Bladey Bladeness

[coaxingstar71]

Hello all, I'm relatively new on here but have seen the phrase 'bladey bladeness' quite a few times now and have to admit I don't understand what it is.

I'm assuming that being a Blade means that you support the club but you are realistic enough to realise we ain't Real Madrid. I'm assuming 'Bladey Bladeness' means that you see the world through blade-tinted spectacles and won't accept negativity or anything said to the detriment of Sheffield United (and why should you?).

So I'd be delighted if some of you could enlighten me with some clear definitions or examples. The funnier or more surreal, the better.

 

[DronnieBlade]

This could be good

UTB

 

[Dkc]

True Bladey Bladesness is difficult to pin down. But whenever the Blades have a cult hero or a long term team member he progresses from being just a Blade to a “Bladey Blade” – that is, a Blades legend respected by many.

It helps if they were originally a Blades supporter, like Billy Sharp – but not necessarily. Dave Basset, for example, is a Bladey Blade. Celebrity supporters can also be Bladey Blades.

The problem arises when said person returns to the club, in any capacity. Critics would argue that their return is not because they can do a job, but because of their strong Bladey Bladesness. Sharp is the latest in a long line of former “Bladey Blade”players who have returned to their Bladey Blade roots. Brian Deane was another notable example.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Bladey Bladeness is what gives the Blade his power. It's an energy field created by all things red & white. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the Blades together.

 

[I should coco]

Bladey Bladeness is what gives the Blade his power. It's an energy field created by all things red & white. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the Blades together.

But beware! Bladey Bladeness can also be a very bad thing.

Those of us (oh all right then, Pinchy) who appreciate fine art, beautiful furniture, opera and football as baletic theatre do not like Bladey Bladeness. The fact that someone 'is a Blade' can be a very bad thing as it means they are committed and probably try too hard. Lionel Messi is not 'a Blade' and so his purchase would be approved of, but pretty much anyone else is a 'journeyman' and worse still may also be a closet Blades fan.

Our best policy is to sign people who have no connection, affiliation or even affection for the club. That way, when they eventually fail at least it won't be down to rose tinted Bladey Bladeness.

Don'tbringemback.

Don'tbringanyofemback

 

[itsinyerblood]

True Bladey Bladesness is difficult to pin down. But whenever the Blades have a cult hero or a long term team member he progresses from being just a Blade to a “Bladey Blade” – that is, a Blades legend respected by many.

It helps if they were originally a Blades supporter, like Billy Sharp – but not necessarily. Dave Basset, for example, is a Bladey Blade. Celebrity supporters can also be Bladey Blades.

The problem arises when said person returns to the club, in any capacity. Critics would argue that their return is not because they can do a job, but because of their strong Bladey Bladesness. Sharp is the latest in a long line of former “Bladey Blade”players who have returned to their Bladey Blade roots. Brian Deane was another notable example.

Interesting post mate. Amidst this Bladey business I sometimes wonder if the issue is confused with a view of life better suited to the 19-40s or 50s? Now we live in an age where even Division 1 players can earn a better than healthy wage, far more than many who attend each game. I mention this because footballers are now as much travelled individuals as most other sections of society. In the fan's mind they attach the Bladey stuff because it seems to ring with old school values, whereas I imagine that most players retain a sensible view of their careers and what they should do to ensure they're comfortable once said career comes to an end.

It would be lovely if there was more of a Brayford moment about some transfers. Just knowing that a player has genuine affection for a club, rather than trot out the usual bout of cliches that they imagine will strike a nerve-end with supporters, would be heartwarming. Trouble is, we live is a very different time and players are the same as most of us. They want security and a fucking good wedge, if it's possible to achieve that. The fact that the odd player is known to squander their good fortune isn't surprising, but I guess for every wastrel there are several who shun the limelight and prefer a quiet life.

But back to good old Bladeyness, it's a term I can't help smile at. It strikes me as coy, ancient as in Roy Of The Rovers, but somehow still retaining a view of 'My team' and all that conveys. Call many footballers scavengers or mercenaries, all valid terms I think, but let's not fall into the view that they put club above remuneration. If the dosh is accepted everything else will follow. A cynical view? Quite possibly. I think there are exceptions, and this applies at the very top end of the game. Then, and only then, will certain players feel the drive to want to play for team A or B, but at our level? I tend to side with the healthy cynic that exists inside of me.

 

[I should coco]

I tend to side with the healthy cynic that exists inside of me

It could be eating your insides out like a particularly nasty piggy tape worm.

Best course of action is an urgent dose of high-strength-Bladey-Bladeness to rid you of this evil.

 

[itsinyerblood]

It could be eating your insides out like a particularly nasty piggy tape worm.

Best course of action is an urgent dose of high-strength-Bladey-Bladeness to rid you of this evil.

Urghhh! The thought of a piggy tape worm, now there's a thought.

I was being mildly tongue in cheek ISC, and of course I want the Blades to do as well as possible.

 

[Esablade]

I thought it was wearing your Blades pajama's under your work clothes?

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Bladey Bladeness is what gives the Blade his power. It's an energy field created by all things red & white. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the Blades together.

.....and frequently induces projectile vomiting

 

[BushBlade]

My understanding is that it means 'we' put some intangible value on ex players solely because they used to play for us.

 

[Pierre's PC]

 

[Cyprus Blade]

bladeybladeness - Only purchased because once, many years ago, they had something to offer the club and are being purchased in the naive belief that the Bramall Lane time machine will magically return them to that time. Bound up with this is the equally naive belief that, because of the previous association with the club, the player will actually try as opposed to seeing it as a nice place to draw a decent wage before lapsing into retirement or obscurity.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

.....and frequently induces projectile vomiting

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

It's when you go down town with the lads, drinking real ales, and you're talking about T'Blades and one of the lads suggests "aye up, what about bringing Browny or Tongey back to sure up our midfield", or "Morgs is an absolute hero so needs to be kept around or even offered a shot at the managers job". But your lad Pinchy , who's the Archbishop of Banterbury and as well as The Bantersarus Rex says "nah bruv, you're having a bladey bladeness breakdown, bring 'em back, bring 'em all back", and you go Pinchy son you're an absolute ledge, you deserve a extra cheeky Japur with a side order of top quality bants.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks guys, some alternative views but I think I get the gist. So Bobby Booker is a bladey blade and to appoint TC as next manager would smack of extreme bladey bladeness?
Deano came back twice, the first time rather successfully and all too fleeting as I recall. Keef Edwards came back rather successfully too.
Q. Is Warnock a bladey blade then?

Other than that, it's also rather like 'the force'.

 

[coaxingstar71]

It's when you go down town with the lads, drinking real ales, and you're talking about T'Blades and one of the lads suggests "aye up, what about bringing Browny or Tongey back to sure up our midfield", or "Morgs is an absolute hero so needs to be kept around or even offered a shot at the managers job". But your lad Pinchy, who's the Archbishop of Banterbury and as well as The Bantersarus Rex says "nah bruv, you're having a bladey bladeness breakdown, bring 'em back, bring 'em all back", and you go Pinchy son you're an absolute ledge, you deserve a extra cheeky Japur with a side order of top quality bants.

Top quality post mate, hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Thanks guys, some alternative views but I think I get the gist. So Bobby Booker is a bladey blade and to appoint TC as next manager would smack of extreme bladey bladeness?
Deano came back twice, the first time rather successfully and all too fleeting as I recall. Keef Edwards came back rather successfully too.
Q. Is Warnock a bladey blade then?

Other than that, it's also rather like 'the force'.

No, Warnock is a self serving twat.

 

[coaxingstar71]

No, Warnock is a self serving twat.

I thought not. Neil's like one of those lads that tries really hard to be your mate, but you can't help but think he's a cunt.

 

[Dkc]

Q. Is Warnock a bladey blade then?
.

Warnock has all the qualifications for a Bladey Blade. He's a Sheffield lad who used to watch us from the kop as a kid, even traveled away to see the Blades (he mentions going away to Highbury in his book "Made in Sheffield"). And of course he's our most successful manager in our recent history - our only successful manager actually.

However, his Bladey Bladeness is somewhat spoiled by the fact that he isn't humble and has a big gob on him. To achieve true Bladey Bladeness you can never fall out with anyone else at the club, at least not publicly. Indeed, a Bladey Blade who has fallen from grace is often hated more than a non-Blade

EDIT: The above comments seem to illustrate my point.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Warnock has all the qualifications for a Bladey Blade. He's a Sheffield lad who used to watch us from the kop as a kid, even traveled away to see the Blades (he mentions going away to Highbury in his book "Made in Sheffield"). And of course he's our most successful manager in our recent history - our only successful manager actually.

However, his Bladey Bladeness is somewhat spoiled by the fact that he isn't humble and has a big gob on him. To achieve true Bladey Bladeness you can never fall out with anyone else at the club, at least not publicly. Indeed, a Bladey Blade who has fallen from grace is often hated more than a non-Blade

EDIT: The above comments seem to illustrate my point.

He does enjoy a good bit of hoof though, and getafterrum, geritrupfield. Which gains him Bladey blade points.

 

[mosbolad]

Being a Bladey Blade supporter is about supporting the lads. Were all Blades aren't we? Having fond memories of Blades past and games and managers and players and visits to grounds. Welcoming back former Blades heroes. Having a fondness for all things Blades, wanting the young lads to do well, 'cos they're ours!

The perfect Blades player would have been born on the Kop during a match where we had a famous victory. He would have grown up on Shoreham Street honing his skills on tin cans, joined the academy and become a regular first team player for any number of years. He would be a Blades favourite, hard as nails. You don't mess with a Bladey Blade!

If he ever did leave the club (which he wouldn't do) for some outrageously large transfer fee (which would never happen), he would regularly be seen on the kop when the Premiere league didn't have a game. He would always smile, pose for photos and have banter with the fans. He wouldn't like the wendednesday.

Some forum users (Punchy) have no time for Bladey Blades. Being a Blade (a Bladey Blade) rather than a supporter of Sheffield United Football Club is a stick he uses to beat us with. It is seen as wrong not progressive, dwelling in the past, being naive, out of touch with the modern game, something to be looked down upon.

Being a Bladey Blade is about being nostalgic for past times, thinking success is round the corner, that this time we will get it right! We will you know!

I'm a Blade. I'm a Bladey Blade!

 

[Pierre's PC]

Pinchy has a Picture of Jostein Flo in his wallet and yearns for his return as manager...FACT

One day Pinchy...One day.....

 

[Pinchy]

You may have missed this:

Don't know whether you're a Bladey Blade? Take our simple test and discover your Bladey rating:

1. Do you Hoof?

2. Do you pine for the golden years of Hoof and Hope under Dinosaur Dave?

3. Do you blame Tevez for our relegation whilst ignoring the staggering ineptitude of 'Ol Big Nose at the top level?

4. Do you think we were wrong to sack Semipro or should he have been tarred and feathered on the Wembley pitch at half-time?

5. Did you think Bladey Hoofer Micky Adams would give us a quick fix?

6. Would you give "Morgs" a job for life because he's....called Morgs?

7. Would you like Brian Deane to be our manager because he used to play for us and he's called Deano or are you not convinced by a couple of years of mediocrity in the Heartland of Hoof, Norway?

8. Do you think former players just get better and better all the time?

9. Are players who are not in the team always better than those who are?

10. Is every United team the 'worst you've ever seen...'

11. Should all three substitutes be brought on in every game, without fail, preferably within the first 15 minutes because they must have improved dramatically since they failed to get selected 15 minutes earlier?

12. Do you agree with "Frank Lampard" that Monty was the bestest ever footballer of all time or do you know full well that Frank has never given him a second thought?

13. Do you think that "Koz" was a great joker or were his performances the real comedy?

14. Are you convinced that the Everton player Jagielka must have been pushed, even though neither he nor anyone else claimed that at the time?

15. How soon would you like to see Diego's Daft Dad on the coaching staff at BDTBL?

16. Should local lads in the Academy have to fight for a place in the first team or would you giyamallarun however disastrous the results might be?

17. Would you bring Bassett back?

18. Would you bring Warnock back?

19. Would you bring Im back?

20. Would you bring Emall back?

21. Are you aware of the existence of civilised life beyond Shoreham Street?

22. Would you kick it Long?

23. Would you kick it Hard?

24. Would you kick it High?

25. Do you prefer winning football to proper football even though they are one and the same thing everywhere but S2?

26. Have you ever doffed your cap in a very 'umble sort of way?

27. Can you tug your forelock?

28. Do you want nonadattippytappystuffrarndere?

29. Do you agree that we should gerritintbox?

30. Have you ever been upanatem?

Now tot up your score. If you answered one or more questions with a "Yes" (or indeed if you answered one or more questions at all) you are a Very Bladey Blade Indeed. You win a night out on London Road (you will need to bring your passport) with the former player of your choice.

 

[BushBlade]

Thanks guys, some alternative views but I think I get the gist. So Bobby Booker is a bladey blade and to appoint TC as next manager would smack of extreme bladey bladeness?
Deano came back twice, the first time rather successfully and all too fleeting as I recall. Keef Edwards came back rather successfully too.
Q. Is Warnock a bladey blade then?

Other than that, it's also rather like 'the force'.

Warnock's a bladey blade when someone, during one of our regular low points, posts 'we should get Warnock back, he'd sort it out'.

 

[Dkc]

But then someone always replies "bollocks to that"

 

[coaxingstar71]

Maybe some players can get away with going back a second or even a third time (here's hoping eh Billy) but I don't think a manager should ever go back. Can anyone think of an instance when a manager has returned to the same club and succeeded or bettered their previous record?...... apart from Mourinho!

 

[BushBlade]

Maybe some players can get away with going back a second or even a third time (here's hoping eh Billy) but I don't think a manager should ever go back. Can anyone think of an instance when a manager has returned to the same club and succeeded or bettered their previous record?...... apart from Mourinho!

Pearson.

 

[Dkc]

Quick Google search came up with these:

Graham Taylor - Watford - 1977-1987, 1996-2001
Harry Redknapp - Portsmouth - 2002-2004, 2005-2008
Tony Pulis - Stoke - 2002-2005, 2006-
Walter Smith - Rangers - 1991-1998, 2007-2011
Guus Hiddink - PSV - 1987-1990, 2002-2006

 

[wizadry]

Maybe some players can get away with going back a second or even a third time (here's hoping eh Billy) but I don't think a manager should ever go back. Can anyone think of an instance when a manager has returned to the same club and succeeded or bettered their previous record?...... apart from Mourinho!

Eddie Howe, although he didn't do a bad job in the first place.