Aaron Ramsdale interview

[metty]

I think the only excuse for the things he said is that he is as thick as mince.

 

[Weasel]

I think the "Ramsdale saga" highlights an issue that we seem to have as a fanbase.

There seems to be some idea among an element of our support that any player that ever plays for us should instantly become "A Blade" for life. They are supposed to forget any other clubs that they've played for, and eulogise SUFC for the rest of their careers. I'm not sure where this idea comes from, but I genuinely think it's weird.

Aaron Ramsdale was born in Stoke on Trent. He's played for us, Bournemouth, Chesterfield, AFC Wimbledon and now Arsenal (per wikipedia) in his career. Why do we feel he owes us some sort of debt? Why should he remember his (brief) time here as a pro any more fondly than any of those other (pre-Arsenal) clubs?

See also Oli McBurnie. He gets abuse on here for going to watch Swansea games, but the best part of his career, in terms of him being a successful striker, was spent at Swansea. Why would he not feel a lot of affection for a club where he was loved, and successful?

We're all happy when we see Harry Maguire in the away end at hillsborough, cheering on the bouncing day massacre. We all like it when Kyle Walker says he'd like to come back and finish his career here.

So why so much hate for a young player who got the opportunity of a lifetime? I get he was a bit of a knob refusing to play, but at the end of the day he got an opportunity, that he was well aware of, to set himself up for life given what he's probably getting paid now.

Can anyone honestly say that if they were offered the chance to do the same job they are doing now, but for 3 or 4 times the same salary, that they would say no out of some sort of imagined loyalty to their current employer, just because said current employers have decided that he is "one of them?"

Probably not.

I don't love or hate Aaron Ramsdale. I'm indifferent towards him. He spent half a season being shit, and half a season being pretty good for us. I wish him no ill feeling. I'd be happy if, in the future, he becomes the first choice keeper for England because his performances for Arsenal merit that, but only because he's a player that I have an interest in because he played for us, not because I believe he has some sort of fairytale love for Sheffield United.

I'm not sure that the majority of SUFC fans begrudge Ramsdale his move at all (just like no one begrudges Walker and his move to Spurs and then Man City). I certainly don't. I also don't think fans think he should be a SUFC fan (he is a boyhood WBA fan). What I think most expect though is that the club that has helped the lad come through the ranks at United, seen him develop from boy to man and has developed his game for the best part of 5 years or so, isn't slagged off in the media by the lad after he has got his big move and is financially set himself up for life. He didn't need to say anything other than to probably say 'thanks to Utd for helping me in my career and for agreeing to sell me to Arsenal'.

To effectively go on strike and not train or play was bang out of order. Asking for a pay rise after he had been shit for the first 5 months was also a bit rich too.

No one expects him to profess his undying love for Utd, but I think there should have been a greater degree of respect given to the club rather than the ill advised recent barbed media comments and his unprofessional behaviour that he has mentioned. Personally, I couldn't give a rats arse whether he likes Utd or not tbh, but I do care about how players conduct themselves whilst contracted to SUFC and whether they have a pop at 'our club' in the media or on other clubs fans forums once they have moved on. The lad was way out of line imo and seems very unappreciative of SUFC (club and fans). Once he's earned Utd the rest of the performance related payments from his transfer, I won't be the slightest bit interested in what he does in his career thereafter (and that shouldn't have been the case). Just like I couldnt give a fat fuck what the daft scouse twirp who joined Rangers in the summer ends up. As long as both don't reappear in a Utd shirt again anytime soon then I'm fine with that (hopefully never for the lazy scouse twirp).

 

[Bladesman]

I think the "Ramsdale saga" highlights an issue that we seem to have as a fanbase.

There seems to be some idea among an element of our support that any player that ever plays for us should instantly become "A Blade" for life. They are supposed to forget any other clubs that they've played for, and eulogise SUFC for the rest of their careers. I'm not sure where this idea comes from, but I genuinely think it's weird.

Aaron Ramsdale was born in Stoke on Trent. He's played for us, Bournemouth, Chesterfield, AFC Wimbledon and now Arsenal (per wikipedia) in his career. Why do we feel he owes us some sort of debt? Why should he remember his (brief) time here as a pro any more fondly than any of those other (pre-Arsenal) clubs?

See also Oli McBurnie. He gets abuse on here for going to watch Swansea games, but the best part of his career, in terms of him being a successful striker, was spent at Swansea. Why would he not feel a lot of affection for a club where he was loved, and successful?

We're all happy when we see Harry Maguire in the away end at hillsborough, cheering on the bouncing day massacre. We all like it when Kyle Walker says he'd like to come back and finish his career here.

So why so much hate for a young player who got the opportunity of a lifetime? I get he was a bit of a knob refusing to play, but at the end of the day he got an opportunity, that he was well aware of, to set himself up for life given what he's probably getting paid now.

Can anyone honestly say that if they were offered the chance to do the same job they are doing now, but for 3 or 4 times the same salary, that they would say no out of some sort of imagined loyalty to their current employer, just because said current employers have decided that he is "one of them?"

Probably not.

I don't love or hate Aaron Ramsdale. I'm indifferent towards him. He spent half a season being shit, and half a season being pretty good for us. I wish him no ill feeling. I'd be happy if, in the future, he becomes the first choice keeper for England because his performances for Arsenal merit that, but only because he's a player that I have an interest in because he played for us, not because I believe he has some sort of fairytale love for Sheffield United.

Nope, I don't expect him to be a Blade for life. The same way as I don't actually expect Henderson, Cranie, Stearman etc to be a Blade for life.

I just expect a contracted footballer not to be a cunt and throw his teammates under a bus by refusing to play. It really is as simple as that.

 

[Gavlar]

I lost respect for him when he said he refused to train or play. That's a twattish thing to do even if you want a move away.
Players aren't bigger than the club and get paid very well and should put the effort in until they have signed for someone else.

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

At least this interview might narrow down the list of players we have to 'be happy' for at seeing them doing well for other clubs rather than us.

 

[Booker4]

Nope, I don't expect him to be a Blade for life. The same way as I don't actually expect Henderson, Cranie, Stearman etc to be a Blade for life.

I just expect a contracted footballer not to be a cunt and throw his teammates under a bus by refusing to play. It really is as simple as that.

Ironically I recall Bournemouth, probably Jason Tindall as he was manager at the time, saying how ramsdale is a fan of Sheffield or came from Sheffield, basically saying he had an affection for United. I know he's from Stoke but it was clear that ramsdale classed Sheffield as home. Similar from ramsdale's interview when he returns to united where he says he's "coming home". I think because of his affection fur United he feels let down by United by the sounds of it. I can understand it would have been frustrating waiting for a move that may have not happened and he stated that the club changed the goalposts on the fee but even then this interview wasn't needed and I didn't like much of what he said as I said previous.

 

[itsinyerblood]

During this depressing saga, has anyone given a moment's thought to the role Ramsdale's agent might have played?

I cannot imagine Ramsdale alone working out a strategy that resulted in the player securing a move to another club, plus with each move he would have earnt a signing on fee, so all told Ramsdale has done very well for himself out of he moves he's made. I'm not criticising the player for bettering himself, but it does seem that he's followed to the letter whatever behaviour his agent felt would result in a move. However, I'm not naive to view this as a one sided affair, all clubs have an obligation to themselves, so surely there should be no surprise when a player adopts a similar approach to maximising their potential in the market place?

 

[Bladesman]

During this depressing saga, has anyone given a moment's thought to the role Ramsdale's agent might have played?

I cannot imagine Ramsdale alone working out a strategy that resulted in the player securing a move to another club, plus with each move he would have earnt a signing on fee, so all told Ramsdale has done very well for himself out of he moves he's made. I'm not criticising the player for bettering himself, but it does seem that he's followed to the letter whatever behaviour his agent felt would result in a move. However, I'm not naive to view this as a one sided affair, all clubs have an obligation to themselves, so surely there should be no surprise when a player adopts a similar approach to maximising their potential in the market place?

I have no doubt his agent is the reason he was tapped up by Arsenal in the first place. Most football agents are complete cunts anyway.

That doesn't excuse what he did and if he actually did that on the advice of his agent then it makes him a spineless twat.

 

[sheepbridge]

since when have players and agents decided what an acceptable fee is and when a bid is lodged they agree with decide they aren‘t going to train and play until it is accepted?

United had every right to ask for a set amount for a player one year into a long contract, and frankly it makes a change to not cave in at the first offer. Perhaps our history of selling good young players cheaply proceeded us and both player and buying club expected us to do the same again, not least because he experienced that when sold to Bournemouth.

Knowing the buying club really want you must also help when deciding to take such an action as well.

 

[Bell4]

since when have players and agents decided what an acceptable fee is and when a bid is lodged they agree with decide they aren‘t going to train and play until it is accepted?

United had every right to ask for a set amount for a player one year into a long contract, and frankly it makes a change to not cave in at the first offer. Perhaps our history of selling good young players cheaply proceeded us and both player and buying club expected us to do the same again, not least because he experienced that when sold to Bournemouth.

Knowing the buying club really want you must also help when deciding to take such an action as well.

Absolutely this buddy

 

[bongleblade]

Hes just a guy who played for us at one point, not from Sheffield, doesnt support us, had a few good games, won't stay I many peoples minds of the next few years. He's in the same bracket as the likes of Jonathan forte, Carl veart, Gary Naysmith for me....did ok but not a lot to write home about.

nailed it, guy was never a blade although the PR team and Wilder made it out that way without ever explicitly saying it. He’s a player we brought through the academy but he’s no more attached to our club than players like NDiaye and Jebbo.

The guy clearly didn’t give a toss about our club despite the loyalty we’d shown. Good riddance and in a way i hope he does the same to arsenal so the wider public see what a nob he is

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

 

[Hagansbootlaces]

I have no doubt his agent is the reason he was tapped up by Arsenal in the first place. Most football agents are complete cunts anyway.

That doesn't excuse what he did and if he actually did that on the advice of his agent then it makes him a spineless twat.

In this case, I think his call up to the England squad, contributed about as much as his agent, the opportunity for lots of chats with his mate Saka

 

[Southend Blade]

I have no doubt his agent is the reason he was tapped up by Arsenal in the first place. Most football agents are complete cunts anyway.

That doesn't excuse what he did and if he actually did that on the advice of his agent then it makes him a spineless twat.

It's a shame we could not afford to just let him continue his strike indefinitely until his contract was up, see how close he would have been to the England set up after a few weeks sitting at home crying over the Arsenal move that never materialised because he was a greedy twat with no ounce of respect for his team mates and the club who had dragged him back into the Prem.

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

It's a shame we could not afford to just let him continue his strike indefinitely until his contract was up, see how close he would have been to the England set up after a few weeks sitting at home crying over the Arsenal move that never materialised because he was a greedy twat with no ounce of respect for his team mates and the club who had dragged him back into the Prem.

Would have loved that. If our Prince had the money put him back in the U23’s and forget about the mardy twat.

 

[Hockey'sBeard]

I agree with many comments on here - naive- self entitled. Can imagine it was Bettis saying that about conceding goals - don’t like the guy but I’m sure he was well provoked by the agent - the sheer cheek his agent asking for a new contract after only a year since he came back plus signing on fee he received at time and poor for half of season ! Shows how good agents are are making opportunities like this happen for themselves as well as player. Then agent manipulation of player -“ this is what club said” etc etc. Ramsdale refusing to play.
That’s modern football transfers in a nutshell - don’t blame him wanting to go to Arsenal but comes across badly. As does Foster to be honest in his comments!

 

[originaltrueblade]

Nice to see him going the wrong way for the pen today

 

[GuangzhouBlade]

Nice to see him going the wrong way for the pen today

He had a go at scuffing up the penalty spot as well as Gabriel

 

[originaltrueblade]

He had a go at scuffing up the penalty spot as well as Gabriel

He did then near the end at 1-1 made out something wrong with his eye when there was no contact at all …thought he was going to cry when coming off…

 

[JJBlade]

Anyone sticking up for him is a full weight fucking prick

He was told he could leave if the right offer came in

That doesn't mean he can go for ANY offer that comes in, it means he can go if somebody matches our asking price.

He's gone to the right club as far as I'm concerned, the spoilt, self entitled, mardy arse.

He'll fit in well there, where those qualities are actually encouraged and expected, and the reason why they are so far behind the rest of the big six

 

[Weasel]

He did then near the end at 1-1 made out something wrong with his eye when there was no contact at all …thought he was going to cry when coming off…

He was lucky that he got a free kick as it looked to me that he came out and put his arms over the City players neck. He knew it too, and that's why I think he went down holding his face.... When there was no contact with it. Maybe he lost his contact lenses as he grabbed the City player. Could easily have been another pen decision to be made.

 

[originaltrueblade]

He was lucky that he got a free kick as it looked to me that he came out and put his arms over the City players neck. He knew it too, and that's why I think he went down holding his face.... When there was no contact with it. Maybe he lost his contact lenses as he grabbed the City player. Could easily have been another pen decision to be made.

Mardy arse sod indeed…

 

[Drunk blade]

Positioning looked poor for man city's winner today, remember he seemed to do the same alot for us, can't decide whether to come or stay on his line and in the end made it very easy for them to score

 

[originaltrueblade]

Positioning looked poor for man city's winner today, remember he seemed to do the same alot for us, can't decide whether to come or stay on his line and in the end made it very easy for them to score

Same for the early Man City header that went just wide he was rooted to the middle of the goa

 

[JJBlade]

I couldn't help but look in amazement at Man Citys only first half chance.

Ball crossed in from the right

He comes flapping about eight yards off his line, and the Man City player glances a header just wide with him in absolute no man's land.

If that header had gone in he'd have looked a right dick, but it wasn't mentioned because the header went wide

 

[originaltrueblade]

I couldn't help but look in amazement at Man Citys only first half chance.

Ball crossed in from the right

He comes flapping about eight yards off his line, and the Man City player glances a header just wide with him in absolute no man's land.

If that header had gone in he'd have looked a right dick, but it wasn't mentioned because the header went wide.

Agree and we know he played like co co the clown for us week after week. When results start turning against them like today they seem to lose it very quickly and blame each other. Never liked Arsenal since the cheating years ago. Watch out Ramsdale when the going gets tough

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

Imagine spending Christmas Day slagging off our player of the year from last season.

He’s proven a lot of people wrong. Good luck to him.

He has indeed. And I don’t for a minute begrudge him his move, or his money. GLTTL for a rewarding career.

What I do begrudge is the fact that I forked out for 3 tickets for WBA, then for diesel, beer, pies, parking and a programme, and flogged myself up and down to Birmingham on a work night, with big delays on the M1 coming home, was buggered at work all the next day … to discover now that our chances of getting anything from the game were sabotaged before KO because a player I’d previously supported through adversity decided it was beneath him to turn up and play. Or, for that matter, train.

I don’t remember us giving that twat Forestieri much leeway, when he went on strike.

 

[Bladesman]

He has indeed. And I don’t for a minute begrudge him his move, or his money. GLTTL for a rewarding career.

What I do begrudge is the fact that I forked out for 3 tickets for WBA, then for diesel, beer, pies and a programme, and flogged myself up and down to Birmingham on a work night, with big delays on the M1 coming home, was buggered at work all the next day … to discover now that our chances of getting anything from the game were sabotaged before KO because a player I’d previously supported through adversity decided it was beneath him to turn up and play. Or, for that matter, train.

I don’t remember us giving that twat Forestieri much leeway, when he went on strike.

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Like others have said he will fit in well at Arsenal just look at the Aubameyang situation.

Arsenal is the perfect club for a player to down tools or cause trouble when they don't get their own way.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

That BASTARD! I'll never watch an Arsenal game again while he's between the sticks.

Not really a big hardship...is it?

 

[dc_blade]

He has indeed. And I don’t for a minute begrudge him his move, or his money. GLTTL for a rewarding career.

What I do begrudge is the fact that I forked out for 3 tickets for WBA, then for diesel, beer, pies, parking and a programme, and flogged myself up and down to Birmingham on a work night, with big delays on the M1 coming home, was buggered at work all the next day … to discover now that our chances of getting anything from the game were sabotaged before KO because a player I’d previously supported through adversity decided it was beneath him to turn up and play. Or, for that matter, train.

I don’t remember us giving that twat Forestieri much leeway, when he went on strike.

View attachment 127294

To be honest I haven’t watched the interview so I can’t really comment on the circumstances. It doesn’t sound great. Maybe he deserves some stick for how he acted in those final days before he left.

My post was born of frustration at a section of our support who decide that Ramsdale was a bad player after watching him a handful of times—not that he was in poor form, or that he was a young keeper learning his craft, but that he was a shit player. And some of them are still at it despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.