A hard reset and an acceptance of where we are

[Nick Jansky]

While ever the club is ran in the old school, manager runs everything way, our scope for a decent coach is narrow. Wilder, for all his faults, is still probably the best man to manage the club in it's current state. Until we change we are destined for relying on hope that we stumble across a manager who can overcome the odds. I don't think that man is Wilder anymore but I also don't see who else is available that betters him in our current position. Its shit but we probably need to ride it out until it becomes blatantly obvious that we need a huge restructure

Sean Dyche would be a better option until we modernise if we could attract him. But neither are a sensible long term option.

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

I got rid of my Argos catalogue and ordered from Temu instead and it was junk.
I'm going back to the Argos catalogue for ever.

 

[ekke287]

While ever the club is ran in the old school, manager runs everything way, our scope for a decent coach is narrow. Wilder, for all his faults, is still probably the best man to manage the club in it's current state. Until we change we are destined for relying on hope that we stumble across a manager who can overcome the odds. I don't think that man is Wilder anymore but I also don't see who else is available that betters him in our current position. Its shit but we probably need to ride it out until it becomes blatantly obvious that we need a huge restructure

This is kind of my point. Wilder is ok for where we are, but do we want to be where we are forever?

I’m not calling on just the manager to go for all those mentions above, more that we need a solid rethink of where we want to go as a club and then stick to that decision.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

Two good posts here:




I don't think we're a million miles off part two. Credit to the owners for wanting to follow a model of recruitment which could work, if, as Bergen Blade says, there are people at the club on board with this. We've not had that structure. More on that after point two

Over the years we've certainly looked to learn from and avoid the situations like with Billy, Didsy, Fleck, Coutts, Norwood, Bash, Egan etc where they were the core of the side that took us to the next level, but due to age and modern squad demands, have to be replaced.

The likes of Ramsdale, Max Lowe, Bogle, Berge, Brewster, McBurnie, even Cannon, were all intended to bring the age down whilst also having a ceiling

Our development Squad has also been a good stepping stone for young players like David Brooks, Peck, Ndiaye, Jebbison to come in and grow. We haven't just relied on the academy players coming through

What happened in the summer and this season was that we went all in on bringing in developing players, the likes of Soumares the apparent best of the bunch, but Matos and Zatterstrom identified as also being ready. They're clearly not and perhaps won't be. That's sometimes the gamble and takes us back to your point of structure in the club and Bergen Blade point about having people to assess these future / potential signings.

Something, again worth highlighting is the distinct difference in that Wilder is a manager from the English game, whereas, like Bergen Blade said, Selles was a first team coach. Wilders contribution is only appreciated inside the club once he's gone. Replacing someone with that experience from the English management business is not easy. Its foolish to assume that replacing him with a Coach will then fill the gap. There are so many facets to his experience and thats not a slight on Selles, just different background

So there is a need to look internally at the roles and responsibilities of the manager and how to separate some of that out, so that we can go in a different direction in the future. It needs to evolve though and thats, for me, why its hard to replace Wilder this summer.

While ever the club is ran in the old school, manager runs everything way, our scope for a decent coach is narrow. Wilder, for all his faults, is still probably the best man to manage the club in it's current state. Until we change we are destined for relying on hope that we stumble across a manager who can overcome the odds. I don't think that man is Wilder anymore but I also don't see who else is available that betters him in our current position. Its shit but we probably need to ride it out until it becomes blatantly obvious that we need a huge restructure

Agreed.

And on these points, I can't see us making any great strides at the moment. To change manager now is too late, and we'd be in the same mess as last summer. We almost need Wilder to sign up to the project for the next 18 months-2 years, as part of his phased exit. If he's up for that?!

We really to move on form a one man model, but for the time being, and for creating a stable side on (let's face it, soon to be) mediocre finances, I'd trust no one more.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I got rid of my Argos catalogue and ordered from Temu instead and it was junk.
I'm going back to the Argos catalogue for ever.

Up the Argos!

P.s. I don't get your point, Temu is, and always will be junk.

 

[Panini]

I've arrived at a point where I'm not especially bothered who the manager is as long as we're honest more often than not, entertaining more often than not and forward-thinking more often than not.

Wilder once had us ticking all three but right now we're not ticking any.

Objectively he has earned the chance to put things right but I highly doubt his ability to reverse the issues he's fully or partly responsible for.

 

[Nick Jansky]

I've arrived at a point where I'm not especially bothered who the manager is as long as we're honest more often than not, entertaining more often than not and forward-thinking more often than not.

Wilder once had us ticking all three but right now we're not ticking any.

Objectively he has earned the chance to put things right but I highly doubt his ability to reverse the issues he's fully or partly responsible for.

This is pretty much where I am too. I wouldn’t be getting rid this summer, but there needs to be clear signs of progression in players, fitness/conditioning and style of play. Without that, he needs to be gone by Christmas. For the sake of the club I hope he succeeds, but I have serious doubts that he will.

 

[Pedro Verde]

I wasnt happy with Wilder last season with the fact we failed to get promotion either automatically or through the play offs. He bottled both with his tactics and team selections towards the end of the season
I probably wouldnt have sacked him when we did and would have given him while Christmas this season to see where we were.

The selection of Selles to replace Wilder seemed to have been a knee jerk / panic appointment no rational thinking seems to have been applied to his appointment. This shows the lack of understanding our new owners have about English soccerball they should have had some advice from their own football guy (Des Turner would have been ideal) and not relied on Wilders pal Bettis. This is a problem that still needs addressing. Im not saying Bettis needs to go but the owners should have another avenue of advice with regard to the running of the football club

On to the aftermath of the Selles debacle. The return of Wilder was the quick fix the club needed at the time we couldnt afford to make another mistake otherwise L1 would have been on the cards in fact its a good job we signed Bamford otherwise I think we would have been struggling big time. We did play some good football for about 10 games but then reverted to type. I dont understand the reasons for this
The issues with the current players are well known, many players cant last 90 mins and we crumble in the last 30 mins of games giving up something like 30 points from winning positions which is unacceptable

I think we are now at a turning point next season no parachute payments and player sales if we keep Wilder he needs a rocket up his arse his backroom staff needs changing the fitness and conditioning team needs replacing IMO also the recruitment team needs replacing

Again I would give Wilder until Christmas see which players he can bring in. No more Wilder projects no more crocks. Fit young hungry players with strong mental and physical strengths with a high improvement ceiling
I dont think Wilder is the long term solution. There needs to be some mid to long term planning. The owners need to be looking at candidates that could replace Wilder in 12/18 months time. They need to look at the whole structure of the club be that a DOF a strong fitness and conditioning team and a better recruitment team all of those areas to be long term appointments

 

[Broomhall Blade]

Agreed.

And on these points, I can't see us making any great strides at the moment. To change manager now is too late, and we'd be in the same mess as last summer. We almost need Wilder to sign up to the project for the next 18 months-2 years, as part of his phased exit. If he's up for that?!

We really to move on form a one man model, but for the time being, and for creating a stable side on (let's face it, soon to be) mediocre finances, I'd trust no one more.

What happens if Wilder continues next season like he's finishing this, chucking points away from winning positions, negative substitutions(he's never been great at substitutions), boring passing backwards or sideways football ?

We would also have the added hindrance of Wilder signings on 3 year plus contracts, I know people point too fleck, Duffy, McGoldrick etc as good signings which they were but he's also made some dreadful signings some in this January.

For the club too move forward it needs a complete overhaul from top to bottom, there is literally no point in keeping Wilder because he cannot take us forward so there is no point kicking the can down the road for another 12 months.
Season ticket sales will be well down next season the only way the club can potentially reverse that is by starting the rebuild now.

 

[The Fox]

What happens if Wilder continues next season like he's finishing this, chucking points away from winning positions, negative substitutions(he's never been great at substitutions), boring passing backwards or sideways football ?

We would also have the added hindrance of Wilder signings on 3 year plus contracts, I know people point too fleck, Duffy, McGoldrick etc as good signings which they were but he's also made some dreadful signings some in this January.

For the club too move forward it needs a complete overhaul from top to bottom, there is literally no point in keeping Wilder because he cannot take us forward so there is no point kicking the can down the road for another 12 months.
Season ticket sales will be well down next season the only way the club can potentially reverse that is by starting the rebuild now.

Very much agree.

We need to stop the wilder hamster wheel and move him on along with knill and bettis for that matter .

Its not that I dont like the bloke , I'm just tired of him . Can't help wondering if the players are tired of the same too. Sometimes they need a new voice. People constantly referring to Selles in a " be careful what you wish for" way are rightly nervous about change. However managers dont suddenly go from a steady decline into world beaters at the same club . Wilder , the club and the players need a change , comes with risk but so does staying as we are .

 

[SwissBlade]

Agreed.

And on these points, I can't see us making any great strides at the moment. To change manager now is too late, and we'd be in the same mess as last summer. We almost need Wilder to sign up to the project for the next 18 months-2 years, as part of his phased exit. If he's up for that?!

We really to move on form a one man model, but for the time being, and for creating a stable side on (let's face it, soon to be) mediocre finances, I'd trust no one more.

When a manager is sacked, there has to be a plan. As always a manager change either comes from a reaction to bad results or a manager leaving for a better offer (rare in our case), last summer was a huge mistake. The owners thought that sacking the manager following a play off defeat would bring a positive change, without planning for that positive change. They sacked the manager and then started to think what to do.

I think any manager is always up for longer term, i don't think it needs to be restricted to 18-24 months. The club has to bring in the resources and structure around him, not with a view to phasing him out, otherwise whats the point having him here in the first place, but to build success and to build for a future which doesn't result in major changes each time results go sideways, it has to be about always taking the club forwards.

 

[MTBlade]

When a manager is sacked, there has to be a plan. As always a manager change either comes from a reaction to bad results or a manager leaving for a better offer (rare in our case), last summer was a huge mistake. The owners thought that sacking the manager following a play off defeat would bring a positive change, without planning for that positive change. They sacked the manager and then started to think what to do.

I think any manager is always up for longer term, i don't think it needs to be restricted to 18-24 months. The club has to bring in the resources and structure around him, not with a view to phasing him out, otherwise whats the point having him here in the first place, but to build success and to build for a future which doesn't result in major changes each time results go sideways, it has to be about always taking the club forwards.

Totally agree.

My only thought/concern is, will CW allow/be happy for that to happen?

Im not massively pro or against CW, but the club has to plan to move forward or it will get left behind like Sheffield (the City) has, against the likes of Leeds and Manchester.

Stand still and you are actually going backwards.

 

[Danetheblade]

Morning all, and a happy Easter to you and your family.

I’ve been on the fence on whether to post this or not, but after sitting on this for a few weeks I feel now is the right time.

Following Fridays draw, and the previous results of losing points from winning positions, it’s easy to see why we’re all looking at various issues as the main point of concern. In reality, I’m of the opinion that it’s not one thing, but a large number of smaller issues amounting to a consistent lack of progress on the pitch (and arguably off it).

It can’t be ignored that Wilder has just about turned our season round to almost guarantee survival, but equally he’s not the manager he used to be and these consistent collapses require him to shoulder some accountability.

Selles was the wrong choice, no one disputes that, but I think we need to wipe the slate clean and start again, including a new manager and rebuild of the squad. The owners need to have our backing on the tough decisions, and as fans we need to understand where we are, a squad in need of a rebuild and stability, essentially a long term project over a few seasons.

I worry that keeping things as it is condemns us to another wasted season next year, where we’re likely to have more CW old boys signings, no plan A and a group of owners scratching their heads about what’s going wrong.

If we’re going to rebuild after next season anyway, why not rip off the plaster and start now? Get a manager in with an idea of long term strategy and let them start trying to introduce it. And us, as fans, realising that changing a team requires time.

As fans, we’re scarred by Selles and Jokanivic, but unfortunately we need to persevere on these routes to change the narrative of the club. Every other club does it, and we’re left wondering how, but it’s not a unique approach. We’re not a one man club, and we need to adapt to a newer model to progress.

As fans we NEED to try and be patient, because I genuinely feel that we’re becoming numb to being Blades, seeing the players blowing out of their arse after sixty minutes and bang average teams putting us to the sword. Wilders pashun and fight has obviously gone, so we need a hard reset and patience going forwards.

All we can hope for is the owners learning from their mistakes and making informed choices going forwards.

Just my two quid, I’d be interested to hear yours.

I think you raise some good points.

Wilder whilst being bought back and saving us from relegation, he had ample time to do more than this, he could’ve got us into the promotion race (play offs) and at several points we were within touching distance of sixth.

Selles whilst being a bad choice, is solely down to the boards absolute amateurishness in recruiting him without any form of interview or conversation as to what his plans and ideas are.

Jokanovic ultimately got shafted without lube by the prince promising the world and giving him absolutely nothing. (A manager who exclusively used wingers, not having funds given to sign said wingers).

I think the whole Selles situation is great content as to why to stick with Wilder for those who are Wilder fans, I am, I used to be an even bigger fan during his first tenure, this Wilder isn’t the same manager, he’s a shell of the manager that sent us on that magical journey, and that’s okay.

It’s equally okay to want to see a different direction whilst thanking him for what he’s done in the past.

Though, Wilder isn’t the biggest issue at the club, we’re woefully inept and lacking in almost every single department, we act like we’re in the early 2000s’ and for all the guff and talk about “progressing the club” the board don’t seem to have a single clue on what’s needed to make us even somewhat competent outside the playing staff. Appreciate they’ve started the work on the training ground, but we could have a training facility akin to Man City, but it means absolutely fuck all whilst we’ve got coaching staff that aren’t up to standard, alongside physios and recruitment that equally aren’t up to standard.

Long road ahead unless they pull their heads from their arses and wake up and smell the coffee.

 

[ckpe147]

A lot of the issues seem still to be going back to Selles, but he was only in charge of 5 league games.. its clear to me and anybody of any sense that he had no involvement with transfers, except that of Bindon and Barry.
The scattergun end to the summer transfer window was all the board/bettis, leaving us with an incompetent squad. Wilder clearly shares that view, as there's a few players that aren't/haven't been part of his plans. He sticks with his ideal starting line-up every game if he can.
Ultimately the aim when Wilder came back should've been playoffs, minimum. But it took weeks for a broken squad to get some results on the board. That fragility has been clear to see. You look at Preston away..2-0 up and heading for a 3rd successive victory, until the team crumble, as they have done on numerous occasions.
The concerns I have are as follows -
1. Disciplinary record. The two reds at Charlton killed our play off hope in January.
2. Our clubs inability to sign anybody before preseason. Believing that the best deals are done late in the window. Just look at the last two windows as proof to the contrary. Panic.
3. Wilder's tactical inflexibility. This squad is crying out for 343. Clement showed Wilder tactical nous at carrow road to change the game..

Back whoever's in charge. Club before names

 

[loyalblade95]

Been thinking about it for a while, and the Swansea game just summed it up for me about why we are where we are in the table.

We don't struggle to attack teams or create chances, we've seen it a few times this season where if the players can focus enough in the moment, they'll score goals even if we are a bit wasteful with chances at times.

Our big issue is defending, we're not good enough at the back and it's been a problem all season, but has gotten worse these last 5/6 games.

That's why we'll scrape into mid table in the end, decent enough going forward but not good enough at the back.

Do we need a complete overhaul/rebuild in the summer?

Not really, I think while we desperately need options, we only need a few first team players while any other signings are just competition/backup.

Personally I expect us to lose both Hamer and Peck, and I'd let the following players leave the club (Sell-Loan-Release), and thankfully most of them I think are out of contract:

Ukaki (S), RND (S), Shackleton (S/R), Matos (L), T Davies (R), Ings (R), Mee (R)

As for Rothwell, McGuinness and Chong, keep them around but with the expectation of serious improvement next season.

New starting players:
CB x 1, LW x 1, CDM x 1 (if Reidewald leaves)

Backup/competition players:
GK x 1, RB x 1, CB x 2, CDM x 1, CM x 1, LW x 1, CAM x 1, ST x 1

That's 12 signings, or 11 if Jairo signs an extension/new contract, and most of them are just to add squad depth that the last few weeks have highlighted our lack of.

Plus, if Oné has developed enough and is ready for our team next season, I wouldn't sign another striker and just have him as backup instead.

Hopefully Arblaster will be up to speed as well for next season.

Get all of that (definitely those 2/3 starting players), find a style of play/formation and stick with it, and I'd back us to have a much better season next season.

 

[Danny_Blade]

Morning all, and a happy Easter to you and your family.

I’ve been on the fence on whether to post this or not, but after sitting on this for a few weeks I feel now is the right time.

Following Fridays draw, and the previous results of losing points from winning positions, it’s easy to see why we’re all looking at various issues as the main point of concern. In reality, I’m of the opinion that it’s not one thing, but a large number of smaller issues amounting to a consistent lack of progress on the pitch (and arguably off it).

It can’t be ignored that Wilder has just about turned our season round to almost guarantee survival, but equally he’s not the manager he used to be and these consistent collapses require him to shoulder some accountability.

Selles was the wrong choice, no one disputes that, but I think we need to wipe the slate clean and start again, including a new manager and rebuild of the squad. The owners need to have our backing on the tough decisions, and as fans we need to understand where we are, a squad in need of a rebuild and stability, essentially a long term project over a few seasons.

I worry that keeping things as it is condemns us to another wasted season next year, where we’re likely to have more CW old boys signings, no plan A and a group of owners scratching their heads about what’s going wrong.

If we’re going to rebuild after next season anyway, why not rip off the plaster and start now? Get a manager in with an idea of long term strategy and let them start trying to introduce it. And us, as fans, realising that changing a team requires time.

As fans, we’re scarred by Selles and Jokanivic, but unfortunately we need to persevere on these routes to change the narrative of the club. Every other club does it, and we’re left wondering how, but it’s not a unique approach. We’re not a one man club, and we need to adapt to a newer model to progress.

As fans we NEED to try and be patient, because I genuinely feel that we’re becoming numb to being Blades, seeing the players blowing out of their arse after sixty minutes and bang average teams putting us to the sword. Wilders pashun and fight has obviously gone, so we need a hard reset and patience going forwards.

All we can hope for is the owners learning from their mistakes and making informed choices going forwards.

Just my two quid, I’d be interested to hear yours.

Nail On Head.

Bold 1. This is what I've kept on thinking the last few years - why do we keep kicking the can down the road? We've had a few chances to finally change this club since the first relegation in 2021. The fact we've brought Wilder back not once but twice now - I've never felt so disillusioned and frustrated with this club, ever. It must explain why I haven't attended a single match since the most recent Prem season.

Bold 2. As I've just alluded to above I'm a very numb Blade. A large part of the reason why is because when we've tried to change as a club in the past it hasn't lasted 5 minutes because the vast majority of our fan base just don't have that patience you talk about. Because it's such a huge change required at this club, it's going to take quite a bit of time. Even if it means having another average season or few to get through it I'd be willing to do it.

 

[Ned the Donkey]

The squad needed rebuilding after last season, now it needs totally demolishing due to the shocking summer 2025.

We did really well to patch together an automatic challenge last season, but essentially we kicked the can down the road. The approach will be a gradualist one if done correctly. Patience is the name of the game. It'll be incredibly difficult to have the 10-12 players we need in for next pre season so it's probably the following season when the good work (if done correctly) will pay off. 8th place would be a great season next season. Lower mid table would be acceptable.

Look I don't come here for sensible, reasoned, mid to long term assessments I want deranged BURN IT ALL DOWN crackposting.

 

[SwissBlade]

Totally agree.

My only thought/concern is, will CW allow/be happy for that to happen?

Im not massively pro or against CW, but the club has to plan to move forward or it will get left behind like Sheffield (the City) has, against the likes of Leeds and Manchester.

Stand still and you are actually going backwards.

Yeah i think so. I think most managers would be happy if they see the club supporting them in building the future, creating longevity and as the Americans like to say "setting you up for success".

I see no reason why Wilder would not also want that. We can go back to last seasons post derby rant where he highlighted how and why we're streets ahead of Wednesday. Look back at those heady days when we were close to the Champions League slots in the Premier League, how happy he was. How happy he was with the signings of Mousset, Sander Berge and Brewster.

Again, like most managers, Wilder does not like to be undermined. Like most managers he doesn't like negative results, negativity and instability in the football club.

I also think that the clubs owners appreciate the input and experience that Wilder has now. Perhaps they didn't before and perhaps there were people amongst the ownership group that wanted to do things their own way. That Wilder was the problem. That success was only a step away if Wilder was removed, so they thought. It sounded like when they brought Wilder back they appreciated what he can bring.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Let Wilder help pick the next manager and let him 'go upstairs'.

 

[54yrblade]

Let Wilder help pick the next manager and let him 'go upstairs'.

We saw what that does to successive managers over the pennines. Fergie was involved too deeply and still held sway over players and staff, undermining managers, until they got shut.

And, unlike Wilder, he had armfuls of trophies to back it up. A serial winner.

 

[Northernsoulblade]

Probably have limited resources this summer so is there anyone better to pick up players on the cheap than Wilder be very interesting closed season COYRAWW don’t you young fans despair the numbness turns to immunity after 55 years watching and I for one couldn’t imagine supporting anyone but the blades

 

[SLB]

The Selles disaster is not proof that changing manager away from Wilder is a route to failure.
It's logically nonsense. Selles was crap, fact. There's nothing at all to say any other manger choice to replace him would have done the same or better than Wilder.

I'm not chomping at the bit for him to go, but there is zero logic in assuming he is the only man for the job.

Totally agree. The single worst thing to happen to us in years was the appointment of Selles because in the minds of the CW devotees it just reinforced their position that he is the only one who can manage United because he "gets us", "is one of us" etc. It's nauseating and illogical.

 

[71Blade]

While ever the club is ran in the old school, manager runs everything way, our scope for a decent coach is narrow. Wilder, for all his faults, is still probably the best man to manage the club in it's current state. Until we change we are destined for relying on hope that we stumble across a manager who can overcome the odds. I don't think that man is Wilder anymore but I also don't see who else is available that betters him in our current position. Its shit but we probably need to ride it out until it becomes blatantly obvious that we need a huge restructure

I agree whilst we have been scarred by Selles there has to be upcoming managers who would steer is in a different direction i know its risky we all want immediate success but lets say we managed 15 points from the 30 lost / thrown away this season.. can you imagine this lot in the prem. Fairytail i want a team with momentum that we can add to and give us a fighters chance of survival.

I look at us now and honestly none of them are prem ready or prem quality. We have regressed so badly. Time for a clear out time for change for me. Im bored of watching us right now we are very crap in every department. If we saw elements of improvement from a new manager id be ok with that as said its risky but we cant carry on like this. Wilder for me isnt the answer.

 

[ATL Recs]

So, your answer to many issues that amount to a complex problem is to just change the manager and fans be patient?

Wonder what happened this season when the owners made that decision?

Maybe you should read his post before pulling it to pieces

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

When a manager is sacked, there has to be a plan. As always a manager change either comes from a reaction to bad results or a manager leaving for a better offer (rare in our case), last summer was a huge mistake. The owners thought that sacking the manager following a play off defeat would bring a positive change, without planning for that positive change. They sacked the manager and then started to think what to do.

I think any manager is always up for longer term, i don't think it needs to be restricted to 18-24 months. The club has to bring in the resources and structure around him, not with a view to phasing him out, otherwise whats the point having him here in the first place, but to build success and to build for a future which doesn't result in major changes each time results go sideways, it has to be about always taking the club forwards.

Great points.

There's a position hopefully coming available in the not-so-distant future, currently occupied by a Mr S. Bettis. Apply within.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Let Wilder help pick the next manager and let him 'go upstairs'.

Absolutely no.

 

[ATL Recs]

What makes you say CWs Pashun and Fight has gone ?

I don’t see that at all

He ain’t no Messiah he hit on a system that clicked when he put a player he wanted to move out in front of the back 3 ( Coutts) he had a group of underachievers who found an individual and teams style that worked to a man
we should all be grateful for it as it set the platform for the last ten years

Last years points hall was impressive the football wasnt
Yet the margins of winning with below par performances last year could have turned the other way, and they started to show from Oxford on and continued this season

As the poster says, the owners made a right old uck up. recruitment at the end of the window in the summer was rabbit in headlights panic

Resulting in Wilder coming back. With or without Wilder a manager who knew the division would have steadied the ship.However I couldn’t imagine anyone else wanting it or the owners wanting that financial expenditure

As a club we are a Norwich Boro Derby Ipswich Wolves size yet structurally are run more like a Stevenage or Wycombe size club

We need to change up and show a little patience

 

[Nick Jansky]

Yeah i think so. I think most managers would be happy if they see the club supporting them in building the future, creating longevity and as the Americans like to say "setting you up for success".

I see no reason why Wilder would not also want that. We can go back to last seasons post derby rant where he highlighted how and why we're streets ahead of Wednesday. Look back at those heady days when we were close to the Champions League slots in the Premier League, how happy he was. How happy he was with the signings of Mousset, Sander Berge and Brewster.

Again, like most managers, Wilder does not like to be undermined. Like most managers he doesn't like negative results, negativity and instability in the football club.

I also think that the clubs owners appreciate the input and experience that Wilder has now. Perhaps they didn't before and perhaps there were people amongst the ownership group that wanted to do things their own way. That Wilder was the problem. That success was only a step away if Wilder was removed, so they thought. It sounded like when they brought Wilder back they appreciated what he can bring.

Anybody who thinks those days are coming back hasn’t been paying attention. He’s far from the manager he was 10 years ago. Nowhere close to it.

He was indeed happy when we signed Mousset, Berge & Brewster. The first highlights what bullshit gets spouted about doing a deep dive on “character”. The third flags up a continuing issue with our recruitment. It only took a brief look at his injury history at such a young age to realise that he was a crock waiting to happen. No other PL club was in for him because they do due diligence on potential signings. Liverpool were more than happy to get rid and saw us coming. Berge was successful and was a Van Winkel signing. That’s the closest we ever got to having a DoF.

I get that some people have a need to cling to comfort blankets, but sadly that attitude is why we never move forward as a club.

 

[Bell4]

He ain’t no Messiah he hit on a system that clicked when he put a player he wanted to move out in front of the back 3 ( Coutts) he had a group of underachievers who found an individual and teams style that worked to a man
we should all be grateful for it as it set the platform for the last ten years

Last years points hall was impressive the football wasnt
Yet the margins of winning with below par performances last year could have turned the other way, and they started to show from Oxford on and continued this season

As the poster says, the owners made a right old uck up. recruitment at the end of the window in the summer was rabbit in headlights panic

Resulting in Wilder coming back. With or without Wilder a manager who knew the division would have steadied the ship.However I couldn’t imagine anyone else wanting it or the owners wanting that financial expenditure

As a club we are a Norwich Boro Derby Ipswich Wolves size yet structurally are run more like a Stevenage or Wycombe size club

We need to change up and show a little patience

What’s this got to do with my question?

 

[MadDad38]

One of the hallmarks of Fergie's longevity at Man Utd was that he cycled through assistants to bring new ideas and a different voice for the players to listen to.

I remember Alan Knill getting lots of credit for the tactical innovations circa 2016-19, but what has been doing since then? Escapes criticism by being under the radar imo.

Tbh I have no problem with Wilder being the public face, sausage rohling other managers etc., if we were seeing a positive impact of the coaching team on basic defending, attacks that use the centre of midfield occasionally and collectively how to game manage situations where we find ourselves ahead or in with a chance of a good away point.

Maybe its that this that needs freshening up.