Vote of Confidence....

[robbiez666]

I don 't think Cough is the man to take us forward, but then again I don't see any point in sacking him unless there is someone better (and proven to be capable of taking teams out of this league) to step in straight away. If that person is available now, and will come, then it's a no brainer for me. They might not be free in summer/Christmas or whenever Clough is replaced.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Well summed up Bergen, theres more to it than assembling eleven randoms who appear to be decent players and getting them to kick a ball around.

Even if we don't go up this season I'm not sure if our chances of promotion next season will be better if we get someone else in. You don't sack managers to punish them for a bad season, you replace them if you lose faith in their ability to get it right next time.

There are a lot of reasons to expect the current squad to perform better next season. The valid excuse of many players having to settle in/gel at a poor time won't be there. I also expect Clough and the management to have learned a lot about what we've been lacking.

There are some big decisions to make regarding a couple of players. Signings must be identified early, weaknesses must be addressed. When this season is finished I'd expect Clough to give the board a detailed report on what's gone wrong (including his own mistakes) and how he plans to improve us.

I saw somebody mention that Clough and the rest are very much "old school" when it comes to match/performance analysis. I don't know if that's true, but if so that's an area for us to improve, and the same could go for our scouting.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Fulwood , i do agree that the debate should be at the end of the season. However the board are in a situation of they are dammed if they do , dammed if they don't scenario with the Clough debate . If it was anybody else with not having the name Clough , i think he would be out of the door . The board and fans aspirations , and i am sure his mandate was promotion . Nothing more , nothing less .

Whilst we are in the business end of the season , we should be consolidating with consistent performances and confidence for the final run in . The question is , are we finding our level now , of what we really are . Over achieving average league 1 side , who are going to tail off , with the promotion push and finish 7th / 8th .

We have no room for manoeuvre and point in the bag contingency , with a bit of breathing space , between us and the teams up and running behind us.

Although i am very pro Clough , i am beginning to fear the worst , and not seen anything in the last 4 games to change my mind. More negatives than positives , which will no doubt be discussed behind closed doors , in the board room , at some point in the future , if not already taken place.

In any form of business , this season , and inept performances can only be deemed to be unacceptable. Do we act now before its too late , that is the dilemma , the board have , and forget Morgan , the feel good factor , and he is a blade / ex captain / talisman , went from me long ago.

We are still 5th , but i doubt if we can regroup , what we have and getting , imo will not change . The players looked shot , and Clough and co have run out of ideas. We have a problem , but no solution .

UTB

For me it is very simple - it times of adversity, you go back to your strengths.

We all have our opinions about formations, but 4-3-3 & 4-5-1 works for us, 4-4-2 as demonstrated in the past 2 home games does not -we just don't have the 2 x CH and 2 x central midfield (ie: strong, uncompromising core) to make it work, coupled with a poor goal keeper.

Go back to OUR basics - I am glad we are away next game and have sold out for Scunny - it could be just what we need - oh, and NO Baxter - sorry.

I hope we get to the playoffs as we have 2 games away from home (assuming we make the final) - our problems are ALL at home.

UTB

 

[Blade56]

I think what Blade56 means is that there is often - although not always - an immediate positive effect when a new manager comes in.

What I do know is that there is no recorded instance of a distinctly average manager suddenly, after 16 months, finding the 'magic ingredient.' He's been given all the tools. The excuses are wearing thin.

I'll reiterate, sacking Clough now is not an option. He has - quite foolishly - been allowed to build his own empire and is now 'too big to fail.' We can only hope he swallows his pride and listens to the overwhelming clamour that is growing. Not holding my breath.

I've said earlier that there's bugger all out there who would guarantee returning us to the Championship. Just watched the serially-useless Ian Holloway explaining why Millwall have only won 5 home games out of the last 29.

'Stronger together. That's the club motto.'

Where do they find these arseholes? Do directors and boards not practice due diligence before handing these blokes the keys to the castle?

In short he and his name have become bigger than the club and that won't do.

Emperors clothes syndrome.

 

[Silent Blade]

For me it is very simple - it times of adversity, you go back to your strengths.

We all have our opinions about formations, but 4-3-3 & 4-5-1 works for us, 4-4-2 as demonstrated in the past 2 home games does not -we just don't have the 2 x CH and 2 x central midfield (ie: strong, uncompromising core) to make it work, coupled with a poor goal keeper.

Go back to OUR basics - I am glad we are away next game and have sold out for Scunny - it could be just hat we need - oh, and NO Baxter - sorry.

I hope we get to the playoffs as we have 2 games away from home (assuming we make the final) - our problems are ALL at home.

UTB

I am glad we are playing away in our next two matches.

 

[Kev Gee]

It would be crackers to sack him now. The autos are gone so getting in a replacement wouldn't improve our chances.

It would probably cause some of the players to rebel as well.

I would say let's see how the rest of this season goes. If we make the play offs I would give him another year.

Failure to even get in those would mean serious questions would need to be asked

 

[ghandi]

So we start to change the culture of the club from top to bottom for the first time in living memory and because it doesn't happen as quick as a Macadees drive thru' we bin it, God help us.

Yes but how long do you wait to find out it's the wrong culture?

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I am glad we are playing away in our next two matches.

well said - had forgotten Walsall - again, just what we need.

We are now looking over our shoulder, instead of look up, so we need to calm a few fans down and try and cement a play off place sooner rather than later.

Don't need the tension of last game syndrome of chezzer at home - if they don't make it themselves, they would love to fuck us up!

UTB

 

[Jonboy60]

Cloughs stubborn,( apparently, I have no evidence of this.) so can't see the ethos changing much. But let's be honest, with the resources at his disposal Brian the blade could/ should get us out of this league. It's a yes from me, but only until we go up, then assess the situation after that. I know you only wanted yes or no, but it's more complicated than that

 

[Revolution]

well said - had forgotten Walsall - again, just what we need.

We are now looking over our shoulder, instead of look up, so we need to calm a few fans down and try and cement a play off place sooner rather than later.

Don't need the tension of last game syndrome of chezzer at home - if they don't make it themselves, they would love to fuck us up!

UTB

Away games at Scunthorpe and Walsall are just what we need?

Must be a different Scunthorpe to the one we've not won at since the fifties.

 

[Blade56]

70 votes so far and it's close 47% vs 53% in favour of no confidence. Only thing I can take from that is the fan base (based on a very low sample) is split down the middle.

Some valid points re not letting go of one branch until you've got hold of another ie who would we look to as the next manager? Re all his backroom staff, that was a big contention when he left Derby, isn't automatic that when you sack a manger you sack his backroom staff? Can anyone recall a medioca manager suddenly coming good?

Think this comes down to the boards ambition.
Has the Prince taking a back seat condemned us to lingering in L1?
Is the pich that important or should investment be made in staff?
Is McCabe bothered as long as he is not losing money?
Are they bothered about losing 3/4,000 fans from the season ticket base?
Is the NFL more interesting and SauFC a distraction?

One things for sure there's going to be some lively debate on here every time we win or lose

 

[Fiery Blade]

I would suggest the 50 % + NO voters are the numpties that follow me around BDTBL
I believe in Nigel Clough - I just wish his players would grow some balls and fight for the cause !!

 

[Fiery Blade]

70 votes so far and it's close 47% vs 53% in favour of no confidence. Only thing I can take from that is the fan base (based on a very low sample) is split down the middle.

Some valid points re not letting go of one branch until you've got hold of another ie who would we look to as the next manager? Re all his backroom staff, that was a big contention when he left Derby, isn't automatic that when you sack a manger you sack his backroom staff? Can anyone recall a medioca manager suddenly coming good?

Think this comes down to the boards ambition.
Has the Prince taking a back seat condemned us to lingering in L1?
Is the pich that important or should investment be made in staff?
Is McCabe bothered as long as he is not losing money?
Are they bothered about losing 3/4,000 fans from the season ticket base?
Is the NFL more interesting and SauFC a distraction?

If the 3/4000 'season tickets fans' are the ones that consistantly moan and groan then BDTBL would be a far better place !

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Away games at Scunthorpe and Walsall are just what we need?

Must be a different Scunthorpe to the one we've not won at since the fifties.

and there lies the difference - you continue to carry the dark side in close attendance everywhere you go.

We are undefeated in the last 4 away from home.

Records are always there to be broken.

UTB

 

[dublin 10 blade]

Yes , and think it would be madness at this time of the season , after Mr Clough has spent big in the transfer window ,
bringing in the striker /strikers we needed bringing back our talisman at the back ,
People have mentioned Megson , where's he managing at now , Grayson is like uncle Col , good at getting you up ,
but not good enough to keep you up , Or his job in a higher league .
Blackwell should have gone after Burnley , not being one of our 4 in a season relegation team ,
Wilson was good till forced to sell up before second season .
Uncle Col got 7 seasons , maybe our double season assault this year could come good .
If we're building for the future then give him the tools and time for the job ,
Saw something very piggish yesterday about fucking Fleetwood being nowhere a couple of seasons ago ,
In the FA cup a few seasons ago a team coming from nowhere pasted us at the lane 4-0 I think ,
Where are Swansea now !
Yes . UTB .

 

[Silent Blade]

Can anyone recall a medioca manager suddenly coming good?

Yes, Bobby Robson. Manager at Fulham, got sacked 8 months later. Appointed manager at Ipswich, had a rough time for about 2 years. A reporter asked Ipswich's eccentric chairman, John Cobbold, if there is a crisis at the club as fans were calling for Robson to be sacked. Cobbold replied with "Crisis? What crisis?" “There is no crisis at Ipswich until the white wine runs out in the boardroom”

Robson then did great at Ipswich and at other clubs and he has a lot to be grateful to John Cobbold

 

[alcoblade]

So we start to change the culture of the club from top to bottom for the first time in living memory and because it doesn't happen as quick as a Macadees drive thru' we bin it, God help us.

Seriously, exactly what is this culture that's changing? Is it another word for Ethos?

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

If we sack Clough then who would want to manage us?

Anyone who's paid less than we're prepared to pay, I'd say.

I don't think we should sack him, but fearing that nobody will come shouldn't be a consideration. Getting sacked is the most lucrative opportunity is football.

UTB

 

[Living In a Fantasy World]

I'm no longer a fan of Clough, I don't like the way he treats players post match.
Its clear to me that he has his favorites as he defends players like Coutts/ Basham when they have a bad game, but throws players like Mcnaulty and Reed under the bus whenever they have a bad spell. Stating on the radio that Adams should not have celebrated his goal against Spurs (that might possibly be his biggest moment in football and Clough had no problem trying squashing his mood)
He has lied to fans, one about Collins, he has now stated his as been injured all this time ... well how come you didn't state that before? I do hope when he does recover that he is back in the team, a bit like Doyle for some reason we just seem to play better with them.
He said he was going to rest McGahey but ended up dropping him completely and now loaned out.
What his he doing playing Baxter first game after his suspension? He cost us that game against Coventry, I would presume if Baxter gets another red he is out of the club alike Brandy.
Poor home performances a lot down to negative tactics.
and I will never forgive him for the farce of wasting 20 minutes at home against Crawley, that really started the rotten home performances.
... anyway my little rant about him, honestly I had not a bad word against him start of the season.

 

[Blade56]

I must admit I am surprised, I thought that opinion would be weighted fairly heavely one way or the other? With 101 votes cast its 48% vs 52% in favour of no confidence with the vote changing several times.

Wonder what effect it will have on opinion after we play Scunny one of our boggie teams or drop out of the top 6?

 

[stannyblade]

For me the only way he should be sacked is if they have the replacement lined up. Don't want Morgan in a caretaker role as that is just pointless

 

[WhiteHawk]

For me, he's already failed because with the resources we've got, we should be pissing this league. The board aren't going to sack him now but if we don't go up, he's got to go.

 

[metalblade]

A NO from me, but it would be a bit pointless to sack him now. McCabe and Phipps should though be looking at replacements that will be available at the end of this season and get one lined up for when Clough and his huge squad of nobodies inevitably fail in the play offs ............. that is if they can actually manage to hold on to a top six spot.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

If the 3/4000 'season tickets fans' are the ones that consistantly moan and groan then BDTBL would be a far better place !

Agreed!! People bang on about our big crowds, complete waste of time when a large section can't wait to moan and appear to revel in defeat.

Give me 14,000 hard core blades anytime over 18,000-20,000 with 5,000 miserable twats.

Always been the same at the Lane and it will never change. Even when Basset got us a second promotion in two years in 1990 there was a large section of support who didn't like him, moaned and demanded we play a better brand of football.

 

[longinthe toothblade]

For me it is very simple - it times of adversity, you go back to your strengths.

We all have our opinions about formations, but 4-3-3 & 4-5-1 works for us, 4-4-2 as demonstrated in the past 2 home games does not -we just don't have the 2 x CH and 2 x central midfield (ie: strong, uncompromising core) to make it work, coupled with a poor goal keeper.

Go back to OUR basics - I am glad we are away next game and have sold out for Scunny - it could be just what we need - oh, and NO Baxter - sorry.

I hope we get to the playoffs as we have 2 games away from home (assuming we make the final) - our problems are ALL at home.

UTB

Agree with most of that except the bit about our form away from home - least the away games I've attended this season which is most of them. We have gathered more points on the road than we should done largely because 'Lady Luck' has been on our side.

Can't sack Clough and his team at this stage of the season it would be madness. That said, it doesn't me that I rate him that much either.

Got to stick with what we've got for the run in and hope the lot of them [management and players] pick it up and show some real passion and industry for the remaining games. Incredible isn't it that a couple of weeks ago we still had folk on here still talking about automatic!!!

..............................."least we had a good cup run"

 

[Blade56]

?......when a large section can't wait to moan and appear to revel in defeat.
.

Sorry Bf but that platitude really pees me off. I can't believe anyone goes to a match and enjoys it when we lose. Comment on poor performances are as relative and important as praise when we play well ffs!

It's like booing, no one does it for fun, it's like telling people not to clap and cheer when we win, it's an expression of emotion.

Wishing the crowd to be reduced by 3/4,00 to a mindless bunch that cheers even when we do badly is even worse that complaining when we are playing like shit!

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Yes but how long do you wait to find out it's the wrong culture?

It was always a three year plan just to get out of this division when Clough was appointed.

Not what I wanted to hear but something I bought into.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Seriously, exactly what is this culture that's changing? Is it another word for Ethos?

UTB

I've seen Blades players more comfortable on the ball than I've seen for quite a few years.

Seen us compete and beat teams higher placed than us more often than in recent years.

Also youth players been given a chance and seeing a potential squad that could emulate Southampton, not seen that for years either.

All seems like a culture change to me and for once I'm prepared to wait, don't call me grumpy for nowt.

Roll on 2019.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

Sorry Bf but that platitude really pees me off. I can't believe anyone goes to a match and enjoys it when we lose. Comment on poor performances are as relative and important as praise when we play well ffs!

It's like booing, no one does it for fun, it's like telling people not to clap and cheer when we win, it's an expression of emotion.

Wishing the crowd to be reduced by 3/4,00 to a mindless bunch that cheers even when we do badly is even worse that complaining when we are playing like shit!

Nonsense. One of the main reasons our team play so poorly at home is the abuse they get from our own fans. I bet your one of those fans that boo at the end of the first half when its 0-0. Just because we aren't winning.

When the going is good our fans are great i.e. big games when we are winning, when we get an early goal in a game. The rest of the time the Lane is like a morgue. Take the spurs game for example. As soon as we go behind it was deathly silent, then when we get a goal the fans get going again.

When we are not winning or go behind, or its a game against a smaller club our fans are shit, and the negative section of fans make Bramall Lane a miserable place to be, and probably makes it crap for a player.

Go on then Blade56 tell us who you would have as manager??

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I must admit I am surprised, I thought that opinion would be weighted fairly heavely one way or the other? With 101 votes cast its 48% vs 52% in favour of no confidence with the vote changing several times.

Wonder what effect it will have on opinion after we play Scunny one of our boggie teams or drop out of the top 6?

101 out of 18000 equates to around 0.56% of fans, not worth discussing.

The survey shows about 48 fans pissed off.