Defining time for SUFC

[lenners]

We're undeniably at a crossroads and the decisions we take now will define what United are really about, possibly for years to come.
If McCabe really believes we are set up to be a Premiership club averaging over 30,000 week in, week out then he has to act now. This either means removing Blackwell now or at the very least reading the riot act to him and making it clear improvement is necessary immediately or he will be gone.
As the latter virtually equates to the vote of confidence syndrome I think it would be better if he goes now.
What he must not do is a repeat of leaving it too late as he did with Robson and to be fair to Blackwell he has served the club over a long period, generally well, and deserves a dignified exit rather than the car park treatment.
But this is about more than Blackwell. What McCabe does will show what he really believes, what he expects and what he wants.
We either slide into becoming Crystal Palace or we stand up and say we haven't set up the infrastructure for nothing and we are going to make sure we finally fulfil United's potential.

 

[Woodwaaard]

A well reasoned post for once Len.
He's got to go and go now.
It would be good for all concerned if he could leave with his dignity intact.
Come on Mr McCabe...........

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Spot on Len. As my suspicion of him walking doesn't appear to have happened (as far as I know!), and judging by his post match comments, he doesn't seem to think there's a problem and undoubtedly, McCabe will be happy to see him stay for the near future. That means it'll go one of two ways, he'll turn it round or two bad performances at home in the coming week and it'll turn nasty.

With the 2nd of those games being on Sky, McCabe will want to avoid discontent in front of the cameras I'm sure.

As you say, defining times.

 

[Berks_Blade]

He saved us post-Robson, nearly got us promoted last year, and I wouldn't want to see him hounded out or suffer increasing abuse from the terraces - but neither do I think he's got what is needed at the moment to turn things around. The best option would be to negotiate a payoff, allow him to decently 'resign' and move on. But sadly I just can't see it happening.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

He saved us post-Robson, nearly got us promoted last year, and I wouldn't want to see him hounded out or suffer increasing abuse from the terraces - but neither do I think he's got what is needed at the moment to turn things around. The best option would be to negotiate a payoff, allow him to decently 'resign' and move on. But sadly I just can't see it happening.

My hope is that he comes to the same conclusion as he did after Wembley, puts his hand on his heart and decides that he can't do anymore. As you say, it would be sad to see him hounded out but if he and McCabe stick to their guns I can see it happening. Certain fans know that it worked last time with Robson.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

He saved us post-Robson, nearly got us promoted last year, and I wouldn't want to see him hounded out or suffer increasing abuse from the terraces - but neither do I think he's got what is needed at the moment to turn things around. The best option would be to negotiate a payoff, allow him to decently 'resign' and move on. But sadly I just can't see it happening.

Agreed. He deserved the crack at the full time job after picking up Robson's mess, but did do anything to deserve a contract extension(unless you count cost cutting as deserving).

I honestly think that McCabe is happy with us being a championship team from a financial point of view. If we go up we'll have to spend millions to compete, and i'm just not convinced he wants to do that.

I havent seen the blades play since the wednesday game, but it does sound worrying what's happening at the lane. I can't imagine he'll get a good reception on Saturday. If we lose against Cardiff (which there's a good chance of happening) will we hear "Blackwell out" at the end?

 

[super_pig]

he should go because of the unprecedented scenes at the end. if the manager has become this devisive he should go or be pushed for the sake of the club.

 

[Bramley]

He saved us post-Robson, nearly got us promoted last year, and I wouldn't want to see him hounded out or suffer increasing abuse from the terraces - but neither do I think he's got what is needed at the moment to turn things around. The best option would be to negotiate a payoff, allow him to decently 'resign' and move on. But sadly I just can't see it happening.

I don't dislike the guy like I did Robson, so I won't be in the carpark. I just hope the abuse doesn't get too personal.

 

[beightonblade]

when i say same owd i'm only going back nigh on 50 years ..........
i'm afraid with the Blades it will always be

same owd

 

[Micalijo]

We're undeniably at a crossroads and the decisions we take now will define what United are really about, possibly for years to come.
If McCabe really believes we are set up to be a Premiership club averaging over 30,000 week in, week out then he has to act now. This either means removing Blackwell now or at the very least reading the riot act to him and making it clear improvement is necessary immediately or he will be gone.
As the latter virtually equates to the vote of confidence syndrome I think it would be better if he goes now.
What he must not do is a repeat of leaving it too late as he did with Robson and to be fair to Blackwell he has served the club over a long period, generally well, and deserves a dignified exit rather than the car park treatment.
But this is about more than Blackwell. What McCabe does will show what he really believes, what he expects and what he wants.
We either slide into becoming Crystal Palace or we stand up and say we haven't set up the infrastructure for nothing and we are going to make sure we finally fulfil United's potential.

I know it might be meaningless but I would like to think that McCabe would read the riot act as you say. We'll never know if he does but I do think we are seeing major under-performance in much the same way as a building project manager for Scarborough getting his sums wrong and creating losses on a job. I do think there are similarities and I wonder how McCabe reacts to the building scenario.

It's not easy sacking people, it's not pleasant and McCabe aint got to where he has with rash decisions but watching United at the moment is extremely unpleasant and something has to give. I've said on another thread it was scary last night the lack of impetus and togetherness and for me it is more than a temporary loss of form.

Watching mid-table CCC football doesn't bother me in the slightest but it has to be accompanied with a feeling that value for money is being provided along with a bit of hope, flair and youth and at the moment we are miles off that happening.

 

[NN6]

lets get a few things straight here

Firstly Blackwell will not resign, he's got 2 years left on his contract and isn't about to walk away from half a million pounds when he'll find it difficult to get back into the game.
Secondly McCabe isn't going to sack Blackwell. Blackwell is his 'uncomplaining' cost cutter. He's doing exactly what McCabe wanted, he's reduced the squad size, reduced the wage bill, until very recently had us in the top 6 and beat wednesday and most importantly from Mccabe's point of view kept the crowds up.
McCabe will put our current run, rightly or wrongly, down to our injureis and will give Blackwell time to turn it around.
The only thing that will cause McCabe to reconsider is a couple of 17,000 home attendances