Blackie bides time

[Sheffield-Bl4de]

This article seems to be a response to the recent rumour floodings in the rumour mill around here

Blackie said he isn't bidding or buying on anyone untill he is sure he will be the best addition to the team.

From the OS:

Sheffield United will not be rushed into buying new players just for the sake of it, says new manager Kevin Blackwell.

Although he intends to add to a squad he already thinks has great potential for next season, Blackwell is prepared to bide his time in landing the personnel he wants:

"I will bring people in but only when it is right to do so - when someone becomes available or when a deal can be agreed.

"At the end of last season we clearly had a squad that could compete in this division, so if I have to wait until August to get somebody I want, I will do."

The Blades boss has suggested that pace out wide and creativity going into the penalty-box are areas within the team he wants to strengthen, but warns supporters against believing all the stories on the soccer rumour mill:

"We will be linked with lots of players because we are one of the major clubs in the Championship, and we had a great finish to the season - but don't believe everything that you read!"

I'm glad he's shed some light on all the links we've had over the past weeks with player after player. Let's hope we can bring in some great players.

 

[Kev Gee]

I think hes making a mistake in biding his time.

We'll be looking for the scraps that the other teams dont want.

You dont see Man Utd or Chelsea messing around!

IMO i think its best to get the players we need in early so we can work with them & build them into our squad!

 

[jodman]

I think hes making a mistake in biding his time.

We'll be looking for the scraps that the other teams dont want.

You dont see Man Utd or Chelsea messing around!

IMO i think its best to get the players we need in early so we can work with them & build them into our squad!

I wouldn't read too much into this, as suggested above it sounds like a statement to try keep us from being linked with every available player which only serves to raise fans expectations and frustrations when nothing happens.

 

[happyhippy]

I wouldn't read too much into this, as suggested above it sounds like a statement to try keep us from being linked with every available player which only serves to raise fans expectations and frustrations when nothing happens.

And possibly a sly way of saying "Keep yer bloody hands off our squad!"

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

pretend to be looking the other way, feigning no interest whatsoever; and when they are off guard.......POW!!!

 

[jodman]

Is anyone else getting fed up with the star writing stories without any solid quotes or facts to back them up. The main story on the website talks about Stead being the makeweight in any possible deal for Earnshaw but there is absolutely nothing within the article to suggest that there is even a pinch of truth in the story.

STORY:

DERBY County could ask Sheffield United to include Jon Stead as a makeweight in a deal to take Robert Earnshaw to Bramall Lane.
The Wales international striker, who emerged as a possible target for Kevin Blackwell earlier this week, is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, with Pride Park chairman Adam Pearson confirming that the newly promoted side are the only team to meet his £2.5 million valuation.

Blackwell, who agreed a three-year contract as United manager earlier this month, has so far showed no sign of matching that fee.

But, having admitted that several players are likely to leave South Yorkshire when the transfer window re-opens later this summer, he could be tempted to offer a member of his squad in exchange.

If so, then Stead is likely to be the name Derby target as they look to rebuild after a disastrous season in the Premier-ship.

Rob Hulse's name has also been mentioned in some quarters as a possible bargaining chip.

But Blackwell recently confirming that the 28-year-old remains an integral part of his plans, and Paul Jewell, his counterpart in the East Midlands, could now turn his attention to former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers striker Stead.

Stead has interested Derby in the past and spent time there on loan before joining United in January 2007.

Jewell said: "We have agreed a fee with Nottingham Forest for £2.5m and Rob Earnshaw is speaking to them.

"I think it's a fair price. It's a loss of £1.1m over a year but I want to change things around quite drastically and everyone has a price."

Meanwhile, Paddy Kenny has insisted that United will realise their potential next season.

Revealing the positive effect Blackwell's appointment has had on team morale, the goal keeper said: "Once Blacky came in, everyone was buzzing.

"He is in a similar mould to Neil Warnock, and the players have a great understanding with him.

"So hopefully next season should bring what everyone wants and expects for Sheffield United - promotion."

An excellent run of form towards the end of the season saw United go to Southampton on the final day of the campaign with an outside chance of qualifying for the play-offs. Kenny added: "After Christmas things picked up ."

United are holding a community day at Bramall Lane on Sunday between 9.30am and 4pm. Entry is free.

 

[RichJay]

They've got nothing better to write about.

 

[jodman]

They've got nothing better to write about.

It could be worse, a barely lierate article from the Sheffield telegraph links Nottingham Forrest with James Beatie; with a similar story to be found in the Daily Mail.

Hardly reliable sources but still some ridiculously lapse journalism if you ask me and once again there is no official quote to back it up.

I can only suggest that this is some sort of pay-back tactic by Forrest for our attempts to tempt Earnshaw away from them; even though there has been no confirmation from us that we are even interested in him.

Silly season has started early this year.

 

[The One]

Keep Stead over Earnshaw.

 

[shorehamview]

Keep Stead over Earnshaw.

I'd rather keep pigeons over Earnshaw. Ugly as sin, Welsh and shite.