The future's bright ... the future is Red and White

[Ollessendro]

So the dust has settled after the managerial appointment and regardless of whether you agreed with the choice or not, then it is time to look forward. So what is in store for the Blades in the next 3, 5 or 10 years?

Survival

The short term objective for Micky Adams is simply to keep us in the division. With Palace, Preston and Scunny in the division we have every chance. But can Freedman and Brown turn their teams around. Personally I think we are a bottom 6 side and will be joined by Ipswich and Bristol (plus the above). Adams has been left a poor squad and has little money to spend. We lack pace, confidence and quality. But are we one of the worst 3 teams in the division? No. We have decent players in Lowton, Bartley, Yeates, Ward, Williamson, plus a few who'll do a job (Cressy, Monty and Ched). Henderson coming back would be a massive boost and it is important Williamson stays fit.

Will we stay up? I think so. Then what?

After survival

What can we seriously expect within 3 to 5 years if we stay up? Adams has some serious rebuilding to do over the summer to even keep us up again. We really have to move away from this bullshit short term-ism loan approach. Adams will need to bring in 10-15 permanent signings. With no money is that feasible? Or are we doomed for another season relying on loans? Adams has a massive job on his hand even if we stay in the Championship.

But with the academy, Adams knowing the lower leagues and the whole summer perhaps all is not lost. Perhaps he can get together a squad of 20 permanent players. We can always top that up with a few loans. As long as we get the core of the team as permanent signings, then who cares about a few loans. Almost all teams have loan players.

Investment

With McCabe stepping aside, the club clearly having no money and no transfer kitty then a lot will depend on investment. Can we realistically expect investment? Is there another Kevin McCabe (pre recession) out there? We have had some shocking chairman with Brealy and Woolhouse standing out. McDonald appeared to be the saviour, but was even worse. I remain scpetical, as SUFC has been taken for a ride so many times.

But Birch is there for a reason. He has a good track record and there is a chance that he will attract investment. It is difficult to see where from, but maybe something will come out of the blue. We just have to remain hopeful. This will define what happens to us in the medium to long term.

3-5 years

Where do people see us in 3 to 5 years? Will will be languishing mid table in the Championship or pushing for the Prem?

Can Adams build a team from nothing. Working on the assumption that there is little or no money to spend (a reasonable one) then how long will it be beofre we can expect Adams to build a team to challenge for the Prem. It took Watnock 6 years and he only did it when McCabe gave him money. Is Adams a better manager than what Warnock was then? Who knows. Can he turn us round in 3, 4 or 5 years and get us promoted? It would be some achievement.

However the academy is a factor that we have not taken into consideration. How much of a role can it play? If Pemberton is right and we have 7 players in the team by X date, then maybe it could work. If Adams gets the mix of youth and experience right then perhaps we can get to the promised land within 5 years. Am I being realistic or are my Red and White specs tainting things? I'd like to think we can challenge in 3 or 4 seasons time and I am willing to give Adams until then.

If Birch fulfills his roll and we get investment then can this process be done quicker? Adams has a good track record promoting teams and was doing well with Port Vale. But his Leicester team were pretty good. I am unsure of whther he has inherited decent teams or built anything from scratch.

Looking forward

I don't know how to feel at the moment. I was disappointed with the Adams choice, but being pragmatic I am behind him. He is a decent manager, good bloke and a Blade. He'll bring passion and pride back to the club. I have not see United since he took over, but am looking forward to it.

The situation at the club is concerning. McCabe clearly is not interested any more and we need something new. Birch is doing ok as a chief executive and has made some positive steps. But we need a new chairman and someone who is willing to invest (at least a little).

All in all I am usure of how to think about my beloved Sheffield United football club. I have faith in Adams, but cannot ignore the fact that we have no money. I just hope that Micky sticks it out and can build something in the next few years. It is Adams dream job so I remain hopeful. There's light at the end of the tunnel for me, but there is a lot of ground to cover to reach it. So Blades, what do you think?

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Assuming Micky keps us up, I think we're right back to where we were when Warnock took over - with maybe a few more fans in the ground.

Warnock had to get by with a 'make do and mend' transfer policy until he had the good fortune to have a couple of youngsters come good and to get hold of a decent old head like McCall at a time when there was plenty of energy around him to do his running. From there it was still some time coming, but 2002/3 was where the corner was turned.

Adams will have to have a complete overhaul in the closed season - chances are he'll have to get hold of youth and lower division promise, which may or may not cut it at this level. Mid-table or an outside chance of the play-offs at best is what they can hope for. But a run of results in this division can do funny things to a team - some momentum coming out of this year and a decent start to next and suddenly things could look very different.

If we're going to be scrimping and saving whilst scrapping around in front of 16,000 - 18,000 crowds again, then if it leads to a decent crop of youngsters coming through I'd be happy in the long-term. Who knows - if we were debt-free, with a low cost-base and back to 8,9,10th in the league we might be an attractive investment proposition again.

On the other hand, without any youngsters coming through we could become a very drab mid-table side and it's only a matter of time before the trap-door did open.

I'm happy with Micky - looking at our prospects I think he's exactly what we need. Able to scrap, able to find talent in unexpected places, has been around a bit, likes a bit of passion from his team and claims to be one of us. He'll get just short of bugger all in the way of finances - his best hope is unearthing gems or Pembo having a worldy up at Shirecliffe.

 

[travellingblade]

Very good post.

For me Survival this season is vital, and then whilst I agree that Micky will have to assemble a completely new side for next season and beyond, my expectations will not be set too high. I would accept Mid table next year (whatever that is?) and hopefully a Playoff opportunity the season after, which if we can believe everything that we are told, we should be debt free!

I'm in my 60s now, along with quite a few other regular posters on here, so we grew up with yo-yoing between the top two divisions, but what I'd really like, before I go, is an FA Cup final, not semi-final nor Playoff final, although as second best I'd accept a Playoff Final win at Wembley. (Even a goal would be nice).

I'm a half empty person.

 

[puppet]

warnock signed michael brown a few weeks after he arrived, having sold had derry sold over his head on arrival. hardly make do and mend. we're in a situation far worse than when warnock took over - we've got a chairman that couldnt give a monkeys.

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

IMO, the academy is crucial. Look at Watford who have discovered a few gems this season as well as a couple of good signings from the lower leagues (Danny Graham) and are now flying high. If our academy produces as they say it will do then United should be able to progress up the table. However, we know what United are like - they'll probably discover seven, sell them all and replace them with the likes of Nosworthy et al ...

 

[alcoblade]

So the dust has settled after the managerial appointment and regardless of whether you agreed with the choice or not, then it is time to look forward. So what is in store for the Blades in the next 3, 5 or 10 years?

Survival

The short term objective for Micky Adams is simply to keep us in the division. With Palace, Preston and Scunny in the division we have every chance. But can Freedman and Brown turn their teams around. Personally I think we are a bottom 6 side and will be joined by Ipswich and Bristol (plus the above). Adams has been left a poor squad and has little money to spend. We lack pace, confidence and quality. But are we one of the worst 3 teams in the division? No. We have decent players in Lowton, Bartley, Yeates, Ward, Williamson, plus a few who'll do a job (Cressy, Monty and Ched). Henderson coming back would be a massive boost and it is important Williamson stays fit.

Will we stay up? I think so. Then what?

After survival

What can we seriously expect within 3 to 5 years if we stay up? Adams has some serious rebuilding to do over the summer to even keep us up again. We really have to move away from this bullshit short term-ism loan approach. Adams will need to bring in 10-15 permanent signings. With no money is that feasible? Or are we doomed for another season relying on loans? Adams has a massive job on his hand even if we stay in the Championship.

But with the academy, Adams knowing the lower leagues and the whole summer perhaps all is not lost. Perhaps he can get together a squad of 20 permanent players. We can always top that up with a few loans. As long as we get the core of the team as permanent signings, then who cares about a few loans. Almost all teams have loan players.

Investment

With McCabe stepping aside, the club clearly having no money and no transfer kitty then a lot will depend on investment. Can we realistically expect investment? Is there another Kevin McCabe (pre recession) out there? We have had some shocking chairman with Brealy and Woolhouse standing out. McDonald appeared to be the saviour, but was even worse. I remain scpetical, as SUFC has been taken for a ride so many times.

But Birch is there for a reason. He has a good track record and there is a chance that he will attract investment. It is difficult to see where from, but maybe something will come out of the blue. We just have to remain hopeful. This will define what happens to us in the medium to long term.

3-5 years

Where do people see us in 3 to 5 years? Will will be languishing mid table in the Championship or pushing for the Prem?

Can Adams build a team from nothing. Working on the assumption that there is little or no money to spend (a reasonable one) then how long will it be beofre we can expect Adams to build a team to challenge for the Prem. It took Watnock 6 years and he only did it when McCabe gave him money. Is Adams a better manager than what Warnock was then? Who knows. Can he turn us round in 3, 4 or 5 years and get us promoted? It would be some achievement.

However the academy is a factor that we have not taken into consideration. How much of a role can it play? If Pemberton is right and we have 7 players in the team by X date, then maybe it could work. If Adams gets the mix of youth and experience right then perhaps we can get to the promised land within 5 years. Am I being realistic or are my Red and White specs tainting things? I'd like to think we can challenge in 3 or 4 seasons time and I am willing to give Adams until then.

If Birch fulfills his roll and we get investment then can this process be done quicker? Adams has a good track record promoting teams and was doing well with Port Vale. But his Leicester team were pretty good. I am unsure of whther he has inherited decent teams or built anything from scratch.

Looking forward

I don't know how to feel at the moment. I was disappointed with the Adams choice, but being pragmatic I am behind him. He is a decent manager, good bloke and a Blade. He'll bring passion and pride back to the club. I have not see United since he took over, but am looking forward to it.

The situation at the club is concerning. McCabe clearly is not interested any more and we need something new. Birch is doing ok as a chief executive and has made some positive steps. But we need a new chairman and someone who is willing to invest (at least a little).

All in all I am usure of how to think about my beloved Sheffield United football club. I have faith in Adams, but cannot ignore the fact that we have no money. I just hope that Micky sticks it out and can build something in the next few years. It is Adams dream job so I remain hopeful. There's light at the end of the tunnel for me, but there is a lot of ground to cover to reach it. So Blades, what do you think?

Fantastic post Olle and I think I agree with just about every word, other than the fact I was very happy that we appointed Adams.

More of the same from you? When you put your mind to it (ie being practical rather than a wind up merchant) you can really bring something differant to this place.

UTB

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Good post Olle. You've touched on a lot of the things that I've been pondering recently. The immediate and only concern at this moment in time is to stay in the division as you quite rightly point out. Until we are mathematically safe, that is all I (and I'm sure Micky Adams) will be thinking about.

My gut feeling is that United will do enough to stay up. We have appointed the right man to save us in just enough time. If the board allows him to bring in another three players (good ones obviously), then we probably have enough. It's easy to forget at times that there are a few teams similar to, if not worse than us.

I could see MA being here a long time and I do think he is capable of turning us into a decent outfit again. But without some sort of incoming investment, supporters will have to be patient. Apart from the odd flirt with the playoffs, I dont foresee a solid promotion push any time soon.

A mixture of clever signings and finding some good youngsters will determine how quickly we get back to being competitive in this division.

 

[alcoblade]

warnock signed michael brown a few weeks after he arrived, having sold had derry sold over his head on arrival. hardly make do and mend. we're in a situation far worse than when warnock took over - we've got a chairman that couldnt give a monkeys.

I think there are lots of similarities. Brown was not a big signing. He just turned out to be a great one. That could easily happen again. And the Chairman didn't show that he gave a monkeys until really late on. Warncok had made real progress before then.

UTB

 

[grafikhaus]

... other than the fact I was very happy that we appointed Adams.

UTB

...and I think more and more people will be happy that we got Adams instead of So'D. The signs are SO'Ds lucky run is coming to an end.

 

[Ollessendro]

IMO, the academy is crucial. Look at Watford who have discovered a few gems this season as well as a couple of good signings from the lower leagues (Danny Graham) and are now flying high. If our academy produces as they say it will do then United should be able to progress up the table. However, we know what United are like - they'll probably discover seven, sell them all and replace them with the likes of Nosworthy et al ...

Agree with that Wombwell. I hope that the academy produces a few gems and that we keep them. It has produced 3 players of quality (Naughton, Walker and Lowton) thus far and hence I don't see any obvious reason why it cannot produce a few more.

Fantastic post Olle and I think I agree with just about every word, other than the fact I was very happy that we appointed Adams.

More of the same from you? When you put your mind to it (ie being practical rather than a wind up merchant) you can really bring something differant to this place.

Cheers alco old mucker. Can't promise I will not drop a few bombs every now and then, but you can expect more of this kind of stuff.

I could see MA being here a long time and I do think he is capable of turning us into a decent outfit again. But without some sort of incoming investment, supporters will have to be patient. Apart from the odd flirt with the playoffs, I dont foresee a solid promotion push any time soon.

A mixture of clever signings and finding some good youngsters will determine how quickly we get back to being competitive in this division.

Providing Adams shows the right signs then I am willing to back him and give him time. I think I speak for a lot of United fans when I say I'll give him time (particularly if there is no investment) to build a team. He has a big job on his hands. I think that he is the right man to take us places and hence I'll back him. I expect, over time, to see more attractive, attacking football. But not until next season. Over the next few seasons I expect him to start to build a team (using academy players and brining in experience from the lower leagues), for the Blades to start to play more attractive football. I don't care if it is direct, as long as it is attacking, entertainng and effective (like under Warnock at the better times). If he does this then I will continue to back him. I think he is infor the long haul and I am willing to be patient if he shows positive signs. I'm not expecting miracles over night, just for us to start moving in the right direction.

---------- Post added at 09:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------

It appears that most agree that survival is imperative and should be Adams only focus for now. I agree. I do not expect him to be worrying about permanent deals, suing academy players etc. I expect him to bring in whoever he needs to do the job on whatever basis (loan, perm, trial whatever). I also expect hm to play whoever he feels is most up for the job (young, old, out of favour, inexperienced, experienced, whatever).

 

[alcoblade]

I think most people can accept poor football and low investment, provided they feel that the club is moving in the right direction. Improvement is what it's all about, as the reality for the vast majority of clubs is that there's not much Gold at the end of the rainbow.

UTB

 

[Cheshire Cat]

warnock signed michael brown a few weeks after he arrived, having sold had derry sold over his head on arrival. hardly make do and mend. we're in a situation far worse than when warnock took over - we've got a chairman that couldnt give a monkeys.

Working with a bunch of City fans at the time we made the signing I thought he was a great signing - he was something of a cult hero at Maine Road (I think he shoed Keane in the derby a couple of times) - but I think we made the signing immediately after Alan Ball described him as a disgrace to the profession after an indifferent time at Portsmouth. Top replacement for Derry, but I remember feeling I was in a small minority who thought it at the time.

 

[beightonblade]

The key is McCabe.......so who knows other than him. If Micky saves us this year he'll have done a reight good job ..... no serious investment in players and more cuts and keeps us up next season we should be prepaired to kiss his ass
Micky could become the best we've had and to me he's the best managerial appointment at BDTBL McCabe has made...... I still have hope that i'll see a Blades team better than the early 70's .....you just neven know !

 

[FleaPitBlade]

I like the direction we seem to be headed.

4 or 5 young players in last week. 4 might be shite, but the one good one will outweigh the nominal costs of those who dont make the grade. Or you could hit the jackpot and all of em turn out to be hidden gems.

Suppliment these types of signings with an acadamy player or two and the best from the lower leagues and slowly but surely we will build to where we want to be without selling out on premiership cast offs and other teams has beens.

 

[broomhillblade]

It is encouraging that - contrary to popular belief - Adams is not being required to sell players before he buys. No doubt one of two will depart before the end of January, and the budget will have to be handled prudently, but we don't seem to be as far up sh*ts creek as the doom-merchants claim.

 

[beightonblade]

It is encouraging that - contrary to popular belief - Adams is not being required to sell players before he buys. No doubt one of two will depart before the end of January, and the budget will have to be handled prudently, but we don't seem to be as far up sh*ts creek as the doom-merchants claim.

most of em are not saleable ..................

 

[Sothall_Blade]

warnock signed michael brown a few weeks after he arrived, having sold had derry sold over his head on arrival. hardly make do and mend. we're in a situation far worse than when warnock took over - we've got a chairman that couldnt give a monkeys.

I just checked on Soccerbase and Brown and Derry played several times together in the same Blades team. Warnock took over in Dec 99 and signed Brown initially on a month's loan before signing him permanently in Jan 2000 for £400K and D'Jaffo for £100K. To balance the books, Smith was sold for £300K in Feb 2000 and Derry for £300K in March 2000. The likes of Cullen and Katchouro were also offloaded. Not really "make do and mend" but hardly splashing the cash either. More a case of signing "his type" of players while improving the team and making a profit. Something that Warnock consistently proved to be brilliant at and Adams has shown similar qualities in the past.

Regarding the original post Olle, it only took Warnock 2 1/2 years to build a very good, promotion-chasing team (i.e. Dec 1999 to Aug 2002) not SIX years. Other than that, good post.

 

[Ollessendro]

Regarding the original post Olle, it only took Warnock 2 1/2 years to build a very good, promotion-chasing team (i.e. Dec 1999 to Aug 2002) not SIX years. Other than that, good post.

You are right Sothall. I was basing it on actual promotion, but you are right to point out that the team in 2002/2003 did challenge for promotion (and were unlucky not to get it*).

I actually think that Adams has inherited more of a sinking ship than Warnock did. The Blades team of 1999 is better than the team we have now. By this I mean the first team, but also perm signings, reliance on loans, form and injuries.

Is it realistic for Adams to turn things around in the time that Warnock did? I think if we are pushing for promotion in 2013/2014 then most would be happy. That would mean survival, mid table mediocrity for 2 seasons whilst he builds a team and brings through youth players and then a promotion push the following season. When you look at the actual squad Adams will be left with at the end of the season (after loanees have gone back etc) then you see what kind of job he has on his hands.


* Play off final, despite being distracted by a leage and FA cup semi final double. Also (Micky Adams') Leicester went into administration and were not deducted points. Had they been deducted points then we would have won automatic promotion.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

You are right Sothall. I was basing it on actual promotion, but you are right to point out that the team in 2002/2003 did challenge for promotion (and were unlucky not to get it*).

I actually think that Adams has inherited more of a sinking ship than Warnock did. The Blades team of 1999 is better than the team we have now. By this I mean the first team, but also perm signings, reliance on loans, form and injuries.

Is it realistic for Adams to turn things around in the time that Warnock did? I think if we are pushing for promotion in 2013/2014 then most would be happy. That would mean survival, mid table mediocrity for 2 seasons whilst he builds a team and brings through youth players and then a promotion push the following season. When you look at the actual squad Adams will be left with at the end of the season (after loanees have gone back etc) then you see what kind of job he has on his hands.


* Play off final, despite being distracted by a leage and FA cup semi final double. Also (Micky Adams') Leicester went into administration and were not deducted points. Had they been deducted points then we would have won automatic promotion.

Depends on how many points they were deducted. The standard seems to be 10 at the moment (Plus 15 if you can't reach a CVA with your creditors), so that wouldn't have been enough to see us promoted in 2002/03

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Depends on how many points they were deducted. The standard seems to be 10 at the moment (Plus 15 if you can't reach a CVA with your creditors), so that wouldn't have been enough to see us promoted in 2002/03

We've discussed this before but United played a reserve team in a couple of matches to save players for the Cup. We wouldn't have done that if Leicester had been deducted 10 points and therefore within striking distance. It would certainly have made it much closer and I suspect we wouldn't have gone for it in the later rounds of the FA cup.

 

[Ollessendro]

Depends on how many points they were deducted. The standard seems to be 10 at the moment (Plus 15 if you can't reach a CVA with your creditors), so that wouldn't have been enough to see us promoted in 2002/03

see Sothall's post (and mine below).

We've discussed this before but United played a reserve team in a couple of matches to save players for the Cup. We wouldn't have done that if Leicester had been deducted 10 points and therefore within striking distance. It would certainly have made it much closer and I suspect we wouldn't have gone for it in the later rounds of the FA cup.

Yep, we took our foot off the gas when we realised Leicester were out of sight. You can never say for sure, but if Leicester had have been deducted 10 points then the picture may have been different.

For example, with 7 games to go we were 11 points behind with a game in hand (http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/LeagueTable/0,,10418~20030325,00.html). We then drew and lost two very winnable league games (Palace and MK Dons) in the week before the Arsenal semi.

On the final day (knowing we were in the play offs - guranteed 3rd place - and playing in less than a week) we played a weakened team and lost to Watford away. If we'd have won we'd have finsihed 9 points behind Leicester (and by your calculations Highbury) and gone up. All if's and but's but certainly not clear cut either way. Judging by how (dirty) Leeds got screwed and so many others have lost points since then I think we can say that we were the victims of an injustice.

 

[shorehamview]

Another "I agree with Olle" post.

I just hope that we can be turned back into a decent side sooner rather than later. The priority is of course survival - relegation would be a massive blow. So stay up, the aim for mid-table next season, and then look towards the play-offs after that.

The one thing we need to have is some passion. Sheffield United haven't been known for their attractive football, even though the reputation as long-ball merchants isn't entirely justified. What we have been known for in the past is the passion, and under Bassett and Warnock the opposition would certainly know that we weren't going to roll over and let them win, something which Blackwell seemed to lose sight of and Speed simply couldn't be bothered with. Hopefully Micky Adams will get that back properly - we've seen glimpses of it, especially against Villa.

We need, above all, the one thing back that has eluded us for a year or two or maybe more, and that's our team. United. Blades. Not a bunch of strangers who've borrowed the stripes. Some of the players need telling that they're not playing for any old football team. They're playing for Sheffield United. They should bloody well act like it.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

see Sothall's post (and mine below).



Yep, we took our foot off the gas when we realised Leicester were out of sight. You can never say for sure, but if Leicester had have been deducted 10 points then the picture may have been different.

For example, with 7 games to go we were 11 points behind with a game in hand (http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/LeagueTable/0,,10418~20030325,00.html). We then drew and lost two very winnable league games (Palace and MK Dons) in the week before the Arsenal semi.

On the final day (knowing we were in the play offs - guranteed 3rd place - and playing in less than a week) we played a weakened team and lost to Watford away. If we'd have won we'd have finsihed 9 points behind Leicester (and by your calculations Highbury) and gone up. All if's and but's but certainly not clear cut either way. Judging by how (dirty) Leeds got screwed and so many others have lost points since then I think we can say that we were the victims of an injustice.

Fair enough but it's all if's and buts isn't it? Would england have won the world cup if Hurts' second been dissallowed? Who knows.

Personally i'm fed up up the victim complex that's permeated through this club over the past decade. I was fuming about the tevez affair at the time, but 4 years on i'm more pissed off with Warnock for capitulating at Anfield and Villa Park.

 

[Ollessendro]

Fair enough but it's all if's and buts isn't it? Would england have won the world cup if Hurts' second been dissallowed? Who knows.

Personally i'm fed up up the victim complex that's permeated through this club over the past decade. I was fuming about the tevez affair at the time, but 4 years on i'm more pissed off with Warnock for capitulating at Anfield and Villa Park.

Yes it is ifs a buts. My opinion is that we were unlucky not to get promoted that year. There's no victim complex in that. We were the 3rd best team in the league, but we know the risks of the play offs. It's a fact that later the football league made it mandatory that you are deducted 10 points, so it just proves that we were unlucky. As with the West Ham situation.

We are moving away from what I wanted to talk about. I am not interested in Highbury's victimisation complex, nor am I interested in crying over spilt milk. It's a fact that we've had some bad luck, but like I said it's time to look forward. I am interested in what others think of our future. We digressed (which is natural) but I am genuinly interested in whether people think the future is bright, dark, there's a bit of light, glass is half full, 2/3 empty or whatever.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:32 PM ----------

Why don't you tell us how you are feeling about the Blades at the moment Highbury? Are you positve, negative or apathetic? Convinced Adams will turn it around, jury is out or couldn't give a fuck?

 

[Rustyblade]

Southerly 5 or 6, veering occasionally northerly later. Showers. Moderate, occasionally very poor.

 

[Ollessendro]

Southerly 5 or 6, veering occasionally northerly later. Showers. Moderate, occasionally very poor.

ha ha ha

 

[JohnDenver]

To answer Olle's question. If we start next season in this division with a sustainable wage bill, no imperative to sell players to fill the deficit, and a squad of 22 of our own players, mainly young but with a few old heads....

....then yes the forecast is positive for the next three years. Very.

 

[JJ Sefton]

We've discussed this before but United played a reserve team in a couple of matches to save players for the Cup. We wouldn't have done that if Leicester had been deducted 10 points and therefore within striking distance. It would certainly have made it much closer and I suspect we wouldn't have gone for it in the later rounds of the FA cup.

Aye, and we always come up trumps in those vital matches.

 

[Ollessendro]

Aye, and we always come up trumps in those vital matches.

Oh well, in that case we can safely say that we would not have got promoted if the rules had applied to Leicester. Absolutely not. We would have bottled it, because we always do. Thanks for your wisdom Walthy. Whatever were Sothall and I thinking, trying to be rational and pragmatic.

 

[Revolution]

I actually think that Adams has inherited more of a sinking ship than Warnock did. The Blades team of 1999 is better than the team we have now. By this I mean the first team, but also perm signings, reliance on loans, form and injuries.

This is true, and it's why I'm worried about relegation. There were some good players in that team who had an immediate uptick in form after Heath went - Murphy and Bent being the two obvious examples. Warnock was also blessed with an excellent keeper, which we do not have now. Credit to Warnock for what he did - we won his first 4 games - but I think quite a few managers could have achieved an improvement with that squad, because Heath was such a terrible coach. There were rumours at the time that Heath had no tactical plan at all, and training was all running...

The same was true of getting Blackwell in and firing Robson. Replace a terrible manager with one who knows what he's doing, and give him a good team, and he'll likely get good results.

This does not apply this season. Most of our good players have been sold in the last 2 years or are injured. there is no great side waiting to emerge. There are a couple of players (notably amongst the forwards) who can and should do better, but otherwise it's a poor squad, particularly defensively speaking. I think Adams is likely to be a better boss than Speed, but he's not a miracle worker. This is a relegation bound squad without further investment.

As for the next 5 years, I think it will be like the 1980s. Bumbling along in this division at best, in the third tier at worst. Loads of loans and short term solutions. No real investment until McCabe leaves, (and if he wants all his money back he's going nowhere) and the sale of young players to continue in exactly the same vein. I give Adams 2 years tops. He will be fired if we go down and don't immediately challenge for promotion, or if we stay up he'll go during the next relegation battle. And there will be one, because to stay in this league you really have to invest, or to have a plan - like youth development - and stick with it, and United will do neither.