'A club of the people'

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

James Shield's concluding words about United, on the basis of last season, in an article in today's Star. Good assessment of the togetherness between club and fans, and a wish for it to continue. Now the season is over, it was a good read, particularly in contrast with an analysis a couple of pages on of 'where it went wrong' for a club that is not a club of the people. Pity the season had to end, but at least we can for once have real optimism for next season: the minimum expectation is that the togetherness will continue.

 

[Baaaaaaa Blades]

very true, with a real togetherness and 100% effort (and no doubt the skill we have also) we will be fine
next season i am not worried at all about us struggling , even if we start as badly as last season and that last's say 5 games longer, CW and AK would sort it again i have no doubt ,

i like all am secretly hoping for a surge up the league and a possible PO challenge but will just be happy to see the lads playing there hearts out and no doubt giving us some great games next season - inparticular the 2 matches against the 'premiership bound' filth !
and keeping the great atmosphere at the club going -

 

[TheFlashingBlade]

"A club of the people"? We've ALWAYS been a club of the people - the problem is that for the last far too long the club has not been a club WORTHY of the people. We the people loved the club a whole heap more than the club loved us. And unequal relationships never end well.

This season however, we've got the club we DESERVE. A team who don't just kiss the badge because they think it's what we want to see, they kiss it because it means as much to them as it does to us. And they don't just kiss the badge, they play for it. And for us.

And that is something pretty special and pretty unique. Long may it continue.

 

[Northyorksblade]

I thought the article was spot on. It's what football should be about, but rarely is these days. Even in the good days of being a Unitedite, I don't think I've felt as good as this. It's the one-ness that is really magic and long may it remain. Will it work in the Championship? Who knows, but I am damn sure Wilder and Sharp will try their utmost to make it.

 

[I should coco]

Even in the good days of being a Unitedite, I don't think I've felt as good as this

Bassett 89-92?

 

[SwissBlade]

Things came together this season. Perhaps more by accident than good planning because Billy Sharp was already here, but I think it still took a lot of work to get us where we are. It could've gone wrong though or perhaps not as well, if Billy and Wilder hadn't got along so well, with that mutual respect, plus the respect of the entire squad and management team for each other.

Football fans at SUFC aren't stupid (ok some are), they can see honesty and hard work, to dip into the Adkins-thesaurus. They don't need to be told that play x is hard working and player y is playing to keep his shirt, we can see it. Makes a big difference when you have a manager and management team empowering the players, giving them the confidence to perform.

One thing with Wilder is that he would put his best 11 out to win a game and most of the time, the players knew that they would be trusted to win the game, they wouldn't just be subbed after 60 mins to rotate the team or with the next game in mind or even if they had a bad first half...So they were allowed to make mistakes.... in this environment players thrive. They become together. When you see the likes of Basham missing out because of a suspension or an injury and losing his position for 5-6 games, players fight for the shirt. Its brilliant to see and I love the Wilder philosophy.

Leon coming back in was one of the highlights of the season, shit out of form, crap season with injuries and not really connected to the fans he comes in and does a job. His goals being as vital as Billy's and Freeman's. You can see the way that Wilder handles players like this.

There is so little wrong with the club and this is what Wilder and Billy, the Prince and McCabe have brought as key personnel in a machine

 

[Dkc]

Anyone got a link?

 

[Cerberus Blade]

It was interesting listening to FH a few weeks ago when they had representatives in from Hallam and Sheffield FC. They were asked about their relationships with the Sheffield clubs and both said how helpful and supportive Sheffield United were. Neither said anything of the sort about Wednesday. One said that they'd written to Sheffield Wednesday for some support with something before but they never got a reply.

Then you look at how the club has actually gone out of its way to acknowledge the passing of its fans - especially that tribute to Shred - but not only that. That remembrance to deceased fans, was it the Bradford home game? was something special as well with all those names rolling up on the screen and the applause. I must say, I'm really touched by how the club have reached out to the fans and created such a togetherness, aside from what happens on the pitch.

Long may it continue. It is a wonderful club and I feel very proud and privileged to be a supporter.

 

[Northyorksblade]

Bassett 89-92?

Those were great times too, but not feeling as one with the team and the fans. Or at least, I can't remember it being that good, but that's another story.......

 

[1973Blade]

Everton used to call themselves the people's club, which always annoyed Liverpool fans!

 

[FriethBlade]

Agree with all the above comments. Besides what's been mentioned already what was really important was the lack of billy big time players in the squad. All the main players seem to be down to earth with the right team ethic. This is one key factor that I'm sure Wilder will be an anxious to retain and it will be reflected in his signings. The players we have signed so far and the ones we are linked to seem to be of the same ilk and I'd car rather see us sign the likes of Leonard from Southend and Holmes from Charlton than some championship player looking for a last pay day.

It's going to be an exciting summer....when do the fixtures come out ?

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

It's all the scenes (& experiences) from Northampton onwards, culminating in the Town Hall/parade shenanigans, that have just cemented this.

Couldn't tell in the emotion of it all while it was going on but, looking back on it all now, it's the greatest of all seasons in my eyes (going back as far as the late 70s). Beyond Darlington, beyond Leicester IMO.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Agree with all the above comments. Besides what's been mentioned already what was really important was the lack of billy big time players in the squad. All the main players seem to be down to earth with the right team ethic. This is one key factor that I'm sure Wilder will be an anxious to retain and it will be reflected in his signings. The players we have signed so far and the ones we are linked to seem to be of the same ilk and I'd car rather see us sign the likes of Leonard from Southend and Holmes from Charlton than some championship player looking for a last pay day.

It's going to be an exciting summer....when do the fixtures come out ?

June 17th I think

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Bassett 89-92?

The song still goes:

"We're on the march with Bassetts army" in my head but good old Chris is taking over.

 

[I should coco]

Those were great times too, but not feeling as one with the team and the fans. Or at least, I can't remember it being that good, but that's another story....

I guess different people have different memories but I remember feeling pretty damn close to the team in that period. After not losing 9-0 at Bristol, we raced back to the Lane car park to welcome home the team bus. A couple of thousand were there and Bassett got carried in the air from the coach. Everybody just loved him and the team. I can't remember if CW was in the squad that day (SilentBlade?) but what a bond there was between fans and players / staff.

It has been brilliant this season but after years of shite, it has only been the last 6 months when people actually'believed'. We had 3 excellent years under DB (before Deano went) which included Sheffield lads Ward, Whitehouse, Hoyland and Bradders playing. Anyone who was there at the time who isn't called Pinchy, would be very grateful for the fantastic experience we had.

BTW, this is not a 'it was better in the old days' rant. I've had the best season in years under CW and confidently expect more/ Long live a proper United side managed by a someone who really cares.

 

[Ecco1889]

It's a very good article from James Shield

 

[South Bucks]

I guess different people have different memories but I remember feeling pretty damn close to the team in that period. After not losing 9-0 at Bristol, we raced back to the Lane car park to welcome home the team bus. A couple of thousand were there and Bassett got carried in the air from the coach. Everybody just loved him and the team. I can't remember if CW was in the squad that day (SilentBlade?) but what a bond there was between fans and players / staff.

It has been brilliant this season but after years of shite, it has only been the last 6 months when people actually'believed'. We had 3 excellent years under DB (before Deano went) which included Sheffield lads Ward, Whitehouse, Hoyland and Bradders playing. Anyone who was there at the time who isn't called Pinchy, would be very grateful for the fantastic experience we had.

BTW, this is not a 'it was better in the old days' rant. I've had the best season in years under CW and confidently expect more/ Long live a proper United side managed by a someone who really cares.

Yes a few of our lot were at that Bristol game and a few days earlier at the more memorable match at Wolves where we knew a point would probably be enough and we drew 2-2. Two sides of their ground closed for redevelopment so we were on half of their kop but very vocal and memorable. Seem to remember there was a lot of scrappin after the Bristol game.
We had the potential to beat most teams in our division in those days if the team turned up. Interesting that my recollection is you didn't need to buy tickets in advance for away matches, just turn up more than 15 mins before kick off to almost any match and you'd get in, how things have changed.
Spirit amongst the fans and team then was excellent and buzzing and about the same as now as I recall, we all thought we were pulling in the same direction together and havin fun and great days out along the way.

 

[bornablade]

The song still goes:

"We're on the march with Bassetts army" in my head but good old Chris is taking over.

This was sung on the concourse at MKD. 'We're on the march with Wilder's army'.

Never heard it sung so loud.

 

[TheFlashingBlade]

This was sung on the concourse at MKD. 'We're on the march with Wilder's army'.

Never heard it sung so loud.

It most certainly was sung. And it most certainly was loud. I filmed this but it doesn't even begin to do it justice. Hairs on back of neck time...

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Agree with all the above comments. Besides what's been mentioned already what was really important was the lack of billy big time players in the squad. All the main players seem to be down to earth with the right team ethic. This is one key factor that I'm sure Wilder will be an anxious to retain and it will be reflected in his signings. The players we have signed so far and the ones we are linked to seem to be of the same ilk and I'd car rather see us sign the likes of Leonard from Southend and Holmes from Charlton than some championship player looking for a last pay day.

It's going to be an exciting summer....when do the fixtures come out ?

June 21st. 10am.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

June 21st. 10am.

10.01am Fanando and Jordon lock themselves in the under stairs cupboard and switch off the light.

 

[Woodwardfan]

In these days of global football and foreign owners and managers we have a "Sheffield Model" with just a touch of Saudi in the mix.

How far can a 'homespun', 'back to basics' model take us in this day and age. For the good of football in general I hope we can break into the Premier League 'club' and show them what the spirit of 'the people', ordinary Sheffield people in a group united at last, can achieve and show the charlottans up there what 'people power' of the type that enjoys total honesty, sheer hard work and a few beers (not prawn sandwiches) can achieve; 'Sheffield' through and through.

We will not be welcome at the 'top table' and they will not make it easy for us. It might take a while but let's be strongest when we dip on occasions on the way up.

Well done Kevin McCabe at last. Chris Wilder is already a legend and Billy Sharp has fulfilled his destiny at last. The Sheffield heroes laying the foundations and creators of a 'brand' which will be unique in the Premier League. Brian Clough created his all that time ago at smaller clubs, why not us?

 

[TTMeysh]

Those were great times too, but not feeling as one with the team and the fans. Or at least, I can't remember it being that good, but that's another story.......

The Bassett years were fantastic - and I was there at both Wolves and Bristol THAT season - but I'd make one point about why this season was better. The core of Bassett's team was his South London clique, players like Stancliffe and Wilder with local links were always on the margins. Whereas this lot have leaders from Sheffield who totally 'get it'. That is what has made this season so exceptional, in my view - its a real throw-back to the days.

 

[mattbianco1]

10.01am Fanando and Jordon lock themselves in the under stairs cupboard and switch off the light.

Fernando will be back at Watford by then.

 

[Tunstall Fred]

The Bassett years were fantastic - and I was there at both Wolves and Bristol THAT season - but I'd make one point about why this season was better. The core of Bassett's team was his South London clique, players like Stancliffe and Wilder with local links were always on the margins. Whereas this lot have leaders from Sheffield who totally 'get it'. That is what has made this season so exceptional, in my view - its a real throw-back to the days.

The accusation about a South London clique cannot be levelled at the 88/89 team

 

[Liverpool blade]

I was at both wolves and Bristol and bring back excellent memories. I just think that now the way that wilder has reconnected the club to the fans!, we're just at the start of a special journey and who knows where it'll take us?. I'm definitely on board every step of the way!!. In wilder we trust!!.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

This was sung on the concourse at MKD. 'We're on the march with Wilder's army'.

Never heard it sung so loud.

Point I was making was that I still associate that song to Bassett, the name Wilder is slowly taking over though its got 25 years to fight against.

 

[Woodwardfan]

We have so few heroes over the years. Why question who is the best out of the few we have?

What I would say is that Bassett has rubbed off on Wilder and he is all the better for it -and so are we.

In 63 years of supporting the club I have few heroes outside the Harris, Bassett eras and now the new Wilder era and I desperately hope this current era lasts for the rest of my days.

Sign him up long term United, he'll do for me, far better than any other potential managerial prospects - our club is different, we are the lads from Sheffield and as such we take on the world.

My dream is Wilder still in charge of SUFC Premiership team in 4 years time with Whiteman, Reed and Brooks on £30 k a week and 'main men' in a mid-table Prem side. Slater on the bench.

 

[cahill]

I thought the article was spot on. It's what football should be about, but rarely is these days. Even in the good days of being a Unitedite, I don't think I've felt as good as this. It's the one-ness that is really magic and long may it remain. Will it work in the Championship? Who knows, but I am damn sure Wilder and Sharp will try their utmost to make it.

I suppose it does have a mid 1960's feel about it when nearly all the players came from the local area with the exception of Gil Reece and Birchenall, I'm sure Silent will either confirm or correct but I think I might be right, for once. The bond between the fans and the club was great at the time

 

[cahill]

We have so few heroes over the years. Why question who is the best out of the few we have?

What I would say is that Bassett has rubbed off on Wilder and he is all the better for it -and so are we.

In 63 years of supporting the club I have few heroes outside the Harris, Bassett eras and now the new Wilder era and I desperately hope this current era lasts for the rest of my days.

Sign him up long term United, he'll do for me, far better than any other potential managerial prospects - our club is different, we are the lads from Sheffield and as such we take on the world.

My dream is Wilder still in charge of SUFC Premiership team in 4 years time with Whiteman, Reed and Brooks on £30 k a week and 'main men' in a mid-table Prem side. Slater on the bench.

Gentleman John Harris. I'm sure Wilder has achieved cult status amongst fans, the best yet to come