Do you want us to go down?

[Pittsburg Blade]

Sounds a daft question.

As someone once said. There are no daft questions. Just daft people that ask them.

 

[Grecian2000]

As Thatcher once said: "No, no, no."

Think you'll find that was Amy Winehouse.

 

[breeny]

No! WTF?!?

 

[GlosBlade]

Surely no one could possibly think relegation would be a good thing?

 

[lenners]

Relegation would be a disaster for the club and would spell the end of over a decade of dominance over the other lot.
We would lose millions and with Wednesday likely to go the other way next season if not this, we would very quickly undo what we have managed to achieve under McCabe. Or mebbes rapidly escalate what we're already doing.
Not sure if Linz was indulging in the crack pipe again but we've already lost thousands of long-time fans and we'd lose thousands more with relegation.
Crowds of 13,000 to 15,000 would almost certainly be the norm.

 

[JohnDenver]

Relegation would be a disaster for the club and would spell the end of over a decade of dominance over the other lot.
We would lose millions and with Wednesday likely to go the other way next season if not this, we would very quickly undo what we have managed to achieve under McCabe. Or mebbes rapidly escalate what we're already doing.
Not sure if Linz was indulging in the crack pipe again but we've already lost thousands of long-time fans and we'd lose thousands more with relegation.
Crowds of 13,000 to 15,000 would almost certainly be the norm.

Agree with you 100% Lenners*. Even if we stay up, crowds will drop to the (ever-more) die-hards* anyway because we're so bloody awful to watch.

As for visiting new grounds, ask how Wendy are enjoying getting spanked 4 or 5 at these exciting new venues.



* always wanted to say that.

** see you there.

 

[alcoblade]

It clearly wouldn't be a good thing to go down. That's not to say that there wouldn't be some positives to going down. We've previously said about the importance of bottoming out and getting the feeling of being a club moving forwards, from whatever the base. If relegation flushed out some of our overpaid mediocrity, then that would be a good thing. But that is in no way sure to occur. Overpaid mediocrity = very difficult to shift.

I think new grounds and the possibility of joining the 92 club would be my highlights. Overall, I'll settle for Barnsley away.

UTB

 

[GlosBlade]

Whatever happens this season (and past history suggests we will limp to a totally avoidable relegation) this summer is going to be absolutely massive, whoever is manager - Adams presumably, unless we are relegated in which case I think he'll walk and not be stopped - needs to clear out 60% of the current squad, avoid loan signings almost totally and give the club a red and white soul again. Nothing against most of the individual loan players we have had over the past season and a half but it is one of the the main reasons why we are in this mess, its not so much that they don't care but that we never seem to put out the same team for more than a couple of games running.

 

[lenners]

I wonder how many players we've had this season.
We must be at 25 plus and we had around 35 turn out last season.
That would be about 60 different players turning out in less than two seasons.
Not wanting to overdo a phrase but that is some scale of mismanagement.
If we do go, we'll have thoroughly asked for it and deserved it.

 

[Bladesway]

Yes we lost 5,000 ST holders last year let's hope we can lose at least another 5,000 this year.

Be a brilliant atmosphere with 10,000 diehards in the ground (cos let's face no 'real' Blades have walked away from the club recentlly) and there'll be no booing just blind support, though it would be better if we could get down to the absolute mega diehards and get gates down to 2,000. Maybe doubling ST prices would really sort out the loyal fans from hangers on?

I've watched us for nearly 40 years. If you think it's just fair weather fans walking away then you are very sadly mistaken. And if you think our expectations are too high then I just don't know where to start. Wer're hardly spoilt glory hunting fans after one year in about 18 in the Prem, most if us have always had low expectations and always expect failure usually dramatic falure - that's not what it's about.

Belive me I have seen the Lane with less than 10,000 in many times and it aint that great. The novelty soon wears off.

Having said that I agree that the away games will be far better supported than this season and like many Blades my age some of the best memories are Fourth Division days.

But this time round I just can't see us bouncing back from the lower leagues so well.

We need another 14 players or so signing in the summer to make a go of it in League One. We just can't keep rebuilding every couple of months and we don't have the cash or the drive and ambition at the top of the club anymore.

Bloody hell, you had me reading that to start with thinking you were being serious. Phew, your not an utter metalist after all. In all seriousness how the hell does anyone see Relegation as a good thing? How could it be. Less money, lower crowds and a bag of shite turning up as opposition every week. If its about the players and the club dropping to a level they are better equipped to dealing with that really does sum up where we are at. What happened to Europe in 5 years, the Academy, Clubs all over the world and the global SUFC brand?

And the players? Raul has touched on it. These are highly paid (overpaid in most cases) sports people. The drive is supposed to be focus and being the best you can be. Striving to go beyond what you are and playing at the highest possible level. If one single one of those wankers wants to play in League one they ought to hang their heads in shame and hand their notices in now. Most on here would do their job for free and would give it their absolute all. They live the dream day in and day out. They get paid to kick a fucking ball around a pitch and we pay to see it. If that isn't incentive enough to stay up then fuck the lot of em because they really aren't worth it. That said its probably closer to the truth than you would like to think.

 

[Selly]

Surely no one could possibly think relegation would be a good thing?

Apparently 5 people do. Although one of them is trying to psych out the footballing gods.

This would have been much more interesting if it were a public poll...

 

[alcoblade]

And the players? Raul has touched on it. These are highly paid (overpaid in most cases) sports people. The drive is supposed to be focus and being the best you can be. Striving to go beyond what you are and playing at the highest possible level. If one single one of those wankers wants to play in League one they ought to hang their heads in shame and hand their notices in now. Most on here would do their job for free and would give it their absolute all. They live the dream day in and day out. They get paid to kick a fucking ball around a pitch and we pay to see it. If that isn't incentive enough to stay up then fuck the lot of em because they really aren't worth it. That said its probably closer to the truth than you would like to think.

They play for money and nothing else. Talk of being inspired by managers, a club's history, fanbase - all bullshit but a more accepatble way of saying "I'm a 33 year old journeyman and they offered me 3 years at £10K per week - I'd be a fool not to sign".

If we're relying on the pride of the players to stay up, we're already down.

UTB

 

[raul]

What we're on about is their personal/professional pride rather than any undying allgiance to the cause.

 

[boo radley]

19 eh?

Off the top of my head...

SUFC
Man U
Arsenal
Chelsea
Liverpool
Everton
Villa
Spurs
Sunderland
Coventry
Derby
Middlesbrough
Palace
WBA
Wolves

Thats 14, the only ones I'm not sure of are WBA and Sunderland

How far do you wish to go back?
Before we went down in from this division for the 1st time ever in 1979, We had finished no lower than 12th in this division. That 12th might have only been the season previous.
Thats probably in the top 34 clubs in the country for 90 years. That was not a bad achievment.
I remember being on the Kop against Leicester when we got relegated. It was the most painful relegation i can remember and thats the trouble. any relegation is painful but when youv'e been there before it dont sting quite as much as it should. Bollox to that as i write its getting to me and there is no way we should accept this without a fight. Its starting to hurt so lets get behind our team and do all we can and shout them out of that bottm three.

COYRAWW....AAhhhrr

 

[alcoblade]

What we're on about is their personal/professional pride rather than any undying allgiance to the cause.

Yes, and I believe their personal pride is confirmed on the first Monday of every month.



UTB

 

[Rodders]

I don't want us to go down, but amidst the doom and gloom of this season, I can see a silver lining.

We might win some games. The "fans" who are only prepared to support the club if we're looking anywhere near the Premiership will disappear, hopefully providing a better atmosphere for those who are left. Us young 'uns will get some new grounds in. The expectations of many will be brought right back down to earth with a bump.

Utterly mental that anyone would seriously consider this as a positive thing for United - decreased revenues, and no, crowds of 12,000 doesn't improve the atmosphere one jot.

 

[Micalijo]

Utterly mental that anyone would seriously consider this as a positive thing for United - decreased revenues, and no, crowds of 12,000 doesn't improve the atmosphere one jot.

Utterly mental that anyone can fail to realise that the people walking away from SUFC are loyal, devoted Blades who are just fed up with the spin and bullshit from the top and the disgraceful lack of talent on show on the pitch.

 

[Houso]

Agree with Rodders for a change, we will suffer heavily financially if we go down. I can see the pigs getting higher attendances even if they continue to struggle this season.

That said, while I don't want us to go down, I think it's inevitable and it still may have benefits. We really do need a fresh start and I think going down would provide us with it. A chance to do a 'Leeds' if you like.

 

[Jostein Flo]

There's also the chance we could 'do a Bradford'

 

[boo radley]

Agree with Rodders for a change, we will suffer heavily financially if we go down. I can see the pigs getting higher attendances even if they continue to struggle this season.

That said, while I don't want us to go down, I think it's inevitable and it still may have benefits. We really do need a fresh start and I think going down would provide us with it. A chance to do a 'Leeds' if you like.

A very bad choice of example. How many years did they stay down there.
Rather do a Norwich.

 

[Ballinpigpubs13]

How can 5 people vote yes???? got to be pigs. No benefit in going down at all.

 

[travellingblade]

Absolutely NOT, but I think we will.

Next 3 games are AWESOME.

 

[JJ Sefton]

Its a no from me too.

 

[oldblade]

How far do you wish to go back?
Before we went down in from this division for the 1st time ever in 1979, We had finished no lower than 12th in this division. That 12th might have only been the season previous.
Thats probably in the top 34 clubs in the country for 90 years. That was not a bad achievment.
I remember being on the Kop against Leicester when we got relegated. It was the most painful relegation i can remember and thats the trouble. any relegation is painful but when youv'e been there before it dont sting quite as much as it should. Bollox to that as i write its getting to me and there is no way we should accept this without a fight. Its starting to hurt so lets get behind our team and do all we can and shout them out of that bottm three.

COYRAWW....AAhhhrr

I don't know about that. I still felt optimistic in those days and thought we would probably bounce straight back.

For me 2nd May 1981 versus Walsall and the ignominy of falling into the fourth division was far and away the worst day of my Sheffield United supporting existence. It felt like the sky had fallen in and the world was coming to an end.

---------- Post added at 08:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 PM ----------

There's also the chance we could 'do a Bradford'

Or a 1980s Sheffield United.

 

[JohnDenver]

There's also the chance we could 'do a Bradford'

Interesting one that. They implemented very cheap prices and got the crowds back in response. But that lack of financial clout is part of the reason they remain in the wrong half of Div2 year on year.

Football economics is harsh. Even Lee Strafford rightly pointed out the cost to the club of cutting prices - he was just too naive and inured in the massiveness myth to make the balancing act work.

What really helps is a chuffing wealthy and spendthrift owner.

 

[shorehamview]

Do I want us to go down? No. I've never wanted us to lose, ever. But if the question was rephrased to "Do you think we'll go down?" then my answer would be different. Probably, would be my reply. It's not looking too good, and to hope that there are three teams shitter than us is the best we can do this season.

McCabe has to either dip into his wallet, or find someone who will. It's that simple. Will he do either one though? Probably not. He seems happy to let us potter along, sinking slowly down, despite the bluster and spin.

Will I still go if or when we go down? Of course I will. You can divorce your wife, give your kids up for adoption, shoot the dog and eat the hamsters, but your football team is yours for life. For better or worse, usually worse, but still for life.

 

[alcoblade]

Will I still go if or when we go down? Of course I will. You can divorce your wife, give your kids up for adoption, shoot the dog and eat the hamsters, but your football team is yours for life. For better or worse, usually worse, but still for life.

The problem is, though very few will divorce the football team, they'll take it on far less dates.

UTB

 

[shorehamview]

The problem is, though very few will divorce the football team, they'll take it on far less dates.

UTB

They'll still love it though, despite it's many faults.

 

[TopBoy]

I'm in two minds with this one. I want to see winning football and at the present moment in time with the current resources chances are we'd win more games in League 1 - a Blades win makes my weekend. Saying that I'd hate us to end up like our friends in S6 which has already started with the recent quality of the departures and replacements.
Whatever division we're in we'll be well placed to recruit as the majority of our first eleven are loans allowing us to start afresh.

Onwards and upwards.

 

[Yossarian]

I voted "Yes".