Director of Football Coming In?

[Youngand70]

Football is very different, name me any club that regularly communicates?
Surely you should understand that fans are irrational and partisan.

When a team loses everything said is twisted into a negative.
Fans refuse to listen to reasons/ excuses or plans to rectify things….its often a simple case of `’he’s crap…get rid”.

For example SU could communicate that we are desperate for defenders and intend yo bring 3 defenders in.
That communication could cost the club a few million because clubs instantly put their asking price up thinking we’re desperate.
Also if we only bring in 2 defenders instead of 3, fans won’t be happy we’ve bought 2 defenders they’ll be questioning why we missed out on the 3rd defender.

Selles might communicate he’s learnt that you can’t play expansive football so will be more defensive,
Fans will then complain he’s accepted his style has failed, he’s changing style of play so is incompetent or if we’re doing defensive we may as well have Wilder back.

A club that communicates simple Birmingham City

 

[MartBlade]

I doubt (m)any fans that are begrudging the lack of comms from the owners want them to go into specific details around transfer targets or budgets.
Nor wish for a regular update beyond annual.


To my mind, they need to bring some football intelligence into the Board room and have a spokesperson to address their customers.
It really isn't a big ask given they're running a football club.

Exactly right

 

[Sean Thornton]

A club that communicates simple Birmingham City

Fan Communication or pure PR for the club?

 

[Bladesman]

Fan Communication or pure PR for the club?

We need Helmey chatting utter shit like Tom Brady does.

 

[MartBlade]

If you had experience you’d find that giving substance just gives fans ammunition to attack.
Also communication also gives ammunition to criticise.

You find with most clubs and most businesses, communication regards important stuff is kept to a minimum.
Name a local club that communicates? There isn’t any.

Regards change of manager. They’ll probably say they weren’t happy about certain aspects of Sheff Utd culture and wanted to make their own stamp.
The support and excess power of any manager is massively worrying, the fact that people support Wilder over Sheff Utd highlights there was a problem.

However it would be unwise to say that….as sone people would twist it and say it was attack against the fans.
Then before you know it you get mass protests about something that’s been mis understood,

Basically they want to take the club forward….not stuck in little Sheffielder Blady Blade mentality.
Also there were loads of fans not wanting the PL last season,,,,if the fans lack ambition then it puts owners off.

Not sure what “experience” you’re referring to … but most public-facing businesses work very hard on a communication strategy and often pay whole departments to ensure they get their message across.
In a business that relies almost entirely on “customers” deciding to watch, it’s pretty crucial that they ensure the customers feel engaged. It’s not like we’re lacking decent outlets … we even have our own TV channel … unfortunately we just don’t seem to have a director or senior officer capable of facing a basic Q&A session…. or presenting a glimpse of the Business Plan.

 

[robbiez666]

Not sure what “experience” you’re referring to … but most public-facing businesses work very hard on a communication strategy and often pay whole departments to ensure they get their message across.
In a business that relies almost entirely on “customers” deciding to watch, it’s pretty crucial that they ensure the customers feel engaged. It’s not like we’re lacking decent outlets … we even have our own TV channel … unfortunately we just don’t seem to have a director or senior officer capable of facing a basic Q&A session…. or presenting a glimpse of the Business Plan.

We just post stuff on our website for no one to read. Like the safe standing. That should be a good news story for the new owners but...........

 

[Youngand70]

Genuine question… do you have examples of other clubs who have DoF that publicly state the “plan” to their fans? What exactly are you hoping to hear?

Quite obviously fans shouldn't be party to transfer funds available, but having said that other clubs are aware that we have just pulled in approximately £20M in sales and we have parachute payments.

As for other clubs I suggest you look at fan engagement/communication regarding their "PLANS" at Birmingham City, Wrexham and Villa all of whom have Directors of Football. I have no doubt there are others. On a much larger scale, at a club I visit several times every season Bayern Munich, part of their club "strategy" is a fan "engagement strategy" involving over 100 supporters clubs around the world. Then again they are a big club on the world stage unlike us we are no where near a big club on the English stage.

There needs to be a wake up call that there is a "real football world" outside the Sheffield city boundary and we stop being a big city football club with a small town mentality forever taking one step forward and two steps back from my 63 years experience.

 

[Youngand70]

The DOF is a hole that is now bigger than the CB position. Its not about replacing Bettis as CEO its bringing in a resource to complement him relieving the workload and improving the recruitment and contractual process. A DOF or Sporting Director can sit alongside a CEO responsible for football matters including sports science, medical rehabilitation the academy all football recruitment and contract negotiations including building relationships with agents ,the womens football team. It needs to be an experienced operator who preferably has a football background and a track record of carrying out the role. Some former players such as Leigh Bromby who now has his own football recruitment company have been very successful in this role.

This allows time for the CEO to manage the whole of the business operation and concentrate on delivering the owners business plan covering sustainability, financial planning in line with PSR requirements and such issues as ground improvements and health and safety.

This enables speed of decision making informed football advice and the ability to react to changing circumstances not least when results on the field are impacting revenue streams. Communication is important but should not be solely at the door of the SD. In fact this structure allows Bettis more time and another session with Rob Staton to discuss COH's approach to SUFC would be helpful.

The reality is whilst you keep the supporters in the dark and they can see failings on and off the field they will vote with their feet affecting the viability of the Club. Its not about paying lip service to supporter communication though the likes of FAB its setting out the owners vision which includes an improved off field structure. Yes an DOF/SD is an additional cost but much more will be lost if the club drift down the table and yesterdays second half aberration becomes the norm

Excellent post but you may need to translate it into dinosaur language for the benefit of some.

 

[Tony_Kaufman]

Said it for a while now. We need a DoF to replace Bettis. Bettis couldn't order a dessert in a dessert bar. All of our transfer business for getting players in has dramatically dragged on since he took over as the man involved in making the deals. This has been going on for more than just this summer. He is terrible at getting things done and we've heard the same excuses made by Hecky and Wilder to cover for him, and now it seems that Selles is being undermined by his ineffectiveness. Players sales done quickly, now Bettis is your man. Screwing up contracts. Bettis is your man.

 

[McGrath]

Said it for a while now. We need a DoF to replace Bettis. Bettis couldn't order a dessert in a dessert bar. All of our transfer business for getting players in has dramatically dragged on since he took over as the man involved in making the deals. This has been going on for more than just this summer. He is terrible at getting things done and we've heard the same excuses made by Hecky and Wilder to cover for him, and now it seems that Selles is being undermined by his ineffectiveness. Players sales done quickly, now Bettis is your man. Screwing up contracts. Bettis is your man.

I don't think that's Bettis job

 

[Scoips]

The DOF is a hole that is now bigger than the CB position. Its not about replacing Bettis as CEO its bringing in a resource to complement him relieving the workload and improving the recruitment and contractual process. A DOF or Sporting Director can sit alongside a CEO responsible for football matters including sports science, medical rehabilitation the academy all football recruitment and contract negotiations including building relationships with agents ,the womens football team. It needs to be an experienced operator who preferably has a football background and a track record of carrying out the role. Some former players such as Leigh Bromby who now has his own football recruitment company have been very successful in this role.

This allows time for the CEO to manage the whole of the business operation and concentrate on delivering the owners business plan covering sustainability, financial planning in line with PSR requirements and such issues as ground improvements and health and safety.

This enables speed of decision making informed football advice and the ability to react to changing circumstances not least when results on the field are impacting revenue streams. Communication is important but should not be solely at the door of the SD. In fact this structure allows Bettis more time and another session with Rob Staton to discuss COH's approach to SUFC would be helpful.

The reality is whilst you keep the supporters in the dark and they can see failings on and off the field they will vote with their feet affecting the viability of the Club. Its not about paying lip service to supporter communication though the likes of FAB its setting out the owners vision which includes an improved off field structure. Yes an DOF/SD is an additional cost but much more will be lost if the club drift down the table and yesterdays second half aberration becomes the norm

This is absolutely spot on. We desperately need a DOF and I almost feel as if Bettis thinks he's it. We don't know the exact internal workings but the one constant in the last 4 or 5 years (under 4 managers) of really poor approaches to transfer windows and the glacial pace of acquisitions is Bettis. I do wonder whether he has got more involved in the transfer side of things because he isn't that comfortable or competent at being a CEO. The management of the 'whole of the business operation' has been poor for years - commercially, we are totally inept - and the approaches of clubs like Birmingham and Wrexham will demonstrate how much further behind we are. Maybe I'm being harsh and its just a lack of resources in these key management positions, but whatever the problem is, it needs sorting PDQ.

 

[Sean Thornton]

This is absolutely spot on. We desperately need a DOF and I almost feel as if Bettis thinks he's it. We don't know the exact internal workings but the one constant in the last 4 or 5 years (under 4 managers) of really poor approaches to transfer windows and the glacial pace of acquisitions is Bettis. I do wonder whether he has got more involved in the transfer side of things because he isn't that comfortable or competent at being a CEO. The management of the 'whole of the business operation' has been poor for years - commercially, we are totally inept - and the approaches of clubs like Birmingham and Wrexham will demonstrate how much further behind we are. Maybe I'm being harsh and its just a lack of resources in these key management positions, but whatever the problem is, it needs sorting PDQ.

Carl Schieber.

 

[McGrath]

This is absolutely spot on. We desperately need a DOF and I almost feel as if Bettis thinks he's it. We don't know the exact internal workings but the one constant in the last 4 or 5 years (under 4 managers) of really poor approaches to transfer windows and the glacial pace of acquisitions is Bettis. I do wonder whether he has got more involved in the transfer side of things because he isn't that comfortable or competent at being a CEO. The management of the 'whole of the business operation' has been poor for years - commercially, we are totally inept - and the approaches of clubs like Birmingham and Wrexham will demonstrate how much further behind we are. Maybe I'm being harsh and its just a lack of resources in these key management positions, but whatever the problem is, it needs sorting PDQ.

Have you heard a Bettis interview. That's absolutely not what Bettis thinks he is at all.

A triumph for Bettis is getting a 5 star food hygiene rating in the John Street Executive suites or negotiating a new stewarding contract at a cheaper rate

 

[Youngand70]

Have you heard a Bettis interview. That's absolutely not what Bettis thinks he is at all.

A triumph for Bettis is getting a 5 star food hygiene rating in the John Street Executive suites or negotiating a new stewarding contract at a cheaper rate

Wooppee

 

[Youngand70]

Prince = Absentee owner = Bettis to much power

COH = Absentee owners = Bettis still to much power

 

[Blades1971]

Forget DOF for the time being. 2 CB are a must. You don't need to be a DOF to see the problems.
Also do some of the player's are kicking against change??
Change is definitely needed for today's football

 

[McGrath]

Prince = Absentee owner = Bettis to much power

COH = Absentee owners = Bettis still to much power

Bettis oversees a very large commercial business in the city of Sheffield (Sheffield United)

He ensures the smooth running of it all. The idea he's sat in the shadows undermining the first team management is ridiculous and shows no understanding of what his role is at all

 

[Bell4]

Said it for a while now. We need a DoF to replace Bettis. Bettis couldn't order a dessert in a dessert bar. All of our transfer business for getting players in has dramatically dragged on since he took over as the man involved in making the deals. This has been going on for more than just this summer. He is terrible at getting things done and we've heard the same excuses made by Hecky and Wilder to cover for him, and now it seems that Selles is being undermined by his ineffectiveness. Players sales done quickly, now Bettis is your man. Screwing up contracts. Bettis is your man.

Bettis will have to work with the budget -or lack of it - or when it is deemed to be on stream he is given / has to juggle .

Last season he oversaw one of the best tw we have had - between opening day and end of August he recruited some real gems having to work within the framework provided by the Prince who wanted out and other competing teams .

Be a bit more respectful and have some facts to back up insults .

 

[Youngand70]

Bettis oversees a very large commercial business in the city of Sheffield (Sheffield United)

He ensures the smooth running of it all. The idea he's sat in the shadows undermining the first team management is ridiculous and shows no understanding of what his role is at all

Thank you so much for your "Bettis lesson" I am also aware of where Sheffield United are located - in Sheffield fancy that, have you a degree in geography?

Having worked in higher management for many years and later running my own business I also am aware of many of the responsibilities of a CEO. So kindly don't insult my intelligence. I've been Blade for 63 years so I have experienced all the ups and downs. The club desperately needs to "modernise" and restructure to catch up not only with Premier League clubs but with many in the Championship. Having an ambition to be an established "Premier League club" is great but you've got to be capable of delivering that ambition both on and off the field.

One constant in the ongoing stagnation of the club is Bettis. He showed this last year with his negative stance on the club having a Director of Football and if you hadn't noticed we still haven't got one. Plus an ongoing, far from efficient recruitment system. He came to the club 10 years ago in the McCabe era and was a mutual friend of McCabe's son Simon, jobs for the boys me thinks.
He is an accountant, and is also involved in real estate, investment and development. No sign of any previous football experience especially at a higher level. His 3 years as CEO in the Premier League included 2 relegations.

What the club needs is a proactive CEO with vision, drive and a strong ambition to deliver and communicate the clubs strategy towards the end goal of being established in the Premier League. Someone with previous high level footballing experience would be a bonus.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Thank you so much for your "Bettis lesson" I am also aware of where Sheffield United are located - in Sheffield fancy that, have you a degree in geography?

Having worked in higher management for many years and later running my own business I also am aware of many of the responsibilities of a CEO. So kindly don't insult my intelligence. I've been Blade for 63 years so I have experienced all the ups and downs. The club desperately needs to "modernise" and restructure to catch up not only with Premier League clubs but with many in the Championship. Having an ambition to be an established "Premier League club" is great but you've got to be capable of delivering that ambition both on and off the field.

One constant in the ongoing stagnation of the club is Bettis. He showed this last year with his negative stance on the club having a Director of Football and if you hadn't noticed we still haven't got one. Plus an ongoing, far from efficient recruitment system. He came to the club 10 years ago in the McCabe era and was a mutual friend of McCabe's son Simon, jobs for the boys me thinks.
He is an accountant, and is also involved in real estate, investment and development. No sign of any previous football experience especially at a higher level. His 3 years as CEO in the Premier League included 2 relegations.

What the club needs is a proactive CEO with vision, drive and a strong ambition to deliver and communicate the clubs strategy towards the end goal of being established in the Premier League. Someone with previous high level footballing experience would be a bonus.

Bettis isn’t the only constant. We have Carl Schieber as Head of Football Recruitment who l believe is involved with contractual matters. Both employees who do the owners bidding. This isn’t a huge PLC with thousands of shareholders voting for a board at an AGM.

You need a “football man” as DOF but a businessman ideally as CEO.

Clever take on the “no DOF”statement from Bettis. It was March 2024 when CW was in charge. A man vehemently opposed to a DOF. Would you with all your experience been pushing to put someone in over Wilders head?

 

[vegleeds]

I know we've all been affected by Saturday's result but can we try to remain polite when we post rather than getting totally unnecessary 'digs' in.

 

[Ricardo Mantelban]

Prince = Absentee owner = Bettis to much power

COH = Absentee owners = Bettis still to much power

too much

 

[drblade]

So, their plan is to only sign young cheap players backed by data, is it? Because that sound like a recipe for relegation.

You don't need a DoF to speak to the press every week. But there needs to be regular communication with the fans. We have a statement when they bought it and a statement over the management change.

They've not explained why they've changes the manager, which leaves fans unhappy as we saw yesterday. Fans see p;ayers being sold and nothing being spent and they're unhappy.

They need to manage expectations, explain what they're trying to do and support the coach who is essentially being thrown to the wolves at the moment.

All we've had is a few short statements with little substance.

The vacuum is only causing fan unhappiness. Fans who are the customers of their business.

 

[drblade]

One constant in the ongoing stagnation of the club is Bettis. He showed this last year with his negative stance on the club having a Director of Football and if you hadn't noticed we still haven't got one. Plus an ongoing, far from efficient recruitment system. He came to the club 10 years ago in the McCabe era and was a mutual friend of McCabe's son Simon, jobs for the boys me thinks.
He is an accountant, and is also involved in real estate, investment and development. No sign of any previous football experience especially at a higher level. His 3 years as CEO in the Premier League included 2 relegations.

What the club needs is a proactive CEO with vision, drive and a strong ambition to deliver and communicate the clubs strategy towards the end goal of being established in the Premier League. Someone with previous high level footballing experience would be a bonus.

This ^^

 

[OLDBLADE43]

Bettis will have to work with the budget -or lack of it - or when it is deemed to be on stream he is given / has to juggle .

Last season he oversaw one of the best tw we have had - between opening day and end of August he recruited some real gems having to work within the framework provided by the Prince who wanted out and other competing teams .

Be a bit more respectful and have some facts to back up insults .

The main fact is we sold two important players without having replacements already lined up!

 

[Bell4]

The main fact is we sold two important players without having replacements already lined up!

How do we know that there aren’t players lined up ? Who says so ?

We replaced Souza and had more time to do so . Anel only left last week .

 

[YES Blade]

The main fact is we sold two important players without having replacements already lined up!

We have got players lined up hence the Godfrey, Seol and Zatterstrom rumours. But like any transfer it’s going to take a bit of time, it’s never going to be a case of selling a player one day and the next day his replacement walks straight through the door.

 

[OLDBLADE43]

We have got players lined up hence the Godfrey, Seol and Zatterstrom rumours. But like any transfer it’s going to take a bit of time, it’s never going to be a case of selling a player one day and the next day his replacement walks straight through the door.

What I really mean is lined up to sign within 24 hours not 24 days or whatever

 

[OLDBLADE43]

We have got players lined up hence the Godfrey, Seol and Zatterstrom rumours. But like any transfer it’s going to take a bit of time, it’s never going to be a case of selling a player one day and the next day his replacement walks straight through the door.

Why not?

 

[Jan Age]

We lost a game of football … one game … in a full season … that’s going to happen … I’m more interested in where we are at at the end of the trf window … at that point we can judge the owners