only thing we can thank blackwell for when he too over form robson he maybe kept us up, but now things have changed.... SORT IT BLACKY OR GO

 

[bricktop]

I've been away all last week, and been out all day today so not really had chance to follow the events at Glanford Park closely, but i knew as soon as i logged on here it, there would be a huge bunfight taking place with various combatants.

My take on everything that has gone off in recent weeks, is that i feel that some positive stuff has gone from the performances, the tight defensive work, the team spirit, and there does appear to be a couple of players who are just playing for themselves rather than the team. This has to be nipped in the bud, and nipped in the bud fast.

I've been keen to see Blackwell given a fair crack of the whip, and i have tried to be patient and place my trust in Blackwell, but i think (and this is going from what i have heard, and read on here, so if my opinion is less valid than yours please accept my apologies for doubting your greater knowledge) that Blackwell really does now need to shape up and get the side playing for each other again, and also get them playing football. He is incapable of doing any of these things then it is time for him to accept that he has given it his best shot, but he can't take it forwards and hand over to someone else who has got the fire in his belly, the fresh ideas, and maybe just maybe someone who will gear us up to playing attractive, attacking football instead the boring, monotonous turdball we play by belting it long at every given opportunity

 

[theblade1957]

Blackwell has been let down by some team members, my arse, after watching that crap today once again,its plain to see killgannon is not playing for sheffields united , hes not trying to defend like he should therefor should not be sellected, seeing as its blackwell that selects him then this is down to Blackwell, quinn cant play football, nor can he stop anyone else playing football, so this also means he should not be in the side, evens is a lazy wan*er, that shgould not be in the side this also falls in the blackwell picks him, hendo much the same, the main trouble is its hoofball and it does not work, blackwell does the tactics , so its down to blackwell once again,NOW, mccabe What is his role in all this shite, hes the man that picks blackwell, i for one will not go to another away game as long as blackwell is in charge, and if come xmas its the same dross im watching ill stop going to the home matches, at that piont someone can have my season tickets for free

 

[HoodedClaw]

To me it seems as Blackwells thinking isnt clear. He comes out and says Walker has a bad ankle and cant play at right back then picks him to play right midfield and move little over to the left, considering that Reid is fit I dont understand playing an unfit player. If he feels that a partly fit Walker is of more benefit to the team than a fully fit player then why did he sign said fully fit player?

I understand that it was also a bit touch and go regarding Harper, yet we have a fully fit France on the bench, if he doesnt feel that France is any good then why sign him, surely the wages would have been better spent from just these two examples on player(s) that would play if others are injured?? or provide competition for the jersey holders??

This isnt a question of either players quality or lack of Im just trying to understand the point in signing them to then play unfit players instead.

The same happened last time we played, when Blackwell brought on Treacy after his knee problem which was a big risk IMO considering that Treacy has been one of our biggest threats so far this season, why risk him when the two week break is coming up when we have a fully fit Reid on the bench, what was the point in signing him?

IMO he seems to have no man management skills (you could possibly broaden that to any management skills) How demoralizing must it be to be fit yet the manager would prefer to play unfit players in your position, also what effect does it have on team morale and togetherness spirit whatever you wish to call it?

Regarding Killa, Blackwell works with him every day, to have a bleat about him going on the radio and saying what Killa did and then pick him says what?? If Blackwell had a problem he should have been benched for the game, and again, if he had any man management skills he would surely be aware that Killa has already left the club.

Im torn because Blackwells record does stand up at the moment, but his tactical naivity, lack of man management skills and lack of a set of balls to take responsibility is really starting to count against him.

I personally would have accepted his resignation after the final defeat purely on the basis that it shows he doesnt have the mental toughness. He himself says that it takes a bit to play for the Blades with the pressure and expectation that comes with it yet he wanted to throw the towel in after the final defeat, a good manager would have been galvanised by it and be spurred on with greater fire for the following season, not waving the white flag. To me it says I dont think Im good enough, but more importantly what does it say to the players?

 

[Micalijo]

Completely agee. Why are Reid and France on the books? Pointless signings.

 

[Dog Blade]

To me it seems as Blackwells thinking isnt clear. He comes out and says Walker has a bad ankle and cant play at right back then picks him to play right midfield and move little over to the left, considering that Reid is fit I dont understand playing an unfit player. If he feels that a partly fit Walker is of more benefit to the team than a fully fit player then why did he sign said fully fit player?

I understand that it was also a bit touch and go regarding Harper, yet we have a fully fit France on the bench, if he doesnt feel that France is any good then why sign him, surely the wages would have been better spent from just these two examples on player(s) that would play if others are injured?? or provide competition for the jersey holders??

This isnt a question of either players quality or lack of Im just trying to understand the point in signing them to then play unfit players instead.

The same happened last time we played, when Blackwell brought on Treacy after his knee problem which was a big risk IMO considering that Treacy has been one of our biggest threats so far this season, why risk him when the two week break is coming up when we have a fully fit Reid on the bench, what was the point in signing him?

IMO he seems to have no man management skills (you could possibly broaden that to any management skills) How demoralizing must it be to be fit yet the manager would prefer to play unfit players in your position, also what effect does it have on team morale and togetherness spirit whatever you wish to call it?

Regarding Killa, Blackwell works with him every day, to have a bleat about him going on the radio and saying what Killa did and then pick him says what?? If Blackwell had a problem he should have been benched for the game, and again, if he had any man management skills he would surely be aware that Killa has already left the club.

Im torn because Blackwells record does stand up at the moment, but his tactical naivity, lack of man management skills and lack of a set of balls to take responsibility is really starting to count against him.

I personally would have accepted his resignation after the final defeat purely on the basis that it shows he doesnt have the mental toughness. He himself says that it takes a bit to play for the Blades with the pressure and expectation that comes with it yet he wanted to throw the towel in after the final defeat, a good manager would have been galvanised by it and be spurred on with greater fire for the following season, not waving the white flag. To me it says I dont think Im good enough, but more importantly what does it say to the players?

Excellent post - wish I could be bothered enough to write something like that

On speaking with someone tonight it is fair to say that it seams that Blackwell has lost the plot down at the lane and that the players have even less respect for the bully than at the start of the season...and it wasn't high then

So wish he'd walk or be pushed - but can't see either happening, shame as we'll soon be writing this season off and losing a lot of the impetus that we had as a club as a whole

 

[davidpinder]

I'm sorry to say that the really poor sheff wendy side that came to bramall lane a few weeks ago will be above us on tuesday evening then we play newcastle and cardiff who did have poor results today but are still head and shoulders above us so far this season we are 11th now could be bottom half tuesday then what????????

We play the 2 home games and get at best a point we will probably be around 15th in the table then what??????

We go to an improved barnsley side on a high who did today what we couldn't a few weeks ago in a game which will be sll about iain Hume who will probably therefore get the winner. We will find ourselves around 18th then what????

How long will it be, til the powers that be take action i'd do it before its to late i think blackwell has done a good job and has a good record but i haven't seen us with a run of games as bad as this for a while now he seems to have lost the dressing room killa is unsettled i will be suprised if he isn't loaned out before he is sold.

Sorry to sound a pesamist but we have to admit we are playing terrible and lets think when was the last time we really had a good day at the office?? Last may at Preston??, maybe longer than that.

 

[Guesty]

I'm sorry to say that the really poor sheff wendy side that came to bramall lane a few weeks ago will be above us on tuesday evening then we play newcastle and cardiff who did have poor results today but are still head and shoulders above us so far this season we are 11th now could be bottom half tuesday then what????????

We play the 2 home games and get at best a point we will probably be around 15th in the table then what??????

We go to an improved barnsley side on a high who did today what we couldn't a few weeks ago in a game which will be sll about iain Hume who will probably therefore get the winner. We will find ourselves around 18th then what????

How long will it be, til the powers that be take action i'd do it before its to late i think blackwell has done a good job and has a good record but i haven't seen us with a run of games as bad as this for a while now he seems to have lost the dressing room killa is unsettled i will be suprised if he isn't loaned out before he is sold.

Sorry to sound a pesamist but we have to admit we are playing terrible and lets think when was the last time we really had a good day at the office?? Last may at Preston??, maybe longer than that.

First half against the pigs I guess. Even beating Reading wasn't the impossible task it usually is for us either.

 

[davidpinder]

yes but second half against them was shoking and lets be honest reading were awful that day and still are.

 

[Guesty]

Aye, I thought Reading was a great scalp for us at the time but now I know they're just crap.

 

[GAZBLADE]

I've driven to todays game from Norwich in the hope of blagging a ticket in the home end as all Blades tickets were sold. I succeeded, and, it was really quite interesting watching the game from another supporters view.
Regardless of injuries, we had a team on paper of players who have experience of International football, playing in the Premiership and at the top level of the Championship. I admit to not having heard of the majority of the Scunthorpe players, but as a unit it was clear to see the difference in managing players and getting them to work for each other. We looked so dis-jointed at times it was frightening.
We're so lacking of any confident playing ability at the moment it's frightening.
I think we're coming to the stage now where even if Blackwell has a fully fit squad to choose from, the Blackwell haters are adamant that he has to go.
None of us really know what the true answer to our problems are at the moment, but like every other Blade i truly hope something gets resolved much sooner rather than later.
I would just like to add that despite the result and the 320 mile round trip for me, to stand in the opposite stand with opposing fans and watch my beloved, fellow supporters(not including the idiots who aim sheer hatred at our players!!) sing their hearts out made me feel really proud. UTB!!!!!!!

 

[puppet]

I didnt go, so bad as my assumption may be here, hoofing a ball up to henderson, who rarely wins that much anyway against a SIX FOOT SEVEN (!!!!!) CH is NOT the tactic of a footballing genius. Its been slowly sliding to nothing for a while, the tactics, the squad and the results. Time to go Blackwell, I'm afraid, sorry.

 

[Guesty]

Gaz, were Hooper and Hayes as good as Edwards said they were? Sounded like they ripped our back four a new one. Keith even said we should sign Hooper up asap!

 

[bricktop]

I didnt go, so bad as my assumption may be here, hoofing a ball up to henderson, who rarely wins that much anyway against a SIX FOOT SEVEN (!!!!!) CH is NOT the tactic of a footballing genius. Its been slowly sliding to nothing for a while, the tactics, the squad and the results. Time to go Blackwell, I'm afraid, sorry.

Pup, no need to think your assumption is bad, as i have been more or less out of the loop and i came to the very same assumption.

As much as i have been prepared to give Blackwell time, and my faith i think he has been unwilling to change his tactics for that long now, i don't think he will ever change them, and over the last 3 or 4 weeks that has been glaringly obvious.

 

[Come from away]

Anyone see the two halves of Forest/Newcastle. First half Forest played great football, second half couldn't make a pass - same team. Sometimes the opposition gets in the way of you doing what you want. Disappointed with today but not a time to dump and run. UTB!