Well well, the usual responses as expected, a couple of "your not a blade if you even think about it" and a couple of surprising "yeah, I can see it working". Those of you who say "I'm not a Blade" are assuming I actually want it myself. I don't, but I mentioned it for good reason.
We were in the Premiership 4 years ago, we had almost double the attendance we are getting now so that means half of our supporter base has drifted away. 28-30k was where we were at and we are now drifting towards 15k shortly. So based on that theory there are 15k who would return purely based on the glory. Same for the pork, in fact probably more so. These people don't turn up because they are hardcore (like many on here etc) but because they want to see Premiership football.
I'm afraid attention spans aren't what they were. There isn't the same hardcore base growing up who want to attend the matches. A game on Sky with Liverpool, Chelsea, Man U, Man City, Arsenal or even Spurs is of more interest than going to the Lane for some.
It may well be a "shove it up your arse" mentality for some of you but I within 10 years it would be a roaring success. All it needs is a backer. For the following reasons:-
4th biggest city in the country gives a massive supporter base. Forget those of us who have drifted away from Sheffield, towards 1m people in the catchment area makes it a no brainer if you are investing.
In spite of absolute shite we have shown both Sheffield clubs can attract substantial support.
There isn't another opportunity like this going to arise.
Football as we know it is dead in England. Say what you like, its all about clamouring for those 20 Premiership places rather than about grass roots football etc. FFS its more important to play for your Premiership team than your country these days.
McCabe has been trying to make SUFC this for years now. At first many (myself included) didn't see it coming. But we are now not supporters but clients.
I would love with all my heart to say it won't happen and it never will but I'm afraid football is a business now. It has nothing to do with supporters and as much as I hate to say it, if some new owner delivered Premiership football then Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday would be forgotten as a distant memory.
I know this has popped its head up from time to time and I know it gets slapped down on message boards because many on here are dyed in the wool. I'm afraid thats not the majority. In sheffield less than 10% of the population go to football every fortnight. Yet if you delivered big names and a nice shiny new stadium along with a team on the up I can guarantee you that the majority are so fickle as to go and watch the new "Sheffield Franchise FC".
P.S of course its got something to do with the state we are in, but bearing in mind how fickle many have been for success then I would suggest its coming whether we like it or not.
Oh and finally I think we are circling closer to the toilet bowl than any of us would care to think.
---------- Post added at 09:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 PM ----------
Actually, Sheffield FC might provide an acceptable route to merger.
United and Wednesday cease to exist and Sheffield FC, the oldest in the world, would represent the city instead.
I am guessing you understand where I am coming from Lenners. Its not something anyone actually wants but it has an almost inevitable ring to it. The only thing I see changing it is if the Pigs get promoted this season.
