Does this (big, dark) cloud have a silver lining?

[Ollessendro]

So we're down. Next year we'll play in the 3rd tier for the first time since the 80's. It's all doom and gloom at the moment and this is undoubtedly a disaster for the club. But I am going to drag a cliche out: 'every cloud has a silver lining'. The big question is, does this one?

Opportunity

I've been saying for a while now, that we need to get worse before we get any better. Our team is piss poor. Blackwell did a good job of filling the team with cloggers, journey men, try hards and plodders. Adams has added to the mix. Regardless of culprits, I am sure that many would not disagree that we have a team that is devoid of skill, pace, flair, creativity and ability. We've been paying crap big wages for some time. Our limited ability, work very hard lads (often on big wages) have failed. Long story short: we need a clear out.

So does going down represent an opportnity? It certainly gives us the chance to have a big clear out. We simply cannot afford to kep the likes of Henderson, Cresswell, Monty, Quinn and Evans. There are plenty of other cloggers that need to be shut. Going down to a lower league may present the opportunity to shift the driftwood on (if people will take it). The lower standard of football surely means that we could use the development squad, academy players and scower the lower and Scottish leagues for players.

I'd like to see us adopt a policy similar to Watford (I posted on thsi a while ago). It does not necessarily have to be a wage cap (there's is 5k) but lets go for sustainability. Lets presume we are staying in League One and build a team based on that. Let's use academy, development and players from the lower/Scottish leagues and set our wage bill equal to what we recieve in revenue. Let's build the team full of young, hungry, talented players that want to play for the club. Sure, keep a few pros and experienced players (e.g. Morgs) but let's have a clear out.

The other big question

Is Micky the right man to take us forward? I simply do not know. I remain completely unconvinced. His signings have been shocking, his record worse and he has clearly lost the dressing room. But he does not have a bad CV and has done well with other teams. I have to say that I have little or no confidence in Adams. He has stuck by poor players who have continually let us down. Even today, after we are all but relegated, he only plays Slew and Maguire due to injuries to Ched and Mattock. Why not give development players a run? What about Tonne, McAllister etc. The fact that Doyle and Collins are still in the same team makes me want to cry.

Can Adams build from a clean slate? Will he shift out the trash and build a team tht can compete on little or no resources. I have seen nothing that shows any sign he can so far. But maybe gven time he will. My preference would be for Pemberton to come in and take it. My point stands though. We have a real opportunity to change things. An opportunity to clear out the junk and lae a fresh start. Change the players, the culture and they style. Will we take it? Probably not. We are, after all, Sheffield United. But going down presents a massive opportunity to start again and get things right.

Leadership from the top

Do not get me wrong, even though I talk of silver linings, the future looks bleak. We have a board of business en that know jack about football, a near useless cheif exec and a chairman that does not care. Hence we are unlikely to get leadership from the top and Adams (or whoever) efforts might be in vain. Will McCabe have some balls and allox the paying up of contrats for the lkes of Cresswell. Will he allow Monty, Quinnand Henderson to leave without a fee. Will he have the vision to set a sustainable wage and back the mananger taking a new approach that uses the academy, development team and new players frm the lower leagues? I doubt it. But we can only hope. We can only hope, that Adams, Penbo or whoever goes in and tells McCabe what he wants to do and asks for support. McCabe listened to Warnock in 2005, but that was pre recession.

In summary, it looks lik dark times ahead. Relegation, 3rd tier football, falling attendences, club dropping like a stone and no direction from the top. However, with every cloud comes a silver lining. The silver lining is that we can make a fresh start. Will we? Probably not. But that does not mean it is not there. I really hope that we can use this opportunity to build somethig that lasts.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

But we need stability olle, even if that means sticking with Adams

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

Olle, that is how to put your argument across, my friend.

There is a silver lining. United will have no choice but to get rid of some big earners, some deadwood and rely on the Academy and Development players. I, like you, am unconvinced by Micky Adams but he would argue that he has to be given a chance to bring his own men in. Maybe he deserves until Christmas to have us challenging for promotion back to the Championship?

 

[The One]

Olle, why don't you post like this more often??

I agree, we have a HUGE chance to do something with the club. Clear all the deadwood and start again.

 

[Ollessendro]

Maybe he deserves until Christmas to have us challenging for promotion back to the Championship?

I am worried about how much more damage he might do. He has done a lot this season. Relegating us and lumbering us with Doyle and Collins on medium term contracts. I argued before that we should give him to the end f the season to show some sings. However he continues to stick with the same shit players and we continue to lose. He has clearly lost the dressing room.

Perhaps Adams would argue he can regain the dressing room with a clear out. But Wombwell, with a record of 2 wins in 19 games, why should we take a chance and give Adams until Christmas. Surely we have seen enough?

I did not want this to be an Adams out thread (though I realise my comments might lead to this). The thread is about how we have a massive opportunity. Hoxever we need the right person at the helm to take the opportunity. We will be forced to sell and ower the wage bill. But this could be a golden chance to rebuld our club, change our style and philosophy and hopefully return to winning ways.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Why wait and see to see if he'll make a go of it? We already know he's now well out of his depth at championship level.

 

[beightonblade]

Sorry to piss on the chips but I'm afraid no silver lining exists ! The whole ethos at BDTBL stinks..... McCabe must be skint so PLEASE someone buy him out !
What a disgrace McCabe is to the Blades.

 

[Jehovah]

The shitty blades

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

I am worried about how much more damage he might do. He has done a lot this season. Relegating us and lumbering us with Doyle and Collins on medium term contracts. I argued before that we should give him to the end f the season to show some sings. However he continues to stick with the same shit players and we continue to lose. He has clearly lost the dressing room.

Perhaps Adams would argue he can regain the dressing room with a clear out. But Wombwell, with a record of 2 wins in 19 games, why should we take a chance and give Adams until Christmas. Surely we have seen enough?

I did not want this to be an Adams out thread (though I realise my comments might lead to this). The thread is about how we have a massive opportunity. Hoxever we need the right person at the helm to take the opportunity. We will be forced to sell and ower the wage bill. But this could be a golden chance to rebuld our club, change our style and philosophy and hopefully return to winning ways.

Yeah, I'd agree with you on it. But he will argue that he deserves his own chance with his own players. Granted, his own players that he has brought in have been Doyle and Collins, but I don't know. I wouldn't keep him but there'll be those who'll argue about stability and a 'fair' chance - I guess it depends on where your definition of a fair chance is.

The clear-out should happen in the summer - question is whether it'll be Adams clearing the squad or the board clearing the lot?

 

[dingledog]

There is an Italian proverb which goes along the lines of 'you can't start to come up until you reach the bottom' if I'm honest, with McCabe still around we havnt reached the bottom.

 

[TheSwollengland]

If I'm honest some of my best Blades days were as big fish in a small pond

 

[bladeinspaceandtime]

Sorry to piss on the chips but I'm afraid no silver lining exists ! The whole ethos at BDTBL stinks..... McCabe must be skint so PLEASE someone buy him out !
What a disgrace McCabe is to the Blades.

Agree (and its much nicer when you write in English Beighton )

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Olle, that is how to put your argument across, my friend.

There is a silver lining. United will have no choice but to get rid of some big earners, some deadwood and rely on the Academy and Development players. I, like you, am unconvinced by Micky Adams but he would argue that he has to be given a chance to bring his own men in. Maybe he deserves until Christmas to have us challenging for promotion back to the Championship?

I'm not one for change but Xmas is too late cus if the squad is failing it will be Adams squad, money wiil be all spent building that squad and we're just back in a fight to survive.

Nows the time to change before the monies spent. Did we not learn anything from getting rid of Blackie and Robbo too late.

---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------

If I'm honest some of my best Blades days were as big fish in a small pond

But has the fish got any fins to allow it to swim?

 

[DronnieBlade]

Excellent post Ollie.

The thing is, if you really really thing about it, with the agreed change of culture required, top to toe overall etc, then the decision to keep (or not keep) adams is made all the easier.

 

[Bladesway]

The answer to your question is no.

 

[GAZBLADE]

Top post Olle and yes, i believe there is a silver lining. We have to get this right. I'm confident the club realise that the youth is the way forward. Confident, hungry young Blades who want to succeed for us. Not the usual mercenaries.

 

[grafikhaus]

I agree, we have a HUGE chance to do something with the club. Clear all the deadwood and start again.

Yes, and the biggest lump of dead wood is Adams. What a piss-poor excuse of a manager, possibly our worst since Billy McEwan. His record speaks for itself. If he had an ounce of pride, he'd piss off. NOW.

And next season, absolutely no excuses. It's a pub league. None of this Wednesday-like "It's their cup final. Massive ground." Blah, blah.

 

[Toronto Blade]

Top post Olle and yes, i believe there is a silver lining. We have to get this right. I'm confident the club realise that the youth is the way forward. Confident, hungry young Blades who want to succeed for us. Not the usual mercenaries.

That thinking would require a change of the board,they are the ones who have orchestrated two relegations in just a few short years.If they didn't realize that selling talent off without replacing it would result in tumbling down the leagues why will they suddenly change their ways and hold onto youngsters when an offer comes in.
Do you really think that if the Youth Team look good against Chelsea/Man u that our board would turn down offers for any of that youth team.

 

[Wards]

I can only hope we clear the decks properly. If so, it will be an exciting time to be a Blade. If not, then it will be same old shite for years.

 

[Mendi]

Micky Adams say on skysports news we not down but if we win 4 games it may not help us but sadly the time has ran out.

 

[Tizertrance]

If I'm honest some of my best Blades days were as big fish in a small pond

Me dad says this. I've been going for near on 22 years and i've not experienced the lower reaches. Part of me is really looking forward to it, might get worse before it gets better, so fuck! Some people take this stuff far too seriously, enjoy the craic

 

[Ollessendro]

Me dad says this. I've been going for near on 22 years and i've not experienced the lower reaches. Part of me is really looking forward to it, might get worse before it gets better, so fuck! Some people take this stuff far too seriously, enjoy the craic

I am looking forward to it actually. I am looking forward to drawing the oine under this god awful season. Also there are a host of new grounds that I get to visit.

It would be nice for us to actually win a few games. My last 6 games that I have seen live hacve been defeats. Not only that but we have not scored a solitary goal and conceded a hat full. I have almost stopped enjoying the games and even the beer and banter is not as much fun.

This could go either way though Tizer. We could get this right, have a good time down there and come back stronger. Or we could get worse and have a torrid time.

I can only hope we clear the decks properly. If so, it will be an exciting time to be a Blade. If not, then it will be same old shite for years.

Absolutely Wards. See my last para above. This pre season is massive. A big opportunity that we must take.

Yes, and the biggest lump of dead wood is Adams. What a piss-poor excuse of a manager, possibly our worst since Billy McEwan. His record speaks for itself. If he had an ounce of pride, he'd piss off. NOW.

And next season, absolutely no excuses. It's a pub league. None of this Wednesday-like "It's their cup final. Massive ground." Blah, blah.

I am starting to feel more and more like this. Adams continues with poor team choices, sticks with the same shit and the results are getting worse. He has lost the dressing room and clearly cannot turn things around. His record is the worst ever for a United manager. The way that we have gone down without a whimper is pathetic and embarassing.

Unless he shows something in the last 4 games then I would be looking to move him on. 2 wins in 19 games says it all and the way he has persisted with Collins, Doyle, Nos etc has been tragic. Even on Saturday he refused to use development players (apart from for injured players). The token sending back of Bent and Nosworthy is a pathetic gesture that is too little too late.

You're right though Grafiikus, League One is poor. But this could work to our advantage. There is a much greater chance that the young academy players and development squad will be able to step up. Throw is a few old pro's and some lower league players and you've got a good mix that should be looking to get promoted.

 

[grafikhaus]

You're right though Grafiikus, League One is poor. But this could work to our advantage. There is a much greater chance that the young academy players and development squad will be able to step up. Throw is a few old pro's and some lower league players and you've got a good mix that should be looking to get promoted.

Thanks for that, Ollie. I've watched the Blades since 1962 and this is an absolutely pivotal time for us. Since that time, I've seen many 'smaller' teams than us win things and we've regressed.

Of course it's not only us. Bolton and even Man. U. fans will be feeling sick today, it's part of supporting a football team. You change your job, home, car, your bird but you never change your football club. But now is the time to have a root and branch reform of the Blades, starting NOW.

You say that our pre-season is massive, and rightly so. But guess what we'll do? Friendlies against teams like Worksop etc. It's our way, but it hardly means we'll 'hit the ground running'.

And as you say, Ollie, the discarding of Bent and Nos is Adams' latest bout of 'anybody to blame but me'. It started with his immediate recruiting of Dave Bassett, which was an obvious statement that the job was too big for him. Now, every interview I've ever been to would have defined Adams' capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. What kind of amateurs are in charge at United?

 

[Ollessendro]

Did you see my thread on Watford* a while ago Grafikus? I'd like to see us adopt an apporach like Mackay has done at Vicerage Road. A sustainable approach. It does not necessarily have to be a wage cap, but let's prepare for life in the 3rd tier and set our wage bill equal to our revenue (or less). Let's not gamble on going back up straight away. Most importantly let's use the academy, the development squad and build. We should be scowering the lower leagues and Scottish league now for fresh, young talent. The most important aspect is that we want hungry players. Player proud to pull on the shirt, who will fight and play with passion and pride. This is achievable. It might not happen over night, but we should be looking now (as you rightly point out). If we make progress against these objectives, then I don't mind us staying in League One for a year or two as we'll come back stronger.


* http://www.s24su.com/showthread.php?22445-We-want-our-club-back-can-we-learn-from-Watford&highlight=

 

[grafikhaus]

Again I agree with you, Ollie (we'll really have to get a room )

I also think we have to keep the 'heart' of the team. For me, that means (tin hat on), Monty, Quinn and Morgs and build from there.

I'll also re-iterate my belief that we should bin Adams now and have a management team of pooled talent, say Morgs, Edwards, Pembo etc.

Discuss.

 

[Micalijo]

Did you see my thread on Watford* a while ago Grafikus? I'd like to see us adopt an apporach like Mackay has done at Vicerage Road. A sustainable approach. It does not necessarily have to be a wage cap, but let's prepare for life in the 3rd tier and set our wage bill equal to our revenue (or less). Let's not gamble on going back up straight away. Most importantly let's use the academy, the development squad and build. We should be scowering the lower leagues and Scottish league now for fresh, young talent. The most important aspect is that we want hungry players. Player proud to pull on the shirt, who will fight and play with passion and pride. This is achievable. It might not happen over night, but we should be looking now (as you rightly point out). If we make progress against these objectives, then I don't mind us staying in League One for a year or two as we'll come back stronger.


* http://www.s24su.com/showthread.php?22445-We-want-our-club-back-can-we-learn-from-Watford&highlight=

Totally agree that the only hope under McCabe is to have player wage bill of somat like 65% of turnover but I'm not sure it will be achievable over the course of this summer. Might take a couple of years.

The scandal is that all this could and should be happening in the 2nd tier (like Watford) and not, god forbid, in the lower reaches of the 3rd tier.

 

[Ollessendro]

Totally agree that the only hope under McCabe is to have player wage bill of somat like 65% of turnover but I'm not sure it will be achievable over the course of this summer. Might take a couple of years.

The scandal is that all this could and should be happening in the 2nd tier (like Watford) and not, god forbid, in the lower reaches of the 3rd tier.

Very true Mic. We should still be in the 2nd tier next season and looking to clear out there. However, we are Sheffield United and we like to do things the hard way.

I agree though that we should be aiming for 65% of turnover or something along the lines. I like the idea of a cap (it sends a message) but think sustainability is key. However with Monty, Cressy, Hendo, Quinn, Simmo and Morgs (basically all the team) on big contracts it might be difficult. I imagine some will be shifted on, but not all.

Again I agree with you, Ollie (we'll really have to get a room )

I also think we have to keep the 'heart' of the team. For me, that means (tin hat on), Monty, Quinn and Morgs and build from there.

I'll also re-iterate my belief that we should bin Adams now and have a management team of pooled talent, say Morgs, Edwards, Pembo etc.

Discuss.

I'd be happy to shift Adams on (at the ned of the season) but I think we are stuck with him.

I agree that we need to keep (or have) some experience and would be looking to keep Morgs. However Monty we cannot afford and to be honest Doyle (he did it for Leeds) could do the job in the 3rd tier. I doubt we can afford Quinn and/or Henderson and unless they love the club, think they owe us (respectively) and are willing to take a wage cut, then I would let them go too.

---------- Post added at 10:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ----------

Did you see my thread on Watford* a while ago Grafikus? I'd like to see us adopt an apporach like Mackay has done at Vicerage Road. A sustainable approach. It does not necessarily have to be a wage cap, but let's prepare for life in the 3rd tier and set our wage bill equal to our revenue (or less). Let's not gamble on going back up straight away. Most importantly let's use the academy, the development squad and build. We should be scowering the lower leagues and Scottish league now for fresh, young talent. The most important aspect is that we want hungry players. Player proud to pull on the shirt, who will fight and play with passion and pride. This is achievable. It might not happen over night, but we should be looking now (as you rightly point out). If we make progress against these objectives, then I don't mind us staying in League One for a year or two as we'll come back stronger.


* http://www.s24su.com/showthread.php?22445-We-want-our-club-back-can-we-learn-from-Watford&highlight=

Just written to Batho and included my thread about Watford. I will be sending an e-mail to Birch, McCabe and the rest of the board with an amended version of how I think the club should be run. It may fall on death ears (though they do get read - as Birch often replies) but it is worth a try.