11/08/10 - Hartlepool United v. Sheffield United

[LoughboroBlade]

Ched hasn't started.

He pulled out of the squad due to the injury he picked up on Sunday.

 

[Northyorksblade]

uh oh, looks like we're going to concentrate on the league.

 

[Bubbleburp]

Can't see us trying to fight back to be honest .

 

[Bubbleburp]

We need to see a sharper back four on Saturday ....that's for sure !!

 

[Balham]

Can't see us trying to fight back to be honest .

Bartley on for Cresswell says it all really.

 

[Kev Gee]

Blackwell should have picked the kids for this TBH.

 

[DuncDisorderly]

Blackwell should have picked the kids for this TBH.

He played Chappell, James, and had Roe on the bench. The rest of them couldn't be picked for a night game as it finished after their bedtime. Sounds like Hartlepool were at us like terriers all night, as many lower league teams do to their seniors in the League Cup, and we have plenty of company in the list of CCC teams dumped out at the first stage.

Anyway, I suppose thats our early season cup disappointment out of the way. Onward to glory in the league...

 

[Fiery Blade]

Where is this wonderful world that you live Dunc - Is it Far, Far, Away along with Shrek , Donkey and Gingy et al ! Or is it Dreamworld !!!
There's no disappointment regarding an early cup exit - just the way they laid down and let the opposition walk all over them!
These guys should be embarrassed and so should the manager !
But no doubt he will blame injuries, small squad, internationals, too early in season
Now whose beaten United this season Mansfield, Notts County and now Hartlepool - Promotion you're talking out of your arse Dunc!

 

[DazBlade88]

I know I wasn't too fussed if we went out last night, but I thought that was embarrassing. Hartlepool were opening us up far too easily at times and I don't think we could have complained if they'd scored more. We made Andy Monkhouse look like Lionel Messi.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Am I a bad fan because I really don't give a shit that we are out. It feels strange, but I've had a night to think about it and I'm still not bothered?

I have sympathy for those who went and I suppose slight concern if we didn't play well, but I just don't think it has any relevance on the season.

Am I wrong?

 

[DazBlade88]

Am I a bad fan because I really don't give a shit that we are out. It feels strange, but I've had a night to think about it and I'm still not bothered?

I have sympathy for those who went and I suppose slight concern if we didn't play well, but I just don't think it has any relevance on the season.

Am I wrong?

It's a tough one, I wasn't bothered if we went out based on the fact we have a small squad and (from a personal point) I could do without the expense, but it worries me that the back 4 that started last night will probably be starting on Saturday and they were at full stretch and getting opened up quite easily by a poor side. Hopefully it's nothing to worry about, but I thought the defence was a big concern last night.

Not to mention we looked like we had no idea what we wanted to do when we got the ball in their half!

 

[ghandi]

Am I a bad fan because I really don't give a shit that we are out. It feels strange, but I've had a night to think about it and I'm still not bothered?

I have sympathy for those who went and I suppose slight concern if we didn't play well, but I just don't think it has any relevance on the season.

Am I wrong?

Bob this time you are wrong. Getting beaten wasn't the problem the manner of the defeat was. This was possibly the worst performance ever under Blackwell and possibly even worse than any under Robson. Apart from Simmo (but he did insist on launching the ball on every occasion), Ertl and Morgan (who defended totally on their own) and Britton who tried to get the ball down and pass. The others were complete shite :

Kozluk and Taylor - consistently beaten and when in possession just booted the ball aimlessly down the wing.
Monty - Never made a meaningful pass, constantly caught in possession and gave away fouls in dangerous places (nothing new there then)
The two debutants were swamped by the mayhem hapenning around them.
Cresswell - Completely dominated by their "world class" centre-backs
Yeates - Crap free-kicks and corners (under or overhit) and never tried to get to by-line.

Subs - Ward had the most time and was a massive improvement on what had gone on before - Quinn not really enough time to make any impression-Bartley brought on up front (says it all really)

Tactics - Weren't even kick and rush - just hit and hope. Shame on you Blackwell after all your talk about playing football this season. One shot in injury time from Bartley the sum total of our efforts against a Hartlepool team that will hover in the League 1 relegation zone.

I hope this was a one-off as the omens based on this performance are distinctly grim

 

[LouTheBlade]

Am I a bad fan because I really don't give a shit that we are out. It feels strange, but I've had a night to think about it and I'm still not bothered?

I have sympathy for those who went and I suppose slight concern if we didn't play well, but I just don't think it has any relevance on the season.

Am I wrong?

No you're not wrong. You're just not taking it as seriously as others. At the end of the day its football and sometimes you will lose. We lost to a battling outfit in a crap cup competition that we would have been lucky to get through another round of anyway. The mature thing to do is what you're doing..........accepting that we got beat by a side that was more up for it on the night. We played badly, as did a lot of sides who got knocked out - life goes on. The level of criticism on here this morning is outrageous.

I too feel a little sorry for those that went up and came home disappointed but thats footy - you pay your money, you take your chance. Just because you've bought a ticket and filled your car up with petrol it doesn't mean that your team has a right to sail through to the next round.

You're right, it bares very little relevance as it is not a part of our aims and objectives for the season.

 

[Grecian2000]

Just because you've bought a ticket and filled your car up with petrol it doesn't mean that your team has a right to sail through to the next round.

At what point have people stated we should "sail through to the next round"? I think buying a ticket and filling your car up SHOULD guarantee the team puts some kind of effort in.
I've watched Yorkshire twice this week and had more enjoyment in their efforts than all of last season at BDTBL. Putting 100% in is the minimum I expect from any sportsman.

 

[ghandi]

No you're not wrong. You're just not taking it as seriously as others. At the end of the day its football and sometimes you will lose. We lost to a battling outfit in a crap cup competition that we would have been lucky to get through another round of anyway. The mature thing to do is what you're doing..........accepting that we got beat by a side that was more up for it on the night. We played badly, as did a lot of sides who got knocked out - life goes on. The level of criticism on here this morning is outrageous.

I too feel a little sorry for those that went up and came home disappointed but thats footy - you pay your money, you take your chance. Just because you've bought a ticket and filled your car up with petrol it doesn't mean that your team has a right to sail through to the next round.

You're right, it bares very little relevance as it is not a part of our aims and objectives for the season.

I take it you didn't go? I fully accept that we have no divine right to win just becuase I travel to a game; believe me I know that as I go to 95% of all the Blades' matches, but as I alluded to above the manner of the defeat is just as important as the result. If you had seen the performance last night you may not be as cavalier in thinking the result/performance do not have any bearing on the rest of the season. I know other Championship teams went out but were their performances as truly wretched as ours and were they at 85% full team strength as we were? I hope I'm wrong in my assessment and on Saturday we will completely switch off hoofball and play passing football. The difficuly as I see it is how do you in the space of 3 days change a side told to hoof and now to play football. Whichever why you look at it the tactics, management and players are going to have undergo a change of catacylsmic proportions to consign the relevance of last night into history.

 

[Come from away]

But not getting injured was high on the priority list - just makes sense, push hard but don't sacrifice the body.

 

[LouTheBlade]

At what point have people stated we should "sail through to the next round"? I think buying a ticket and filling your car up SHOULD guarantee the team puts some kind of effort in.
I've watched Yorkshire twice this week and had more enjoyment in their efforts than all of last season at BDTBL. Putting 100% in is the minimum I expect from any sportsman.

Look Grecian I didnt go last night so I'm not going to suggest the team all worked their socks off because I dont know (perhaps someone could tell us). But I very much doubt any of those players go out without the intention of winning and doing their best.

Regardless of that I was merely pointing out the fact that certain people cant accept defeat. They have to insist on having this blame culture that someone should be responsible for it and should be taken to task on it. It just seems a little over-dramatic to me and I refuse to get hot under the collar about it.

If you enjoy watching the cricket (not my cup of tea but each to their own) then go and watch the cricket and stop tormenting yourself with United. It clearly "winds you up."

 

[LouTheBlade]

I take it you didn't go? I fully accept that we have no divine right to win just becuase I travel to a game; believe me I know that as I go to 95% of all the Blades' matches, but as I alluded to above the manner of the defeat is just as important as the result. If you had seen the performance last night you may not be as cavalier in thinking the result/performance do not have any bearing on the rest of the season.

I applaud your commitment in travelling to so many games ghandi and I accept that you will know more about what went off last night as I didnt go but I'm not trying to give a match report or justify what happened. I'm merely making the point that these things do happen and United are sometimes shite! Thats life! I go to about 10 away games a season (on average) myself and am a season ticket holder. I've been doing this for about 20 years and ive seen plenty of shit performances from them in my time. Ive spent fortunes on the club (as have many others) and have occasionally received fuck all back in the way of enjoyment. But I don't bleet about it and try to crucify whoever I think is responsible.

Football is not an exact science and there isnt an exact way of doing things all the time. It is frought with complications and opponents who want to win as much as you. Having played a lot of good competitive football I know what happens at these clubs day to day and things arent always as straight forward and easy as fans like to make out.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Mature? Me? First time for everything.

 

[ghandi]

Having played a lot of good competitive football I know what happens at these clubs day to day and things arent always as straight forward and easy as fans like to make out.

Oh sorry and didn't know you had the inside rail on these matters. Please forgive me for not understanding I've never been a full time pro just a mere fan and I should accept things happen and be happy to receive your perceived wisdom in these matters. I'll remember that in future that fans don't know anything unless they're special ones like you who played "good competitive football" (for who btw?).

 

[LouTheBlade]

Oh sorry and didn't know you had the inside rail on these matters. Please forgive me for not understanding I've never been a full time pro just a mere fan and I should accept things happen and be happy to receive your perceived wisdom in these matters. I'll remember that in future that fans don't know anything unless they're special ones like you who played "good competitive football" (for who btw?).

Why so touchy? That wasn't even a prod at you. I was simply justifying my comments on the matter. It wasnt to claim that anyone lacks knowledge or that I know everything (because I dont) and that's probably the reason I only play sunday league now. I am just a fan as well now and I dont try to pretend at being anything else..........

It is just that I read things on this forum (nothing you have written; before you attack) that make we cringe a little because they are based on assumptions and having seen how certain clubs operate, I know certain things are made far too simplistic by some who have always been on the outside looking in.

I'd rather maintain anonymity if I'm honest but one was a PL club at the time which no longer is. The rest was at semi-pro level. Now I play with fat blokes on a park

 

[Grecian2000]

If you enjoy watching the cricket (not my cup of tea but each to their own) then go and watch the cricket and stop tormenting yourself with United. It clearly "winds you up."

See, you're getting the hang of it.

As an aside looking at the results of the MOTM poll did make me laugh.

 

[raul]

Is that better?

 

[Grecian2000]

About time.

 

[beechblade]

Why so touchy? That wasn't even a prod at you. I was simply justifying my comments on the matter. It wasnt to claim that anyone lacks knowledge or that I know everything (because I dont) and that's probably the reason I only play sunday league now. I am just a fan as well now and I dont try to pretend at being anything else..........

It is just that I read things on this forum (nothing you have written; before you attack) that make we cringe a little because they are based on assumptions and having seen how certain clubs operate, I know certain things are made far too simplistic by some who have always been on the outside looking in.

I'd rather maintain anonymity if I'm honest but one was a PL club at the time which no longer is. The rest was at semi-pro level. Now I play with fat blokes on a park

I have to agree with Lou here, there is far more to the certain areas of the game than as a fan we have little knowlegde about.

Yeah we've all played football in some form and we've all got a very good base knowledge of the basics of the game but there are far more details on the coaching aspect of the game than people expect.

 

[DuncDisorderly]

Where is this wonderful world that you live Dunc - Is it Far, Far, Away along with Shrek , Donkey and Gingy et al ! Or is it Dreamworld !!!
There's no disappointment regarding an early cup exit - just the way they laid down and let the opposition walk all over them!
These guys should be embarrassed and so should the manager !
But no doubt he will blame injuries, small squad, internationals, too early in season
Now whose beaten United this season Mansfield, Notts County and now Hartlepool - Promotion you're talking out of your arse Dunc!

If I was going to be a bit churlish about this I'd point out that we actually won at Notts County, and played 10 trialists at Mansfield, but no matter. It is very disappointing to lose to Hartlepool but to look at one poor performance and result, and have some kind of melt-down is a bit over the top. Trying to use this as some kind of indicator of the conclusion of the season is just plain silly. If it were true then Forest, Derby, Donny, Barnsley, Covenrty, Bristol City, QPR and ourselves will all be fighting it out for the relegation places.

Incidentally, you are absolutely right about me talking out of my arse. Strangely, more sense comes out of my arse than some peoples mouths (present company excepted, of course)...

 

[LSF]

Dunc, I generally concur with your views on most things and think you speak with generally balanced views. Last night i went up to Victoria Park, mainly to tick off watching a game there having not previously visited. I didn't expect too much performance and result wise and like one or two others, would not have suffered heartbreak at going out, but....
The performance was alarming and left me wondering if that was an indicator of the drudgery we may well face these coming months? Hopefully the QPR game will see something completely different but as I enter my 50th season watching The Blades, that ranked of one of the most alarming displays i've seen.
The ironic goal like celebrations when Bartley finally managed a shot on target followed by the Kevin Blackwell, football genius chant summed up the ironic mood of the 600 brave souls from Sheffield. I usually feel sad at such 'support' but last night by God, it was totally justified. Other than Morgan who only knows one way to play and commit himself, the others showed a varying degree of average ability and committment, though I felt a bit sorry for Britton who must be concerned at the style we adopted last night. The thing is we do play it on the floor with thought and flair on occasions but last night we scuffed and scrapped and were hustled out of any stride we may have attempted to get into. Hartlepool provided any semblence of football ability and when a journeyman like Monkhouse looked head and shoulders above any of our lot, it tells a story.
Someone should take Andy Taylor aside and tell him professional football is not for him! He was a rabbit in the headlights last night and his woeful attempt to win the ball in the lead up to the first goal provided the springboard for him to look as though he hated every minute he was on the pitch. The lad has neither the ability, strength or mental capacity to play at this or any other professional level in my honest opinion, please Bkackie, tell him straight will you, its embarrassing at times!
I hope we see the other side of the coin on Saturday, but after last night, I don't hold out much hope.
A few more of those performances and KB will be swelling the ranks of unemployed....

 

[Fiery Blade]

If I was going to be a bit churlish about this I'd point out that we actually won at Notts County, and played 10 trialists at Mansfield, but no matter. It is very disappointing to lose to Hartlepool but to look at one poor performance and result, and have some kind of melt-down is a bit over the top. Trying to use this as some kind of indicator of the conclusion of the season is just plain silly. If it were true then Forest, Derby, Donny, Barnsley, Covenrty, Bristol City, QPR and ourselves will all be fighting it out for the relegation places.

Incidentally, you are absolutely right about me talking out of my arse. Strangely, more sense comes out of my arse than some peoples mouths (present company excepted, of course)...

Whilst it is not mega important that we progress to the next round of the Carling Cup I would have expected that the Blades use that match similar to a Pre Season match to try 'New' or Different formations, get the players to GEL and to generally put the team through their paces in a 'competitive' match situation.
For us to only have one shot on goal, play dismally throughout and generally disinterested is both worrying and annoying!
How many of the Hartlepool players would get into our starting X1, not many in reality yet the outplayed, out muscled and out thought our players of supposed quality.
Mr Blackwell again displayed that he is unable to motivate the players to perform at their perceived level yet alone play above themselves and without wishing any more defeats for the Blades I certainly hope that Mr Blackwell takes a leaf out of Mr Coppells book and admits his heart is not in the job! and resigns!
PS Sorry about the Notts Co faux pas!!!!

 

[Linz]

Allow me to interject with some photos... more in the usual place shortly:

 

[Bladesman]

Whilst it is not mega important that we progress to the next round of the Carling Cup I would have expected that the Blades use that match similar to a Pre Season match to try 'New' or Different formations, get the players to GEL and to generally put the team through their paces in a 'competitive' match situation.
For us to only have one shot on goal, play dismally throughout and generally disinterested is both worrying and annoying!
How many of the Hartlepool players would get into our starting X1, not many in reality yet the outplayed, out muscled and out thought our players of supposed quality.
Mr Blackwell again displayed that he is unable to motivate the players to perform at their perceived level yet alone play above themselves and without wishing any more defeats for the Blades I certainly hope that Mr Blackwell takes a leaf out of Mr Coppells book and admits his heart is not in the job! and resigns!
PS Sorry about the Notts Co faux pas!!!!

Blackwell has resigned once and its plain to see that he just cant do it as manager but hey lets give him time I mean has only been here a while....oh right he has been here a while. Anyway his brief is simple keep the club in the Npoo league or better but unless we improve fitness and sign more players we will be looking at the other end of the table come xmas.