Fine margins.....

[Torrix1889]

Nigel summed up our fate over the next 14 days in 2 words.....fine margins....come Monday 2nd February the following could have happened;

• Into the final of the Carling Cup
• Into the 5th round of the FA Cup
• Victory over league leaders Swindon at home
• Transfer Window "slams shut" (copyright Jim White SSN) with us capturing 2 or 3 quality signings to boost our promotion push

Or......

• Out of the Carling Cup after a humiliating 2-leg defeat
• Out of the FA Cup after a lack-lustre performance at Deepdale
• Heavy home defeat to pacesetters and goal hungry Swindon
• No signings, relying once again on the loan window

It could of course be a combination of the two. Lets be realistic though, the cup win at QPR apart the second scenario, with our current form and our history of a complete inability to do decent business in the transfer windows, is a distinct possibility.

So, in less than a fortnight we could be flying with a re-energised squad or it literally could be season over.....such are those fine margins Nigel refers to.

Good luck with the next 2 weeks Nigel, I think you are going to need it.

 

[SwissBlade]

our history of a complete inability to do decent business in the transfer windows

Don't want to detract too much from your post, but if you look at recent history and Mr Cloughs history, last January we did pretty well in the January window...

 

[Kenilworth]

I'm confident this week that it will be the former









Am I fuck........

 

[grafikhaus]

The only reason it's come down to 'fine margins' is our complete lack of acceptable League form. We've got away with it so far - clinging to 5th, 6th, 7th place despite our shocking run. Expect reality to kick in over the next fortnight.

Clubs like Swindon and Bristol aren't shitting it about 'fine margins', 'buying in the JTW' etc. They're on the right track and only need fine-tuning over the next 3 months.

It should never have come to 'fine margins'.

 

[dingledog]

I think a reality check might well be needed. The Spurs games are the wrong way round for us to have a realistic chance. I think on a one game basis we could well have created a shock, in two games, with first leg at Spurs, I don't give us much hope. Deepdale could well be very embarrassing, but in same league, beat them two weeks ago, who knows. Swindon, lost 5-0 at their place and they are heading for promotion. With our current squad I'm not optimistic. Cup games apart I think we have been awful this season, some of the poorest football Ive seen from a Blades side in my 56 years of excruciating agony of supporting them.

Why do I carry on going? Its in your blood and I have some great friends through supporting the Blades. Which means logic has nothing to do with it.

 

[grafikhaus]

I think a reality check might well be needed. The Spurs games are the wrong way round for us to have a realistic chance.

Au contraire. Despite every bit of logic saying otherwise, I actually fancy us on Wednesday! Spurs, despite saying otherwise, will be considering it an easy game. With both eyes firmly on a top four finish, I think they'll decide to rest some key players. If the tie doesn't go their way, they can 'wheel out the big guns' for the return leg.

 

[SwissBlade]

Au contraire. Despite every bit of logic saying otherwise, I actually fancy us on Wednesday! Spurs, despite saying otherwise, will be considering it an easy game. With both eyes firmly on a top four finish, I think they'll decide to rest some key players. If the tie doesn't go their way, they can 'wheel out the big guns' for the return leg.

For that reason I'm kind of hoping for a draw or a 1-0 defeat for us... Then bringing em back to the lane to scare them shitless!

 

[boo radley]

I think a reality check might well be needed. The Spurs games are the wrong way round for us to have a realistic chance. I think on a one game basis we could well have created a shock, in two games, with first leg at Spurs, I don't give us much hope. Deepdale could well be very embarrassing, but in same league, beat them two weeks ago, who knows. Swindon, lost 5-0 at their place and they are heading for promotion. With our current squad I'm not optimistic. Cup games apart I think we have been awful this season, some of the poorest football Ive seen from a Blades side in my 56 years of excruciating agony of supporting them.

Why do I carry on going? Its in your blood and I have some great friends through supporting the Blades. Which means logic has nothing to do with it.

I added a like for you as I Think in general your post is great.
What I would like you to think about is the bit about "some of the worst in 56 years". Do you not think it is more frustrating than bad football? I've been through the mire from the 70s till now and we've had loads more crap football in many a relegation season than this. I think we've created loads of good positions this season then it falls down around the box. That is what i find so frustrating. In recent memory the stuff we were playing when we got relegated from the championship was worse and around the time Wilson got sacked and at the start of last season under Wier.

 

[Blade56]

Difference between us and Bristol/Swindon is fine margins/breathing space

 

[Esablade]

Fine margins might well be Nigel's epitaph...last season we just on the right side of a lot of them, this season, not so...it's very frustrating but I think some of the football has been pretty good TBH.

We simply don't have the firepower...

 

[Torrix1889]

Au contraire. Despite every bit of logic saying otherwise, I actually fancy us on Wednesday! Spurs, despite saying otherwise, will be considering it an easy game. With both eyes firmly on a top four finish, I think they'll decide to rest some key players. If the tie doesn't go their way, they can 'wheel out the big guns' for the return leg.

And au contraire again.....Spurs will see this as, in reality, their only chance of success this season. It's unlikely they will finish top 4 and there's a long way to go in the FA Cup....after watching us v QPR they wont take us lightly so I can see a full-strength Spurs side for the first-leg with the target a crushing defeat to leave the second leg pretty much meaningless..

 

[Bladesman]

Nigel summed up our fate over the next 14 days in 2 words.....fine margins....come Monday 2nd February the following could have happened;

• Into the final of the Carling Cup
• Into the 5th round of the FA Cup
• Victory over league leaders Swindon at home
• Transfer Window "slams shut" (copyright Jim White SSN) with us capturing 2 or 3 quality signings to boost our promotion push

Or......

• Out of the Carling Cup after a humiliating 2-leg defeat
• Out of the FA Cup after a lack-lustre performance at Deepdale
• Heavy home defeat to pacesetters and goal hungry Swindon
• No signings, relying once again on the loan window

It could of course be a combination of the two. Lets be realistic though, the cup win at QPR apart the second scenario, with our current form and our history of a complete inability to do decent business in the transfer windows, is a distinct possibility.

So, in less than a fortnight we could be flying with a re-energised squad or it literally could be season over.....such are those fine margins Nigel refers to.

Good luck with the next 2 weeks Nigel, I think you are going to need it.

I expect the last few bullet points to happen.

 

[Kenilworth]

Having the first leg at their place is better, provided we are not too far away at the end of it.
If it was the other way around and we had a victory at BL in the first leg I would be very concerned about holding Spurs at bay on their own patch in a second leg - think back to the last League Cup semi we were in, won the first leg at home but couldn't withstand the pressure on the return at Anfield. It would be very similar this time around - the Prem club looking to reach a final, at home, only having to overturn a 1 goal deficit.

Far, far better that we have the chance at Bramall Lane in the second leg, something to hold on to or something to go for as the kop can make a huge difference in that scenario - but of course it is dependent on us not getting stuffed at WHL on Wednesday evening.

I am not confident about our goal scoring prowess but we can be very difficult to beat when we apply ourselves to the tactics and formation we adopt in the cup games. If we can maintain the same level of discipline over the two legs and we have the fitness to cover it then I think we have an outside chance.

Expect Bash to be back at CH on Weds now his suspension is over - we need the height back there if we are to withstand the pressure in North London

 

[Revolution]

Having the first leg at their place is better, provided we are not too far away at the end of it.
If it was the other way around and we had a victory at BL in the first leg I would be very concerned about holding Spurs at bay on their own patch in a second leg - think back to the last League Cup semi we were in, won the first leg at home but couldn't withstand the pressure on the return at Anfield. It would be very similar this time around - the Prem club looking to reach a final, at home, only having to overturn a 1 goal deficit.

Far, far better that we have the chance at Bramall Lane in the second leg, something to hold on to or something to go for as the kop can make a huge difference in that scenario - but of course it is dependent on us not getting stuffed at WHL on Wednesday evening.

I am not confident about our goal scoring prowess but we can be very difficult to beat when we apply ourselves to the tactics and formation we adopt in the cup games. If we can maintain the same level of discipline over the two legs and we have the fitness to cover it then I think we have an outside chance.

Expect Bash to be back at CH on Weds now his suspension is over - we need the height back there if we are to withstand the pressure in North London

I agree with this. Much better to be at their place first.

Yes, we have little chance at WHL. But if by some miracle we do get a useful result in the first leg, it's better to be chasing a result or (unlikely I know) defending a lead at home.

FWIW, Every other time we've had a 2 leg tie against a top league side, we've been at home first. Our previous results:

1982 v Arsenal 1-0 at home, lost 0-2 away
1985 v Everton 2-2 at home, lost 0-4 away
1986 v Luton 1-2 at home, lost 1-3 away
1989 v Newcastle 3-0 at home, lost 0-2 away
2003 v Liverpool 2-1 home, lost 0-2 away

Some creditable results at home, but we only held on once in the away leg. This proves nothing of course, but I bet Spurs would rather be at home second.

 

[Pinchy]

I expect the last few bullet points to happen.

Of course you do. It's the Bladesfans' Way. A nice smug inferiority complex.

We heard much the same before the games against Villa, Fulham, WHU, QPR and Southampton.

Still someone will hammer us one day and we can all wallow in it.

 

[blade too long]

And au contraire again.....Spurs will see this as, in reality, their only chance of success this season. It's unlikely they will finish top 4 and there's a long way to go in the FA Cup....after watching us v QPR they wont take us lightly so I can see a full-strength Spurs side for the first-leg with the target a crushing defeat to leave the second leg pretty much meaningless..

easy to target a big first home leg win , doing it however

Im sure Aston Villa were only too aware how Bradford City had beaten a few top side when they met over 2 legs didnt quite get to grips though did they

Spurs are the side under pressure of expectation, we go in as devil may care free spirits , its what makes us dangerous

 

[Kenilworth]

Of course you do. It's the Bladesfans' Way. A nice smug inferiority complex.

It's not really a complex after 4 years in this shit league - we are actually inferior - otherwise we wouldn't have already lost 8 games compared to Swindon's 4 defeats and Brizzles 3.

Of course someone will hammer us one day and we can all wallow in it.

Yep, still seething about a 4-0 away defeat in March 2013 at Stevenage - fucking Stevenage!
...and 5-2 this season at those Giants from Swindon

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Nigel summed up our fate over the next 14 days in 2 words.....fine margins....come Monday 2nd February the following could have happened;

• Into the final of the Carling Cup
• Into the 5th round of the FA Cup
• Victory over league leaders Swindon at home
• Transfer Window "slams shut" (copyright Jim White SSN) with us capturing 2 or 3 quality signings to boost our promotion push

Or......

• Out of the Carling Cup after a humiliating 2-leg defeat
• Out of the FA Cup after a lack-lustre performance at Deepdale
• Heavy home defeat to pacesetters and goal hungry Swindon
• No signings, relying once again on the loan window

It could of course be a combination of the two. Lets be realistic though, the cup win at QPR apart the second scenario, with our current form and our history of a complete inability to do decent business in the transfer windows, is a distinct possibility.

So, in less than a fortnight we could be flying with a re-energised squad or it literally could be season over.....such are those fine margins Nigel refers to.

Good luck with the next 2 weeks Nigel, I think you are going to need it.

Fine Margins usually laments a poor result , when losing . This was mentioned on many occasions by Sami Hypia , Brighton and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , Cardiff City .

Fine Margins , can mask a multitude of sins ,and it is funny when a team is struggling , the context of Fine Margins is used , but never when you are winning.

Even Jose Mourinho uses the phrase now and again , after they have not won , but i would take the number of times Chelski don't win , for the blades any day.

Fine Margins = Excuse = Poor Result.

UTB

 

[longinthe toothblade]

I'm confident this week that it will be the former









Am I fuck........

Quote of the day - well done!

 

[Kenilworth]

Fine Margins usually laments a poor result , when losing . This was mentioned on many occasions by Sami Hypia , Brighton and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , Cardiff City .

Fine Margins , can mask a multitude of sins ,and it is funny when a team is struggling , the context of Fine Margins is used , but never when you are winning.

Even Jose Mourinho uses the phrase now and again , after they have not won , but i would take the number of times Chelski don't win , for the blades any day.

Fine Margins = Excuse = Poor Result.

UTB

as in ..... "That's another fine margin you have got me into"


followed by the players exiting the pitch to the Laurel and Hardy theme tune

 

[Harry's Game]

Here something that isn't a fine margin...

18 POINTS AWAY FROM THE TOP TWO.

 

[wizadry]

Still someone will hammer us one day and we can all wallow in it.

The thing is Pinchers we aren't going to get many hammerings if any at all 'atm' as we don't play with enough adventure to allow this to happen,so don't let that worry you mate

 

[Gavlar]

Difference between us and Bristol/Swindon is fine margins/breathing space

Difference between us and Bristol is they play Rugby.......................Bristol City on the other hand........)

 

[mattbianco1]

Au contraire. Despite every bit of logic saying otherwise, I actually fancy us on Wednesday! Spurs, despite saying otherwise, will be considering it an easy game. With both eyes firmly on a top four finish, I think they'll decide to rest some key players. If the tie doesn't go their way, they can 'wheel out the big guns' for the return leg.

To be fair. A 3rd string Spurs should comfortably beat us 3-0 or more.

If we come back 1 or 2 behind I'll be chuffed and we can got t'Lane with some hope

 

[Jonboy60]

To be fair. A 3rd string Spurs should comfortably beat us 3-0 or more.

If we come back 1 or 2 behind I'll be chuffed and we can got t'Lane with some hope

What do we reckon the minimum deficit to be for there to be a near enough full house in second leg. Personally think we will draw, but 2-0/2-1 loss should see a full house me thinks. Or maybe sold out before 1st leg, rendering my post surplus to requirements.

 

[grafikhaus]

To be fair. A 3rd string Spurs should comfortably beat us 3-0 or more.

Ditto Southampton. Ditto West Ham. That's the beauty of football. Last week, Soton beat a tasty (3rd in Championship) Ipswich and made them look mugs, yet we beat the Saints comfortably.

For now, let's dream. Before the stern reality of Third Division football returns.

 

[mattbianco1]

What do we reckon the minimum deficit to be for there to be a near enough full house in second leg. Personally think we will draw, but 2-0/2-1 loss should see a full house me thinks. Or maybe sold out before 1st leg, rendering my post surplus to requirements.

I've been saying those scores all along. If its a deficit of 2 or less it will be a full house. But after I looked at tickets available on the web it appears we're heading for 27/28k anyway

 

[boo radley]

Here something that isn't a fine margin...

18 POINTS AWAY FROM THE TOP TWO.

Fuck the league, WIN A CUP.