Statement from Sheffield United FC

[Linz]

http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~2350477,00.html

Sheffield United has issued the following statement following the Club's relegation from the Championship to League One.

The three most senior figures at the club - principal owner and chairman of Sheffield United's parent company Kevin McCabe, football club chairman Chris Steer and chief executive Trevor Birch - have reviewed events that have led to the Blades fall from the top tier.

First and foremost the board acknowledges the amazing backing by the supporters at today's game and Chris Steer said:

"The response by the crowd at the end of the game was phenomenal and very moving. What a shining illustration that this club has a massive heart which should give everyone hope and confidence that we will recover from this blow and come back even stronger.

In a frank summary to fans they also:

- Apologise for the relegation of the club

- Acknowledge mistakes have been made since relegation from the Premier League, and that the number of personnel changes has negatively impacted on performance

- Recognise that managers have been allowed to place too great a reliance on expensive loan signings and players on short term contracts

- Admit that the club has been relegated with one of the highest Championship salary levels

- Anticipate the future of the club lies in the hands of youth supported by experience


A root and branch review will now be undertaken regarding all aspects of the Club's operations, both on and off the field of play, to prepare for re-building success.

At the heart will be:

- A strong Academy focused on delivering the future generation of United starlets

- A robust scouting structure that will be smarter and more productive

- The continued development and introduction of the talented youngsters from the Club's highly successful F.A. Youth Cup finalist team

- The careful mix of the young players and those in the development squad alongside more experienced ones already at the club or to be recruited


"This season and last have been painful and there's no avoiding the reality of failure," said chief executive Trevor Birch.

"The Club has to hold its hands up and acknowledge that we got it wrong. We apologise to the fans that have so steadfastly stood by the club. They deserve success and we will work like hell to build a solid foundation on which we can base a team capable of, not only promotion back to the Championship, but also to the Premier League.

"Realistically we understand we are a distance from the top flight and it may take some time to get back, there but this is the beginning of that exciting journey"

"Even though we have run with a higher than average wage bill for players since relegation, and certainly one that was clearly sufficient for us not to expect to find ourselves relegated from the Championship, we have made mistakes and ultimately the board has to accept responsibility."

"We are all devastated at being relegated but we have to rule a line under that chapter in the Club's history learn from our mistakes and move forward with confidence and optimism every day from here on in. We will undertake a root and branch review of all our operations.

"It is time for change and those changes will happen on many fronts as we build solid foundations across all aspects of the club. We aim to provide the best possible basis for Sheffield United to move forward as quickly as possible to be competitive again on and off the pitch.

"Relegation means a significant drop in TV revenues and commercial hospitality and sponsorships. Quite clearly costs will need to be reduced significantly with player wages facing the brunt of those cuts. It won't be easy but we have to re-balance the squad budget which will inevitably mean a number of our higher earners moving on.

"It will be a journey for the fans, staff and players alike. We have renewed 10,000 season tickets which is a fantastic expression of support for Sheffield United FC and those supporters, together with our regular match attendees, will be at the core of the rejuvenation of this great club." added Mr. Birch.


During the last couple of seasons the Blades loan commitments have totalled in excess of a staggering £6m - funded by the McCabe family as part of their extensive ongoing support for the Club. Additionally, the McCabes have financed one of the highest player wage bills in the championship.

Scott McCabe, director of the PLC board and son of Kevin McCabe, said:

"We have relied too heavily on attempting short term solutions and, if anything, indulging managers with too many quick fixes and short term signings.

"In hindsight, it is a factor that has contributed to the demise of United - the over reliance and use of the loan market has had a debilitating rather than strengthening effect on the first team.

"The family has continued to provide significant funds for managers to recruit to the team. We have been too willing to financially support this policy and are adamant that this will change.

"Let me be very clear in explaining that success is now to be built on the firmest of foundations, which facilitates the long term strengthening of all aspects of the football club.

"At the core of this re-building will be our Academy and development players, supported by our own experienced players and new signings who will have the success of the club in their hearts.

"Throwing money at the problem has not brought us success. We have to try something different. I would also emphasise our desire to secure new investors for SUFC in order to bring in further funds and new ideas to boost the Club's revenues."


Football club chairman Chris Steer, who has been overwhelmed by the loyalty of the Blades dedicated supporters, wants to see their support rewarded.

"It hurts to be relegated and, as a lifelong Blade, I fully understand just how much our present position pains everyone.

"However long it may take, we have to build with a strong and coordinated structure. It must be underpinned with an unwavering, robust belief that we can take this historic club forward with renewed vigour and enthusiasm - and get back to winning ways."

 

[SBlade63]

At least they've admited their mistakes :/

 

[breeny]

if the youth team players are let go after the above statement i'll be more than annoyed.

 

[BladeHearts]

Fantastic statement by the club, can't believe how much I am hurting tonight, I really love this club and hopefully the fightback from League One starts here.

Up the Blades.

 

[Bladesman]

Good statement highlighting what most of us have said for the best part of 2 years.

 

[SoccerCynic]

Actions speak louder than words

 

[Zlatan]

£6m on all them loanees. Jesus Christ.

At least they've come out and admitted the mistakes. Credit to them for that.

 

[bladesadviser]

No mention of Adams staying to be part of the rebuilding and it says there needs to be change on many fronts

 

[SotonBlade]

Nice to see some admission. However, i shall wait to see what happens in the summer. Also reading between the lines, it says to me there will be little extra money put in by our owner to help sign the new players.

 

[1973_Blade]

No pressure on the young 'uns then! Only joking. I'd rather see a team of home grown players giving 110% than average (at best) loanees. Let's hope they don't all get sold, I'm concerned that Lowton may be the subject of some interest at least.

 

[grafikhaus]

I wonder if they'd have run their respective businesses into the ground in such a naive way such an apology would suffice.

So that's that then. In a way, it's almost a relief that this God-awful season is over.

Unfortunately, next season doesn't hold much hope for me. I fear that, despite the belated apology, we're about to see an exercise in 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater' that will make post-Wembley* seem tame. Despite Hendo saying he wants to stay -and could probably 'do a job' at his natural level (Division 3), he will go under the pretext of high wages and we'll throw in (and probably ruin) Jordan Slew to replace him.
Our promising young 'uns will be flogged to anybody showing the slightest interest (heard that Maguire is off to Brum for £1.5m). Lowton, McAllister - the lot (and supposing that any such transfer will invoke a clause that we get them back on a season-long loan is assuming a level of astuteness that simply doesn't exist at Bramall Lane).
Similarly, other high-earners such as Williamson (excellent today), Monty and Quinny (yes, that terrible player according to some, but Player of the Year) will go also. I doubt if there will be more than four recognisable faces starting next year. It's a pity the 'high wages' argument didn't apply when recruiting the like of Nosworthy, Bent, Collins, Doyle etc. seems to have eluded them. That money could have been used to keep Sam Vokes, Bartley etc.

I only hope the clean sweep will include Adams. He is shockingly tactically poor.

* I've said it before, but compare our panic after the Wembley defeat to that of Cardiff a year ago. They didn't dismantle a promising team, are back up there and have already sold 18,000 season tickets for next season, regardless of which division they're in. Mr. McCabe, this knee-jerk, short-termism must simply stop.

To illustrate the culture of mediocrity that runs through United, I see that Sheffield Eagles (and their one-man-and-his dog support) will be playing on our pitch two days before the Youth Cup Final. You couldn't make it up.

Finally, a word for Barnsley. The team. The fans. The town. What a bunch of leftie, badger-baiting, whippet-owning, Sacrgill-supporting scumbags you are.

 

[Russ]

Credit to them for funding the £6m loans and agreed that has got to stop.

Agreed we need to rely on youth and also new signings as well. Might even have to take a leaf out of the piglets book and look at signing players with experience of League 1. Will Hoskins from relegated Bristol Rovers might be a good shout.

Perhaps they should restrict loans to our own maximum number also.

 

[Vancouver]

It's a good statement but, like those above, I want to see if followed up by action:

• Don't sell the promising kids
• Use the development squad
• Buy experienced players

Interesting they didn't mention Adams?

 

[Micalijo]

Any reference to Birch taking a huge pay cut as part of this process?

 

[SotonBlade]

I think the Adams thing is a separate issue. I think all that was said in the statement applies whoever the manager is next season.

 

[raul]

Come on Mic, it almost makes relegation worthwhile just to get a statement like that doesn't it?

 

[Micalijo]

Come on Mic, it almost makes relegation worthwhile just to get a statement like that doesn't it?

Certainly not. It's just a scandal that Birch has overseen this since Dec 09.

 

[beightonblade]

sick of all the bollox McCabe spouts .................................just fook off !

 

[SotonBlade]

In my opinion Mr Birch is merely a puppet for Kevin. And with Kevin now not on the board, he can pretty much hide behind him. Would like to see things a bit more transparently from now on.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Certainly not. It's just a scandal that Birch has overseen this since Dec 09.

I won't make a habit of this, but I agree with you Mic! However, it didn't all go wrong in Dec 09, the rot was already there. The most galling thing is that ordinary mortals could see it, even ones like me who hoped it wasn't true and this statement makes it look as though the penny's just dropped where it really matters.

 

[Silent Blade]

[*]Buy experienced players

On a sensible and reasonable wages and hopefully without an agent interferring

 

[SotonBlade]

On a sensible and reasonable wages and hopefully without an agent interferring

Those pesky agents!

 

[SwissBlade]

"Journey" Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SotonBlade]

To be honest, the last time we signed journeymen, they happened to be the likes of McCall, Allison, Shipperley, McGrath etc, all did a good job!

 

[bladeinspaceandtime]

"Journey" Alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't stop believin'....

 

[puppet]

On a sensible and reasonable wages and hopefully without an agent interferring

why do people insist in believing all our problems are down to agents - all clubs have to deal with them. its who you buy and what you spend that counts. beattie wasnt worth keeping yet halford was worth 28k a week for example. to come out with this pre-conceived crap is just about the last straw for me today.

UTB

 

[Big Mart]

You know you just can't win with this lot. Think they've got Saatchi and Saatchi writing their scripts.

All season long we've been looking for something from them, anything. Whether it be the truth in the transfer windows, the truth about finances, or maybe just an honest statement that prepared us for the worse but no, we get sweet FA then all of a sudden down we go, and they have all the answers. As if by magic they suddenly know what went wrong and how to put it right.

Fuck me, a pre prepared statement that says a few things that some of us have been saying for a couple of years now, and we're all supposed to be happy and grateful well no, fuck the lot of you you bunch of wankers. You've relegated my club, you've done it over time and not over night. You've screwed us over and now you want to be seen as though you've seen the light.

What a bunch of twats, hope you enjoy the hospitality in Division 3, it might not be what you're used to.

 

[Micalijo]

You know you just can't win with this lot. Think they've got Saatchi and Saatchi writing their scripts.

All season long we've been looking for something from them, anything. Whether it be the truth in the transfer windows, the truth about finances, or maybe just an honest statement that prepared us for the worse but no, we get sweet FA then all of a sudden down we go, and they have all the answers. As if by magic they suddenly know what went wrong and how to put it right.

Fuck me, a pre prepared statement that says a few things that some of us have been saying for a couple of years now, and we're all supposed to be happy and grateful well no, fuck the lot of you you bunch of wankers. You've relegated my club, you've done it over time and not over night. You've screwed us over and now you want to be seen as though you've seen the light.

What a bunch of twats, hope you enjoy the hospitality in Division 3, it might not be what you're used to.

Brilliant stuff Hozza.

 

[BaldeRunner]

Well thank you for that. Seriously, thank you for an acknowledgement, an apology and some indication of how the future will be shaped. That kind of feels important for me as a 45+ year supporter of the club after what has been the most miserable season in my living memory.

I remain very angry at the gross incompetence that has brought us to our knees as a club. I remain angry at the patronising crap that I have endured in previous statements about how little I understand 'business' and how much I should be grateful for such far sighted management at the highest level. It was, in fact, all bollocks as many of us thought and said at the time. The humiliation is now complete and the best thing that can be said is that at least it is now all over and we have entered the darkened room of the third tier and can begin rebuilding in relative obscurity. Shame on you as a board for presiding over this shambles and shame on you for your past incompetence. Credit to you for this statement and what I sincerely hope will be a beginning and not a continuation of the the end of Sheffield United as a credible force in English football.

My own choice is that I will be there next season. I will turn up on the terraces of the God-forsaken terraces of Dagenham and Yeovil as i did when we were in the old fourth division. I will do this out of some inexplicable love of this club that has lasted for decades.

Please mean what you say and don't let us down again. Treat us as equals and not as idiots. We actually know what we are talking about and are worth listening to because we have been round the block many times with the Blades.

United we stand and all that.

Up the Blades

 

[Micalijo]

Fair play Balde, good post but I find it astonishing that the words thank you can be seriously posted in response to this statement.