A hard reset and an acceptance of where we are

[Loco 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.

The problem is compounded by the fact that despite avoiding regulation ( hopefully) we are now going to be in that group who have no parachute payments to fall back on . It can go two ways , we continue a slow decline or we shop in the bargain basement and uncover some gems. If the board are hanging on every word Wilder says then maybe a DF is needed but we all know Wilder won’t wear that. I want a clean broom . Look at the kid in charge is Southampton. We need some guts and suck it up and gamble otherwise it’s rinse repeat

 

[luffenhamblade]

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

I agree with lots of what you say but that guy makes me cringe. It’s a no from me.

 

[Nick Jansky]

I agree with lots of what you say but that guy makes me cringe. It’s a no from me.

They both make me cringe but I’d being the sort of club we are means that we need someone like that I’d go for Dyche. But I would prefer neither.

 

[luffenhamblade]

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

Worked for Fergie (I know he didn’t formally go upstairs but…)

 

[Nick Jansky]

Worked for Fergie (I know he didn’t formally go upstairs but…)

It actually did work for Fergie, who continued to have influence and relevance. Which is exactly why we shouldn’t do it.

 

[Upton_Blade]

Maybe you should read his post before pulling it to pieces

Don't be silly. Any post remotely negative about his idol and Kenilworth is on it like a tramp on chips.

 

[Cheeky Blade]

I think we might need to see new owners before the kind of change you’re suggesting is needed.

In any case, Wilder will get the summer rebuild, if it fails he’s gone and if he succeeds then ‘everyone’ will be happy, right?

 

[ben1987]

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

What’s wilder done to show he’d be good ‘upstairs’?

A lot of the transfers he’s made while he’s had any money have been disastrous.

His recruitment team chase targets over multiple windows who are usually ageing, crocked or shite.

The football has been wildly inconsistent for a year now with more signs we’re going backwards than forwards. Installing a young and progressive coach and moving wilder upstairs wouldn’t exactly instil a new club philosophy would it. It would just be wilder junior, achieving the exact opposite of what a wilder replacement ought to be. May as well move wilder upstairs and mek Knill manager.

We don’t want someone upstairs who sees Souttar getting injured, signs holding, spends £10m on cannon and then sticks with Robinson.

No doubt wilder would pick Mark Robins if he was tasked to pick his replacement been as he was up in arms about him losing the Cov job.

 

[VictoryBlade]

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.

I live in Manchester and don't be fooled by the shiny buildings, its still a shitehole!

 

[reedy63]

These American owners/board of directors billionaires made a big mistake by getting Rid of Wilder and brought in an unknown manager who talked a good game, but Selles had no idea.
Then, got Chris Wilder back. The loan player and the bought ones, Wilder would not have signed. Apart from Bamford and Riediewald who have been good. I'm sure Wilder will get rid of players who are not good enough at the end of the Season. We have been poor against teams that we should have beaten.
The thing that sticks out is that most of the players are completely knackered in the last twenty minutes of each game. So there is something wrong there.
Never seen that before. If Chris Wilder signs or loans the players He wants and has a bad start next season, the owners have a problem.
So I am hoping we start well, with attacking football, great to watch. We want players to fight for everything.

 

[Slugger]

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.

I agree with your take on the Mousset transfer but I think Liverpool insisted on a sell-on clause and a 3 year fixed buy-back option for Brewster which suggests that they were hedging their bets with him.

 

[Blade56]

Just watching WHU vs Leeds. Leeds are doing it right, makes me realise we have a tired manager, lots of tired players and fans who are tired of the same old.

 

[luffenhamblade]

It actually did work for Fergie, who continued to have influence and relevance. Which is exactly why we shouldn’t do it.

That’s exactly what I meant - apologies if it didn’t come across that way! Worked for Fergie but not the club.

 

[Harry's Game]

The Time to bring about the change to the structure and culture of the club that we desperately need was when we got relegated last time whilst we had two full years of parachute payments to bring in new coaching staff, a DOF and new recruitment team…

However at that point The Prince was still trying to finalise the sale of the club so we were in Limbo and we stuck with CW, who I’m sure was only initially brought back the second time to see the Prem season out.

We now have no funds to bring in the complete restructure we need so if we just change the manager again it will just be a re-run of the Seles debacle where he’s expected to work with the same awful recruitment team and basically run the club

With absolutely no enthusiasm I think we have to stick with Wilder for next season as there is no one else of his type out there who’s better and hope we can be at least a competitive upper mid table side.

 

[Nick Jansky]

I agree with your take on the Mousset transfer but I think Liverpool insisted on a sell-on clause and a 3 year fixed buy-back option for Brewster which suggests that they were hedging their bets with him.

Liverpool are generally the smartest of operators in the transfer market. Maybe not so much last summer, but they get a lot more right than they get wrong. When they let a young player go there is usually a good reason.

 

[iBlade.]

This next close season I think there is every chance we will see a major clear out with our big names such as Brooks, Seriki, Peck and Hammer all at risk. Ask yourself this question, would you trust Wilder with the rebuild using whatever funds are available?

 

[Upton_Blade]

The Time to bring about the change to the structure and culture of the club that we desperately need was when we got relegated last time whilst we had two full years of parachute payments to bring in new coaching staff, a DOF and new recruitment team…

However at that point The Prince was still trying to finalise the sale of the club so we were in Limbo and we stuck with CW, who I’m sure was only initially brought back the second time to see the Prem season out.

We now have no funds to bring in the complete restructure we need so if we just change the manager again it will just be a re-run of the Seles debacle where he’s expected to work with the same awful recruitment team and basically run the club

With absolutely no enthusiasm I think we have to stick with Wilder for next season as there is no one else of his type out there who’s better and hope we can be at least a competitive upper mid table side.

I don't disagree with you but not sure where this idea that we have no funds comes from?

Literally no one has any idea how much the owners are prepared to invest or spend.

It might be nothing but it also maybe what it takes.

 

[jt64]

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?

Something doesn't work once. Let's never try it again

 

[Harry's Game]

I don't disagree with you but not sure where this idea that we have no funds comes from?

Literally no one has any idea how much the owners are prepared to invest or spend.

It might be nothing but it also maybe what it takes.

Just to clarify I mean no funds to do the behind scenes stuff whilst also needing about half a dozen new players.. recruitment of players is going to have to be prioritised this summer with the expected departures and replacements for the rubbish we signed last summer

 

[Manwell Pablo]

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.

You need to give him a proper go from the start with a full summer working with your technical director on signings, friendlies and preparation. Which is what your board will do as I feel they’ve leant their lesson,

If he doesn’t get results next season that’s when he needs sacking.

Anyone expecting him to get in the top 6 are very deluded.

 

[Pintor75]

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

No, if he goes he needs to leave the club completely

 

[Kenilworth]

Maybe you should read his post before pulling it to pieces

I did.
I read the whole post.
Then I summarised his position.
It’s a simple sack the manger post, that’s all it was.

 

[SwissBlade]

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.

I don’t think anyone is expecting those days to come back, nor was that the point.

 

[SwissBlade]

Great points.

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

I’d imagine, based on how he’s held things together, and hope, that there will be additions rather than replacements

 

[Kenilworth]

Something doesn't work once. Let's never try it again

If you’ve read any of my previous posts on this subject you’ll know why.
Just changing Wilder for any other manager or head coach without changing the infrastructure (massive task and not an overnight job) will result in the same (perhaps fewer defeats) as SeLLLLLes.
Unless the structure of the club is modernised and we get to Cat 1 there is utterly no point in the often lauded DOF position being filled (as if it’s a panacea for all ills ) and there is no point in just replacing the manager because “any change is good.” SeLLLLLLEs proved the point that it takes more than a change of coach to alter things.

 

[jt64]

If you’ve read any of my previous posts on this subject you’ll know why.
Just changing Wilder for any other manager or head coach without changing the infrastructure (massive task and not an overnight job) will result in the same (perhaps fewer defeats) as SeLLLLLes.
Unless the structure of the club is modernised and we get to Cat 1 there is utterly no point in the often lauded DOF position being filled (as if it’s a panacea for all ills ) and there is no point in just replacing the manager because “any change is good.” SeLLLLLLEs proved the point that it takes more than a change of coach to alter things.

It is truly hilarious that some people think that Wilder is literally the peak manager we could have given our current football operations structure. Does that need improving? Yes. Does the lack of it mean that we cannot possibly improve the first team coaching setup? No.

 

[BazWainwright]

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 we expected too much from the HRH > COH transition and optimistically hoped some sort of wealth bonus and even Selles to move us on one more notch when the proof of that simply wasn't there. Sacking Wilder was a critical turning point as was jettisoning Souza and Anel for no real reason. We did okay last season save for the disappointing run in post SWFC victory and the defeat, once again, when in the lead set a dismal pattern of poor resilience when in front and dominating.

Obviously losing key players, then Wilder, then putting trust in AI to bring in playing talent was the kicking away of the legs of the stool even more. To find ourselves propping up the table with them lot wasn't a good optic and in truth, the responsibility for that stands solely with COH. We can call to back them all we want but the majority of the blame for us finishing the season - for the first time since the disappointing white-kit season under Adkins - without either a chance of promotion or relegation is something of significance. It's clear that players like Tanganga, O'Hare, Hamer are looking at the clubs they left and thinking what a mistake it was rocking up at Bramall Lane. Their indifference now has spread through the squad and we have absolutely nothing to battle for, a strange feeling in Bramall Lane.

We will jettison players no doubt when all of this is over. I can't cry much about that. I don't think we will hang on to loanees either. It does seem we are not that badly off financially if brassic with regard parachute payments. Next season will again be touch and go and a tough one once again and COH will have to back Wilder - and back us as supporters and make the playoffs the minimal objective. The problem is I do not think they are set up financially to support the club in the PL. For that we need SERIOUS money they don't have.

 

[Hillsboro Blade]

We missed a trick when Alex Blessin couldn’t get a Work Permit. Took St Pauli up to the Bundesliga top League and is keeping them there. Ultra fit side, quick players with an immense team spirit. Shame.

 

[RAP51]

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.

Excellent post. I think the reappointment of Wilder was not only a panic decision from the board after their ridiculous appointment of Selles(who had achieved nothing of note before he came) but an economic decision as they were already paying Wilder off and didn't want to add another salary to the bill.
I also think it was the correct decision at the time and for a period, Wilder mark2a seemed to have had an upgrade. Unfortunately as things have started to go wrong the same old traits are re-appearing and he doesn't seem to know how to correct things.
None of us know how much money the owners are able and willing to invest before the start of next season and appointing a new manager is always a big risk. I think the board will stick with Wilder and allow him some funds to rebuild even though we may sell some of our better assets to pay for this.
It would be great if this move was successful, but deep down, like you, I believe a root and branch reform is necessary for the club to move forward

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

Just watching WHU vs Leeds. Leeds are doing it right, makes me realise we have a tired manager, lots of tired players and fans who are tired of the same old.

But our fans aren’t tired of it,he’s saved us from relegation! What a bunch of blind Chrissy imbeciles. He’s getting out thought week after week and playing league one stuff,we are declining so quickly,behind the scenes and on the stage,it’s boring and predictable. Reset now and suck it up or hard times and dwindling support are inevitable. 17th place,god knows how many defeats,poor performances,players fucked after 35 minutes,etc etc,he’s had 30 odd games and he’s still making excuses what the lovers are gobbling up. Wake up.