Good Times

[coaxingstar71]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

 

[Stretch]

Here here!

The only point I would question though is regarding young players. Brooks aside I can't really think of any of our youngsters who have broken through under Wilder? Admittedly Brooks was a very special talent.

If anything I think Chris is very reluctant to trust young players and prefers his seasoned professionals. He has said in the past that young players need to work very hard to get into his teams.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Kinell Coaxy, weers tha bin?
It's been like this for ages mate

Mmmm, actually, I sense there might be a bit of love being asked for here.
OK then mate, here goes, just for you.

Excellent post my good man.
You've summed up how we all feel in what can only be described as a perfect nutshell.
I feel lifted, encouraged and energised now, not just as a Sheffield United supporter, but with life in general.
Well done and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
It really was a pleasure to read.
There, feeling better now?.....

 

[Revolution]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

Yes, the vast majority of the 60 seasons when we were in the top flight.

 

[Billyblade]

I would struggle to say this time was better than the early Bassett years.

Mainly because I'm a miserable old twat with the weight of the world on my shoulders but back then I was full of spunk, vim and vigour. The music scene was ace, I seemed to be constantly pissed and was feighting Women off with a shitty stick.

However, if I put my Blades hat on, you're probably right

 

[Tynemouth Blade]

I'm in the process of reading He's One of Our Own by Danny04 and it really does remind you of how much we've recovered under Chris Wilder and how much potential we have to push on further...........

should the correct finances be made available in January!

 

[cahill]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

Just about nails it. In no longer feels like a chore, a duty. Summed up by the football lesson we gave Wendy, if only McGoldrick.....

 

[Beans]

Here here!

The only point I would question though is regarding young players. Brooks aside I can't really think of any of our youngsters who have broken through under Wilder? Admittedly Brooks was a very special talent.

If anything I think Chris is very reluctant to trust young players and prefers his seasoned professionals. He has said in the past that young players need to work very hard to get into his teams.

I was wondering about this a while ago. To your second point, we've had a 21yo in goal all season I suppose (I know he's not our player). Fits with Wilder's stance of having to earn the shirt and keeping it when you do well.

From reading Roygbiv's loan updates, it doesn't sound like any of our young players are pulling up trees at lower levels at the moment. I wonder if it's just that the club has progressed pretty rapidly from a middling league one team to an upper Championship one, and the relative standard of our younger players has been left behind a bit? For example, Regan Slater got a Championship debut at 18 but is now playing in league two.

Back to the OP, it is indeed an extremely good time to be a Blade, which is why these international breaks are such a PITA - feels like bloomin' ages since we played!

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

The greatest change for me is not getting too downhearted/disillusioned when we lose.
I think the sense that we are still building and that CW knows what he's doing REGARDLESS of being a Blade is a big reason for that.
As Coaxy says, long may it continue.

 

[Blade56]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

I'm old enough to remember Ken Furphey nearly getting into Europe, the Woody, Currie, badger et al days and a specific point in time was Duffys bounce killing goal.

But generally agree with your sentiment with one caveat, the ownership issue.

 

[BigBed]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

Oooo you LIKE WHORE you!!!!

 

[I should coco]

I'm old enough to remember Ken Furphey nearly getting into Europe

With players like Keith Eddey, Chris Guthrey, Currey and Woodey it is a real mystery why we never got into Europe.

 

[Harry's Game]

Everything is Rosey on the pitch at the moment.

In my honorary self appointed position of keeping feet on the floor two black clouds hover on the horizon..

1. The owners having a fight.

2. The aging key members of the squad.

 

[Harrisblade]

Yes, the vast majority of the 60 seasons when we were in the top flight.

Even in the top flight, this is the best football Sheffield United have ever played

 

[LondonBlade89]

I was wondering about this a while ago. To your second point, we've had a 21yo in goal all season I suppose (I know he's not our player). Fits with Wilder's stance of having to earn the shirt and keeping it when you do well.

From reading Roygbiv's loan updates, it doesn't sound like any of our young players are pulling up trees at lower levels at the moment. I wonder if it's just that the club has progressed pretty rapidly from a middling league one team to an upper Championship one, and the relative standard of our younger players has been left behind a bit? For example, Regan Slater got a Championship debut at 18 but is now playing in league two.

Back to the OP, it is indeed an extremely good time to be a Blade, which is why these international breaks are such a PITA - feels like bloomin' ages since we played!

You reckon? If you check Roy's latest offering, Barrow fans are loving Rhys Norrington-Davies and Tyler Smith; Queen of the South fans are liking Callum Semple and Tranmere fans are absolutely f*cking loving Harvey Gilmour. Granted the leagues need to be taken into account, but I'd say a fair few are doing pretty well.

But you're right as to the reasons why so few youngsters are getting minutes. It's just a reflection of how well we're doing.

I don't think there's a bigger trend at play here, really. The Blades academy is continuing to produce good players, it's just they will get less of a chance when the team is flying high. Wilder has shown that he believes if you're good enough, you're old enough. Christ, Coutts isn't even getting in the team at the minute.

 

[grafikhaus]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

Oh, and Wednesday are shit.

 

[SwissBlade]

Here here!

The only point I would question though is regarding young players. Brooks aside I can't really think of any of our youngsters who have broken through under Wilder? Admittedly Brooks was a very special talent.

If anything I think Chris is very reluctant to trust young players and prefers his seasoned professionals. He has said in the past that young players need to work very hard to get into his teams.

Good point, there has only really been Brooks that he’s brought on. He’s moved DCL on as well, without featuring.

I think there’s three things:

a) the youngsters haven’t been ready: several out on loans now and getting game time so hopefully we’ll start to see them back in red and white one day.

b) the time hasn’t been right: promotion season and then establishing ourselves in the Championship, it’s a hard time to bring younger players on.

c) We’ve moved forward quickly: from shit league one side to top 6 championship side it’s been a huge leap for the club in two years which means that recruitment has been critical, some players which we brought in as established pros haven’t worked out but its also pushed the younger lads down the pecking order

It’s all opinion of course and hopefully we can start to bring more younger lads through next season.

The above points b & c can be linked to the point of coaxingstar71 That we have come on quickly and we’re in a great place now. This will also help attract young talent, if they continue to see players making that break through

 

[coaxingstar71]

Kinell Coaxy, weers tha bin?
It's been like this for ages mate

Mmmm, actually, I sense there might be a bit of love being asked for here.
OK then mate, here goes, just for you.

Excellent post my good man.
You've summed up how we all feel in what can only be described as a perfect nutshell.
I feel lifted, encouraged and energised now, not just as a Sheffield United supporter, but with life in general.
Well done and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
It really was a pleasure to read.
There, feeling better now?.....

It was the call-ups for Fleck and Freeman and thinking how far those players had come since they joined us, then I thought it wasn't just them, it's the whole club.

 

[Stretch]

Good point, there has only really been Brooks that he’s brought on. He’s moved DCL on as well, without featuring.

I think there’s three things:

a) the youngsters haven’t been ready: several out on loans now and getting game time so hopefully we’ll start to see them back in red and white one day.

b) the time hasn’t been right: promotion season and then establishing ourselves in the Championship, it’s a hard time to bring younger players on.

c) We’ve moved forward quickly: from shit league one side to top 6 championship side it’s been a huge leap for the club in two years which means that recruitment has been critical, some players which we brought in as established pros haven’t worked out but its also pushed the younger lads down the pecking order

It’s all opinion of course and hopefully we can start to bring more younger lads through next season.

The above points b & c can be linked to the point of coaxingstar71 That we have come on quickly and we’re in a great place now. This will also help attract young talent, if they continue to see players making that break through

Think you are right there Swiss, in terms of it not being the right time for the young lads to break in. Now we are well established back in this league it would be nice to see one or 2 being dipped in and out, but we aren't just treading water now, we are gunning for promotion again so it takes us back to square one as far as young players are concerned. That is unless we get another lad like Brooks who is more than good enough, but they don't come along everyday, sadly.

 

[coaxingstar71]

A few have made valid points about younger players but I would also add that O'Connell came to us aged 22 for a small fee and not that much experience and I would say he has developed under Wilder, obviously to the point that Brighton were willing to part with £8m for him.

 

[GrayBlade]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

Spot on mate! If we can get our ownership issue sorted out the world could be our lobster for years to come.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Yes, the vast majority of the 60 seasons when we were in the top flight.

I get your point but most of us either don't remember or weren't around when Currie and Woody ruled. Although it was a great time from 1989 to about 1993 under Bassett (and I loved it at the time), we didn't play anywhere near the great football we are playing now. No disrespect to any of our strikers, but how great would it be to have the 1992 version of Brian Deane playing in this team?

 

[Beans]

You reckon? If you check Roy's latest offering, Barrow fans are loving Rhys Norrington-Davies and Tyler Smith; Queen of the South fans are liking Callum Semple and Tranmere fans are absolutely f*cking loving Harvey Gilmour. Granted the leagues need to be taken into account, but I'd say a fair few are doing pretty well.

But you're right as to the reasons why so few youngsters are getting minutes. It's just a reflection of how well we're doing.

I don't think there's a bigger trend at play here, really. The Blades academy is continuing to produce good players, it's just they will get less of a chance when the team is flying high. Wilder has shown that he believes if you're good enough, you're old enough. Christ, Coutts isn't even getting in the team at the minute.

You're right, should've clarified - nobody doing good things at a level remotely comparable to where we're playing at the moment is what I meant

 

[Stanthemanfan]

Everything is Rosey on the pitch at the moment.

In my honorary self appointed position of keeping feet on the floor two black clouds hover on the horizon..

1. The owners having a fight.

2. The aging key members of the squad.

3. If wilder gets pissed off and leaves

 

[Bayingblade]

I get your point but most of us either don't remember or weren't around when Currie and Woody ruled. Although it was a great time from 1989 to about 1993 under Bassett (and I loved it at the time), we didn't play anywhere near the great football we are playing now. No disrespect to any of our strikers, but how great would it be to have the 1992 version of Brian Deane playing in this team?

It would be fantastic, especially if he had the 1989 version of Tony Agana alongside him. Unstoppable!

 

[Cerberus Blade]

I get your point but most of us either don't remember or weren't around when Currie and Woody ruled. Although it was a great time from 1989 to about 1993 under Bassett (and I loved it at the time), we didn't play anywhere near the great football we are playing now. No disrespect to any of our strikers, but how great would it be to have the 1992 version of Brian Deane playing in this team?

I was around in the Woody/Currie era. We had better individual talent in that side. Woody and Currie for example. But also Reece, Salmons, Scullion, Hockey, Dearden. Most of em really.

But this is the best football I’ve ever seen from a Sheff Utd team.

Just enjoy it whilst you have it because it won’t last forever and seems to happen about every 50 years for two or three years then POP!

 

[Large Mendonca]

After six years of frustration with the odd high point, the cup semi-finals, is there a better time to be a Blade?

We have a brilliant manager, backed up by an excellent assistant and a great management team. We have built a team to be proud of with talented players, but more importantly that play as a team and work for each other. No big time charlies, it's all about the group.

We play really good football that is enjoyable to watch and are admired by opposition managers and fans alike. We have discarded that direct, physical, hoofball tag and become a club that other players would want to play for.

We have developed young players and also rejuvenated the careers of a few that didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The manager and captain are actually supporters of the club as well.

A number of players have either starting being called up or have earned their first caps for their country because what we go about things in the right way to give those players a platform to get noticed.

You can sense that the whole mentality at the club has changed and it's all positive.

On a personal level, these days I can't wait for the next game.

Long may it continue and UTB!!!!!

I agree wholeheartedly, so why is the atmosphere poor at home games ? no me neither

 

[snootyfenooty]

Yes, the vast majority of the 60 seasons when we were in the top flight.

Yep. I started watching early 60s and 12 of the first 15 years were in the top flight. This means my benchmark is set a lot higher than most and explains a lot of my irritation when the excuses are rolled out for the disasters we invariably find ourselves in the middle of. Surprisingly, these years were under the direction of the biggest miser in United's history. Dick Wragg was his name and he made McCabe look like a philanthropist by comparison. They both had one thing in common though to bail them out - a decent manager.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Yep. I started watching early 60s and 12 of the first 15 years were in the top flight. This means my benchmark is set a lot higher than most and explains a lot of my irritation when the excuses are rolled out for the disasters we invariably find ourselves in the middle of. Surprisingly, these years were under the direction of the biggest miser in United's history. Dick Wragg was his name and he made McCabe look like a philanthropist by comparison. They both had one thing in common though to bail them out - a decent manager.

I actually reckon that Dick Wragg would have a lot to answer for.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Yep. I started watching early 60s and 12 of the first 15 years were in the top flight. This means my benchmark is set a lot higher than most and explains a lot of my irritation when the excuses are rolled out for the disasters we invariably find ourselves in the middle of. Surprisingly, these years were under the direction of the biggest miser in United's history. Dick Wragg was his name and he made McCabe look like a philanthropist by comparison. They both had one thing in common though to bail them out - a decent manager.

You reminded me of something...

In my thread about Jeff King and that fateful own goal at Reading, I was stood next to a lad and we had a conversation about how United were not being backed financially. He was not in agreement but was a nice enough lad and we begged to differ. At the end of the game he introduced himself as Dick Wragg’s son! Whether he was or not I don’t really know but it seemed feasible at the time.