Are we still allowed to be negative after a 3-0 win?

[Darthblade]

Money still in the coffers , Mr Clough has been canny . He has evaluated how the summer signings have progressed and will build on this .

The January transfer window , i feel will bring in 3no top quality players , which will slot straight in to a promotion chasing team . The right players at the right time , can give us automatic promotion . The season starts in January , and sorts out the men from the boys .

UTB

The season actually starts in August and if we had adequately replaced Maguire, and Brayford, brought in a midfield general who spent more time on the pitch than the treatment table and signed two decent strikers who could score regularly at this level we WOULD have been currently ripping this shit division a new one ......
UTB & FTP

 

[Darthblade]

I think we are safe in the knowledge that nobody from the board will read our utterings!

And if they did they would take f**k all notice anyway. After all, we're just the supporters who come and pay every week to watch and support the team, what do we matter ?
UTB & FTP

 

[Fulwood Blade]

On the other hand... Just as our cup run last season fired us up the table, a walloping v. Soton could really inflict damage on an already-fragile squad.

Yes, you are absolutely correct - and there you have the difference between glass half full and glass half empty.

If we win, the club WILL go bonkers - if we lose, there is no evidence to suggest the squad will have damage inflicted at all - just speculation and conjecture. As a fan you should expect the management team (and bear in mind it's a relatively new management team) to prove to the fans there it won't effect the squad at all. You should have a tad more faith in the manager and his team.

Interested to know on what basis the squad is fragile?

UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I know that I'm cynical old bas**rd but I will believe this talk of signings in January when I'm stood in the cold at the Preston game and having them introduced to me shortly before we kick off !!

I've heard of these signings so many times over the last 40 years that I treat them like stories about Unicorns ......
UTB & FTP

Best thing to do is keep your powder dry until February 1st 2015, although if there are no signings then think this forum will go into meltdown!

The danger of any signing is half the forum will immediate describe them as shit, crap, useless, slow, old, never done owt where he's been........Basham and Mcnulty spring immediately to mind.

We have to sign at least one Centre half as Mccarthy should go back (bloody hope so).

UTB

 

[Darthblade]

Best thing to do is keep your powder dry until February 1st 2015, although if there are no signings then think this forum will go into meltdown!

The danger of any signing is half the forum will immediate describe them as shit, crap, useless, slow, old, never done owt where he's been........Basham and Mcnulty spring immediately to mind.

We have to sign at least one Centre half as Mccarthy should go back (bloody hope so).

UTB

Fair point ..... but if there is ANY truth in the "money available for signings" rumour, a prudent manager would be doing the "leg work" now and ensuring that it was just the signatures on the paperwork needed at 00:01 on 1st January.

OMHO, we need a major squad refresh in January to have any chance of competing in the top 6 this year and we need a CH, CM and two pacey strikers at least. I agree with you about McCarthy, he's a carthorse who can't pass a ball and no wonder there's no rapport in the defence when he doesn't train with us. I would drop him now and play Basham with McEvely.
UTB & FTP

 

[Woodwardfan]

And if they did they would take f**k all notice anyway. After all, we're just the supporters who come and pay every week to watch and support the team, what do we matter ?
UTB & FTP

I hesitate, but I'll say it- but they are the ones who put the millions in, for whatever reason. Our stake is of course more emotional than fiscal, but everything is relative, of course it is.

We invest our hard earned cash every year out of not very much. We are so intense and distraught when things go wrong. Just imagine having invested tens of millions and getting relegated from the Prem that day on goal difference, when the current third team in the Prem cheated and got away with it. Just imagine looking at them now and us now, having had to give away half your shares and write off all the debt owed to you. Watching MOTD yesterday was hard for me never mind our half owner.

Their stake is not less than yours or mine Darth. McCabe is a Blade as well remember, no more or less than you.

Is there a smiley with a tin hat?

 

[Darthblade]

I hesitate, but I'll say it- but they are the ones who put the millions in, for whatever reason. Our stake is of course more emotional than fiscal, but everything is relative, of course it is.

We invest our hard earned cash every year out of not very much. We are so intense and distraught when things go wrong. Just imagine having invested tens of millions and getting relegated from the Prem that day on goal difference, when the current third team in the Prem cheated and got away with it. Just imagine looking at them now and us now, having had to give away half your shares and write off all the debt owed to you. Watching MOTD yesterday was hard for me never mind our half owner.

Their stake is not less than yours or mine Darth. McCabe is a Blade as well remember, no more or less than you.

Is there a smiley with a tin hat?

He he ..... I take your point on board BUT !! If you invest in a football club you don't do it with the expectation that you're going to get your money back. Not unless you have breadcrumbs between your ears. I've invested 50 years and a decent amount of money ( to me) in the Club and I think that qualifies me to pass judgement on some of the crap we've had sitting round our Boardroom table over the years. If we had been able to attract even one rich owner who wasn't completely thick regarding football matters, with the support we've had over the years we would be much better placed than we are. (imho)
UTB & FTP

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Fair point ..... but if there is ANY truth in the "money available for signings" rumour, a prudent manager would be doing the "leg work" now and ensuring that it was just the signatures on the paperwork needed at 00:01 on 1st January.

OMHO, we need a major squad refresh in January to have any chance of competing in the top 6 this year and we need a CH, CM and two pacey strikers at least. I agree with you about McCarthy, he's a carthorse who can't pass a ball and no wonder there's no rapport in the defence when he doesn't train with us. I would drop him now and play Basham with McEvely.
UTB & FTP

All I can repeat is what Clough said after the Plymouth game - players to be bought in the January window to go straight into the team. Now I doubt very much that NC would tell a blatant lie - absolutely no possible reason to doubt the intension, but that doesn't mean to say the players will drop down a division or two. If NC doesn't get exactly who he wants then am sure the club would actually take the flack from supporters rather than sign just anyone.

Mccarthy should go back and offers very little over someone like Basham, but Basham and Mceverly are far too inexperienced to play together all the time - we would get found out. To have any possibility of finishing top two, we can't afford stupid goals to be conceded. Personally I would like Basham and an experienced left sided CH. I am one of the few who like Basham in midfield but after seeing our formation on Saturday, we played virtually 3-5-2 as Flynn was a wing back most of the time. It seemed to work with Higdon and Mcnulty up top and with 5 in midfield, or with wing backs our play & tempo was much better than the 1st half.

As for the leg work - how do you know it isn't already in place? Any team would be stupid to pre-announce what was happening.

As for clear out, you are correct - am sure Utd will attempt to get rid of fringe players. The likes of Mcginn/Porter are not going to play and it would be unfair to keep them guessing. Problem is, we know how poor they are at this level so who would actually sign them? That's just another small problem we have whilst we are in the shit league.

UTB

 

[blade too long]

On the other hand... Just as our cup run last season fired us up the table, a walloping v. Soton could really inflict damage on an already-fragile squad.

or we win , but no , lets not even think its possible
itd be like saying mk dons could beat man utd 4-0 , ridiculous

 

[Fulwood Blade]

or we win , but no , lets not even think its possible
itd be like saying mk dons could beat man utd 4-0 , ridiculous

That's the spirit - positive jibes.............

What all Blades should remember about Soton, we don't actually have to win the game - any draw is possible (at home) plus penalties. Expect 4-6-0, and hey it worked last season in the cup.

UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

or vibes even........

 

[blade too long]

we can take the pluses , we are at home and our record v saints in fa cup finals is excellent

 

[Woodwardfan]

All I can repeat is what Clough said after the Plymouth game - players to be bought in the January window to go straight into the team. Now I doubt very much that NC would tell a blatant lie - absolutely no possible reason to doubt the intension, but that doesn't mean to say the players will drop down a division or two. If NC doesn't get exactly who he wants then am sure the club would actually take the flack from supporters rather than sign just anyone.

Mccarthy should go back and offers very little over someone like Basham, but Basham and Mceverly are far too inexperienced to play together all the time - we would get found out. To have any possibility of finishing top two, we can't afford stupid goals to be conceded. Personally I would like Basham and an experienced left sided CH. I am one of the few who like Basham in midfield but after seeing our formation on Saturday, we played virtually 3-5-2 as Flynn was a wing back most of the time. It seemed to work with Higdon and Mcnulty up top and with 5 in midfield, or with wing backs our play & tempo was much better than the 1st half.

As for the leg work - how do you know it isn't already in place? Any team would be stupid to pre-announce what was happening.

As for clear out, you are correct - am sure Utd will attempt to get rid of fringe players. The likes of Mcginn/Porter are not going to play and it would be unfair to keep them guessing. Problem is, we know how poor they are at this level so who would actually sign them? That's just another small problem we have whilst we are in the shit league.

UTB

3-5-2 for home games,my dreams are answered ! But Fulwood, why does that alter your view about Basham in midfield? He is better at the back though isn't he?

Also Flwd Blade Why do you keep saying McEveley and Basham are inexperienced. Both have played there many times before at a higher level. They should piss it in league 1.

As for the leg work translating into signings, we've been there recently and missed out on three last time. The Derby fan said on here that was a regular happening.

As far as we can within our limited contribution, let's keep the pressure on wherever it is felt.

 

[JasonEllis]

Didn't Nigel say "if" we brought players into the club in January that they would be to go straight into the team? I may be wrong but my impression was that it was not a certainty, just a possibility? For example, he mentioned that depending on how Flo continues his rehab it wouldn't be worth getting someone in of we had them here

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I know that I'm cynical old bas**rd but I will believe this talk of signings in January when I'm stood in the cold at the Preston game and having them introduced to me shortly before we kick off !!

I've heard of these signings so many times over the last 40 years that I treat them like stories about Unicorns ......
UTB & FTP

Apparently looking backwards and taking the history of selling on board is wrong, you need to grow a pair and put some ted and white tinted glasses on then you'll see how wonderful the January window will be.
e? I'm not holding my breath.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Ah yes !! ...... but of course when we get promoted there will be " Liverpool style investment "
UTB & FTP

Aren't most of em on benefits?

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I hesitate, but I'll say it- but they are the ones who put the millions in, for whatever reason. Our stake is of course more emotional than fiscal, but everything is relative, of course it is.

We invest our hard earned cash every year out of not very much. We are so intense and distraught when things go wrong. Just imagine having invested tens of millions and getting relegated from the Prem that day on goal difference, when the current third team in the Prem cheated and got away with it. Just imagine looking at them now and us now, having had to give away half your shares and write off all the debt owed to you. Watching MOTD yesterday was hard for me never mind our half owner.

Their stake is not less than yours or mine Darth. McCabe is a Blade as well remember, no more or less than you.

Is there a smiley with a tin hat?

The McCabe family have not only kept SUFC afloat , but without them we would have gone bust . The Blades would be playing at Don Valley Stadium or ground sharing . We have been actually took to the cleaners by previous chairmans and board , which has taken Mr McCabe to sort out by his own financial funding. The guy does not recognition or be seen as a messiah , all he wants is respect , which i feel he deserves . Mr McCabe is getting to an age where he actually doesn't need the hassle.

We all know Mr McCabe has made glaring mistakes in employing certain managers , which has moved us backwards , with the Tevez affair creating a cascade of which we are still recovering from.

Our stake may be emotional , but so is Mr McCabe and sons due to them being true fans .Emotion and business do not mix well especially in football , and all things SUFC.

We have the right team in Mr McCabe , Mr Prince and Mr Clough to move us forward . The pressure is on us all to get out of league 1 and with strengthening the side in January , with players already being targeted by Mr Clough , we will get promoted.

Also you would be surprised , who does read this forum , from the corridors of power at BDTBL.

UTB.

 

[Darthblade]

Aren't most of em on benefits?

I assumed that when I read about "Liverpool style investment" it meant that we would be stealing the players from other Clubs.
UTB & FTP

 

[Darthblade]

All I can repeat is what Clough said after the Plymouth game - players to be bought in the January window to go straight into the team. Now I doubt very much that NC would tell a blatant lie - absolutely no possible reason to doubt the intension, but that doesn't mean to say the players will drop down a division or two. If NC doesn't get exactly who he wants then am sure the club would actually take the flack from supporters rather than sign just anyone.

Mccarthy should go back and offers very little over someone like Basham, but Basham and Mceverly are far too inexperienced to play together all the time - we would get found out. To have any possibility of finishing top two, we can't afford stupid goals to be conceded. Personally I would like Basham and an experienced left sided CH. I am one of the few who like Basham in midfield but after seeing our formation on Saturday, we played virtually 3-5-2 as Flynn was a wing back most of the time. It seemed to work with Higdon and Mcnulty up top and with 5 in midfield, or with wing backs our play & tempo was much better than the 1st half.

As for the leg work - how do you know it isn't already in place? Any team would be stupid to pre-announce what was happening.

As for clear out, you are correct - am sure Utd will attempt to get rid of fringe players. The likes of Mcginn/Porter are not going to play and it would be unfair to keep them guessing. Problem is, we know how poor they are at this level so who would actually sign them? That's just another small problem we have whilst we are in the shit league.

UTB

I wouldn't have a problem with us playing 3 - 5 - 2, much rather that than the current 4 - 6 - 0 formation which I detest and I don't think works, hence our lack of goals and dropping stupid points all season so far.

I do think though, that Basham & McEvely can be ,more effective than McCarthy & McEvely though, because they train together so can form an understanding and of course Basham can pass a ball, unlike McCarthy. They are also both players who have played in the Division above, so should be able to cope.

I certainly don't expect us to sign "just anybody" and I certainly don't think we need to spend huge sums of money to get out of this crap Division, but we do need consistent performers at this level which we don't currently have many of.

The problem is that we need, regrettably, to pay the going rate for players we want because we are one of the few teams around who accept cut price offers for players. Other Clubs hold out for their valuation ( or close ) and give us the finger, whereas we seem doomed to be in the hands of 12 year old negotiators. Somebody offers us 10 bob, some shiny buttons and a promise of a friendly and we drop our drawers.

We shall see what January brings and I hope you are saying "I told you so " to me on here; but I'm not holding my breath. My guess is that on deadline day as the window is closing we will be hearing about how we missed out on our 3 top targets, the fax machine broke down etc ........... and we will still be bemoaning the need for 3 / 4 quality signings to get us nearer the playoffs
UTB & FTP

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Apparently looking backwards and taking the history of selling on board is wrong, you need to grow a pair and put some ted and white tinted glasses on then you'll see how wonderful the January window will be.
e? I'm not holding my breath.

Discussing the past is never wrong - thinking the future will automatically be the same as the past is wrong.

Remind me on Feb 1st, when I hope prevails as against and

UTB

 

[Darthblade]

We have the right team in Mr McCabe , Mr Prince and Mr Clough to move us forward . The pressure is on us all to get out of league 1 and with strengthening the side in January , with players already being targeted by Mr Clough , we will get promoted.

UTB.[/QUOTE]

I really do hope you're right in this assertion, as this is what we all want. Regrettably, the season so far has fallen dreadfully short of the standards we all expected and were led to expect by the trio you mention. This appears to have been due to a combination of shortfall in funding of the "ambition" and "sketchy" scouting, since some of the new recruits seem to fall into the quantity not quality category. I'm guessing that this has led to the 4 - 6 - 0 formation which is reviled by most Utd supporters and has resulted in us underachieving on a grand scale so far. Despite comments made to the contrary, this is a poor Division this year in terms of quality.

The opportunity is there on 01/01/2015 for this to be rectified and an attempt at this years playoffs to be mounted.

You also mention confidently " Also you would be surprised , who does read this forum , from the corridors of power at BDTBL." I really hope this is true as well, although I doubt it tbh. If that is the case then perhaps "they" can gauge the depth of feeling from ordinary supporters regarding various issues. I await the opening of the transfer window with "interested expectation" and if you're reading this Mr McCabe ( or others) get the fax machine fixed please !!
UTB & FTP