A very strange relegation

[lenners]

How odd is it that with 14 games left, most fans are resigned to relegation, the manager seems resigned to it and presumably the players are. Not like any relegation I've known.
This isn't a call to arms for the fans because that's made little difference.
But I wonder if we don't have at least some players with enough professional pride to at least have a proper go.
Is there nothing in them that says sod this, I'm embarrassed how we've reached this state of resignation, we can and will do better and if we go down, we go down fighting?

 

[cooperblade]

How odd is it that with 14 games left, most fans are resigned to relegation, the manager seems resigned to it and presumably the players are. Not like any relegation I've known.
This isn't a call to arms for the fans because that's made little difference.
But I wonder if we don't have at least some players with enough professional pride to at least have a proper go.
Is there nothing in them that says sod this, I'm embarrassed how we've reached this state of resignation, we can and will do better and if we go down, we go down fighting?

Was chatting to Micalijo about this over the weekend. Can't remember a relegation, in my time, that felt nailed on so far out.

 

[shorehamview]

To be honest if I was offered the chance to bet on either a win for Sheffield United or a dragon terrorising Woodseats before Easter I'd be off down to William Hill with a tenner to put on the scaly chap. Our defence isn't exactly inspiring and our attack couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo 99% of the time.

If we were battling well and being desperately unlucky then perhaps I'd have hope - as it stands there is little hope or comfort coming from the majority of the team. Still, most of them will have fucked off in the summer and we'll hopefully have a new set of pelicans to laugh at.

 

[alcoblade]

You have to question how long we leave it before we send everyone we can back and get the kids in, if only to save the budget for next season. I'm not suggesting that, but as soon as we're down we should do it immediately.

At least the sooner we're put out of our misery, the sooner we can begin that process.

UTB

 

[Micalijo]

I totally understand why people are saying it is inevitable but surely a win tomorrow puts a different perspective on things? It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that we scrape a 1-0 win tomorrow and even a draw on Saturday in addition would I believe bring Donny at least right back into the frame. We're ptrobably gonna have to win a couple of games where we are big outsiders such as Forest at home but I don't see an inevitability about it just yet. This aint a wind-up by the way.

We've got a poor manager, huge numbers of terrible players but until tomorrow at 10pm I still have hope.

 

[oldblade]

How odd is it that with 14 games left, most fans are resigned to relegation, the manager seems resigned to it and presumably the players are. Not like any relegation I've known.
This isn't a call to arms for the fans because that's made little difference.
But I wonder if we don't have at least some players with enough professional pride to at least have a proper go.
Is there nothing in them that says sod this, I'm embarrassed how we've reached this state of resignation, we can and will do better and if we go down, we go down fighting?

In 1975-6 I think there was an acceptance of relegation by about November!

 

[Coily]

I totally understand why people are saying it is inevitable but surely a win tomorrow puts a different perspective on things? It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that we scrape a 1-0 win tomorrow and even a draw on Saturday in addition would I believe bring Donny at least right back into the frame. We're ptrobably gonna have to win a couple of games where we are big outsiders such as Forest at home but I don't see an inevitability about it just yet. This aint a wind-up by the way.

We've got a poor manager, huge numbers of terrible players but until tomorrow at 10pm I still have hope.

It's the hope that kills you!

There is no rational basis on which to think this but we'll win tomorrow, and we might even score more than one goal. And if we do win then I'd expect us to beat Derby too on a wave of euphoria/relief. And if that happens we're right back in it, despite being utterly dogshit.

I'd like to clarify at this point that I am neither pissed or under the influence of drugs.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

You have to question how long we leave it before we send everyone we can back and get the kids in, if only to save the budget for next season. I'm not suggesting that, but as soon as we're down we should do it immediately.

At least the sooner we're put out of our misery, the sooner we can begin that process.

UTB

That's something i suggested the other day, and i was laughed at for giving up so easily.

But fuck it, i'd rather us go down with the kids playing, than go down with this bunch of chumps in the team. Send as many back as we can, pay up half of creswell's contract and tell him to find another team, and get the kids in who will bleed Red & White for us.

 

[Casper]

That's something i suggested the other day, and i was laughed at for giving up so easily.

But fuck it, i'd rather us go down with the kids playing, than go down with this bunch of chumps in the team. Send as many back as we can, pay up half of creswell's contract and tell him to find another team, and get the kids in who will bleed Red & White for us.

yep put the kids in, tell them to hoooof it as far as they possibly can and battle like seasoned pros. Under a different manager perhaps, but not under ale house Micky. I'm not saying one or two might not be able to hack it, but according to many a manager its generally more beneficial to protect and nurture kids rather than throw them to the lions.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Tell that to Tony Mowbray

Do you know what's generally good for kids development? Playing games that's what.

 

[oldblade]

I think they are either good enough or they aren't And young players often play with less fear than the so called 'seasoned professionals'.

Pele played in the 1958 world cup in Sweden at about 17 years of age. Wayne Rooney scored a sensational goal for Everton against Arsenal at a similar age. Norman Whiteside played in 5 world cup matches for Northern Ireland in Spain in the 1982 tournament. And I dare say we could all find plenty more examples.

Let's face it, our seasoned pros haven't exactly delivered so far this season. How much worse could it get to try some accademy players? After all, I could turn out as a striker and fail to score. It's not hard, and I'd do it for free!

 

[Bergen Blade]

Teams who are five points behind with two matches to go sometimes stay up. Win the first one and they may feel they have a real chance. We have 14 games left and a win will lift our spirits. It has to come soon though.

 

[oldblade]

True. But I really can't see us getting anything from matches against QPR, Forest, Cardiff, Swansea or Leeds. I feel our points will have to come from the other 9 games, and I'm doubtful we can get enough. But stranger things have happened.

 

[alcoblade]

I'm not suggesting using the kids as a lsat resort, or even for the benefit of the kids. I'm suggesting we cut the budget to rock bottom for no other reason than to have more for next season.

I'd only do this when it's clear we're going down. We aren't there yet. It just feels that way.

UTB

 

[Nick Jansky]

In 1975-6 I think there was an acceptance of relegation by about November!

You're right, there was, with the result that Edwards, Stainrod & Kenworthy were brought in, and a little later McGeady & Hamson, which probably did the world of good for their subsequent careers. Not McGeady obviously, but the rest did OK.

---------- Post added at 07:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

But I wonder if we don't have at least some players with enough professional pride to at least have a proper go.
Is there nothing in them that says sod this, I'm embarrassed how we've reached this state of resignation, we can and will do better and if we go down, we go down fighting?

I don't think the loanees are going to be that arsed. Most of them are just here to get a bit of first team football before they move on to what they expect to be better things. Look how quickly Bartley jumped ship when he got the opportunity.

 

[Oreyt]

....... either a win for Sheffield United or a dragon terrorising Woodseats before Easter.......

My Nan lives on Holmhirst Way. Do you mean her?

 

[broomhillblade]

How odd is it that with 14 games left, most fans are resigned to relegation, the manager seems resigned to it and presumably the players are. Not like any relegation I've known.
This isn't a call to arms for the fans because that's made little difference.
But I wonder if we don't have at least some players with enough professional pride to at least have a proper go.
Is there nothing in them that says sod this, I'm embarrassed how we've reached this state of resignation, we can and will do better and if we go down, we go down fighting?

Where does it say that Adams is resigned to relegation? I must have missed it.
The only ones who seem resigned to relegation are some of the fans (we don't know what proportion but as usual you have come up with your own spin to say 'most fans').

Of course, you have been predicting it for the past couple of years. If it comes to pass, you can take a bow and say "I told you so". Until it happens I will continue to hope that we'll get out of this mess.

 

[Sirius]

You have to question how long we leave it before we send everyone we can back and get the kids in, if only to save the budget for next season. I'm not suggesting that, but as soon as we're down we should do it immediately.

At least the sooner we're put out of our misery, the sooner we can begin that process.

UTB

Are we really watching SHEFFIELD UNITED, when so few of the players are our own? Call them whatever,,"A select X1 Adams All Stars with guest appearance this week by X Y and Z, but as true as I'm riding this bike, they ARE NOT Sheffield United. Some of the Nomads appear to have no more interest or involvement than they would have in a pre season friendly. IMO it will not come right until we can puit a team out of Blades own.
UTB FTP

 

[lenners]

Where does it say that Adams is resigned to relegation? I must have missed it.
The only ones who seem resigned to relegation are some of the fans (we don't know what proportion but as usual you have come up with your own spin to say 'most fans').

Of course, you have been predicting it for the past couple of years. If it comes to pass, you can take a bow and say "I told you so". Until it happens I will continue to hope that we'll get out of this mess.

Every interview I've heard he sounds more and more suicidal and not like the fighter I'd expected in the slightest.
As for most fans, you'd be about the first I've seen on here, the other forum or any fans I know that don't think we're going down.
It's all a bit un-United-like.
Oldblade's right that the 76 relegation was nailed on early doors but this time we're still not that far away with 14 games to go but the spirit seems so non-existent we all think we're gone.

 

[Silent Blade]

In 1975-6 I think there was an acceptance of relegation by about November!

My dad, who was always optimistic about the Blades, didnt give up hope until after we lost 1-0 at Arsenal at the end of january. Remember most of us were resigned to relegation halfway in the 1990-91 season!

 

[SteelCity Blade]

The sense of acceptance and resignation is quite simply down to the depressing nature of every defeat. The supporters aren't daft and most will have watched a lot of football down the years. They can see when a side is flying head on towards relegation and when it has little else to offer.

We have had four managers this season and a whole array of different players in permanently and on loan. None of the changes have made any difference and setting aside the fact that we cant seem to win a game, the fact that we cant score in open play at the moment gives us very little hope of doing anything about the former.

It is not beyond the realms of possiblity that United would stay up, but it is becoming increasingly unlikely as the games pass us by. Even with wins against Scunthorpe and Derby (which would give us all at least some hope) we would still have a mountain to climb. The remaining fixtures are a mixed bag and how can we suggest any of them are "winnable" given out current form.

If the Blades are going to stay up, they have to somehow win as many games in the last 14 as they did in the first 32. By my reckoning they need 7 to ensure survival!

 

[oldblade]

In response to Silent:

That is true. And we were further behind then as well, although we did have more games left to turn things around. I haven't given up hope yet, but I feel it is more likely that we will go down than that we will stay up. I suppose the trick is to stop looking at the fixture list to try and work out where the points will come from!

 

[parisblade]

As for most fans, you'd be about the first I've seen on here, the other forum or any fans I know that don't think we're going down.
It's all a bit un-United-like.

I hope that's tongue in cheek Len. He didn't say he "thought" we'd stay up he said he hoped we stayed up. A sentiment I agree 100% with.

 

[AlienWoodward]

It's a tough one this. You're head says we can't survive,you look at other teams in this position in years gone by and say they're doomed.
However this is United and we look at it with our hearts. So for the moment I want to believe we will stay up.
UTB

 

[Rudders]

Are we really watching SHEFFIELD UNITED, when so few of the players are our own? Call them whatever,,"A select X1 Adams All Stars with guest appearance this week by X Y and Z, but as true as I'm riding this bike, they ARE NOT Sheffield United. Some of the Nomads appear to have no more interest or involvement than they would have in a pre season friendly. IMO it will not come right until we can puit a team out of Blades own.
UTB FTP

Too right pal, you've nailed it. A total lack of commitment as a result of the team being 40% loaners/rubbish foreign quasi loans.
The only good loan player in the last couple of seasons is Reid.
Really the loan players should be the cherry on top or the spark to freshen up a team, not the backbone.

I'm beginning to think that starting with a clean sheet of paper and playing the development squad is not a bad idea.

 

[Ollessendro]

Interesting angle Lenners. I see you are having to work hard to get in negative win up posts, with the forum being very negative at the moment, but you last 2 threads (this and the SOD one) have still worked. You are clearly an intelligent guy and it is a shame you spend so much time winding up. Still, the forum would be a worse place without you!

I would argue that the players are trying. I think it is more a combination of being very poor and having very low confidence. The players are putting in a lot of effort, but it has not come off. Confidence is at absolute rock bottom and this is affecting us. When we concede you can see 7 or 8 players laid on the floor, head in their hands and at that meoment they cannot believe they can come back. That is the problem: belief. The players look defeated whenever they go behind. The last 2 away games are a great example. We worked very hard against Ipswich and Palace. The Blades controlled possession, but failed to create chances. This is partly down to a lack of quality. Then we gacve away cheap goals and the heads went down. They did not really believe that they could get back into the game. Adams have to take responsibility for instilling belief, but some of the knocks they have had (particualrly the sloppy goals) have been out of his hands.

So it depends on how you define on going down 'without a fight'. At the moment, they look like a scared little girl (and they believe they are little girls) going in to fight a pre prison Iron Mike. As soon as Iron Mike lands a blow, then they belive they cannot knock him out.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

It's the hope that kills you!
There is no rational basis on which to think this but we'll win tomorrow, and we might even score more than one goal. And if we do win then I'd expect us to beat Derby too on a wave of euphoria/relief. And if that happens we're right back in it, despite being utterly dogshit.

I'd like to clarify at this point that I am neither pissed or under the influence of drugs.

It’s looking for hope that does the head in. There seems to be no glimmer of light anywhere.

Past relegations have been taken on the chin but this one? It's only Feb and we feel gone. I'd find a last minute relegation easier to take, at least that way we’d have put up a fight. This feels so inevitable.

 

[super_pig]

suggest possible name change to sheffield nomads fc??

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Even with wins against Scunthorpe and Derby (which would give us all at least some hope) we would still have a mountain to climb. The remaining fixtures are a mixed bag and how can we suggest any of them are "winnable" given out current form.

IF (and I know it's a big if) we do win the next two games, we will bridge the gap to Palace and transform the relegation fight into a genuine 5 team battle. By my reckoning, Preston and Scunthorpe would be dead and buried but Doncaster, Derby, Boro, Bristol City, Palace and us would all be on around 35 to 38 points.

If we could then do just enough to stay in contention until mid-April, our last five fixtures would give us a real chance. Swansea will probably be confirmed in the play-offs and therefore not trying. Barnsley and Reading will be mid-table with nothing to play for. Preston will be down and demoralised and Bristol City at home could become a massive six-pointer.

Yes, that's looking on the ultra-positive side but what's the point of being negative? I'll worry about the Third Division once we're relegated, not before.

 

[sheffielder]

Maybe this will be a 1st for us. All relegations have pretty much last minute, last day of the seaoson affairs. This time we are f00ked and maybe for once the Blades can pull us a way from the brink but it starts tonight. However much I feel we are bad I am sure we are one win a way from turning this round. Just running out of time for this to happen