If we don't go into play-off's.....

[Blade56]

.....and we start building for next season what do we expect?

Early rebuilding or last minute signings of what left over after other clubs cherry pick the best tallent.
Wholesale non renewal of contracts?
Quick signings of pacey young players?
More journeymen?
Hammond and Edgar getting a permanent?

Talking to Blades friends they are expecting us to make mass signings. I don't think we will let 9/10 players go at the end of their current contracts (unless we replace them with the academy players). Reason, we won't stump up 9/10 transfer fees.

I think we will sign Hammond, bring in 1-2 other "experienced" players (LW and CB), keep 4-5 existing players and use the youngsters. One thing is for sure we won't act early so new players can all gel before the start of the season, it's not the BladeyBladeness way, as usual it will all be last minute deals depending on the reliability of the fax machine (yes, I am the first to officially mention the fax machine related to the 2016/17 season).

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

.....and we start building for next season what do we expect?

Early rebuilding or last minute signings of what left over after other clubs cherry pick the best tallent.
Wholesale non renewal of contracts?
Quick signings of pacey young players?
More journeymen?
Hammond and Edgar getting a permanent?

Talking to Blades friends they are expecting us to make mass signings. I don't think we will let 9/10 players go at the end of their current contracts (unless we replace them with the academy players). Reason, we won't stump up 9/10 transfer fees.

I think we will sign Hammond, bring in 1-2 other "experienced" players (LW and CB), keep 4-5 existing players and use the youngsters. One thing is for sure we won't act early so new players can all gel before the start of the season, it's not the BladeyBladeness way, , as usual it will all be last minute deals depending on the reliability of the fax machine (yes, I am the first to officially mention the fax machine related to the 2016/17 season).

We have a major building job , which will define the future success or not of SUFC. Players will come and go , the big question on everybodies mind , is Adkins the right man for the job and task ahead.
Up to press he ain't filled us with much confidence , and this season has been a disaster , which initially promised so much . We should have seen what was coming after Gillingham , and have we improved .

Adkins for all his talk and rhetoric has not been a motivator of men. I think McCabe will stick with him only because we have sacked so many mangers previously. It is a sad inditement that this is the only reason I can see that the bloke keeps his job . Wish it was because he is the best man for the job.
No in between for the Blades , it will be either a promotion or relegation fight next season with Adkins , his players and the kids . I have a gut feeling I know which one it will be .

UTB.

 

[blade.i.am]

This summer is a massive test of the board's resolve to get us out of The division that time forgot and Adkins ability to put together a squad capable of doing so. Not entirely confident that either will deliver

 

[Woodwardfan]

No new contract for:

Howard, Harris, Edgar, Kennedy, Hammond, Cuvelier, McFadzean, Sammon.

Move on if possible:

Brayford, Freeman, McGahey, Baxter ( gone anyway), Ryce, Coutts, Scougall, J.Wallace, McNulty.

Keep:

McEveley, Basham, Lewin, Adams, Flynn, (McDonagh?), Reed, Whiteman, K.Wallace, Woolford?, Diego, Done, Sharp, Baptiste. Willis?


The main problem is that middle batch of players on unexpired contracts with SUFC wages which any interested clubs won't match. Well be stuck with a number of them unless we agree to subsidise their wages elsewhere. This is due to the fact they are failures at the level we signed them.

The other problem is the short list of players to keep which is why I included Woolford and Diego to help with a tad more 'continuity'.

If we say we need a squad of 24 it shows the size of the challenge this summer and even more integrating all the new signings which have to be young and hungry IMO.

Whatever happens, don't expect us to be in the Top 6 by next Xmas, seriously. Not unless the Board throws loads of money at the problem and then who wants loads more ageing losers stepping down a level anyway? Not me.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

WOT? No George?!

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

.....and we start building for next season what do we expect?

Early rebuilding or last minute signings of what left over after other clubs cherry pick the best tallent.
Wholesale non renewal of contracts?
Quick signings of pacey young players?
More journeymen?
Hammond and Edgar getting a permanent?

Talking to Blades friends they are expecting us to make mass signings. I don't think we will let 9/10 players go at the end of their current contracts (unless we replace them with the academy players). Reason, we won't stump up 9/10 transfer fees.

I think we will sign Hammond, bring in 1-2 other "experienced" players (LW and CB), keep 4-5 existing players and use the youngsters. One thing is for sure we won't act early so new players can all gel before the start of the season, it's not the BladeyBladeness way, as usual it will all be last minute deals depending on the reliability of the fax machine (yes, I am the first to officially mention the fax machine related to the 2016/17 season).

Do you want Adkins as manager if we don't make the play offs?? You were a huge advocate of sacking Clough last year and seemed delighted when Adkins was hired. Interested to know where you stand now?

 

[Blade56]

Do you want Adkins as manager if we don't make the play offs?? You were a huge advocate of sacking Clough last year and seemed delighted when Adkins was hired. Interested to know where you stand now?

Guilty as charged, thought sacking Clough was spot on and Adkin's was our saviour, how bad am I?

Should we sack Adkin's or give him all our money and faith to build a L1 winning squad capable of competing in the championship? Don't feckin ask me I'm a Blades supporter so I know nothing!

The only way I can see forward is some dodgy foreign squillionaire buying the club and buying a brilliant manager and squad money no object, unaffraid or bending or breaking the Fair Play Rules to buy success. it's the only way in today's game

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

No new contract for:

Howard, Harris, Edgar, Kennedy, Hammond, Cuvelier, McFadzean, Sammon.

Move on if possible:

Brayford, Freeman, McGahey, Baxter ( gone anyway), Ryce, Coutts, Scougall, J.Wallace, McNulty.

Keep:

McEveley, Basham, Lewin, Adams, Flynn, (McDonagh?), Reed, Whiteman, K.Wallace, Woolford?, Diego, Done, Sharp, Baptiste. Willis?


The main problem is that middle batch of players on unexpired contracts with SUFC wages which any interested clubs won't match. Well be stuck with a number of them unless we agree to subsidise their wages elsewhere. This is due to the fact they are failures at the level we signed them.

The other problem is the short list of players to keep which is why I included Woolford and Diego to help with a tad more 'continuity'.

If we say we need a squad of 24 it shows the size of the challenge this summer and even more integrating all the new signings which have to be young and hungry IMO.

Whatever happens, don't expect us to be in the Top 6 by next Xmas, seriously. Not unless the Board throws loads of money at the problem and then who wants loads more ageing losers stepping down a level anyway? Not me.

I agree with your three lists there with the exception of keeping Brayford, and giving Harris one last chance. I'd get rid of Woolford on loan somewhere if we can't sell him.

If we can add Ajose from Swindon, I still like Novak at Chessy, two quality center halves, a center mid and then a winger, then things might start looking up. Also need Adkins to improve ten fold.

And Turnbull actually needs to do some scouting as he's done naff all to warrant his salary so far. Sharp, Woolford, Hammond were all ex-players so took no scouting. Edgar is the only 'unknown' we've brought to the club. What has he actually been doing all year?

 

[Woodwardfan]

I agree with your three lists there with the exception of keeping Brayford, and giving Harris one last chance. I'd get rid of Woolford on loan somewhere if we can't sell him.

If we can add Ajose from Swindon, I still like Novak at Chessy, two quality center halves, a center mid and then a winger, then things might start looking up. Also need Adkins to improve ten fold.

And Turnbull actually needs to do some scouting as he's done naff all to warrant his salary so far.

With regard to Brayford, I just feel it's in his and our interests to make the break. He was Clough's talisman and he will never repeat that purple patch he had and which made him a cult figure and how long ago that seems. More importantly I don't think he's a very good defender; opposition left flankers have had field days against us when Brayford and Coutts have been out on our right, whichever system we have played.

 

[Woodwardfan]

WOT? No George?!

Mistake. I'd take a big fee though!!!

 

[Jonboy60]

I agree with your three lists there with the exception of keeping Brayford, and giving Harris one last chance. I'd get rid of Woolford on loan somewhere if we can't sell him.

If we can add Ajose from Swindon, I still like Novak at Chessy, two quality center halves, a center mid and then a winger, then things might start looking up. Also need Adkins to improve ten fold.

And Turnbull actually needs to do some scouting as he's done naff all to warrant his salary so far. Sharp, Woolford, Hammond were all ex-players so took no scouting. Edgar is the only 'unknown' we've brought to the club. What has he actually been doing all year?

I imagine turnbull been told to target players for next season. Hope so anyway.

 

[Ricky]

Here's what will happen. Adkins will give the board a list of targets, about 80% of which will require a transfer fee, stupidly neglecting the free agents who it's vital we target. While the good free agents go elsewhere, our board will be haggling over a few grand here and there whilst not grasping the scale and importance of the recruitment job on our hands and the importance of assembling the bulk of the squad early in pre season. The communication between the board and Adkins will be non existent, Adkins will be led to believe everything's in order, then before we know it it's the middle of July and we've inevitably missed out on the main targets. So Adkins has to hastily move on to his second and third choice targets. But unfortunately the recruitment committee are on holiday so it will have to wait till August. In the meantime we miss out on those players too so we resort to picking up the scraps as usual. At least two key positions will be left until deadline day to try and sign. One of which will probably be Dan Burn. But we will have signed Dean Hammond and a few other familiar faces, handed new contracts to more than just one or two and failed to move on the unwanted under contract players, so we'll have enough numbers to start the season.

On what basis should we possibly expect anything different?

 

[Esablade]

Here's what will happen. Adkins will give the board a list of targets, about 80% of which will require a transfer fee, stupidly neglecting the free agents who it's vital we target. While the good free agents go elsewhere, our board will be haggling over a few grand here and there whilst not grasping the scale and importance of the recruitment job on our hands and the importance of assembling the bulk of the squad early in pre season. The communication between the board and Adkins will be non existent, Adkins will be led to believe everything's in order, then before we know it it's the middle of July and we've inevitably missed out on the main targets. So Adkins has to hastily move on to his second and third choice targets. But unfortunately the recruitment committee are on holiday so it will have to wait till August. In the meantime we miss out on those players too so we resort to picking up the scraps as usual. At least two key positions will be left until deadline day to try and sign. One of which will probably be Dan Burn. But we will have signed Dean Hammond and a few other familiar faces, handed new contracts to more than just one or two and failed to move on the unwanted under contract players, so we'll have enough numbers to start the season.

On what basis should we possibly expect anything different?

There's no basis to expect anything different...and yet still we do...

The difference next season being any excuses for failure to get no.1 targets in will be harder to justify.

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

With regard to Brayford, I just feel it's in his and our interests to make the break. He was Clough's talisman and he will never repeat that purple patch he had and which made him a cult figure and how long ago that seems. More importantly I don't think he's a very good defender; opposition left flankers have had field days against us when Brayford and Coutts have been out on our right, whichever system we have played.

That may have more to do with Coutts and the center halves. If Brayford has little energy or tracking in front of him, and then slow support and cover to the side he's screwed!

When he had his purple patch with us he had Maguire to his side and Flynn in front of him - who was also in good form, and to be fair to Flynn he does work hard on tracking back.

This season Brayford's not had much consistency in front of him, in personnel and system (changing from a 4-4-2, to 4-4-2 with a diamond, to now playing as a wing back!). And he's not got much quality at center half. So much to consider, which is why managers are supposed to earn the money they get paid!!

I think if there is more balance in the team then Brayford will start to shine again.

Getting two quality center halves in is so important. If Adkins hasn't done that by the end of July he should be sacked on the spot.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

I think this summer will be the usual fucking about by the dozy cunts who deal with our incomings.

On deadline day we'll still be short of what's needed.

We need robust action instead we'll get the same old

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

At the time when Adkins took over it was never a total rebuild job, they lacked leaders, height, aggression and a decent spine to the team (and still do). If Adkins had brought in the right spine players leadership, height and aggression would have been sorted at the same time. Instead he brought in Edgar, Hammond and Sammon when in old money a Morgan, McCall and Shipperley were needed.

Now thanks to Adkins it's a complete mess at the club. Based on what he's done this season I've got no confidence in Adkins to sort it and I don't expect another season of Adkins to fix the problems (Adkins is a big part of the problem). Get shut now and let whoever the new guy is to get on with clearing up the mess Adkins has left.

 

[sheffielder]

No new contract for:

Howard, Harris, Edgar, Kennedy, Hammond, Cuvelier, McFadzean, Sammon.

Move on if possible:

Brayford, Freeman, McGahey, Baxter ( gone anyway), Ryce, Coutts, Scougall, J.Wallace, McNulty.

Keep:

McEveley, Basham, Lewin, Adams, Flynn, (McDonagh?), Reed, Whiteman, K.Wallace, Woolford?, Diego, Done, Sharp, Baptiste. Willis?


The main problem is that middle batch of players on unexpired contracts with SUFC wages which any interested clubs won't match. Well be stuck with a number of them unless we agree to subsidise their wages elsewhere. This is due to the fact they are failures at the level we signed them.

The other problem is the short list of players to keep which is why I included Woolford and Diego to help with a tad more 'continuity'.

If we say we need a squad of 24 it shows the size of the challenge this summer and even more integrating all the new signings which have to be young and hungry IMO.

Whatever happens, don't expect us to be in the Top 6 by next Xmas, seriously. Not unless the Board throws loads of money at the problem and then who wants loads more ageing losers stepping down a level anyway? Not me.

I believe Long, Mcgahey, J Wallace, Freeman, Baxter and Campbell Ryce are also out of contract

 

[sheffielder]

Out of Contract - Long, Howard, Freeman, McGahey McEverley, Kennedy, Harris, Flynn, Campbell Ryce, McFadzean, J Wallace, Baxter, Cuvellier,
Loans fucking off - Sammon, Hammond and Edgar

Bold I would resign.

Leaving me with

GK - Long, Ramsdale
Defenders - McEverley, McGahey, Brayford, K Wallace, Done, Basham,
midfielders - Whiteman, Reed, Flynn, Scougall, Coutts, Woolford
Forwards - Sharp, Adams, McNulty, Calvert Lewin, Dieegggo

So without any new players and playing 3-5-2

Long
Brayford Basham McEverley
Flynn Reed Whiteman Scougall Done
Sharp Adams

subs - Ramsdale, McGahey, K Wallace, Woolford, Coutts, McNulty, Calvert Lewin

So call me an optimist, but we aren't going to be worse off, but I would be probably looking to offload Woolford, Coutts, Scougall and McNulty.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

"Long
Brayford Basham McEverley
Flynn Reed Whiteman Scougall Done
Sharp Adams"

Two full backs and a midfield player in central defence, now how long has that problem been going on??? Imo that side would get no where near promotion, no decent spine, team generally lacks height, aggression, leadership.

Please lets get a manager who will properly address this glaring problem!

 

[sheffielder]

"Long
Brayford Basham McEverley
Flynn Reed Whiteman Scougall Done
Sharp Adams"

Two full backs and a midfield player in central defence, now how long has that problem been going on??? Imo that side would get no where near promotion, no decent spine, team generally lacks height, aggression, leadership.

Please lets get a manager who will properly address this glaring problem!

All I am saying is that we are no worse off than we are now and that's losing over 15 players. That's how fucking bad our squad building has been.

 

[Zlatan]

So without any new players and playing 3-5-2

Long
Brayford Basham McEverley
Flynn Reed Whiteman Scougall Done
Sharp Adams

With that back three and tiny midfield it would be like Gillingham away most weeks. We're still missing someone with height and strength in the middle who can win the ball and I hope we address it this summer.

 

[PeteBlade]

We have a major building job , which will define the future success or not of SUFC. Players will come and go , the big question on everybodies mind , is Adkins the right man for the job and task ahead.
Up to press he ain't filled us with much confidence , and this season has been a disaster , which initially promised so much . We should have seen what was coming after Gillingham , and have we improved .

Adkins for all his talk and rhetoric has not been a motivator of men. I think McCabe will stick with him only because we have sacked so many mangers previously. It is a sad inditement that this is the only reason I can see that the bloke keeps his job . Wish it was because he is the best man for the job.
No in between for the Blades , it will be either a promotion or relegation fight next season with Adkins , his players and the kids . I have a gut feeling I know which one it will be .

UTB.

For me, although I'm concerned with how Adkins has performed, he isn't the big question on my mind.

The question for me is whether the board have what's required to back a promotion campaign, whether the right men are behind the scenes to make this possible and whether they're actually bothered.

For me, it won't matter who's in the role of manager unless those manager issues remain unsolved.

 

[Ricky]

For me, although I'm concerned with how Adkins has performed, he isn't the big question on my mind.

The question for me is whether the board have what's required to back a promotion campaign, whether the right men are behind the scenes to make this possible and whether they're actually bothered.

For me, it won't matter who's in the role of manager unless those manager issues remain unsolved.

Same here, I've got more belief in Adkins' judgement when it comes to recruitment than I have in our board's willingness to commit and back him.

I haven't got much faith in Adkins' judgement when it comes to our board though. He'll expect them to be more committed and subsequently set his sights too high with the list of transfer targets he gives them, when in reality free transfers and loans should make up the bulk of his plans.

Basically I fully expect the board and the manager to be on different wavelengths, and this will cost us. Adkins won't lower his sights to suit the board, and the board won't raise their game to give Adkins what he wants. The communication will be too poor to reach any sort of workable compromise.

But it'll be OK, we just need to get to January.

 

[PeteBlade]

Same here, I've got more belief in Adkins' judgement when it comes to recruitment than I have in our board's willingness to commit and back him.

I haven't got much faith in Adkins' judgement when it comes to our board though. He'll expect them to be more committed and subsequently set his sights too high with the list of transfer targets he gives them, when in reality free transfers and loans should make up the bulk of his plans.

Basically I fully expect the board and the manager to be on different wavelengths, and this will cost us. Adkins won't lower his sights to suit the board, and the board won't raise their game to give Adkins what he wants. The communication will be too poor to reach any sort of workable compromise.

But it'll be OK, we just need to get to January.

Yes definitely, I can just see us not bringing anyone in because we "just missed out on the championship defender" or " no one wants to drop down" when in reality we were never going to get them and we should be looking at players from this league or below.

I'm very very concerned with what i hear about the bloke at Sheffield United who's tasked with making our transfer happen and his ability to do the job he's been tasked with doing.

 

[Ricky]

What apparently happened with Sam Morsy in January (no bid because "he's out of contract in the summer") is enough to make you seriously doubt their ability to deliver. In fact it's enough to make you doubt whether they have any working brain cells.

 

[PeteBlade]

What apparently happened with Sam Morsy in January (no bid because "he's out of contract in the summer") is enough to make you seriously doubt their ability to deliver. In fact it's enough to make you doubt whether they have any working brain cells.

I think you've hit upon our biggest issue there- lack of footballing brain high up within the club.

Previously under Clough they were happy to let him and his team make all the decisions and trust his judgement and got their fingers burnt.

Now I think all signings are made with the £££'s being the only thought.

Jim said as much in his January rambling/list of shit excuses. It makes me very nervous for the summer.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I think you've hit upon our biggest issue there- lack of footballing brain high up within the club.

Previously under Clough they were happy to let him and his team make all the decisions and trust his judgement and got their fingers burnt.

Now I think all signings are made with the £££'s being the only thought.

Jim said as much in his January rambling/list of shit excuses. It makes me very nervous for the summer.

Pete , I am a little nervous with what we have to carryout regarding building the first team squad , really starting from scratch in the summer . Worried with Adkins and the nominated board member(s) regarding transfers , contracts , finance in equal terms. None fill me with confidence to get things right, and Adkins does seem like Reading more than Southampton.

Does McCabe and Prince both feel nervous regarding monies being set aside for transfers ( unless Adkins has been told he has to be self financing ) as they feel they may get burnt like under Clough regime .

Not Adkins biggest fan as his management this season has been abysmal IMO.

The other worry is that only negative vibes seem to come out of the lane , ok by hearsay or people ITK , but there's no smoke without fire .

This pathway buzzword with bringing the kids through could make or break us , which means relegation , mid table or promotion push . If we have a boat load of kids in the first team , then we have to take it 100% that Hammond will sign , to try and be the catylist to hold and gel them together at the back and in midfield.

Bit of a ramble but the summer will be the time when we realise how much of a mess the club appears to be in , which is reflected at the moment , also on the field.

Hope I am wrong and we blitz it next season .

UTB

 

[Living In a Fantasy World]

I think we will sign Hammond

Stop this horrible talk, your bringing me down!
.

 

[Jostein's Bandage]

There won't be a whole load of signings. The players already here will be deemed to be good enough.
Players have moved and more will follow, because the board say the squad is too big. If it's too big, they aren't going to ship a load out then replace them. They are being moved on to reduce the squad and give other players behind them a chance. There's no money being spent, anybody we bring in will probably be crap anyway.

 

[finlaytheblade]

For me, although I'm concerned with how Adkins has performed, he isn't the big question on my mind.

The question for me is whether the board have what's required to back a promotion campaign, whether the right men are behind the scenes to make this possible and whether they're actually bothered.

For me, it won't matter who's in the role of manager unless those manager issues remain unsolved.

If you think the owners are quite happy to lose 5 million every year while swanning around in this division you are deluded !!