Next Season

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Fiery Blade

Fiery Blade

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After the Swindon match I went back to my hotel, sat down with a bottle of red and contemplated yet another season in the third division !
What went wrong, who was to blame, can we all learn any lessons ???
  • Nigel Clough and his Management team - Must take some blame for the failure with constant swapping and changing the team selection, his stubbornness, and his apparent failure to know his best X1
  • The Players - Many times this year they showed very little desire, heart or commitment for a battle (Swindon match an exception) - they were capable as the efforts against Southampton, Spurs, QPR and West Ham all illustrated !
  • Injuries - We seemed to have more than our fair share of injuries losing Ben Davies, Higdon, Flynn, Cuvelier, Kennedy, Howard, Harris, Done, Scougall, Reed & Wallace for long periods of the season and critically Kennedy and Brayford for the key game at Swindon
  • Bad Luck - Incredibly unlucky in several key games including Barnsley and MK Dons at home, poor and inconsistant referees throughout the season (culminating in that diabolical performance by the referee in the Swindon 1st Leg match at the Lane), the recall of Chris O'Grady by Brighton's new manager Hughton when it appeared that he would be at the Lane for the rest of the season, the disappointment of Premier League's Crystal Palace defender McArthey performances when one would have expected far more quality
  • The Fans - For some reason we have an ever increasing level of so called 'fans' who relish slagging off the team at the first disappointment - They quickly get on players backs Basham was a prime candidate early on in the season but it then went to Higdon, Coutts, McEverley et al - Never heard as many boos at the the lane week in week out and when the team wanted the backing it was sadly lacking - I was near a little guy at Swindon who was having a go even before the kick off - he did my head in !
  • Next Season - It will be our year !
Realistically, this season we have failed yet again to get promotion yet we finished fifth, lost out 6-7 in the play off semi final after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first fifteen minutes, reached the semi finals of the Capital One Cup, beat Premier League QPR away 0-3 in the FA Cup.
To listen to and to read the posts of the Whingers and Whiners who see nothing positive and expect that because Sheffield United FC are a big club in a relatively poor division that we just have to turn up and the opposition will lie down and let us win - now that is an attitude I would usually credit with our neighbours in S6.
It is very disappointing that we have yet another season in Division Three but that's how it is ! Having watched the Blades since the late fifties I have had more of my fair share of disappointments, but, I have also had some good times - all part of being a Blade !
 



Fiery Blade said:
Realistically, this season we have failed yet again to get promotion yet we finished fifth, lost out 6-7 in the play off semi final after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first fifteen minutes, reached the semi finals of the Capital One Cup, beat Premier League QPR away 0-3 in the FA Cup.
Click to expand...


Excellent post but just to put the play off semi final into perspective - on aggregate, we were actually 5-1 down at that point!

After that we won the last 75 minute section 5-2 :)
 
Fiery Blade said:
After the Swindon match I went back to my hotel, sat down with a bottle of red and contemplated yet another season in the third division !
What went wrong, who was to blame, can we all learn any lessons ???
  • Nigel Clough and his Management team - Must take some blame for the failure with constant swapping and changing the team selection, his stubbornness, and his apparent failure to know his best X1
  • The Players - Many times this year they showed very little desire, heart or commitment for a battle (Swindon match an exception) - they were capable as the efforts against Southampton, Spurs, QPR and West Ham all illustrated !
  • Injuries - We seemed to have more than our fair share of injuries losing Ben Davies, Higdon, Flynn, Cuvelier, Kennedy, Howard, Harris, Done, Scougall, Reed & Wallace for long periods of the season and critically Kennedy and Brayford for the key game at Swindon
  • Bad Luck - Incredibly unlucky in several key games including Barnsley and MK Dons at home, poor and inconsistant referees throughout the season (culminating in that diabolical performance by the referee in the Swindon 1st Leg match at the Lane), the recall of Chris O'Grady by Brighton's new manager Hughton when it appeared that he would be at the Lane for the rest of the season, the disappointment of Premier League's Crystal Palace defender McArthey performances when one would have expected far more quality
  • The Fans - For some reason we have an ever increasing level of so called 'fans' who relish slagging off the team at the first disappointment - They quickly get on players backs Basham was a prime candidate early on in the season but it then went to Higdon, Coutts, McEverley et al - Never heard as many boos at the the lane week in week out and when the team wanted the backing it was sadly lacking - I was near a little guy at Swindon who was having a go even before the kick off - he did my head in !
  • xxxxxNext Season - It will be our year !xxxxx
Realistically, this season we have failed yet again to get promotion yet we finished fifth, lost out 6-7 in the play off semi final after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first fifteen minutes, reached the semi finals of the Capital One Cup, beat Premier League QPR away 0-3 in the FA Cup.
To listen to and to read the posts of the Whingers and Whiners who see nothing positive and expect that because Sheffield United FC are a big club in a relatively poor division that we just have to turn up and the opposition will lie down and let us win - now that is an attitude I would usually credit with our neighbours in S6.
It is very disappointing that we have yet another season in Division Three but that's how it is ! Having watched the Blades since the late fifties I have had more of my fair share of disappointments, but, I have also had some good times - all part of being a Blade !
Click to expand...


xxxxxx How much do you propose to back us with at the bookies?xxxxx
 
Fiery Blade said:
After the Swindon match I went back to my hotel, sat down with a bottle of red and contemplated yet another season in the third division !
What went wrong, who was to blame, can we all learn any lessons ???
  • Nigel Clough and his Management team - Must take some blame for the failure with constant swapping and changing the team selection, his stubbornness, and his apparent failure to know his best X1
  • The Players - Many times this year they showed very little desire, heart or commitment for a battle (Swindon match an exception) - they were capable as the efforts against Southampton, Spurs, QPR and West Ham all illustrated !
  • Injuries - We seemed to have more than our fair share of injuries losing Ben Davies, Higdon, Flynn, Cuvelier, Kennedy, Howard, Harris, Done, Scougall, Reed & Wallace for long periods of the season and critically Kennedy and Brayford for the key game at Swindon
  • Bad Luck - Incredibly unlucky in several key games including Barnsley and MK Dons at home, poor and inconsistant referees throughout the season (culminating in that diabolical performance by the referee in the Swindon 1st Leg match at the Lane), the recall of Chris O'Grady by Brighton's new manager Hughton when it appeared that he would be at the Lane for the rest of the season, the disappointment of Premier League's Crystal Palace defender McArthey performances when one would have expected far more quality
  • The Fans - For some reason we have an ever increasing level of so called 'fans' who relish slagging off the team at the first disappointment - They quickly get on players backs Basham was a prime candidate early on in the season but it then went to Higdon, Coutts, McEverley et al - Never heard as many boos at the the lane week in week out and when the team wanted the backing it was sadly lacking - I was near a little guy at Swindon who was having a go even before the kick off - he did my head in !
  • Next Season - It will be our year !
Realistically, this season we have failed yet again to get promotion yet we finished fifth, lost out 6-7 in the play off semi final after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first fifteen minutes, reached the semi finals of the Capital One Cup, beat Premier League QPR away 0-3 in the FA Cup.
To listen to and to read the posts of the Whingers and Whiners who see nothing positive and expect that because Sheffield United FC are a big club in a relatively poor division that we just have to turn up and the opposition will lie down and let us win - now that is an attitude I would usually credit with our neighbours in S6.
It is very disappointing that we have yet another season in Division Three but that's how it is ! Having watched the Blades since the late fifties I have had more of my fair share of disappointments, but, I have also had some good times - all part of being a Blade !
Click to expand...

they're players that love playing against the big teams, but find it boring and 'effort' when faced with an away game at yeovil
 
Fiery Blade said:
After the Swindon match I went back to my hotel, sat down with a bottle of red and contemplated yet another season in the third division !
What went wrong, who was to blame, can we all learn any lessons ???
  • Nigel Clough and his Management team - Must take some blame for the failure with constant swapping and changing the team selection, his stubbornness, and his apparent failure to know his best X1
  • The Players - Many times this year they showed very little desire, heart or commitment for a battle (Swindon match an exception) - they were capable as the efforts against Southampton, Spurs, QPR and West Ham all illustrated !
  • Injuries - We seemed to have more than our fair share of injuries losing Ben Davies, Higdon, Flynn, Cuvelier, Kennedy, Howard, Harris, Done, Scougall, Reed & Wallace for long periods of the season and critically Kennedy and Brayford for the key game at Swindon
  • Bad Luck - Incredibly unlucky in several key games including Barnsley and MK Dons at home, poor and inconsistant referees throughout the season (culminating in that diabolical performance by the referee in the Swindon 1st Leg match at the Lane), the recall of Chris O'Grady by Brighton's new manager Hughton when it appeared that he would be at the Lane for the rest of the season, the disappointment of Premier League's Crystal Palace defender McArthey performances when one would have expected far more quality
  • The Fans - For some reason we have an ever increasing level of so called 'fans' who relish slagging off the team at the first disappointment - They quickly get on players backs Basham was a prime candidate early on in the season but it then went to Higdon, Coutts, McEverley et al - Never heard as many boos at the the lane week in week out and when the team wanted the backing it was sadly lacking - I was near a little guy at Swindon who was having a go even before the kick off - he did my head in !
  • Next Season - It will be our year !
Realistically, this season we have failed yet again to get promotion yet we finished fifth, lost out 6-7 in the play off semi final after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first fifteen minutes, reached the semi finals of the Capital One Cup, beat Premier League QPR away 0-3 in the FA Cup.
To listen to and to read the posts of the Whingers and Whiners who see nothing positive and expect that because Sheffield United FC are a big club in a relatively poor division that we just have to turn up and the opposition will lie down and let us win - now that is an attitude I would usually credit with our neighbours in S6.
It is very disappointing that we have yet another season in Division Three but that's how it is ! Having watched the Blades since the late fifties I have had more of my fair share of disappointments, but, I have also had some good times - all part of being a Blade !
Click to expand...

Furthermore, cups are fun and they can gain you a lot of money, but as people on this website say we are a "big club" if we are to be that our cup recorded means nothing unless we win it. Promotion is key for this club. Additionally I believe the fans have the right to be angry at players such as the ones you've have mention as they've lacked the control and desire needed to win promotion however it doesn't help when you get injured every so often or suspended (higdon). I also believe the fans have the right to be angry at the manager as, his tactics for most of the season has been off point, for example playing two full backs when you've got an experienced center back available but won't pick him because you've fallen out with him, pathetic. Also (this part your going to hate) you can tell Nigel was a mummy's boy as he shows no qualities of his dad , for example passion, yes he may have it but he doesn't express it. To continue with my point on tactics, they've been all over the place, especially in defense and his intent to attack has been non existent at times.


And yes I'm prepared for a bollocking from you lot when I post this reply
 
Ashtonsmashton said:
Furthermore, cups are fun and they can gain you a lot of money, but as people on this website say we are a "big club" if we are to be that our cup recorded means nothing unless we win it. Promotion is key for this club. Additionally I believe the fans have the right to be angry at players such as the ones you've have mention as they've lacked the control and desire needed to win promotion however it doesn't help when you get injured every so often or suspended (higdon). I also believe the fans have the right to be angry at the manager as, his tactics for most of the season has been off point, for example playing two full backs when you've got an experienced center back available but won't pick him because you've fallen out with him, pathetic. Also (this part your going to hate) you can tell Nigel was a mummy's boy as he shows no qualities of his dad , for example passion, yes he may have it but he doesn't express it. To continue with my point on tactics, they've been all over the place, especially in defense and his intent to attack has been non existent at times.


And yes I'm prepared for a bollocking from you lot when I post this reply
Click to expand...

Personally, Ash, I don't think it matters one jot whether a manager expresses passion or not. Bob Paisley used to be completely inanimate, standing on the touchline in his Mac looking like a rather diffident stranger at an event he wasn't supposed to be attending. Warnock ran up and down the touchline like a lunatic, shouting and bawling nonsense. Who was the better manager?

That's not really my point though. Your view puzzles me. Like him or not, most fans would say that NC is the most animated, passionate gaffer on the touchline since 'Ol Big Nose', wouldn't they? Whether that's a good thing is another matter, of course, but I'd say it's correct.
 
Pinchy said:
Personally, Ash, I don't think it matters one jot whether a manager expresses passion or not. Bob Paisley used to be completely inanimate, standing on the touchline in his Mac looking like a rather diffident stranger at an event he wasn't supposed to be attending. Warnock ran up and down the touchline like a lunatic, shouting and bawling nonsense. Who was the better manager?

That's not really my point though. Your view puzzles me. Like him or not, most fans would say that NC is the most animated, passionate gaffer on the touchline since 'Ol Big Nose', wouldn't they? Whether that's a good thing is another matter, of course, but I'd say it's correct.
Click to expand...

I agree Nigel shows a lot of passion pitch side, however his dad (sorry to compare him to his dad) seemed to have 10x more passion for the game off and on the pitch. I just don't see it in his tactics and in his press. I hoped this help you to understand:)
 
Pinchy said:
Personally, Ash, I don't think it matters one jot whether a manager expresses passion or not. Bob Paisley used to be completely inanimate, standing on the touchline in his Mac looking like a rather diffident stranger at an event he wasn't supposed to be attending. Warnock ran up and down the touchline like a lunatic, shouting and bawling nonsense. Who was the better manager?

That's not really my point though. Your view puzzles me. Like him or not, most fans would say that NC is the most animated, passionate gaffer on the touchline since 'Ol Big Nose', wouldn't they? Whether that's a good thing is another matter, of course, but I'd say it's correct.
Click to expand...
yes paisley was like that pinchey, i also read that paisley used to do his team talks in his carpet slippers.....bizarre but it worked for them
 
Pinchy said:
Like him or not, most fans would say that NC is the most animated, passionate gaffer on the touchline since 'Ol Big Nose', wouldn't they? Whether that's a good thing is another matter, of course, but I'd say it's correct.
Click to expand...

Problem is Pinchy, for all his passion and his arm waving and bellowing, how much of that is positive and how much of it is negative? A mate of mine who sits in the south stand and observes Clough's antics close at hand says he's forever berating the players and slagging them off when they do something wrong. It's hardly motivational is it, if that is the case?
 
you said about the players "Many times this year they showed very little desire, heart or commitment for a battle" Then you criticise the fans for not always being happy.... *clap* *clap* *clap*
 
Ashtonsmashton said:
Furthermore, cups are fun and they can gain you a lot of money, but as people on this website say we are a "big club" if we are to be that our cup recorded means nothing unless we win it. Promotion is key for this club. Additionally I believe the fans have the right to be angry at players such as the ones you've have mention as they've lacked the control and desire needed to win promotion however it doesn't help when you get injured every so often or suspended (higdon). I also believe the fans have the right to be angry at the manager as, his tactics for most of the season has been off point, for example playing two full backs when you've got an experienced center back available but won't pick him because you've fallen out with him, pathetic. Also (this part your going to hate) you can tell Nigel was a mummy's boy as he shows no qualities of his dad , for example passion, yes he may have it but he doesn't express it. To continue with my point on tactics, they've been all over the place, especially in defense and his intent to attack has been non existent at times.


And yes I'm prepared for a bollocking from you lot when I post this reply
Click to expand...

Give me 3 points over a cup win any day , if the aim is promotion . If sitting comfortable in the championship , cup runs are great . Even Clough has changed his mind over cup runs for next season. Not a mummys boy , just Jekyll and Hyde character in management.

UTB
 
Jon Bon said:
Problem is Pinchy, for all his passion and his arm waving and bellowing, how much of that is positive and how much of it is negative? A mate of mine who sits in the south stand and observes Clough's antics close at hand says he's forever berating the players and slagging them off when they do something wrong. It's hardly motivational is it, if that is the case?
Click to expand...

No, but:
1. I suspect your mate is not a neutral observer in relation to NC.
2. If a professional footballer needs outside motivation, I don't want him at my club,
3. An unpopular (for a vocal minority) manager has invariably "lost the dressing room" and "can't motivate the players". We've heard it all before.

The anecdotal evidence from Buxton and Derby was that Cloughie's players would run through a brick wall for him. That might not be right, who knows, but it is said.
 
Pinchy said:
No, but:
1. I suspect your mate is not a neutral observer in relation to NC.
Click to expand...

I'm not going to labour the point but I feel I should point out that my mate is/was very pro-Clough but his support for him has, like the case with lot of us, slowly eroded over the season. While I'm very much on the Clough out side of the fence, my mate is firmly on the fence so I wouldn't say he's got an agenda.
 



Jon Bon said:
I'm not going to labour the point but I feel I should point out that my mate is/was very pro-Clough but his support for him has, like the case with lot of us, slowly eroded over the season. While I'm very much on the Clough out side of the fence, my mate is firmly on the fence so I wouldn't say he's got an agenda.
Click to expand...

I have been very pro Clough . However i am now split down the middle , so suppose i am sat on the fence , Its not a heart or head thing , i just don't know which way the blokes going to take us .

UTB
 
Lord Bos of Eckington. said:
I have been very pro Clough . However i am now split down the middle , so suppose i am sat on the fence , Its not a heart or head thing , i just don't know which way the blokes going to take us .

UTB
Click to expand...

The little things being said and the non signing of Doyle and Holt, seem to suggest that Nigel has figured out this League and what we need.
 
Going up said:
The little things being said and the non signing of Doyle and Holt, seem to suggest that Nigel has figured out this League and what we need.
Click to expand...

Tend to agree with you Going up. But and its a big But , why didn't Clough know or any of his back room staff know what was required this season. Its so basic it does beggar belief. For him , club and especially us , lets hope his transfer dealings , tactics and management skills are cock on next season. Perhaps league 1 was a learning curve for him , and we all have to give him the benefit of doubt.

We are all a bit worn out with the season , but he has made a rock for his own back , with 20,000 of us watching him closely with a bit of micro management from the stands. The bloke , i admit , does appear to work dam hard , and we all at some point in our life , deserve a second chance . Clough has been given that opportunity by the board , which he should be grateful for . I am sure he will be determined and motivated to succeed , and failure is not a word to be ever mentioned again relating to all things SUFC.

UTB
 
Bladesman said:
Click to expand...


Would that type of football management, and tactical style work today . I think it would . The side had hard graft , never say die attitude , but also style and a bit of a swagger . Yep good times , but a life time away .

Perhaps that might be the DNA print , we will see next season , as Clough rebuilds for a promotion push . With lessons learnt , the guys seems to have seen the light bulb come on , and just clicked with him ( and the board ) , whats required.

Clough has had the stick ( rightly so ) , as he would get the praise for success , but i do wonder how much he feels let down by some of the players .

UTB
 
I do often wonder, with our makeshift defence and vulnerabilty from set pieces, what the hell Chris Morgan has been doing this last year.
 
Genuine question - has anyone actually seen anything from the Board about next season. Before the play-offs JP made a statement that the front office (whatever he meant by that) and footballing side would be reviewed at the end of the season. Its early days after the play-offs but I haven't seen a thing from the Board. They could of course adopt a "business as usual" and a "Nigel is contracted to be our manager for the new season" stance and say nothing. But I haven't seen anything from them and that's not JP's style (bearing in mind he is taking a family break at the moment). Just wondered.
 
Large Mendonca said:
I do often wonder, with our makeshift defence and vulnerabilty from set pieces, what the hell Chris Morgan has been doing this last year.
Click to expand...
I said exactly this to my Citeh fan mate when watching the 2nd leg. Maybe Morgs was a great defender but isn't a great coach. His stints as caretaker might be an indicator of this. But I'm not tactical wiz either so I don't know.....
 
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