Going up.... The obsession...

[Rodley]

Hmm. Sounds like you are excusing the inexcusable there.

Let me put a scenario to you. McCabe approaches Cluogh, who is out of a footballing management job. The bloke has pedigree and reputation and then there's that name. It means 'robust, take-no-prisoners approach'. Well, it did with his dad, anyway.

McCabe is in a quandry. He has appointed yet another dud manager, after falling out with and sacking the previous one, this coming close after a hit-miss-fucked-it-up-no-plan-b period. This dud manager he has just sacked has left his club rock bottom of anywhere and heading south. To shit in the pillowcase even more, he's just got the nod from some Saudi Prince on a half share of his debts.

McCabe says to Clough, " Players ... transfers ... cash ... Championship ... the world ... next year though" and Clough buys it. After an unbelievebable turn round/rescue attempt, we are safe. Next year comes round and all sorts of nonsense prevails as to why there's no incoming talent. To manke it worse, his best central defender is sold out from under his feet, and word on the street is he won't be replaced. He'll have to make do with what he has. He muckles through the season, bringing in cheapo after cheapo and shops at Netto for some players who, true to form haven't the ingredients even to cut it at the third level of English football. We finish the season dumped out of the playoffs, but with a few decent domestic Cup efforts behind us for what that is worth if anything, because the revenue from that doesn't seem to be made availabe in a hurry.

In the close season Clough gives McCabe a few straight truths about why last season failed so miserably. Most of them point to the lack of investment in talent he was promised and he gives them an ultimatum that if he's not allowed to spend wider in the close season they'll get more of the same and he won't be able to keep his gob shut to the media this time round. The crowd have not been on his back in great order, but if the coming season is like the last, they will and he'll be forced to declare his hand. He's sacked.

Likely cnadidates are interviewed and the only one with the required attributes is Adkins. Again, 'next year' promises are made and he's forced to make do. Early in the season his best player and credible attack option (at this level at least) is sold and we aren't told for how much and why.

Now, does anyone see a pattern forming here? If we fail to achieve this season, next season the supporters are going to be on Adkins back big time. The board ... the real criminals in this play ... get away, scott free.

I've just read 'Fit and Proper'. It makes me wonder what successive rewrites and additions will say about this grim era at Sheffield United and if it will show a contimued manner of shit management from upstairs.

pommpey

You know Clough signed 15 players on permanent deals last season. One was Walsall's captain and best defender. Clough proceeded to fall out with him after 45 minutes and despite spending big in January, didn't try and buy a centre half. It's ridiculous.

Are you seriously suggesting that a Clough was unhappy about lack of backing? The guy was out of control and when he had money for the first time in his career he didn't know what to do with it. So spent it on mediocrity.

 

[Rodley]

This all looks really plausible and if I didn't know better I would believe you Pommpey. However as Newbury points out where does Brayford, Coutts and Done and of course Adams fit into 'shopping at Netto'?

Where does Adkins 'forced to make do' when he has brought in Sharp, Hammond, Edgar, Sammon, Woolford? Where is the 'make do' in this?

Why do you disregard all this? 'The board....the real criminals'? How do these signings fit in with your version of events? I really would like to know?

Adkins looked at the finishing position last season and thought he'd buy 2 or 3 been there, done that experienced players he's managed before to help us get over the line. The problem is the squad is just so imbalanced and bloated that he's hamstrung when trying to make further adjustments.

 

[Rodley]

The problem is we've spent four seasons in this division before it's occurred to us that we ought to get a manager with a proven record of getting promotions, from this division, with more than one club.
And we've been doing this since Warnock left. Putting aside the other issues regarding the way the owners run the club (fucking gravy train for the owners' mates and family, total reliance on the manager to recruit players, boom and bust short term thinking), if we can't get this right, we won't succeed. It's that simple.
Supporting a manager isn't just about throwing cash at him, it's about providing the infrastructure he needs to do his job properly, about being able to set clear and achievable objectives and proper checks and balances to prevent him from overspending on some players when the whole team requires strengthening and about supporting his decisions regarding first team selections and having the final choice of who we sign.

And probably other stuff that I don't even know about, stuff that successful clubs do that we don't.

And I'm pretty sure KM wouldn't ask John Carver for a development appraisal on a site he's looking at so why is a development surveyor doing Brannigan's job?

Not since Viv Nicholson has the term 'more money than sense' been more apt.

He's an investment surveyor rather than development.

But you've highlighted McCabe's key weakness as chairman, recruitment (rather than backing).

 

[mosbolad]

Adkins looked at the finishing position last season and thought he'd buy 2 or 3 been there, done that experienced players he's managed before to help us get over the line. The problem is the squad is just so imbalanced and bloated that he's hamstrung when trying to make further adjustments.

I agree Rodley, if anything you might say the board has trusted and backed the managers too well?

 

[BushBlade]

He's an investment surveyor rather than development.

But you've highlighted McCabe's key weakness as chairman, recruitment (rather than backing).

So what does that entail? Reviewing leases of potential freehold purposes and commenting on when the next rent reviews are and how much you can put them up by?

 

[BushBlade]

Adkins looked at the finishing position last season and thought he'd buy 2 or 3 been there, done that experienced players he's managed before to help us get over the line. The problem is the squad is just so imbalanced and bloated that he's hamstrung when trying to make further adjustments.

Which, ironically, is the situation Danny Wilson inherited, although with better players.

 

[Rodley]

I agree Rodley, if anything you might say the board has trusted and backed the managers too well?

I wouldn't go that far, I think we've not appointed the right manager. I'm hoping Adkins is the man to do it!

 

[Rodley]

So what does that entail? Reviewing leases of potential freehold purposes and commenting on when the next rent reviews are and how much you can put them up by?

No rent reviews is management.

An investment surveyor should be a good negotiator and dealer so he should have the transferable skill set. If we're talking about the new-ish appointment, he's also worked in football before.

Worth noting that Ben Mansford was a lawyer with a top firm in Leeds prior to joining Barnsley and he comes across reasonably well!

 

[BushBlade]

No rent reviews is management.

An investment surveyor should be a good negotiator and dealer so he should have the transferable skill set. If we're talking about the new-ish appointment, he's also worked in football before.

Worth noting that Ben Mansford was a lawyer with a top firm in Leeds prior to joining Barnsley and he comes across reasonably well!

It's management if you or your client owns the freehold.

What does an 'investment surveyor' actually do?

 

[BushBlade]

It's management if you or your client owns the freehold.

What does an 'investment surveyor' actually do?

I'll answer my own question.

Investment Surveyor
Management Recruitment Group - London
£55,000 - £60,000 a year
Permanent
The Management Recruitment Group is now sourcing a Senior Investment Surveyor to work with a specialised commercial consultancy in its London office.

The company has mainly been advising on investment, development and conversion of offices into mixed use schemes. Historically they have had a small but successful agency team specialising in commercial offices and retail space often purchasing the whole building on behalf of an investor and arranging the let or rental for the various uses within it.

The role:

• Sourcing investment opportunities
• Valuation of portfolios
• Prepare expert evidence for development proposals
• Acquisitions and disposals of commercial and development opportunities

 

[blade too long]

Hmm. Sounds like you are excusing the inexcusable there.

Let me put a scenario to you. McCabe approaches Cluogh, who is out of a footballing management job. The bloke has pedigree and reputation and then there's that name. It means 'robust, take-no-prisoners approach'. Well, it did with his dad, anyway.

McCabe is in a quandry. He has appointed yet another dud manager, after falling out with and sacking the previous one, this coming close after a hit-miss-fucked-it-up-no-plan-b period. This dud manager he has just sacked has left his club rock bottom of anywhere and heading south. To shit in the pillowcase even more, he's just got the nod from some Saudi Prince on a half share of his debts.

McCabe says to Clough, " Players ... transfers ... cash ... Championship ... the world ... next year though" and Clough buys it. After an unbelievebable turn round/rescue attempt, we are safe. Next year comes round and all sorts of nonsense prevails as to why there's no incoming talent. To manke it worse, his best central defender is sold out from under his feet, and word on the street is he won't be replaced. He'll have to make do with what he has. He muckles through the season, bringing in cheapo after cheapo and shops at Netto for some players who, true to form haven't the ingredients even to cut it at the third level of English football. We finish the season dumped out of the playoffs, but with a few decent domestic Cup efforts behind us for what that is worth if anything, because the revenue from that doesn't seem to be made availabe in a hurry.

In the close season Clough gives McCabe a few straight truths about why last season failed so miserably. Most of them point to the lack of investment in talent he was promised and he gives them an ultimatum that if he's not allowed to spend wider in the close season they'll get more of the same and he won't be able to keep his gob shut to the media this time round. The crowd have not been on his back in great order, but if the coming season is like the last, they will and he'll be forced to declare his hand. He's sacked.

Likely cnadidates are interviewed and the only one with the required attributes is Adkins. Again, 'next year' promises are made and he's forced to make do. Early in the season his best player and credible attack option (at this level at least) is sold and we aren't told for how much and why.

Now, does anyone see a pattern forming here? If we fail to achieve this season, next season the supporters are going to be on Adkins back big time. The board ... the real criminals in this play ... get away, scott free.

I've just read 'Fit and Proper'. It makes me wonder what successive rewrites and additions will say about this grim era at Sheffield United and if it will show a contimued manner of shit management from upstairs.

pommpey

What mccabe knows about picking a footballer can be written on the back of a stamp

Im not exhonourating him from any blame just making the point asking him to select which players will turn out good is as useful as getting Stebie Wonder as designated driver on a night out
then blaming him when the inevitable crash happens

 

[BushBlade]

What mccabe knows about picking a footballer can be written on the back of a stamp

Im not exhonourating him from any blame just making the point asking him to select which players will turn out good is as useful as getting Stebie Wonder as designated driver on a night out
then blaming him when the inevitable crash happens

Unfortunately he knows even less about picking a manager. Yes, he got Adkins but even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.

 

[Tezza1889]

Just read through all he replies and while there appear to be a few contradictions in terms I'll take all points on thier face value, I've learned a lot more about the current mindset of the fans from the replies..

On investment it's agreed across the posters who've replied that the money has been provided to the managers, siting Brayford /Sharp as the obvious statement of intent.

On the ownership, most appear happy with the prince and mcabe...

And in the manager we appear to all be on the same page...

So then, we're all agreed that there's nothing to worry about, we all want to get promoted at the earliest opportunity, and we'll see how we go on should that happen and if we come back down because we're not really ready then that's
At least a season in the division we think should be minimum for the blades...

While there's a lot of stuff I still can't fathom out especially the blanket support the board seem to get regarding transfers when we still haven't replaced or provided quality in the areas we all know where it's needed..

I look forward to the close season, the purge and subsequent purchase of quality players in key positions, with a board that are really going for it...

Big respect to you all.... UTB

 

[Leonardo Green]

I only read the first line, but jeeez! It's a good job all the leading scientists 100 years ago didn't think like you.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Just read through all he replies and while there appear to be a few contradictions in terms I'll take all points on thier face value, I've learned a lot more about the current mindset of the fans from the replies..

On investment it's agreed across the posters who've replied that the money has been provided to the managers, siting Brayford /Sharp as the obvious statement of intent.

On the ownership, most appear happy with the prince and mcabe...

And in the manager we appear to all be on the same page...

So then, we're all agreed that there's nothing to worry about, we all want to get promoted at the earliest opportunity, and we'll see how we go on should that happen and if we come back down because we're not really ready then that's
At least a season in the division we think should be minimum for the blades...

While there's a lot of stuff I still can't fathom out especially the blanket support the board seem to get regarding transfers when we still haven't replaced or provided quality in the areas we all know where it's needed..

I look forward to the close season, the purge and subsequent purchase of quality players in key positions, with a board that are really going for it...

Big respect to you all.... UTB

I think the whole key is that the Board provide the funds and the managers buy the players, pick the team and decide the formation and the tactics.

The owners are successful in property and paper.

Blame the Board for the budget by all means but relate it to something meaningful. With United, it;s easy to see we have not spent the Prince's money well since September 2013 when he joined the club.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Just read through all he replies and while there appear to be a few contradictions in terms I'll take all points on thier face value, I've learned a lot more about the current mindset of the fans from the replies..

On investment it's agreed across the posters who've replied that the money has been provided to the managers, siting Brayford /Sharp as the obvious statement of intent.

On the ownership, most appear happy with the prince and mcabe...

And in the manager we appear to all be on the same page...

So then, we're all agreed that there's nothing to worry about, we all want to get promoted at the earliest opportunity, and we'll see how we go on should that happen and if we come back down because we're not really ready then that's
At least a season in the division we think should be minimum for the blades...

While there's a lot of stuff I still can't fathom out especially the blanket support the board seem to get regarding transfers when we still haven't replaced or provided quality in the areas we all know where it's needed..

I look forward to the close season, the purge and subsequent purchase of quality players in key positions, with a board that are really going for it...

Big respect to you all.... UTB

There are also 18 "likes" for your O.P. don't forget!!

 

[bornablade]

Agree entirely with that summary Woody of how a business, football or any other works. However there is another side of the equation that has annoyed our fans for many years. The sale of our players.

I would imagine the Board wields the greater authority over our manager in relation to sanctioning the sale of players.

 

[pommpey]

You know Clough signed 15 players on permanent deals last season. One was Walsall's captain and best defender. Clough proceeded to fall out with him after 45 minutes and despite spending big in January, didn't try and buy a centre half. It's ridiculous.

Are you seriously suggesting that a Clough was unhappy about lack of backing? The guy was out of control and when he had money for the first time in his career he didn't know what to do with it. So spent it on mediocrity.

So you're still blaming Clough for last season?

If we were 3-5 points clear at the top now, I'd be inclined to believe you. Mediocre signings come from mediorce money. Sure,as people have correctly pointed out, we have Brayford (still not at parity with his loan spell IMHO) Done (played either out of position or not at all) and Admas (still IMHO looking at the bright lights and big city and not setting games alight) Two of them cost £2m between them, the other cost net to nowt. AMongst the rest of the Netto/Scottish/Blackpool/Derby input, which one of those did you not have to Wiki? On balance of that, we lost a very good central defender, a rangey midfielder and a quick wingside goal threat. Around that, least we have consistency ... Collins, Flynn, Harris (who he?) Baxter (when he's arsed) and Basham. Yeah, Basham.

I've left Sharp out of that because yes, that seems to be a decent acquisition. However, young Billy can't do it on his own, and we are but a groin strain/achillies/hernia away from being in the Ched scenario where we have a revolving door of lone strikers blanking week in and week out, a-la Porter. The options up front are: Done. And erm ... who?

Clough wasn't to blame. Wier was just shit. Wilson would have possibly had us up by now. Adkins certainly is blameless. We just have no strength in depth still.

pommpey

 

[Woodwardfan]

Agree entirely with that summary Woody of how a business, football or any other works. However there is another side of the equation that has annoyed our fans for many years. The sale of our players.

I would imagine the Board wields the greater authority over our manager in relation to sanctioning the sale of players.

Ever since I gave up United for a fortnight when we sold Mick Jones I never come to terms with selling our best players.

In the modern game I'm not aware of any small club able to hold on to them and even those at the bottom half of the Premier League clubs can't.

Seems to be a fact of life and any Board /managers have to embrace it, plot a way around it and move on.

Maybe the key is building a squad which is not dependent on one man and always being aware of ready replacements from elsewhere.

In my dreams I imagine a United squad which grows together and feel part of something big and just love their teammates, the club and the fans and expect to conquer the world. Woops, sorry, I've gone back to that Mick Jones sale. Just wouldn't get as far as we did then, the big clubs have got the game stitched up and the quality young players know it.

 

[pommpey]

Maybe the key is building a squad which is not dependent on one man and always being aware of ready replacements from elsewhere.

BOOM! Pay attention McCabe et al.

In my dreams I imagine a United squad which grows together and feel part of something big and just love their teammates, the club and the fans and expect to conquer the world.

So, you mean like under Warnock? And before him, Bassett? And before him, Harris?

Strange how those three eras highlight the more successful times we had as Blades supporters. Sell Currie to pay for the South Stand and fail to replace and build = relegated. Sell players from under Bassett's feet to sort out the ridiculous boardroom fiascos = relegated. Sell players because we embark on daft projects and missions and still cant stabilise the backroom = relegation and stagnation.

They always say (I don't know who 'they' are mind) 'Sort out the boardroom and the pitch will sort itself out'.

Our past decade is indicative of that. Can't wait for 'Fit and Proper' (Part Two)

pommpey

 

[Woodwardfan]

BOOM! Pay attention McCabe et al.



So, you mean like under Warnock? And before him, Bassett? And before him, Harris?

Strange how those three eras highlight the more successful times we had as Blades supporters. Sell Currie to pay for the South Stand and fail to replace and build = relegated. Sell players from under Bassett's feet to sort out the ridiculous boardroom fiascos = relegated. Sell players because we embark on daft projects and missions and still cant stabilise the backroom = relegation and stagnation.

They always say (I don't know who 'they' are mind) 'Sort out the boardroom and the pitch will sort itself out'.

Our past decade is indicative of that. Can't wait for 'Fit and Proper' (Part Two)

pommpey

I detest isolated quotes taken from posts but hey ho.

Anyway, give me a quality manager before a quality Board any day and then take it from there.

In any case I honestly believe we have got a quality Board, well as good as it needs to be at this stage.

Whether Adkins is still a quality manager is in the balance as far as I am concerned but I hope he is.

 

[mosbolad]

Just read through all he replies and while there appear to be a few contradictions in terms I'll take all points on thier face value, I've learned a lot more about the current mindset of the fans from the replies..

On investment it's agreed across the posters who've replied that the money has been provided to the managers, siting Brayford /Sharp as the obvious statement of intent.

On the ownership, most appear happy with the prince and mcabe...

And in the manager we appear to all be on the same page...

So then, we're all agreed that there's nothing to worry about, we all want to get promoted at the earliest opportunity, and we'll see how we go on should that happen and if we come back down because we're not really ready then that's
At least a season in the division we think should be minimum for the blades...

While there's a lot of stuff I still can't fathom out especially the blanket support the board seem to get regarding transfers when we still haven't replaced or provided quality in the areas we all know where it's needed..

I look forward to the close season, the purge and subsequent purchase of quality players in key positions, with a board that are really going for it...

Big respect to you all.... UTB

Thanks Tezza a good balanced response to all the views expressed on your opening post.

With regard to blanket support of the board (mine is support with some reservations), yes they want promotion and they have backed the manager with funds but I agree they are not wholly blame free, they select the managers they then go on to sack. They presumably authorise the purchase of the players that lead to the bloated squad numbers. But, on the whole I do believe they are as desperate for promotion as the rest of us and do when called upon back that with funds.

 

[pommpey]

I detest isolated quotes taken from posts but hey ho.

Anyway, give me a quality manager before a quality Board any day and then take it from there.

In any case I honestly believe we have got a quality Board, well as good as it needs to be at this stage.

Whether Adkins is still a quality manager is in the balance as far as I am concerned but I hope he is.

I isolate quote because the rest is not relevant (as it is) to my response.

I am not doubting Adkins' ability as a manager. I think he has the ability to get us out of this division. But so did Clough. And so did Wilson, IMHO.

You say the board is 'quality'. I refute that in that their statements of intent and strategic policy seems to be at odds with the realpolitik of getting consistent results out on the pitch. It's clearly failing. That doesn't wholly come from the manager, its mainly all about those with the ball at their feet in the 90 minutes they have to make the difference. And with watching some matches, highlights of goals shipped (like Peterborough for example) and reading reports, speaking to mates who attend, the opinion is pretty unified. We aren't good enough to be even in the playoffs at the moment, and sit deservedly where we are. Whilst some are pretty sanguine about this, I'm not quite so optimistic and happy. Some great, dogged battling at Man U is undermined by a total collapse in 60 minutes at Wigan which, like Peterborough away last season, indicates we are justified in asking why it takes such situations to make UNited wake up and do something. We could have won Tuedsays game comfortably 0-3. Why ship three goals to compound the matter? And it boils down to one thing. Player ability. If we sell good ones and don't replace like with better, we stay where we are or it gets worse.

pommpey

 

[blades78]

So you're still blaming Clough for last season?

If we were 3-5 points clear at the top now, I'd be inclined to believe you. Mediocre signings come from mediorce money. Sure,as people have correctly pointed out, we have Brayford (still not at parity with his loan spell IMHO) Done (played either out of position or not at all) and Admas (still IMHO looking at the bright lights and big city and not setting games alight) Two of them cost £2m between them, the other cost net to nowt. AMongst the rest of the Netto/Scottish/Blackpool/Derby input, which one of those did you not have to Wiki? On balance of that, we lost a very good central defender, a rangey midfielder and a quick wingside goal threat. Around that, least we have consistency ... Collins, Flynn, Harris (who he?) Baxter (when he's arsed) and Basham. Yeah, Basham.

I've left Sharp out of that because yes, that seems to be a decent acquisition. However, young Billy can't do it on his own, and we are but a groin strain/achillies/hernia away from being in the Ched scenario where we have a revolving door of lone strikers blanking week in and week out, a-la Porter. The options up front are: Done. And erm ... who?

Clough wasn't to blame. Wier was just shit. Wilson would have possibly had us up by now. Adkins certainly is blameless. We just have no strength in depth still.

pommpey

Are you seriously saying Clough wasn't at fault for not getting promoted? We have a wage budget that is paying 40 professionals and paid out £2 million plus in fees last January. How many other League 1 clubs were in that situation?

We've now added Sharp, Sammon, Hammond and Edgar (all on Championship wages) to the squad. I can't think a club in recent years that has been able to spend the money we have (maybe Wolves) and we not even threaten to get automatic promotion. Sorry, but Clough's recruitment was a shambles last season and although I don't blame the board for the money provided, they should have questioned some of the signings and the amount of them he made.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I isolate quote because the rest is not relevant (as it is) to my response.

I am not doubting Adkins' ability as a manager. I think he has the ability to get us out of this division. But so did Clough. And so did Wilson, IMHO.

You say the board is 'quality'. I refute that in that their statements of intent and strategic policy seems to be at odds with the realpolitik of getting consistent results out on the pitch. It's clearly failing. That doesn't wholly come from the manager, its mainly all about those with the ball at their feet in the 90 minutes they have to make the difference. And with watching some matches, highlights of goals shipped (like Peterborough for example) and reading reports, speaking to mates who attend, the opinion is pretty unified. We aren't good enough to be even in the playoffs at the moment, and sit deservedly where we are. Whilst some are pretty sanguine about this, I'm not quite so optimistic and happy. Some great, dogged battling at Man U is undermined by a total collapse in 60 minutes at Wigan which, like Peterborough away last season, indicates we are justified in asking why it takes such situations to make UNited wake up and do something. We could have won Tuedsays game comfortably 0-3. Why ship three goals to compound the matter? And it boils down to one thing. Player ability. If we sell good ones and don't replace like with better, we stay where we are or it gets worse.

pommpey

And how does the Board solve what's in your post?

Don't just say "more money" please. The managers had the best squads and top budget in League 1 for 2/3 years and amongst the best since. It's not just about money.

If you don't doubt Adkins' ability to get us promoted then just stay with it until it happens. Adkins and the Board are in it together according to every word either of them utter.

 

[pommpey]

Are you seriously saying Clough wasn't at fault for not getting promoted? We have a wage budget that is paying 40 professionals and paid out £2 million plus in fees last January. How many other League 1 clubs were in that situation?

I'd point at the position we are at today in the table and say 'show your working out'. We are no better off this season than last, with seemingly better players.

We've now added Sharp, Sammon, Hammond and Edgar (all on Championship wages) to the squad. I can't think a club in recent years that has been able to spend the money we have (maybe Wolves) and we not even threaten to get automatic promotion. Sorry, but Clough's recruitment was a shambles last season and although I don't blame the board for the money provided, they should have questioned some of the signings and the amount of them he made.

So how does changing the manager better things, exactly? You say we have bought those players - has it improved our situation over when we were under Clough?

How?

pommpey

 

[pommpey]

And how does the Board solve what's in your post?

Don't just say "more money" please. The managers had the best squads and top budget in League 1 for 2/3 years and amongst the best since. It's not just about money.

Yes. I'd say 'more money'. I'd say consistently more money spent on better players to support the few decent players we are left with. Face it, who would you hang onto at the moment if ten million was put your way? That sounds ridiculous, I know. But it is that kind of investment which is needed to simply propel us upwards into a secure playoff spot and keep us there and have any chance of success in the three matches to follow. Another ten to ensure we at least don't become the whipping boys of the Championship. And subsequent augmentation to retain our position of challengers to the title in that division. McCabe won't give us that, I know.

If you don't doubt Adkins' ability to get us promoted then just stay with it until it happens. Adkins and the Board are in it together according to every word either of them utter.

We'll see, when he's sacked, WWF. Stranger things have happened, y'know.

pommpey

 

[blades78]

It has improved slightly. We've actually scored goals and some games have been entertaining!

You seem to forget that Clough signed or extended contracts of around 30 players in our current squad, which Adkins is now trying to clear up. If Clough stayed we'd have had Steven Davies (injured again) and Shaun Barker (no club) signed up and I dread to think who else.

 

[TonyAgana]

In the modern game I'm not aware of any small club able to hold on to them and even those at the bottom half of the Premier League clubs can't.

Wednesday issued a statement of intent a fortnight prior to this transfer window that "NO PLAYERS WILL BE SOLD IN THIS WINDOW". It's not that I think Jimbo is having us on when he says "we can't stand in player's way", more that I think he's learning how to chair a football club from people that lack intent or resolve.

Essentially, the lack of strength at board level is what I think is holding us back. Just say no. Just like Zammo.

 

[Finn Keane o' Balmaqueen]

Who'd be a Director at Sheffield United FC, eh?