The summer ahead

[blade too long]

This is part of the problem btl. Wilson has his hands tied until he knows the future's of Monty, Ched, Hendo, Quinn et al. I would hope that he is scenario planning and speaking to players (or their agents if they are supping San Miguel on a beach somewhere ). It actually seems to be fairly quiet everywhere else, but I cannot help feeling me are behind. Perhaps Wilson could state which players have a future and which don't and then release the 'player release' list. That would be a start.



That is not the first time you have said that WB

Seriously though, things creep up. In 2 weeks nothing will have happened. Then it will be, 'oh it's pre season and the players are not back from hols'. Then next it will be 'expect a flurry of activity after 30th June when contracts end'. But we heard that last year and saw very little happening. I can only hope that stuff is going on behind the scenes and their will be a flurry of activity.



Perhaps this will be the case. But surely a club knows if they are willing/going to release someone and the other club knows if they want them. Many clubs have released players already. My concern will grow larger the closer we get to the magic 'flurry of activity after the 1st of July'. That would leave Wilson 2 weeks to bring in up to around 10 players (depending on who goes).

My main point is this: for me rebuilding a squad is something that takes some time. If you were hiring a workforce and needed to do it before August you would be recruiting now. You would not be expecting a flurry of incomings after a certain point. Not saying that it could be done. For SUFC I was hoping we would be linked with players, brining in free transfers/players without a club, looking to give trials, stating which youngsters are stepping up etc. I would expect a slow trickle of players over the summer and not the majestic 'flurry of players in the first few weeks in July' (which will probably not appear).

well first of all Wilson has to speak with all the current squad , and see whos up for the task
assess who wants to stay and battle and whos billy big boots and wants to play at "the highest level possible"
its mid june
theres 8 and a half weeks to build a squad, the next 4 to assemble a group , then 4 to whip them into a unit


theres 14 managers having their first season in charge in this division

so to say we have a disadvantage is not quite true

 

[shorehamview]

so to say we have a disadvantage is not quite true

If Olle says it then it's true*. He once told us all that the moon is upholstered with the skin from dolphin scrotums. I checked with Neil Armstrong and he confirmed it.**

I'm having my doubts about one or two points, but the dolphin scrotums bit is true.***






*This might be made up, in case any lawyers are reading it.
** This bit might be a bit of a fib too.
***It's not. The shed bit isn't funny any more either. Sorry.

 

[Bladesway]

It is now exactly 4 weeks to Malta and we have made no signings, sold no players and have not realeased any players.

We know that we have to decrease the wage bill, we now we do not have enough quality and we need pace and flair. We have barely got a squad and expect several players to be sold. Yet nothing is happening. In a squad that is expecting a complete overhaul, then surprisingly little is happening.

Cue the chill out we've got 4 weeks, Ollie is a wind up merchant, we have until the 6th of August, the players are on hols etc. I do not buy it. The clock is ticking and we need to get moving.

---------- Post added at 09:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 AM ----------



It's you isn't it judge?



You are completely ignoring the fact that the squad needs a complete overhaul. The wage bill needs decreasing, players will be shipped out and we'll need to bring people in. I guess you are just happy to sit on your hands and ignore Wilson's squad (re)building and his preperations for the season. I am not. I think it is perfectly normal to comment on it and many actually share my concerns. Funny, I don't see you throwing silly insults at them. The whole no hopers, gun paret things is a little pathetic and over the top.

The Blades go to Malta on the 14th of July. That is their pre season training camp. You would expect the team that goes to be the one starting the new season. Hence, that is pretty much a deadline for signing players. Wilson will have a tiny bit of time to manouvre afterwards if he wants and (as you say) can sign players in August and September. However surely you can see that it is hardly ideal to be signing players very close to the season starting and even after it started. One of two additions fair enough, but any more than that is asking for trouble. It takes time to gel, get to know each other and adapt styles.

You are again confusing two issues. Wilson's squad building (what this thread is about) and Wilson's success. Wilson has my full support, but it does not mean I cannot comment on how he is preparing for the season. As for the comment about wanting things to go wrong. What nonsense.

Oh dear, where to start here. I'm possibly going to bake your head here with this one but while in Malta the world of ins and outs won't stop spinning. There are things called planes on which people can put themselves onto and in a couple of hours, hey presto you can have a meeting at Manchester Airport and be back for tea. Heres another one, mobile phones. Despite rumour to the contrary they work over "there" and I recon DW will have the hang of them. Third up, the scouting network and all that are not going to all ship to Malta. Trade is possible and players can be purchased/sold.

Oh and to think that the modern day Manager is the one who does all the wheeling and dealing is so naive it is ridiculous. DW will have his targets and will send various people he trusts within the club to do most of his work. A good Manager doesn't shout about who he is buying he just goes and does it. Something some of the jokers we have recently employed should perhaps have done. So we may have 8 targets lined up, but how would we know?

Why haven't our lot moved on yet? Probably more involved that either of us know but my understanding is that many clubs are shuffling their packs and the people involved haven't yet made their minds up who they want. Evans hasn't been subject to a bid yet but for some reason known only to others there are interested parties. Henderson hasn't actually registered any interest to go but Hull are apparently in there. Leeds want Monty (why?) and various others can/will be snapped up in the fullness of time.

Last up (for now) you say I am confusing issues. Squad building and success. FWIW one will become the other. If he builds a shit squad he will have limited success and if he builds a good one.....you know the rest.

Of course, you could be right. Wilson may be sat there sniggering thinking about signing no one. We may start the season with 14 players from the Youth team and a couple of makeweights. If that is the case then we are fucked and you are right. I'd back Danny Wilson over you though, and that is my point.

---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 AM ----------

well first of all Wilson has to speak with all the current squad , and see whos up for the task
assess who wants to stay and battle and whos billy big boots and wants to play at "the highest level possible"
its mid june
theres 8 and a half weeks to build a squad, the next 4 to assemble a group , then 4 to whip them into a unit


theres 14 managers having their first season in charge in this division

so to say we have a disadvantage is not quite true

Amen to that.

 

[Ollessendro]

Oh dear, where to start here. I'm possibly going to bake your head here with this one but while in Malta the world of ins and outs won't stop spinning. There are things called planes on which people can put themselves onto and in a couple of hours, hey presto you can have a meeting at Manchester Airport and be back for tea. Heres another one, mobile phones. Despite rumour to the contrary they work over "there" and I recon DW will have the hang of them. Third up, the scouting network and all that are not going to all ship to Malta. Trade is possible and players can be purchased/sold.

Oh and to think that the modern day Manager is the one who does all the wheeling and dealing is so naive it is ridiculous. DW will have his targets and will send various people he trusts within the club to do most of his work. A good Manager doesn't shout about who he is buying he just goes and does it. Something some of the jokers we have recently employed should perhaps have done. So we may have 8 targets lined up, but how would we know?

Why haven't our lot moved on yet? Probably more involved that either of us know but my understanding is that many clubs are shuffling their packs and the people involved haven't yet made their minds up who they want. Evans hasn't been subject to a bid yet but for some reason known only to others there are interested parties. Henderson hasn't actually registered any interest to go but Hull are apparently in there. Leeds want Monty (why?) and various others can/will be snapped up in the fullness of time.

Last up (for now) you say I am confusing issues. Squad building and success. FWIW one will become the other. If he builds a shit squad he will have limited success and if he builds a good one.....you know the rest.

Of course, you could be right. Wilson may be sat there sniggering thinking about signing no one. We may start the season with 14 players from the Youth team and a couple of makeweights. If that is the case then we are fucked and you are right. I'd back Danny Wilson over you though, and that is my point.

It is shame you cannot drop the patronising tone and insults, because you make a few reasonable points.

£20 says that not a single signing is made whilst we are in Malta*. What do you say? Would you take a job based on a mobile phone conversation whilst your new boss is away? I would certainly want to meet him and not just for a pissy coffee at Manchester airport.

The point where we disagree (massively) is that I think that we have to have the sqaud assembled for when we go on our pre season tour and you do not. Many on the forum agree that to push for promotion we'll need to sell and buy players. They, along with I, think it is ideal for 90% of the squad buidling to be complete by the time they go on pre season tour. You seem to think that a team will gel if thrown together hours before the start of the season (or after). You are entitled to your opinion, but for me it just seems like deja vu. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

If we start the season with a shallow squad, lacking in quality and pace and quality and rely on loan signings then will you be willing to apologise and say 'Olle you were right?'


* I'll donate it to a charity of your choice or to the forum if there is a signing.

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

It is shame you cannot drop the patronising tone and insults, because you make a few reasonable points.

£20 says that not a single signing is made whilst we are in Malta*. What do you say? Would you take a job based on a mobile phone conversation whilst your new boss is away? I would certainly want to meet him and not just for a pissy coffee at Manchester airport.

The point where we disagree (massively) is that I think that we have to have the sqaud assembled for when we go on our pre season tour and you do not. Many on the forum agree that to push for promotion we'll need to sell and buy players. They, along with I, think it is ideal for 90% of the squad buidling to be complete by the time they go on pre season tour. You seem to think that a team will gel if thrown together hours before the start of the season (or after). You are entitled to your opinion, but for me it just seems like deja vu. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

If we start the season with a shallow squad, lacking in quality and pace and quality and rely on loan signings then will you be willing to apologise and say 'Olle you were right?'


* I'll donate it to a charity of your choice or to the forum if there is a signing.

I think Ollessendro is making making some fair points here and the criticism is valid. I'm not one to jump on the club's back about what they should and shouldn't be doing but like a lot of people I think we should have most of our squad for the new season together by the time we go on tour. It is essential for team bonding and tactical prep.

The one thing I will say is that signing and selling players isnt as easy as just writing a cheque and picking up a phone. It can take a lot of time and work just to sign one! All the more reason for us to be further along by now though. We've still got time to get a lot done before Malta but we need to get cracking.

The squad was far too small last season and we couldnt even put 7 senior players on the bench against Cardiff! Ideally I would like to see us in a position where we have our completed squad together by the time we fly out to Malta. Anyone we sign after that is going to be behind the rest of the squad in terms of prep.

 

[Bladesway]

OK, last round for me then I am out. I'll try not to patronise you Ollie but when you rack yourself up for sarcastic comment its so very hard not to.

Firstly, quit the it's you against me bullshit, its just two differing opinions (I did say this at the start). I would love to be in your stated position where the squad was in place before we left for Malta. It isn't that it isn't where we would like to be, its more a case of its pretty much damned impossible. I'm all for targets if they are realistic and I don't feel this is. I would rather get the right target than just fill the squad with what we can get.

My point on signings is that the research and the meetings may well be had before they leave, but deals to tie players up are made by the Management team rather than by Wilson and no one else. The final tie up may be made in an Airport lounge etc (and often is) but contact may well have been established long before.

Also, everyone has said Youth is going to play a big part so I wouldn't expect too much activity full stop. Wilson needs to bring a few players (who I guarantee you he will already have targetted and made enquiries about) but we don't have much cash and do we really need to undertake a major rebuild to get out of this league? I for one wouldn't be too agrieved if Ched & Darius started up top next season because I think both could run riot. Quinn and Monty whilst not my ideal partnership should be a good enough central midfield pairing to get about teams like Oldham. Yeates should have a field day out wide and I don't have an issue with our keeper. Back 4 rebuild yes but thats about your lot. Probably Kozzy is going to be one of the back 4 which disappoints me already, but this is a case of what the new man wants. Give a man enough rope and all that.

Your right? I'm right? Who knows or cares. Its a game of football and there are bigger things to get bent out of shape about.

 

[Ollessendro]

Quote from Bogdanovic in the Star: "I’ve not spoken to the new gaffer (Danny Wilson) yet, but I’m looking forward to speaking to him when we start pre-season training" (http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley/i_m_happy_at_the_lane_1_3499824).

This is really concerning. Little more than 3 weeks to go to Malta and Wilson has not spoke to a member of his squad that he will need to make a decision on whether to keep or offload. I reall hope Wilson is/has been speaking to other players. If not, thn when does he plan to speak to players and make a judgement on them?

Anyone know when pre season training starts?

 

[SwissBlade]

Anyone know when pre season training starts?

I think they come back on 1st July, so apparently there's no need to panic...

I'm sure he'll have been watching videos on every player...

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Quote from Bogdanovic in the Star: "I’ve not spoken to the new gaffer (Danny Wilson) yet, but I’m looking forward to speaking to him when we start pre-season training" (http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/barnsley/i_m_happy_at_the_lane_1_3499824).

This is really concerning. Little more than 3 weeks to go to Malta and Wilson has not spoke to a member of his squad that he will need to make a decision on whether to keep or offload. I reall hope Wilson is/has been speaking to other players. If not, thn when does he plan to speak to players and make a judgement on them?

Anyone know when pre season training starts?

They normally come back at the start of July dont they? The worrying thing for me is that we haven't moved anyone on yet, we haven't even officially released anyone!!!! We were told we wouldn't have to move players on before we bring some in.....based on our activity so far that's looking doubtful.

We're no more than two weeks away from the start of pre-season and we've signed one player. On top of that we're still carrying the players that we're desperate to offload. Familiar feeling anyone?

 

[Guesty]

Probably Kozzy is going to be one of the back 4 which disappoints me already, but this is a case of what the new man wants. Give a man enough rope and all that.

Is Kozluk still under contract, then?

 

[Ollessendro]

They normally come back at the start of July dont they? The worrying thing for me is that we haven't moved anyone on yet, we haven't even officially released anyone!!!! We were told we wouldn't have to move players on before we bring some in.....based on our activity so far that's looking doubtful.

We're no more than two weeks away from the start of pre-season and we've signed one player. On top of that we're still carrying the players that we're desperate to offload. Familiar feeling anyone?

Big time. I have been banging on about what a massive opportunity relegation could present. A chance to clear out and start again. Get rid of the deadwood and bring in youth and experience with hunger, passion and pride. Instead we have seen noone leave and one signing. Very, very worrying. One signing has happened since I posted and now we are a few weeks away from pre season training starting and just over 3 weeks away from the Malta training camp (which is a vital deadline). The way it is going we are going to end up with a squad of overpaid, apathetic proven failures (if we shift noone) or a completely depleted squad (if we managed to shift these lumps).

The clock is ticking and with every day the massive opportunity is slipping through our fingers. Deja vu.

 

[JJ Sefton]

Big time. I have been banging on about what a massive opportunity relegation could present. A chance to clear out and start again. Get rid of the deadwood and bring in youth and experience with hunger, passion and pride. Instead we have seen noone leave and one signing.

"Ive gone nowhere"

 

[mall]

"Ive gone nowhere"

I bet he's into something good, though.

 

[SwissBlade]

So everyones still happy with the way things are going then?

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

So everyones still happy with the way things are going then?

.......meh

 

[Darren]

"Ive gone nowhere"

That's a crazy rock n' roll jumper.

 

[Bladesway]

So everyones still happy with the way things are going then?

Just waiting for you to jump back to the clappy side of the fence then I am onside with Olle.

 

[ListerBlade]

Are we definitely not looking for keepers this summer?

Simmo might be a little more reliable with a solid and consistent defense in front of him, but if we were to look at alternatives, with the signing of Schmeichael at Leciester would Chris Weale be a good shout?

I don't know that much about him but have been impressed when I've seen him play and Leicester fans I know don't understand why Sven doesn't like to use him.

 

[blade too long]

Which teams in our division?

there are 12 teams in div 1 that have managers that are in their first full season in division 1

scunthorpe
sufc
preston
chesterfield
bury
swfc
stevenage
rochdale
walsall
hartlepool

charlton
bournemouth

all have managers thats not had a full season in div 1.or just changed

so 50% are starting from the same starting point

 

[Ollessendro]

there are 12 teams in div 1 that have managers that are in their first full season in division 1

scunthorpe
sufc
preston
chesterfield
bury
swfc
stevenage
rochdale
walsall
hartlepool

charlton
bournemouth

all have managers thats not had a full season in div 1.or just changed

so 50% are starting from the same starting point

The other way to look at it is there are 12 teams in a better position than us. The squad is simply not good enough for a promotion push and on top of that we will lose players in the coming weeks. The club needs to get into gear. Release some players, shift the big earner that there are interest in and bring in some players. Easier said than done, I know. But Wilson has been in position a month or

Now Wilson is saying there is unlikely to be any activity until the players come back (http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/Gaffersnotes/0,,10418~2379866,00.html). They state the end of June, so maybe players will return to training at some point next week. That leaves Wilson 2 weeks, or less, to forge his squad. The we are off to Malta. Of course, I will be told not to worry. Chill out, there will be a rush of activity after the 1st of July, Wilson can still sign players whilst we are away, the seasons starts on August the 6th and la de da. The clock is ticking and my concern is growing.

 

[beightonblade]

Two words sums up the Blades:

same owd !

 

[dingledog]

Sheffield United's Board
Are
Mostly
Expensive

Over paid
Wasters
Discuss

 

[Ollessendro]

3 weeks to Malta - tick tock

Once again we are getting into Ollessendro I told you so territory.

Now it is only 3 weeks until we go to Malta, less than 2 weeks until our first pre season game and only days until the players return to training. Still, we are miles away from having a squad anything like going for promotion.

The clock is ticking and United are doing bugger all. I commend Wilson on getting his back room staff right, but one signing is abysmal. Uncertainty looms over half the squad and yet the clubs fills it's site with news about the club shop and the Star hangs on any words that Wilson have said.

I can only pray that there is a flurry of activity of the next few weeks. However, I am starting to resign myself to the inevitable. A squad full of triers, overpaid never-beens, spectacalur apethetic failures, crocks and loanees. Zero skill, effort in abundance, absolutely no flair or creativity and the pace of Richardo Batho and Chris Steer running the relay race.

Yes I am fucking board at the lack of activity (and hence am like a stuck record) but it is time that we got out of first gear (reverse even) and started building a team for next year. Releasing players would be a start.

 

[raul]

Wait till we get the kid who single-handedly won the Conference North before nailing your colours to the mast Ollie.

 

[JohnDenver]

Yes I am fucking board

Careful, you'll get splinters.

 

[raul]

RAPFA's planking representative.

 

[Ollessendro]

Careful, you'll get splinters.

Careful, you'll have me talking about my shed if you are not careful

 

[JJ Sefton]

Careful, you'll have me talking about my shed if you are not careful

Find a good knot in the wood and poke it through.

 

[gavtheblade]

Once again we are getting into Ollessendro I told you so territory.

Now it is only 3 weeks until we go to Malta, less than 2 weeks until our first pre season game and only days until the players return to training. Still, we are miles away from having a squad anything like going for promotion.

The clock is ticking and United are doing bugger all. I commend Wilson on getting his back room staff right, but one signing is abysmal. Uncertainty looms over half the squad and yet the clubs fills it's site with news about the club shop and the Star hangs on any words that Wilson have said.

I can only pray that there is a flurry of activity of the next few weeks. However, I am starting to resign myself to the inevitable. A squad full of triers, overpaid never-beens, spectacalur apethetic failures, crocks and loanees. Zero skill, effort in abundance, absolutely no flair or creativity and the pace of Richardo Batho and Chris Steer running the relay race.

Yes I am fucking board at the lack of activity (and hence am like a stuck record) but it is time that we got out of first gear (reverse even) and started building a team for next year. Releasing players would be a start.

Maybe its the fact that nobody wants any of our players,and the same fact that no one wants to come?

 

[Bladesway]

Maybe its the fact that nobody wants any of our players,and the same fact that no one wants to come?

Didn't you mention all negative posters should get off to S6?