How long do we let Weir carry on?

[Latters]

Last time I saw united was the first game of the season on Sky Sports. United completely outplayed Notts county. We played crisp passing yet effective football just like the best of the Wilson era. Yet today we lose 3-1 to Rotherham. What has happend?!. Never rated Weir. When he was appointed I knew it would end in disaster. Get Danny Wilson back that's what I say.

What has happened is we are sticking with a style of play that doesn't suit the players we have, including the ones signed by the manager to play in that system.

- McGinty isn't a marauding, attacking full back capable of getting down the wing and helping the attack (despite him having ambitions of being)
- Coady doesn't seem to fit into either of the two banks of midfield
- Brandy is skilful but it sounds like he's inconsistent with little end product
- Baxter and Cuvelier are both good players, but seem suited to the same, central attacking midfielder role
- Taylor looks like he might be alright if played up top with someone like Porter, but Weir insists on one striker and one striker only

And...

McGinn - the only one that seemed to fit in, and he's been dropped.

I'm all for giving it time for transition if we are transitioning in the right direction, but Jesus wept. We're terrible and getting worse.

 

[Racy]

Im guessing our new co owner was there today?

I wonder what his thoughts were?

If i was him id be pulling Weir to one side & saying sort this out, or your out.

I hope it's him who sorts it for fucks sake don't let Mcabe make any more decisions

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

I'm not quite sure what's happened to McGinn. Did he flirt with Weir's mrs or summat??

 

[ZoneManWilf]

He's in trouble as it stands, we may feel cutting our losses might be the way to go with the new investment. What may save him is lack of any other options out there.

His problem at the moment is his rigid sticking to 4-2-3-1 which simply does not suit this team with our lack of quality.

Coady should be dropped if not sent back, he's been garbage for the last 2 games and offers us nothing in my opinion. I'd question why Bunn and not McFazdean was brought on today. Why blood some other team's trialist when McFazd has shown flashes of good play recently?

Today he took Porter off who, whilst clearly not a world beater at least gave us some workrate and an out ball up front. After he went off we had nothing, as Taylor simply does not have enough to be a lone forward.

Our best bet might be 4-4-2 with Porter and Taylor up front until hopefully we get a miracle with Miller coming back. Mind you that does rely on the defence improving mile, as we look awful at the moment.

A lot worried after today, a long time since I walked out of a ground so downcast...

 

[Guesty]

I'm not quite sure what's happened to McGinn. Did he flirt with Weir's mrs or summat??

Well he gifted two goals at Brentford but seeing as how, in a show of solidarity, every other member of the team has attempted to do the same thing subsequently I'm not sure.

 

[alcoblade]

What is it now, 8 games played 2 against 4th division teams, 1 win (not including a penalty shootout)?

It takes time, I accept. I really struggle to accept that at no point in any game have we had 2 up front.

Today Rotherham got it wrong, and altered it. We haven't tried a plan B in 8 games.

Is it really the case that we've hit on such a winning formation that when everyone learns it, it will be right every week?

I don't think I've ever witnessed so few attempts on goal, so little success, and so much faith in exactly the same (failing) system through 90 minutes of every match.

I want to believe he'll learn from his mistakes. It's not obvious anything is sinking in right now.

UTB

 

[Blade59]

I can compare it 2 situations. One is Robson where some thought it would come good in the end and it was just going to take time. We waited until after Christmas and it didn't and we had to get rid after the fans revolted. Thankfully Blackwell was able to get us out of the mess Robson left.

The other is when O'Driscoll went to Donny. Early on many of their fans were making similar comments to ours at the moment. Ryan stuck with him and O'Driscoll stuck to his principles and it all eventually came good.

Personally I would give it to early December at the latest. DW need to make some effective loan signings who are going to add some character to the team. We have enough youngsters and players with potential. We need a couple of experienced heads who can provide leadership on the pitch. If that is at the expense of players such as Collins and Doyle (who have not played badly as individuals this season) so be it.

 

[metalblade]

The thing is playing one up front may have us relegated by December, no good DW sticking to his principles with these players he needs to find a formation to win games ........... and fast, otherwise .........................
The present style might well work in the Premiership but not in League one against players who get in your face. No leaders on the field, and a load of young lightweights will not cut it here I'm afraid.

 

[Kev Gee]

How many of us thought that Weir would sort out all the issues from last season & bomb out certain players who were not upto it.

It seems to me like he just shrugs his shoulders & gives it the 'work in progress' excuse.

He better sort it out & fast or we could have Bryan Robson level discontent from the fans.

 

[Jon Bon]

We gave them 3 goals. Howard should never get near the first team again.

Apart from the howler for the first goal, what else did Howard do wrong? I saw him come out of his goal and catch a few crosses, something which I've never seen Long do. How many howlers has Long made?

 

[broomhillblade]

Steve Evans cut his managerial teeth in the Conference. He knows how to fire his players up and get in the faces of the opposition. I think we need a bit of that to get us out of this Division.

 

[bladesadviser]

I just worry that perhaps Wier is one of those quality players who just doesn't make it as a manager. There are plenty of examples, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and our very own Martin Peters who despite being legends in the game don't cut it as a boss.

 

[Racy]

It's just sickening to see players still at this club like Porter,Hill,,Flynn ,McMahon ,Howard and all the Academy failures.

And what does Weir do bring in other clubs hopefulls to further there education .

League one may lack higher divisions skill factors but what it doesn't lack in the main is passion,bottle,desire and Sheffield United at the moment fail in all those departments.
Somebody sort it before we end up in Div4

 

[ScoobBlade]

I was just about to post the same.

There was one bit in the commentary where PW said that David Weir was running his hands through his hair - it just came across as a hopeless gesture.

That's got to be one of the most stupid observations about a manager I've ever heard. Lets sack him now, running his hands through his hair he obviously hasn't got a clue.

 

[mattbianco1]

Apart from the howler for the first goal, what else did Howard do wrong? I saw him come out of his goal and catch a few crosses, something which I've never seen Long do. How many howlers has Long made?

So launching it out for a throw in (trying to roll it to McMahaon) which led directly to their penalty isn't another bad thing?

He also got lucky at 3-1 when a player closed him down in the box.

Harry gifted the 3rd. Three goals gifted, now they think they've won the league we should've knocked them clean off their fake perch

 

[mattbianco1]

It's just sickening to see players still at this club like Porter,Hill,,Flynn ,McMahon ,Howard and all the Academy failures

Porter played well. He had no support from the wingers. I do think Westlake gives more than McMahon going forward but defensively McMhaon edges it.

 

[Ashtonsmashton]

5 years it will take time to get used to in, and most of our players such as Porter, Hill, etc... aren't used to passing footy

 

[Maidenhead]

A lot worried after today, a long time since I walked out of a ground so downcast...

At least a week ;-)

 

[pommpey]

Christ. What a fucking MESS.

Guys, we have gone through what ... sixteen managers or so in the past twenty years, and half of that since we left the PL in 2007. Common denominator here? Anyone see some sort of pattern forming? Anyone notice a fucking great big McCabe-shaped pachyderm in the room?

And now, here we are, bereft of talent and direction, dicked by one of last year's promotions, and cheering on because some bloke with wealthy-sounding groundings chips in with a 50% offer (the day after deadline day)

McCabe (on phone): "Hey-yup Abdul. 'Ows it going in head-choppy land, eh? Champion. How's missus Allah? Oreyt? She's what? You had her killed for looking at your car? Luv'ly. Smashin'. Top stuff. Anyrooerd, about you chipping in wi' some cash. Aye. United. A bit like 'Man' United. Aye. Play in red. Aye. You've had them on fantasy footy? Really? Oh, Man United. That's great. Well we're like them, only a bit smaller. And not as good ... I mean, not as ... motivated. So you're in, eh? Grand. Are you ... like ... planning to ... erm ... spend anything on playing staf ... oh ... yes, yes ... I agree. I agree fully. Yes. You're perfectly right. Me? Well, I'd clear the outstanding debt hanging over the club first ... what's that? How did the club ramp up so much debt? Oh, well ... you heard of Carlos Tevez? Yes. Ugly little fucker. That's him. Oh, you have him in your fantasy team? What a talent. Outstanding. Well, he played for another club and scored some goals and to cut a very long story short which is dead boring and would go on past prayer-time, him and Neil Warnock worked it out between themselves and suddenly we were relegated and they ran off with all my ... all the club's money. Yes. Shit, isn't it? And then of course I appointed manager after manager but I think they were all in cahoots with Warnock ... and Tevez ... and as much as I tried, we ended up with dogshit players and I had no cash. Broke my heart you know - because as you know ... well you probably don't ... but I'm 100% Blade ... just like Sean Bean. Who? Iselgor Babbins in the Lords of the Flies. Yeah, him. He's a Blade, you know. I'll introduce you. So ... anyway. What are your plans? So you're in at 50% and don't plan on spending owt until ... 2015? Oh. But what about the debt stuff? Oh ... Oh I seeeeee. Hah. What a great mind you have your eminence. So you're joining the club, clearing what the club owes to me and not bothering spending owt on players. That is GENIUS, I tell you. I'm sat here with a boner so hard, my cat couldn't climb it. Eh? Oh, never mind. I'll explain over a beer some time. Eh? Oh. Yeah. Coffee it is then. Best time to join and for me to announce 'great new investment'? That'll be the day after the transfer window closes. Eh? Oh, don't worry mate. Later, eh? Just make sure on the cheque you don't put 'MacCabe'. One 'c'. Yes. Like in 'cunt' ... "

Mark my words. Relegation looms. We have a shit, disorganised squad full of pretty useless, ineptplayers (from top to bottom) and no method of rectifying that.

pommpey

 

[Mendi]

The manager job needs to go to someone who is experience and knows the club well.

Surely the new owners may want his own man in some point down the line.

 

[MarinerBlade]

The manager job needs to go to someone who is experience and knows the club well.

Surely the new owners may want his own man in some point down the line.

Only problem there is if you are experienced and know the club well you ain't coming anywhere near the place as we have seen with all those who have turned us down.

 

[Mendi]

new owners now surely things will changed.

 

[sheffielder]

This season is going to be a rough ride. I don't want to bring in another manager to dismantle the players that Weir is bringing in. We need a striker who has experience and we need a captain (with legs) in the centre of the park. A left back, left winger and Centre half would be a bonus at this point.

When Brandy is back Cuvelier can move to his favourite position as a box to box midfielder, with someone new to provide the engine room to this team.

Now I haven't got a clue what combative midfielders are available, however i am going for Shaun Derry (yes I know he's onloan at millwall). I am also going to pretend That Weir can bring Kenny Miller in on loan when the MLS season has finished. This would leave for example

Miller

Murphy Baxter Brandy

Derry Cuvellier

We are two vital ingredients away from having a good ride here. Unfortunately we don't have an engine and Up top it's had a prang

For weir to succeed he has to get these 2 types of player in ASAP to succeed. If he does I think the potential we are occasionally seeing will come out to play

 

[sheffielder]

Only problem there is if you are experienced and know the club well you ain't coming anywhere near the place as we have seen with all those who have turned us down.

I don't want anyone who has been involved in this club. What's next, DB for DoF

 

[StarBlade]

We let him carry on as long as he needs. I'm not sure why people don't understand the cycles that we are going through, and have been going through since Warnock. It's staring them in the face everytime they look at a league table.

Here goes;

1 - For whatever reason, the manger just has to go.
2 - Replace with best available who'll work within our structure and restraints.
3 - Short-term run of bad results, sweat a little and start to ask questions.
4 - Back to step 1.

Except, this time round, at step 2, the structure needs a little changing (new manager has got to bring in his staff), and the restraints are a little tighter due to spending of ex-manager, and pay-offs from the club. Anyway, stage 3 inevitably happens unless he's Sir Alex, so we go to 4, then 1, then at step 2, it's a little bit tougher hiring because less people will join us (tougher financial restraints you see due to sliding down the leagues and heavy losses on last manager) and so the quality is poorer or less-experienced, not to mention that this new poorer manager has even more restraints to work with. What's that, the new manager has picked up a few bad results?

Anyway, I think we can all see that DW needs to be sacked right now, that should work.

 

[SandyMcBlade]

You get the feeling the first question Mr McCabe asks a prospective manager is "Do you have a plan B" ? if the answer is yes, he moves on to the next.
I think our next manager will come from over seas, i have a feeling in me water....

 

[BladeFisher]

It's just sickening to see players still at this club like Porter,Hill,,Flynn ,McMahon ,Howard and all the Academy failures.

And what does Weir do bring in other clubs hopefulls to further there education .

League one may lack higher divisions skill factors but what it doesn't lack in the main is passion,bottle,desire and Sheffield United at the moment fail in all those departments.
Somebody sort it before we end up in Div4

You forget last season these same players (plus McDonald) got us into the play off's. I put it to you that it is the manager's stubborn refusal to play 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 is the main reason we are in the shit.

Am not surprised. He's a Scot. They are not exactly renowned for thinking out the box. I can assure you it's a cultural defect that many up here possess. It would be sad if he lost his job and later admitted he tried to get his players to play to a system rather than choose a system for his players.

 

[Blade59]

In any managerial job you have to get the best out of the people available. If you ask them to do things they are not capable of then ultimately you will fail. Are these players capable of playing this system but need time to get used to it. If this is the case we should be seeing a gradual improvement as the season progresses but in actual fact we appear to be rapidly getting worse. Maybe we have to wait for the two new signings to fully settle and see what happens in the loan window before making judgement. What is clear we have a short term problem (only 4 points from 18 is relegation fodder) in that there is no immediate signs of any upturn in results. As manager DW need to be allowed time getting to address the issue either by changing the system or finding a way to get the existing system to be more effective. I am not advocating that he abandons the principles he is trying to instil in the way we play but he may need to compromise in the short term to improve results. If he doesn't and the present run continues I think he will be gone before Christmas and that would be a shame.

 

[BladeFisher]

In any managerial job you have to get the best out of the people available. If you ask them to do things they are not capable of then ultimately you will fail. Are these players capable of playing this system but need time to get used to it. If this is the case we should be seeing a gradual improvement as the season progresses but in actual fact we appear to be rapidly getting worse. Maybe we have to wait for the two new signings to fully settle and see what happens in the loan window before making judgement. What is clear we have a short term problem (only 4 points from 18 is relegation fodder) in that there is no immediate signs of any upturn in results. As manager DW need to be allowed time getting to address the issue either by changing the system or finding a way to get the existing system to be more effective. I am not advocating that he abandons the principles he is trying to instil in the way we play but he may need to compromise in the short term to improve results. If he doesn't and the present run continues I think he will be gone before Christmas and that would be a shame.

What's his aversion to 4-4-2?

 

[Blade59]

He obviously doesn't think it is the right way forward. I am not bothered what system we play as long as it gets results and provides a reasonable level of entertainment.

What's his aversion to 4-4-2?