How do you feel going into the season?

[Linz]

We usually have a thread along these lines as the end of preseason looms and the responses usually range from blind optimism to raging morbid doom. So whereabouts on the scale are you?

Personally, I'm quite looking forward to this season but this doesn't necessarily mean I think we'll play well. Looking around at what the doom mongers are saying, you'd think the sky was caving in. So my eternal hope is that this season, at least we'll be playing without expectation, without the crowd on the team's back and we can have a little bit of fun following the Blades again.

It isn't all about getting to the Premiership... they, the money men, just want you to think that. It's really about traveling the length and breadth of the country, wondering why you do so, especially on a freezing Tuesday night in the pissing down rain. It's about meeting up with mates and having a drink and a laugh and a bit of banter. It's about watching shockingly awful performances and woeful efforts on goal. It's about applauding the odd flick of genius from a player who wouldn't look out of place in a pub team. See really... it's about just following your team. And you don't have to be in the Premiership or anywhere near it to do that.

I know getting to the Premiership is meant to be the be-all and end-all of being in the Championship, but towards the end of last season, it all got a little bit tense. And I don't really think I enjoyed it because of that. The slightest disappointing ball was met with nervous sighs of disapproval, understandable considering the circumstances, but it wasn't exactly a pleasant atmosphere.

So in short, whatever happens on the pitch will happen. Whether that is good, bad or indifferent remains to be seen. In 2007, we had a very good preseason and a shocking season. This year, we've had a pretty poor preseason taking performances into account so I'm not going to hazard a guess at what we'll play like.

I just hope something brings the crowd together. In the dark old days, the crowd were United in sheer sympathy with each other because everyone was watching the same old shite. These days, the crowd, especially at home, seems more fractious. It'd be nice if this wasn't the case... especially nice if it was well-earned success that brought everyone together.

I guess I'll see you at Middlesbrough

 

[Deleted member 1486]

at least we'll be playing without expectation

Not a chance in hell. I'd say expectation has gone up season-on-season since Adrian Heath left 10 years ago. Unrealistic expectation? Perhaps, but we've made great progress in every area except the league we play in, I think people sometimes forget there's another 15-odd teams who all hope/believe they'll finish near the top of this league.

Now we've spent some money and there's talk of more players coming I'm a bit optimistic about this season. I think we'll be there or there-about. But I do still think if we're not pushing for promotion the crowd will turn on the manager. Maybe as early as October, I certainly can't see him lasting until the end of the year if we're not AT LEAST top 6.

 

[SRBlade]

I'm looking forward to al that entails a Sheff Utd match day experience.

I am looking forward to what kind of team takes shape this season, but i'm not looking forward to it with great expectations as i know i'd end up dissappointed.

See you all at Boro, then maybe on London road, where i've not been since we played Palace.

 

[TonyAgana]

Blind optimism from me again, Linz.

 

[The One]

A few weeks ago I probably wasn't too optimistic but now with a couple of new signings coming in i'm feeling better about it.

Providing that players aren't played out of position (kyel reid, ched evans and co) I think we may have a good season. Get the ball on the deck and get that fast bugger reid running at defenders.

Oh...and the bit about players not looking out of place in a pub team, Brian Howard anyone?

Lee Hendrie should be in the team before him every day of the week. Feel sorry for him because he must be thinking the exact same thing everyone else is...."How is that bag of shite getting in the team before me"

 

[Fife]

I'll feel a whole lot happier when the goalkeeper situation is sorted out!

 

[dingledog]

As ever as we approacch a new season I believe we will win every game six nil and walk the title. I have, as some of you may have spotted, led a very unfulfilled life as a Blades supporter. Doesnt stop me going though.

 

[shorehamview]

At the end of the day Brian, it's all about the sheer Bladeness of it. If I wanted to watch a side that guaranteed a trophy next May I certainly wouldn't be watching the Blades. But I will be.
Because it's not about the winning, or the losing, it's more about the being there. And in the pub.

 

[BexleyBlade]

My pessimism this years has been limited somewhat by the addition of various new signings. Living daaan saaaf means I'm not able to get the pre-season so my mindset at present is complete scepticism.

I do however, find myself excited about the upcoming 9 months or so (perhaps heightened by the Geordies crushing yesterday). I'm excited about the new signings I know nothing about; the prospect of not knowing who's going to be playing for the first few weeks; the prospect of getting to more away matches (now employment and a driving license have come my way); but most of of excited about how we're going to reassert our superiority of the painters and decorators from S6.

If people are worried about the defensive situation (as I am) - don't be, it'll come good. Kev & Kev will sort something - it may not be perfect; but when has it ever been. If you're worried so much that you fear the end of the world here something just as a matter of reassurance, things could be a whole lot worse:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00181/hillsborough-385-ag_181337a.jpg

 

[dutchblade]

At first...I am exited about starting another new season. In the last weeks I did not react alot on meanings/opinions that I ve read here at the forum, just because I was confident we would sign new players and knew that we would lose some as well.
Looking at the team for this season I am positive...just like nearly every year at the start of the new season. I think we ll finish top six, maybe second place.
But, most important thing for me is that I always looking forward to my next trip. I am not an unlucky guy, but the happiest moments for me are the moments I am near Bramall Lane, watching the Blades, having me pre- and aftermatch beer(s), meet old friends and stay some days. Feeling sad when I have to say goodbye, but always know I ll come back some day soon.
Promotion would be wonderfull, but, to be honest....the league we play in is the strongest league there is....and it's not easy to get out of it.... Anyway, hope to meet you very soon, counting of the days for my next trip, homegames Watford and Leicester...

 

[DazBlade88]

This season, I'm not optimistic about the football like I normally am. I suppose it will make the trips more fun because I'll not be expecting much, so I can just enjoy the day out.

I'm looking forward to seeing the regulars again though, having a few drinks beforehand and having a laugh with my mates. That's what it should be about in the end.

 

[Hagueblade]

Glass half full

Keeper position is weak, not much cover for central defence, too many avergae midfielders and the first choice 11 is anyone's guess.

Ok Ched may be the real deal, but so were Hulse and Stead, can't see how we've progressed here at all.

We'll finish top 6.

 

[BuryStEdmundsBlade]

I'm never optimistic but I'm not AS pessimistic as some people are. Happy with the signings so far but a little disappointed about the sales although not surprised.
I'm not expecting to get to many games this coming season so would be grateful of any match reports especially in the first month or so!

 

[stinkyblade]

Being honest i'm rather excited, more than ever. I feel as though we need strengthening further, mainly defence. But another midfielder and forward and we will be there or there abouts.

We will finish in play offs at least i reckon.

 

[rachyblade]

I'll do my usual and hope for the best but expect the worst this season.

I am excited to see how the new players get on, it's like a new look team.

 

[Kev Gee]

Im quite optimistic. But not as much as i was last season.

Maybe thats a good thing & I/we wont get on Blackwells back as soon as something doesnt go right.

 

[GoldenBelleBlade_07]

Obviously following the Blades means different things to different people.
I think the 'raging morbid doom' angle from myself stems from the disappointment in the way United have carried theirselves this summer in regards to sales, purchases, potential purchases and communication with the fans.
I feel that we are taking too many gambles in the transfer market buying unproven premiership reserves. Whilst I appreciate they are young and have longevity and could potenially be a diamond in the rough I just question with the selling mentality of the club as to whether these signings are generally to make the team better or financial investments that we will try and make profit on when it suits the club. I dont expect the club to want to make a loss but I think people at the top forget that 'football' is the priority!
However, I think we will be challenging there or thereabouts for the play-offs all season but end up finishing around eighth or ninth as the squad looks much more mediocre than this time last season and I dont feel we have as much strength in depth.
I will always look forward to the season as even if its shit it is still better than there being no football at all! I love the Blades and the whole match day experience and a part of that for me is spurring united on to be the best they can be, which is ultimately measured on position and league so if Im not happy with something or think things need to change I express this usually by writing to the club/moaning! However I would like to think I am level headed enough on this subject not to expect the completely unrealistic!

 

[Mad Mick]

Same old story I suppose, initially disappointed by the sale of our prized assets, then start to look at new signings. Either we have conducted a magical transfer season, or we've dropped the biggest rollock since we sold BT.
Must say though I'm getting excited, will be watching on TV in a couple of weeks, and me and the missus are coming up for the Watford game. Aint been to a match for probably 10 years. some kind person has invited us to one of them corporate box thingies.
I do have one worry though, last time I took missus to BDTBL we lost 5-1 to Arsenal.

 

[snb69]

It's a bit of a mixed bag for me - although, I'm hopeful of seeing some pace and width this year. So much depends on Evans delivering, both in goals, and bringing the midfield in (if the much mooted 4-2-3-1 formation happens).

The back back four still lack a bit of cover, and we're so used to Paddy being there that him not being there will be odd - I hope Benno can step up.

And our creative midfielders need to start creating - anyone whose surname begins with 'H' really.

As always, the division is there for the taking - West Brom (for me) are the team to beat. If we don't make the top 6, I'll be disappointed. If we play as well as we can, well we could make 2nd. So that'll be 8th then.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'm nowhere near as Optimistic as I normally am, I can't usually see past us strolling to winning the Championship unbeaten with flowing total football by Christmas. Of course the reality is always very different.

For me this summer has been poorly prepared, at least that's how it looks from the outside. We've left player sales far too late and as a result big name (see money) signings, just the one so far in my eyes. Only hit Shirecliffe with less than two weeks until the start of the season. So will we be fit enough? Unlikely in my opinion.

We still haven't got a back up Centre half to replace Ugo (Bromby was already here this last season) and as yet we don't have a right back (will Walker be coming back?)

Lots of wingers have come in, which is good news, but with Billy possibly on his way out, Henderson injured (or suspended when he's fit), Ward out for the first two games AND being identified by Blackie last season as a "development player", then we need back up. How good Ched turns out to be remains to be seen £3m doesn't guarantee goals.

We still haven't got a central midfielder.

There seems to have also been on field disruption compared to normal years, we finished the season late for a start with the Play off finals and with lots of travelling to training camps and friendlies it also didn't help that we lost the friendly in Hungary due to the weather.

Perhaps i'm being over cautious after the disappointments of this summer and maybe the likes of the youngsters that are coming through will start making an impact and why not? The likes Jags, Monty, Tonge, Quinny, Billy (even Billy) and the Kyles have all proven that its possible to make the step up from our youth team/ academy. I'm just not sure.

It could all go the other way, 2003 was a year of little expectation if I remember correctly and look how that turned out, ultimately in failure at the last hurdle (again).

One thing's for sure i'm not planning for a flying start to the season, but I hope I'm wrong.

Its never dull being a blade, even if the football we play sometimes is!

 

[KL Blade]

I'm an optimist and at the beginning of each season, I always have real belief that we would be winning promotion - auto or via play-offs - no matter which players are brought in and transfered out and no matter how unrealistic it may sometimes appear. When we were last in the prem, I honestly believed that we were going to go from strength to strength.

My belief is as strong as ever for this season.

I have a feeling that together with ourselves, Ipswich and West Brom will be strong contenders for top 2 and I tip Boro and the Geordies to struggle.

 

[jodman]

I’m far more optimistic then I was a few weeks ago for a number of reasons.

The first is that we have held onto Matt Kilgallon meaning his centre back pairing with Morgan will remain next season and that is as good a partnership as you will find at this level.

The second is the arrival of a young striker with potential. I am not necessarily expecting Ched Evans is bang in 30 goals this year but I am definitely looking forward to seeing him play; if he can be a success in a pretty dismal Norwich team I’m hopeful he can be even more successful in the red and white.

The third reason is the turmoil surrounding the teams which were relegated from the premiership last season. I have to say that under normal circumstances those three teams would bounce straight back but the events of this close season have made that seem an unlikely outcome. Newcastle are in turmoil and I can see them really struggling next season unless drastic action is taken in the next few days. Middlesbrough have persisted with a manager who has next to no backing from the supporters and have failed to shift some significant earners from their wage bill. West Brom were my original pick to win the league but the loss of Tony Mowbray will seriously impact them and I now think the best they will achieve is a play-off place.

Finally the emergence of a couple more academy lads during pre-season has whet my appetite for seeing some more local lads getting some playing time. Jordon Robertson has had a very mixed career so far but the lad knows where the goal is and I’m hopeful he will be given a chance this year. The young lad Brown has had some mixed reviews but hopefully he can find his way into contention this season and maybe we’ll have another gem on our hands.

Who knows, another quality signing may spice things up even further but I, personally, can’t wait for next Friday and I’m confident that this team is capable of another play-off push at the least.

 

[uniblade]

Sign Leroy Lita and a top 2 position is realistic with the team and cover we have

I have always liked bennett and provided we get paddy back after 6 months we will be fine.

we can always take a quick loan if need be

 

[La_Blade]

Well can't wait for Friday now, see how I feel at around 2200 on Friday night though when I'm on my way to work. I've kicked into pure blind optimism mode in preparation for the new season and am awaiting another giant eye-watering kick in the knackers from the Blades.
Surely it's just around the corner

 

[Linz]

I'm excited, as I always am. Although with the play offs and preseason... it hardly feels like we've had a break at all this summer.

I hope we're in good voice on Friday night and with the afternoon sorted off work, I've got plenty of time to lubricate mine on the way up to Boro. You can guarantee we'll lose... a sneaky last minute goal no doubt. And we'll get loads of decisions against us like we always do, but midtable or what, it's still United and we'll still be watching them.

 

[Vistoma]

Always optimistic and often let down! The first game has echoes of Brum last year. Away to a relegated club, on sky etc etc. Lets just hope that we don't fall to an injury time goal from Lita!

Although it would be a good bet for him to score the winner, thats life as a Blade and I wouldn't have it any other way :thumbup:

 

[snb69]

The division is there for the taking (as always) - for me West Brom are the team to beat, and I reckon anyone finishing above them will go up, same as Birmingham last year.

If Ched and our wingers click, and we get another CB as cover, then I think things are set fair - people get so hung up on the style and tactics, and fail to look at the results, and actual goals scored/conceded last season.

Anywhere between 8th and 2nd is realistic - ask me again at 10pm on Friday

 

[Bladesman]

Id say 8th is where we will end up.