R u questioning Adams???

[SwissBlade]

This isn't a wind-up, right?

I expected a response like that (and I'm sure i'll get a load more) but I thought it was shite to watch. I really don't get the Champions League hype. Sure every once in a while you get a cracking game like Spurs away to Inter earlier in the season, but not many like that.

I repeat, this is in no way trying to compare United to the Champions League, its an observation about how shite I think European football can be.

It might be just me, but that game tonight was no better than average and pretty dull

 

[lenners]

Stoke have been the exception to the rule and they have better players.
They are the only team that play that way in the Prem.
If you're going that route, you acquire the players to go that route.
You also get rid of the academy, which would save money.

 

[Rustyblade]

Swiss: It might be just me, but that game tonight was no better than average and pretty dull.

I must admit to being surprised, yeah. I enjoyed every minute of it. Okay, it wasn't nail biting end to end stuff but it was fantastic to watch a game of football for a change where the technique on show by nearly all the players was of such quality. That 30 minutes of the first half when Barca pressed the Arse, getting the ball back within two passes of losing it and then keeping possession in such unbelievably tight spaces; movement, pace, accuracy, all the stuff you rarely get to see in the Premier League never mind the Championship and sustained over most of the first half. And then Arse's upping of the pace in the second, harrying Barca out of their groove, Wilshere outstanding. Unbelievably good for only 19. I've seen every Barca match this season and this is the first time I've seen them make a defensive substitution and try and hold on to a lead. They have absolutely creamed most of their opponents, Messi scoring hat tricks for fun. Just to watch them being stretched like the Arse did tonight was also hugely enjoyable.

I don't know, there is a lot to be said for a good Blades match. Nothing to beat it in fact. I'd pick the Forest game over it any day af the week but that match tonight was a masterclass.

 

[Rattly Noise]

Really? No I mean really? Warnock hounded out. Robson hounded out. Blackwell hounded out. Speed hounded out. Adams.... just give it time and he'll be hounded out too.

He's inherited a poor squad, injuries piling up on an unprecedented scale (well apart from last season), no wonder it's a struggle for him. Seriously name one manager that would have done any better with what we've got. And once you've done that think again because they either wouldn't want to come or we couldn't afford them or more likely both.

The players are nervous of making a mistake and it shows in their performances. Every time there's a misplaced pass there's big groans from large sections of the crowd and not surprisingly it has the result that they play worse, not better.

If you're going to boo or moan, then save it for the final whistle, but during the game get behind the team and cheer them on. It does work.

If you choose otherwise then don't come on here and blame anyone but yourself.

 

[oldblade]

God no.

If you want hindsight then the only solution was to sack the twat at the end of last season, give whoever (Micky Adams, Grizzly Adams or Sweet Fanny Adams) the summer to recruit and apply HIS players and take it from there.
A complete lack of bollocks in the summer is the reason we have precious few points now.

NB: Please note most of this was said in May by more than a few and therefore it isn't really hindsight at all.

Yes, but having not sacked him at the end of last season and allowed him all summer to put together this season's squad it was not the most well thought out decision to sack him only two games into the season - after just one bad league result against a side that have still only lost 3 times all season. And I speak as someone who was not very appreciative of Blackwell's time in charge. But I feel that having allowed him the summer, he should have been given until Christmas to show what he could do. And I agree with others, we probably would have more points by now.

 

[Micalijo]

Ha ha interesting you mention this game. I was really looking forward to the feast of fantastic football, but up until Arsenal scored it was a pretty average game, the atmosphere seemed dull and it was, to be perfectly frank, boring to watch. No real tackles, typical Champions league for me.

I am in no way saying that I enjoy the way the Blades play at this moment in time, but recent games in the Championship (not many involving us) and the Premier League have been far better than this game.

I assume you need urgent medical treatment. Sorry about that and I hope you recover soon.

Have a rest Swiss.

 

[CopenhagenBlade]

Absolutely disagree on Stoke. They got to the Prem and stay there on the foundation of direct football and set pieces allied with physicality and ariel power. They do have footballers but they only play around the edges. Not possession football, not tippy tappy, but balls fired out wide quickly and crosses rained in towards the monster strikers.

They simply have better players than us, so are better to watch.

I said this about a year ago and you can start to see it happening at Stoke, the fans want to move up to the next level. They are not the Premiership new boys anymore, they are not the expected whipping boys and it is nothing new to have a visit of Man U, Arsenal, CHelsea etc. The ground is not full for every game and soon it will not be enough just to hoof the ball forward. Then the pressure will start on Pullis as he doesn't have the ability to get them from mid table to challenging for Europe. he will then lose his job and Stoke will slide back down the table and might even get relegated again.

 

[broomhillblade]

Ha ha interesting you mention this game. I was really looking forward to the feast of fantastic football, but up until Arsenal scored it was a pretty average game, the atmosphere seemed dull and it was, to be perfectly frank, boring to watch. No real tackles, typical Champions league for me.

I am in no way saying that I enjoy the way the Blades play at this moment in time, but recent games in the Championship (not many involving us) and the Premier League have been far better than this game.

I agree with you. Just how many passes, and how much possession do you need to score a goal? I, too was soon bored and began to channel hop to see if there was anything interesting elsewhere. I returned for the second half, just in time to see Arsenal score - and both goals came from long(ish) passes forward from their own half (beautifully weighted and executed, but long balls nevertheless).

In the first half the commentator was drooling over the fact that Barca seldom pass the ball more than 5 metres. In the second I noticed two Arsenal corners where the ball reached a player at the edge of the box who promptly passed it back towards the half-way line. In two or three touches the ball was in their own half. What's that all about? Not losing possession is one thing, but not attempting to work the 'keeper from a corner seems crazy.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Ha ha interesting you mention this game. I was really looking forward to the feast of fantastic football, but up until Arsenal scored it was a pretty average game, the atmosphere seemed dull and it was, to be perfectly frank, boring to watch. No real tackles, typical Champions league for me.

I am in no way saying that I enjoy the way the Blades play at this moment in time, but recent games in the Championship (not many involving us) and the Premier League have been far better than this game.

Well said Swiss.

I didn't watch it so difficult to comment but Champions League = Off button

 

[Ollessendro]

How could anyone not question Adams? I could have probably got more than 3 points out of 24 managing the team!

I sympathise with him, as he has inherited some crap resources, but he looks out of his depth. He's a Blade, a decent honest bloke and all that, but some of his decisions have been shocking. He has been a little unlucky, but his persistance to stick with crap players has cost us. He is also really struggling to make the best out of what he has got. He refuses to start Bogdanovic (the only dangerous forward), he has sold Ward (only player with pace that can make things happen), won't really give Yeates (another player who can create things) and has played our best midfeilder out wide for the most part.

Adams signings have been poor at best. He has brought in 5 or 6 players that have added little or no value to the team (posibly Lowry is the exception). None of them will win us games.

All this said, I don't think we should sack Adams. We have to stick with him to the end of the season at least. I hope he can prove me wrong in that time. I would maybe even give him next season in League One to build a team and then try to get us promoted. That is if he doesn't walk before then. We are stuck in a rut and Adams looks like a rabbit in the headlights, but he has a big oppportunity to turns things around in the next 3 games.

 

[Wapping Blade]

Olle - you went to Ipswich, how was Boggy there as he did start and MA gave the impression that he was not too impressed?

 

[super_pig]

>Someone needs to explain why long ball football is outdated
basically because it relies on one fixed point of attack in order to get the ball in the danger zone, relying on percentages.. centre backs have figured it out years ago, you set up in one position and that is it.. all this passing 'malarkey' means that you can constantly change the point of attack.. moving the defence around until you create an opening which you can then exploit..
the other thing that long ball relies on is dead ball set pieces.. i.e. you play for field position and then use set pieces to put the ball in the danger zone.. teams have figured out how not to give set pieces away.. for this you also need someone who is brilliant at set piece delivery.. the much maligned (unjustified imo) john gannon was brilliant at free kicks and corners.. he was basically in the team for that.. stoke are a fluke in that they have delaps long throws which due to their trajectory are very difficult to defend.. they aren't like a normal free kick..
as puppet mentions we don't even play hoofball properly at the moment.. when was the last time we scored from a decent set piece (not some scrappy pinball thing).. under blackwell we played 'anti' football .. almost like italian style.. our defence (the best in the division) kept clean sheets and we nicked wins. we then sold the defence and the rest is history
like i said earlier..people go on about stoke but look at their team sheet.. most are internationals at some level

 

[SteelCity Blade]

>Someone needs to explain why long ball football is outdated
basically because it relies on one fixed point of attack in order to get the ball in the danger zone, relying on percentages.. centre backs have figured it out years ago

Have they though? I lot of teams still do it and it works. Even in the Premier League (where most defenders are too good for it) one or two teams succeed. Stoke being the obvious example. They may have good players but those that do it in divisions below haven't got that sort of money.....its all relative. It might not look pretty and you might not like it but to a large extent it does work if you have the players and the game plan.

It isnt out-dated at all, its just not the "modern way" if you like.

 

[super_pig]

stoke have got some pretty decent players as well.. which helps

 

[Ollessendro]

Olle - you went to Ipswich, how was Boggy there as he did start and MA gave the impression that he was not too impressed?

Best United player on the pitch. Him and Ertl were the only one's fit to wear a shirt that day. Bogdanovic had a good touch, linked up well and was the only player who looked like creating something. An Ipswich fans after the game said he thought he was our best player and is amazed he doesn't start week in week out.

Perhaps there is something we don't see (i.e. he doesn't work hard in training, thinks he is better than what he is, is lippy or sumert) as managers seem reluctant to play him. Maybe it is because he is not an Adams style player (not that strong, good in the air etc - though he does work hard) and that is why he hasn't started him much.

The other thing is that Adams had only been in charge 8 games. He has made some poor decisions, but he is still working out his bets team. He has had limited time with the players and hence is still discovering things. Don't get me wrong, I expected more aand he has made some bad decisions/poor choices, but it is still early.

The next 3 games will make or break Adams. If he does well and keeps us up then many will forget about this poor start.

 

[raul]

I've no issue with Stoke in any w,s or f. I think it's good that they've a different way of playing to the norm as accepted by the many and impressed at how they've carried it out by believing in what they do. If you think direct football is the way to go, then base all your transfer dealings on getting in big strong lads to hit ealr and casue havoc at set pieces. Over time, get better ones in too, but you'll also get better footallers on the back of it beacsue the success you've had leads to further success so wilst your "hoofball" tag sticks, the reality is you can mix it up more than people expect which will catch a few sides out.

Have a plan, carry it out, if it's working, stick to it. All we've done is vascillate between the hoof tendancy and passing tendancy, turning 180 degrees every time.

Warnock - Robson - Blackwell - Speed - Adams.

 

[Hodgyman]

100% behind Micky.
It takes time to see and understand the problems that were there. He did inherit a team with little commitment and included players that were capable of disruptive behaviour and far better performances than they were giving. What has he done?
He (and possibly Corky) has returned Ched Evans to a player who looks nearer to the £3M that we paid for him, got rid of a source of unrest to Derby, brought in players who can (or should) cure problem areas with limited financial assistance.

The performances have improved and I think that we have been unlucky not to have gained more pooints than we have. For those who have watched the games, who can say that we were not better than Leicester Millwall or Reading?

He was also smart enough to enlist the help of Dave Basset to give honest second opinions and blessed with good contacts rather than stuggling on his own.

Good on you Micky you are doing your job as well as anyone in the circumstances.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

100% behind Micky.
It takes time to see and understand the problems that were there. He did inherit a team with little commitment and included players that were capable of disruptive behaviour and far better performances than they were giving. What has he done?
He (and possibly Corky) has returned Ched Evans to a player who looks nearer to the £3M that we paid for him, got rid of a source of unrest to Derby, brought in players who can (or should) cure problem areas with limited financial assistance.

The performances have improved and I think that we have been unlucky not to have gained more pooints than we have. For those who have watched the games, who can say that we were not better than Leicester Millwall or Reading?

He was also smart enough to enlist the help of Dave Basset to give honest second opinions and blessed with good contacts rather than stuggling on his own.

Good on you Micky you are doing your job as well as anyone in the circumstances.

I saw all 3 matches that you mention. "Better than Reading"?!! We were shocking in the 1st half and totally outplayed by Reading. The 2nd half was more even but even MA himself said we were fortunate to get a point. A draw against Millwall was just about right although they created better chances. I agree we were better than Leicester though.

 

[Pinchy]

I agree with that Raul. All credit to Stoke. They have adapted to the Premier League in a way that we could have but never looked like doing. They now have some real quality and a few more tricks than just the long ball.

It's absolutely typical of our fans though that Stoke are the one Premiership team they seek to emulate. Never mind the vast majority of Premier clubs who play decent effective passing football and do very nicely thank you. Look at how quickly Coyle has transformed Bolton. It can be done!

Some of you need to lift your heads up, look beyond the mediocrity and develop some pride and ambition. Stop doffing your caps and revelling in 'We are not worthy - We are only SUFC'.

Alternatively you could just admit the uncomfortable truth:

We :heart: Hoofing!

 

[Micalijo]

100% behind Micky.
It takes time to see and understand the problems that were there. He did inherit a team with little commitment and included players that were capable of disruptive behaviour and far better performances than they were giving. What has he done?
He (and possibly Corky) has returned Ched Evans to a player who looks nearer to the £3M that we paid for him, got rid of a source of unrest to Derby, brought in players who can (or should) cure problem areas with limited financial assistance.

The performances have improved and I think that we have been unlucky not to have gained more pooints than we have. For those who have watched the games, who can say that we were not better than Leicester Millwall or Reading?

He was also smart enough to enlist the help of Dave Basset to give honest second opinions and blessed with good contacts rather than stuggling on his own.

Good on you Micky you are doing your job as well as anyone in the circumstances.

Next please.:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Next please.:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

I see you're in one of your mischievous moods mic. Behave yourself Hodgy, they dont like you positive types round here

 

[Micalijo]

Steel - saying we were better than Reading is not being positive.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Steel - saying we were better than Reading is not being positive.

Doesnt matter really mic, the guy is trying to be a bit positive in general and look at the glass half full. Nothing wrong with that, even if you or I dont agree with it.

 

[SwissBlade]

Doesnt matter really mic, the guy is trying to be a bit positive in general and look at the glass half full. Nothing wrong with that, even if you or I dont agree with it.

Mic is of course the lord of S24su and what he thinks is obviously correct.

 

[Hodgyman]

I apologise formy mistake. Ithought that this was a site for Sheffield United supporters. I also apologise for thinking that my glass is half full, not empty but someone is going to pi$$ in it.

 

[alcoblade]

Yes, the Wimbledon boys are still holding their own at the top level aren't they?

Have a look at Stoke's squad. They have far better footballers than we ever had under either Dinosaur Dave or Neanderthal Neil. I've seen them play some very tidy football this season. Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Pennant, Fuller - Hoofers all?

I've just watched Arsenal-Barca. Don't you just hate that boring tippy-tappy rubbish. It'll empty stadia all over the world. Upandatem Micky!

Wimbledon were a one off at the time, just as Stoke are now. Football's played through a whole spectrum, from Stoke to Barcelona. My point is that the idea that out and out direct football can't succeed is clearly bollocks. You're only getting arsey about it because the clear fact of it destroys your monotonous droll of an argument.

Nobody is denying that Stoke have decent players, just as we succeeded with Deane and Agana and failed when we lost them. Wimbledon fell from grace because they sold off their players (for lots of money too), not because the style became outdated.

Most clubs have never played the out and out Wimbledon / Stoke way, and never will.

UTB

 

[Jehovah]

Im still with him. He has been incredibly unlucky. We should have beat Norwich, Leicester, Millwall equalised in last minute, theres 8 points cruelly taken just off top of my head.

 

[SwissBlade]

I apologise formy mistake. Ithought that this was a site for Sheffield United supporters. I also apologise for thinking that my glass is half full, not empty but someone is going to pi$$ in it.

Hey Hodgy, don't let the bastards drag you down, i'm viewed as mental on here by some because I don't share their negative view, but i'm still here plugging away giving my point of view.... Even Dunc Disorderly's given up!

 

[alcoblade]

Some of us just want something to be positive about....

UTB

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------

Im still with him. He has been incredibly unlucky. We should have beat Norwich, Leicester, Millwall equalised in last minute, theres 8 points cruelly taken just off top of my head.

No doubt luck hasn't been on our side. A bit of rub of the green and it would have looked much different. It's difficult to see a way out from here, but stranger things have happened. Let's hope the new signings and a bit of working together triggers something that's not obvious right now.

UTB

 

[JohnDenver]

No doubt luck hasn't been on our side.

We were very lucky to take a point off Reading so I'm hoping the Gods have decided to cut us some slack. Maybe we'll spoz a 1-0 win on Saturday playing 9 men and scoring off someone's backside.