Sack him or back him part deux

[alcoblade]

Not sure thats entirely correct. the club had significant resources in the period 1996-98 and 2005-08. We got in the play offs, were promoted or in the PL each year we had signficant resources (with the exception of the Robson year), so you could say that KB as done as well or better than other managers with similar resources.

Our poverty stricken years would be 94-96 and 99-03 (in which years we only once got in the play offs) and middling years resources wise were 98-99 and 03-05 (on all 3 occasions we narrowaly missed out on the play offs.

I would say we are now in 98-99 and 03-05 land resources wise, so on that basis, mid table with a quarter of the season gone is not that far off the usual pace.

but you were quoting the previous 18 months when without splititng hairs, not many would argue we were resourced far better than the average for the previosu decade. At what other stage would he have been head and shoulders in the top few payers in the division?

As for now, we're still paying far higher than the majority, but I think in general that will be a throwback to the premiership and a few players who're still earning well above their true worth. Given our averageness, I want to see a change of style rather than demanding promotion challenges. I can no longer see either happening under Blackwell, though I'd thank him for 18 months of previously very good work.

UTB

 

[Mary Christmas]

The point of managing at this level is to get out of it. Its a bit like saying that Major Edwin Phipps had the ability to escape from Stalag Luft 112B because he tried it 118 times.

Now that's funny!

 

[Fiery Blade]

Hi Guys,
Sorry about the absence but been in Poland for the last few days and missed the 3-1 Scunny and 3-0 Blackpool reversals.
I have not seen the lowdown on these two matches but they have been in waiting for the last few weeks.
No longer can people say we're sixth in the league we've only lost two games -look guys the results have been coming!
Shall we wait until we're near the bottom before we act
Sack the clown Blackwell he is never going to lead us to the Premier League.

 

[gregblade]

I've fallen into the sack him bracket as well. Results and performances have been terrible for weeks, even the Wednesday game, despite the result, was not a great performance by any stretch of the imagination.

I hate sacking managers and believe our success under Warnock was due to the time he was given more than anything else, but I am struggling to find any positives at the moment.

I'd love to know who the board would see as a fit replacement. If the board were having similar thoughts to others on this board and were going to go for someone inexperienced like some people have mentioned i.e. Shearer, Windass etc. I would sooner keep Blackwell.

For me, if the club have any ambition they would try and get someone who has been there and done it. Namely Steve Coppell, Alan Curbishley or Paul Jewell. All have took clubs up and kept them up.

 

[ken shabby]

Warnock... 9-0-1 away tactics in prem, lets rely on home form = sack the silly sod, what a stupid waste

Robson... good buys, no man management, no idea how to put a team out on the field = thanks for BT but bugger off

Blackwell... A first class honour in the wimbledon school of Mile high football. = sorry you`ve been found out, you are shite, your buys (other than Ward) are shite, your tactics are shite. you are shite. Go before we slip below the S6 rabble

 

[alcoblade]

Robson... good buys

I can't agree. I don't think, at championship level, we got anything like value for money on any of Robson's signings. I'd (controversially) include BT in that. I don't think the others are even debatable. In fact, it's those signings, and the associated contracts, that have left us picking up scraps right now.

UTB

 

[Grecian2000]

I'd get rid of him.

The current results are the result of the piss poor football that has been creeping up on us over the last two seasons. It was disturbing watching us scrape wins whilst playing horrible football, it is soul destroying to see the same performance and defeats.

As for the "careful what you wish for", well as with the transition from Bassett to Kendall all those years ago, it only took 1 week for him to instill a footballing attitude to a bunch of long ballers. I wish for someone to do the same.

 

[Ollessendro]

Sack him!

I'm not once for rash decisions, however things have been bad for a while. I can't see the point in keeping him to the end of the season.

His management is a joke. He's lost the dressing, his tactics are dire, he has no plan B, no idea of his best team and is completely and utterly out of his depth.

What is the point in keeping him til the end of the season? He is absolutely not the man to take us to the premiership and keep us there. No way. He might turn things around a little, keep us up (or even mid table) but we won't do anything under him.

Give it Speed on an iterim basis. Maybe til the end of the season. Or until we find someone adequate of replacing him.

BLACKWELL OUT!

 

[TonyAgana]

I don't quite understand what this article is trying to achieve. Anyone?

By Martin Smith
Smith on Soccer
Is it simply too early and too harsh to be thinking about a campaign to get rid of Kevin Blackwell?
THEY'LL be pulling on that extra pair of socks come Saturday morning.

Perhaps a vest, a sweater under the coat and over the replica shirt, it can be cold by tea time at this time of year.

Especially if you're yelling spite and venom at a football manager at five o'clock on a Saturday in the Cherry Street car park.

That's where they'll be if Sheffield United don't beat Cardiff or at least perform well at Bramall Lane.

Kevin Blackwell is the one taking the blame for his team's last two results and their less than inspired performances this season.

The manager showed his anger and stress on Tuesday night.

"Because we are losing some games I start getting asked stupid questions," seethed he. Nobody was asking that when we were on a good run."

That's because the spirit of the team wasn't an issue then, perhaps it is now.

Managers are bound to be questioned when things aren't going well, it's part of their job to answer those questions.

But it's not part of a fan's job to be chanting 'Blackwell Out' before the clocks go back.

There are, of course, two sides to this.

Chopping and changing managers every year or so does no club any good but sticking with the wrong manager for too long is even more damaging.

Kevin McCabe will be aware of the change in mood of the fans, if he doesn't he will be if he looks out of the Platinum Suite window should United lose on Saturday.

But it's simply too early and too harsh to be thinking about a campaign to get rid of Kevin Blackwell.

Unitedites will just have to grit their teeth and give the man a chance to do the job he is paid to do.

With less than a third of the season gone United are seven points behind the leaders. They have lost four games out of 13.

It's not the end of the world or the end of the club's promotion hopes. It's not even the end of October.

Just take a deep breath and be careful what you wish for.

You might just get it.

 

[S64 Blade]

Been speaking to a mate of mine who's a Leeds fan about Blackwell. You could say he's following a similar to path to the one at Leeds. Play-Off final defeat, then slipping in to mediocrity the following season.

 

[Robbie]

Wow, a landslide in the sack him.

A few good results will change that though.

I'm in the back him till the end of the season, then whether relegated, mid-table or promoted. He should go.

 

[Pinchy]

It's all well and good wanting Blackwell out but you need to be able to install a better replacement. I'm not happy with Blackwell at all, but I'm struggling to think of a replacement who is available.

Steve Coppell stands out like a neon sign. Struggle no more.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Steve Coppell stands out like a neon sign. Struggle no more.

Thanks for the help Pinchy but from what I remember he doesn't like it up north and isn't the best with handling the pressure of an expectant crowd. If he said he'd like to come then I'd would prefer him to Blackie but I don't think he would be interested. Great manager, wrong club.
Lets just see where we are come Christmas before making any rash decisions. Nothing will be decided in the league before then anyway.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

This thread is embarrassing.

150 people want Kevin Blackwell to be sacked just because we've lost two matches in a row?

People need to get a grip.

 

[themaninblack]

This thread is embarrassing.

150 people want Kevin Blackwell to be sacked just because we've lost two matches in a row?

People need to get a grip.

I couldnt agree more. I get the impression that there are a few self-righteous souls on here that would positively welcome a defeat on Saturday; I just dont get it.

While we are on the subject could someone explain what 'He's lost the dressing room' means? I know Hansen used the phrase on MOTD ten years ago but why is it parroted incessantly by every tap-room expert? It isnt the manager's job to keep the players happy, it's the other way round.

We arent playing well and the manager kops it. It's about time the players took responsibility.

 

[Robbie]

It isnt the manager's job to keep the players happy, it's the other way round.

Erroneous.

It is vital the manager keeps the players happy.

 

[Grecian2000]

This thread is embarrassing.

150 people want Kevin Blackwell to be sacked just because we've lost two matches in a row?

People need to get a grip.

But that is plainly NOT the case. People don't like his "style" of football seems to be the general tone and not "we've lost two he's got to go".

 

[TonyAgana]

I couldnt agree more. I get the impression that there are a few self-righteous souls on here that would positively welcome a defeat on Saturday; I just dont get it.

Have you read the thread or just looked at the poll? WHAT ON EARTH GIVES YOU THAT IMPRESSION???

 

[Ollessendro]

This thread is embarrassing.

150 people want Kevin Blackwell to be sacked just because we've lost two matches in a row?

People need to get a grip.

No, your post is embaressing!

150 people want KB sacked becasue he is inadequate. Because his tactics are dire, he has no plan B, he has no idea of his first 11. Because with a decent squad 9even now with injuries) we have won once in 7 games. We failed to beat poor teams such as Doncaster and Ipswich at home. Lost to poor teams Swansea, Coventry and Scunthorpe. Convincinlgly stuffed by Blackpool. We have a squad that could be pushing for promotion and is actualkly in free fall. We show no signs of stooping the rot and haven't played an iota of football in the last 2 months. Fans believe that Blackwell has taken the Blades as far as he can and hasn't got a hope of getting to the premiership. It's not just losing, it's the manner which we are losing. There is a list as long as my arm for reasons Blackwell should go. Are you happy with the tripe that is being served up at the moment??

 

[dingledog]

Steve Coppell stands out like a neon sign. Struggle no more.

He makes Sornob look like Mr Personality, what a dull uninspiring man he is. I had a chat with him when he cam to watch us before we played them at Reading. Dear oh dear, not the man for me.

I notice Newcastle have given their manager a longer contract despite losing to Scunthorpe and Blackpool.

 

[themaninblack]

Erroneous.

It is vital the manager keeps the players happy.

Yes, I'm sure Clough, Shankly and Stein thought of little else.

 

[SotonBlade]

Yes, I'm sure Clough, Shankly and Stein thought of little else.

Different era.

These days, however wrong it may be, players have a lot more power than they used to. It's sad, but it's a fact

 

[themaninblack]

Different era.

These days, however wrong it may be, players have a lot more power than they used to. It's sad, but it's a fact

True, and I'm not saying that a manager should aim to have unhappy players, but this 'lost the dressing room' nonsense is getting out of hand. Underperforming players always look to shift the blame; it's about time they got their collective act together.

 

[Robbie]

Yes, I'm sure Clough, Shankly and Stein thought of little else.

As Soton Blade says, very different era.

Further to that though, if you read Cloughs book - one of his main priorities was to get his players back to their wives on away match days so it kept them happy.

Happy squad = people are more willing to work for the cause.

Furthermore on Clough, whilst he sometimes made decisions that some weren't 'happy' about - the players knew deep down why he made such decisions and fully respected that.... like leaving people out of the Euro Final after just coming back from hamstring injuries etc.

 

[Come from away]

It's clear from the fact some can't mention Blackie without adding a personal insult that they have just been waiting their opportunity to say how right they were - the fact they have had to wait two years for a poor run of form seems to have passed them by - such is the role of the self-righteous. We have massive injury problems that limit options but I do not doubt for a minute that players and manager are doing all they can AND based on their record will turn it around. I will not turn negative until that is proved wrong rather than simply predicted cause someone is 'fat' or whatever insult is preferred.

 

[cooperblade]

I've decided that, despite not being a fan throughout his time in charge, that Blackwell deserves our support for a little longer.

I was really reassured to hear (second hand) that one of the few players who remains a big favourite is a fan of Blackwell. For me, if the players (and I'm going on a sample of one) are behind him then things can't be that bad.

If there's no sign of an improvement in the next 3 games then I'll probably jump on the bandwagon but, for the time being at least, I'm behind Blackwell and, more importantly, I'm behind the players.

Hopefully people can keep their dummies in their mouths tomorrow, at least until the final whistle or the game is lost. I don't think we're at the stage we were with Heath or Robson where a defeat was genuinely for the best. We're still in touch, we know Blackwell is capable of getting us a decent points total at this level and I think the players we've got are more than capable of a top 6 finish.

Looking forward to tomorrow and, hopefully, a return to form. I'll settle for Chedwyn scoring a last minute winner and doing the Ayatollah in front of the away end before revealing a t-shirt which reads 'F*** you Edwards, Stafford and De Goey'

UTB

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I'm with Coops here. Just a little longer is needed. Give it 3 or 4 more games and a few players back from injury and see how it goes. If he is still losing games then he needs to go.

However, I fear that more than a few have already decided and tomorrow will be pretty venomous. First bad pass, miss, non-tackle and they will be baying (apologies to BB for using his name in a negative way) for blood. In fact if reports of recent games are anything to go by, the abuse will start in the warm-up.

No win in the next few games and I think it might be time to have a change and get some new ideas in, with a bit of space for assessing prior to the next window. When a manager has lost the way and it's just gone so far it can't be retreived and I think we aren't at that point just yet, but it isn't too far away.

 

[AlienWoodward]

This thread is embarrassing.

150 people want Kevin Blackwell to be sacked just because we've lost two matches in a row?

People need to get a grip.

So I take it you've seen a half decent game under Blackwell?
It is utter shite we are being served up. I don't expect us to win every game or promotion. This is Sheff Utd I expect us to win nothing. But is it to much to ask to be entertained. Hoof ball, Hoof ball is all we get. It is boring and depressing but it is all we get under Blackwell. The atmosphere is rapidly disappearing at the lane.
If 150 want him to leave it is probably 100 more than want him to stay.
Jesus I sound like Curtis !!!!!!!

 

[Pinchy]

So I take it you've seen a half decent game under Blackwell?
It is utter shite we are being served up. I don't expect us to win every game or promotion. This is Sheff Utd I expect us to win nothing. But is it to much to ask to be entertained. Hoof ball, Hoof ball is all we get. It is boring and depressing but it is all we get under Blackwell. The atmosphere is rapidly disappearing at the lane.
If 150 want him to leave it is probably 100 more than want him to stay.
Jesus I sound like Curtis !!!!!!!

Glad to see you've joined the Campaign for Real Football!

 

[Pinchy]

He makes Sornob look like Mr Personality, what a dull uninspiring man he is. I had a chat with him when he cam to watch us before we played them at Reading. Dear oh dear, not the man for me.

I notice Newcastle have given their manager a longer contract despite losing to Scunthorpe and Blackpool.

Yes, he uninspired Reading to a record 106 points in this league. His team played attractive passing football. He then kept them up fir a season. Many of the players he brought to Reading (a small club, remember) are still plying their trade in the Prem.

So he thinks rather than rants? How awful!

I like that kind of dull.