Has any other PL chairman done this

[nopigfansintown]

It's an unwritten rule in the game that when there's a parting of the waves both parties go their separate ways and don't disclose private information first hand in the short to medium term. This is done to preserve the reputation of both parties and allow the institution and individuals to move on quickly. If I was Wilder I'd be going through the interview with a lawyer and a fine tooth comb. I'd also be seeing if there was a way to respond without breaching the NDA. This is about control of the narrative and limiting reputational damage; not SUFC.
What is best for SUFC is very far from both parties thoughts imo.

 

[CrookesBlade]

It was a lot more open than I think most owners would be, I'll give you that. On the other hand it was exactly the kind of clarification that people were asking for. There's only so much I trust a rich businessman making himself out to be the good guy but he makes a very sympathetic case for the board's position.

The only thing that still doesn't fit for me is all this stuff about the training ground. The Prince says it was never discussed in the conversation he talks about, but he also never says outright he (or anyone who had the power to fix it was unaware of the situation, and all this stuff about a roof baffles me in general given it should be pocket change for a Prem team spending millions on players and wages. I have no real knowledge on what's going on there, it just seems hard to accept that either all the word about it is untrue. And if any of it is true then someone's dropped a bollock there.

I think he did a very good job of sweeping the wage issue aside as well, but there's still an open question about whether overall we're actually competitive on that front.

Only thing I can say is even though I'll never really trust our owners (past, present, and future) that interview did a lot to make me feel better about the whole situation. Which I guess wasn't that hard given how bad I've felt about this season as a whole and losing what I think is our best asset. Still, it's something.

My theory is PA thinks we can be competitive and get better value shopping in the European market but less so home grown players (Watkins, Robinson etc). Wilder generally buys British because they know the league, the players are easier to scout and more likely to fit in and therefore less of a gamble. Wilder would point at his approach being successful thus far but doesn't feel he's been backed. He probably thinks there should be more cash for these kinds of signings.

PA is probably frustrated we've spent £23m on Brewster etc, a player for the future, compared to what we could have had if we spent that money abroad (the lad tearing it up in the Bundesliga he mentioned). He probably also thinks Wilder should be grateful for the leeway he gets when it comes to recruitment.

As somebody said elsewhere the relationship has simply run its course and the opinions on how to move the club forward are irreconcilable. Not black and white who is in the wrong. I don't think either party is being downright deceptive.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Surely we’re only the running joke until Liverpool lose again or Manchester United fail in another quarter final or semi final? Anything about us will quickly fall from the agenda, we’re not Wednesday after all

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

So it’s official we are now the running joke of football. But I’m interested has any other chairman of a Premier League football club come out so openly and hammered an ex manager and disclosed financial earnings?

Im just wondering if we are the first to do this?

Hi Chris, how are you getting on?

 

[Sean Thornton]

It's an unwritten rule in the game that when there's a parting of the waves both parties go their separate ways and don't disclose private information first hand in the short to medium term. This is done to preserve the reputation of both parties and allow the institution and individuals to move on quickly. If I was Wilder I'd be going through the interview with a lawyer and a fine tooth comb. I'd also be seeing if there was a way to respond without breaching the NDA. This is about control of the narrative and limiting reputational damage; not SUFC.
What is best for SUFC is very far from both parties thoughts imo.

I’d expect the Prince has had his lawyers advice over what he can say and can’t help thinking it’s really just a reply to statements put out there by CW’s mate, who doesn’t seem to be reigned in whatsoever. We’ve seen how aggressive the Princes lawyers can be so aren’t likely to be overly worried legally by the comments of an ageing hoooligan. This puts a mark against Wilders football character as a quitter. Tit for tat or genuine desire to get the story out? Who knows, but it’s not done CW any good. If he has legal redress, good luck to him, if not, shut his mates up and get on with life.

 

[Penny Black tart]

So it’s official we are now the running joke of football. But I’m interested has any other chairman of a Premier League football club come out so openly and hammered an ex manager and disclosed financial earnings?

Im just wondering if we are the first to do this?

He was honest, interesting, and it shows what we all knew but didn’t want to accept, Wilder walked and Wilder shafted us, he’s had a terrible season by being allowed to do everything his way, well he’s gone now and I’m looking forward to Prince taking us forward. He didn’t disclose any exact wages as well he talked ball park and that also shoots down us being a cheap club, get a grip and get behind the club where we are now.

 

[PokerBlade]

My theory is PA thinks we can be competitive and get better value shopping in the European market but less so home grown players (Watkins, Robinson etc). Wilder generally buys British because they know the league, the players are easier to scout and more likely to fit in and therefore less of a gamble. Wilder would point at his approach being successful thus far but doesn't feel he's been backed. He probably thinks there should be more cash for these kinds of signings.

PA is probably frustrated we've spent £23m on Brewster etc, a player for the future, compared to what we could have had if we spent that money abroad (the lad tearing it up in the Bundesliga he mentioned). He probably also thinks Wilder should be grateful for the leeway he gets when it comes to recruitment.

As somebody said elsewhere the relationship has simply run its course and the opinions on how to move the club forward are irreconcilable. Not black and white who is in the wrong. I don't think either party is being downright deceptive.

Yep, sounds plausible enough, fits in with everything we've heard. Assuming he's as good as his word I thought the Prince had it nailed when he said that Brewster and Ramsdale could well be stars for us but what we needed was players for right now. I don't know, I'm not going to be swung on one interview but I was more sad this happened rather than one of those taking a side.

 

[nopigfansintown]

I’d expect the Prince has had his lawyers advice over what he can say and can’t help thinking it’s really just a reply to statements put out there by CW’s mate, who doesn’t seem to be reigned in whatsoever. We’ve seen how aggressive the Princes lawyers can be so aren’t likely to be overly worried legally by the comments of an ageing hoooligan. This puts a mark against Wilders football character as a quitter. Tit for tat or genuine desire to get the story out? Who knows, but it’s not done CW any good. If he has legal redress, good luck to him, if not, shut his mates up and get on with life.

Hardly one way traffic? CW's mate(s) (if indeed they are) are not CW; he could just be wolf howling at the moon. Going on record yourself or via professional acquaintances is a different ball game. Especially if protected from redress by a NDA. PA is free to leak to the media etc; indeed, I'd be surprised if he hasn't.

 

[Netsix_and_chill]

In my time following the blades (I am 46) the wilder years have been the ones I have enjoyed the most. I really wanted Wilder to manage us for the next few years at least but having listened to the interview by Prince Abdullah I am really struggling to disagree with anything he is saying.

 

[Hamburg Blade]

A question for all those claiming the Prince is honest and genuine. How honest and genuine do you feel it was to secretly move shares into a newly formed paper company just to avoid a clause in a contract that he had previously signed in good faith? (And which was subsequently ruled to have been wrong in court)

I am not saying this should be the only measure that we should guage the Prince by, or necessarily use it as a stick to beat him with at every occasion, but surely it's a gentle warning to everyone to be a little wary?

 

[Sean Thornton]

Hardly one way traffic? CW's mate(s) (if indeed they are) are not CW; he could just be wolf howling at the moon. Going on record yourself or via professional acquaintances is a different ball game. Especially if protected from redress by a NDA. PA is free to leak to the media etc; indeed, I'd be surprised if he hasn't.

Come on, Chris and Wit have been very close for years. As well informed as you seem to be about the club you must certainly know that. I find it hard to believe that his mates have been told to cut it out as they are a small, loyal and very close group. Again, who knows?

You’re totally entrenched in your view, will brook no other opinion when it has to be a two way thing. Should CW reply and enable more - from both sides - to hit the media, or get on with life and return to football refreshed ASAP? For me, let his ego take the hit, show professionalism and get back to earning money when he’s ready.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

I guess the Prince is just different......Just like Wilder was.

 

[Sean Thornton]

A question for all those claiming the Prince is honest and genuine. How honest and genuine do you feel it was to secretly move shares into a newly formed paper company just to avoid a clause in a contract that he had previously signed in good faith? (And which was subsequently ruled to have been wrong in court)

I am not saying this should be the only measure that we should guage the Prince by, or necessarily use it as a stick to beat him with at every occasion, but surely it's a gentle warning to everyone to be a little wary?

A contract that McCabe is now suing his lawyers over because it allowed that very action. You’re really scraping the barrel now.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

A question for all those claiming the Prince is honest and genuine. How honest and genuine do you feel it was to secretly move shares into a newly formed paper company just to avoid a clause in a contract that he had previously signed in good faith? (And which was subsequently ruled to have been wrong in court)

I am not saying this should be the only measure that we should guage the Prince by, or necessarily use it as a stick to beat him with at every occasion, but surely it's a gentle warning to everyone to be a little wary?

Not sure how we could know if he is from that interview or not. What he does is seemingly do it offscript and straight down the camera.
No looking through notes or eyes everywhere but delivered straight.
The only time he deviates is a couple of times he pulls himself back from saying what he was originally thought, at which point he looks off to his left which is generally memory and internal dialogue (self council) rather than creative, (creating a lie). I've only watched it through once, but I think both tines it's in regards to CW and if he's going to reveal figures or examples and he opts against it.

What he said seems to fit loosely with what has been steadily leaking to the press from Wilder's side, just with a different context and it seems to generally match with what's happened. I think some of it was perspective and would be disagreed with by Chris and his camp but I think the large strokes won't be too far away.
There was a loss of confidence around transfers, and they did want greater governance going forward for example. They also did pull the January transfers.

As to if I trust him, we have no choice. However, he has set the bar himself by saying what the board will do. If he doesn't deliver regardless of the reasons why he's opened himself up to that accusation.
Of course if he does deliver, then we'll all move on and be happy.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Massive respect for the Prince to come out and tell his side of the story.

I'm quite confident that he does have the best intentions for our club.

Is there any wonder the team were struggling when the manager wants out on multiple occasions?

Lets face facts....there’s a much bigger motive for The Prince to want the best for SU compared to CW.

The Prince has millions invested in SU.....he can’t walk away and will be desperate for success,
Wilder is just a fan. Of course he’ll want the best for SU but he can walk away at any time and doesn’t lose as much if we fail.

 

[Torrix1889]

People keep banging on about an NDA but we don't know that there actually is one.....

 

[Peaktrade]

Fair play to the Prince. Let's not forget when the saga between prince and McCabe was happening, Prince put his own money to guarantee McBurnie transfer and McCabe didn't want to spend that much money on McBurnie as McCabe didn't trust Wilders judgement to spend that much money. YET, The prince went with gut instinct and trusted Wilder! A few years down the line after looking at the transfers.. no wonder Prince was questioning Wilder and his signings.. I totally agree, get more people in the mix and negotiate the best deals overall. Wilder has shown how he is stubborn and reluctant such as changing the shape, or insisting on playing certain players despite them not performing etc!

 

[s4-blade]

Chairman lying through his teeth on sky for half an hour is a really great look for the club. Fucking moron.

 

[Sean Thornton]

At last, a balanced view......

 

[Hamburg Blade]

A contract that McCabe is now suing his lawyers over because it allowed that very action. You’re really scraping the barrel now.

You mean you don't think that his little dodge was in any way underhand? The court ruled that it did not invalidate the clause and he had to buy anyway, so I've no idea what McCabe thinks he's going to get out of suing his lawyers as he actually got what he (supposedly) wanted.

 

[Sean Thornton]

You mean you don't think that his little dodge was in any way underhand? The court ruled that it did not invalidate the clause and he had to buy anyway, so I've no idea what McCabe thinks he's going to get out of suing his lawyers as he actually got what he (supposedly) wanted.

I said l thought it was at the time. However that would be a legal ploy to look after the Princes interest so, like your suggestion that Wilder may not necessarily have known what his representatives - not agent it seems - were doing with the £4m email claim, he may have been in the dark. Or not, obviously.......

 

[Hamburg Blade]

I said l thought it was at the time. However that would be a legal ploy to look after the Princes interest so, like your suggestion that Wilder may not necessarily have known what his representatives - not agent it seems - were doing with the £4m email claim, he may have been in the dark. Or not, obviously.......

That's an odd reply. So you do think it was underhand? Because that's all I'm saying, this person has shown he can be underhand and manipulative when it comes to a battle of wills within SUFC. It's something I bear in mind when I hear him giving a largely unchallenged account of what's happened which paints him in a good light.
A lot of it may be true. A lot of it might not be.

 

[WeAreBlades1889]

It's an unwritten rule in the game that when there's a parting of the waves both parties go their separate ways and don't disclose private information first hand in the short to medium term. This is done to preserve the reputation of both parties and allow the institution and individuals to move on quickly. If I was Wilder I'd be going through the interview with a lawyer and a fine tooth comb. I'd also be seeing if there was a way to respond without breaching the NDA. This is about control of the narrative and limiting reputational damage; not SUFC.
What is best for SUFC is very far from both parties thoughts imo.

This forum has been filled with rumours and bullsh*t over the last couple of weeks and some clarity is exactly what is required.
The Prince has been attacked on all forms of social media, for sacking the greatest manager Sheffield United have ever had.
The Prince knows this isn't true and feels the need to tell the fans what went on. He's aware that he could be subject to legal action if he tells any untruths, so is very careful with what he says.
We all knew Chris wanted out, ever since he was heard saying "I can't do this anymore". The Prince saying he resigned a couple of times doesn't seem an unreasonable statement to make.
Why did Chris stay when he wanted out?
Answer - Because he couldn't get the 4 million he felt he deserved. If he's 'One of our own', do people not feel any anger at him wanting to take 4 million away from the club, at a time of relegation and turmoil?
We've been scratching our heads all season as to why he kept persisting with a formation that wasn't working and players who wouldn't commit to the club, even though we were losing every game. His post match interviews told us he didn't want to be there and wanted out. Could it be that he wanted the performances to be bad, as to force the clubs hand and ensure he got his 4 million? Doesn't seem that far fetched when you think about it without emotion as a Blade and with Chris being 'One of our own'.
To say that Wilder should be going through the interview with a lawyer is a very, very silly thing to say.
What's best for SUFC is for the fan base to get behind the man in charge. He didn't ask or expect to be put in this position, but he is the Manager of Sheffield United.
The Prince should also get our support, to help us rebuild our club. Him being continuously slagged of by our 'supporters' is absolutely pathetic.
My opinion is that Wilder failed us and abandoned us when the going got tough. He didn't want a relegation on his cv jumped so he wasn't held responsible.
I hold him responsible to keeping us bottom of the league, with his inability to have a plan B and his ability to squander the scarce resource that is the Arab dollar.
Thanks for the good times Chris and best of luck, but you're no Blade.

 

[Big Hitter]

That's an odd reply. So you do think it was underhand? Because that's all I'm saying, this person has shown he can be underhand and manipulative when it comes to a battle of wills within SUFC. It's something I bear in mind when I hear him giving a largely unchallenged account of what's happened which paints him in a good light.
A lot of it may be true. A lot of it might not be.

Yeah you say that but what is his motive if your allegations are correct.? What does he stand to gain? Not much I dont think- he doesn't have to answer to anybody, his position is not under threat. Lets hear more of his alleged motive plse./

 

[BladeTillIDie]

Chairman lying through his teeth on sky for half an hour is a really great look for the club. Fucking moron.

Hows he lying?

 

[AnotherBlade]

So it’s official we are now the running joke of football. But I’m interested has any other chairman of a Premier League football club come out so openly and hammered an ex manager and disclosed financial earnings?

Im just wondering if we are the first to do this?

Called from a cat to a cunt he was. If I was him I'd have denounced that specific element of the fan base at the same time!

 

[Hamburg Blade]

Yeah you say that but what is his motive if your allegations are correct.? What does he stand to gain? Not much I dont think- he doesn't have to answer to anybody, his position is not under threat. Lets hear more of his alleged motive plse./

His motivation is to counter the accusations flying around social media that paint him in a bad light. This interview - if it can really be called that - was remarkable in that it covered almost every point I've read on this forum one by one. He doesn't have to answer to anybody, but this isn't ICI or Unilever, people who get into football are bothered about things like legacy, reputation, what the fans think, that sort of thing. Some people are more bothered than others, it may be important to him. He may have got fed up with no-marks like Wit constantly chipping in with one-liners that he doesn't get to respond to.
Many of the things he is saying may not be "true" or "untrue", just his perspective, and generally he will think his perspective is right.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Come on, Chris and Wit have been very close for years. As well informed as you seem to be about the club you must certainly know that. I find it hard to believe that his mates have been told to cut it out as they are a small, loyal and very close group. Again, who knows?

You’re totally entrenched in your view, will brook no other opinion when it has to be a two way thing. Should CW reply and enable more - from both sides - to hit the media, or get on with life and return to football refreshed ASAP? For me, let his ego take the hit, show professionalism and get back to earning money when he’s ready.

I'm not remotely entrenched - quite the contrary actually. I believe in natural justice so Wilder obviously deserves the right of reply.The Prince should remove the NDA in order to facilitate this. I'd be saying that if the shoe was on the other foot... Would you?

 

[Jon B]

Erm nope. I dont think we are. We have a chairman who is brave enough to come out and tell his side of the story. We now need Wilder to tell his. Somewhere after that we can all take our opinion on what really happened.

The next few seasons will determine what sort of Chairman we've got.

 

[cahill]

Probably, just didn’t register at the time.

The non-blades supporting world (cunts) will have forgotten about this by the time they sit down for their tea tonight.

Thats how I see non Blades fans, though I would have used a more PC less misogynistic term, " scalliwags " or " scoundrels"