Is that a good result?

[grafikhaus]

So you're willing to write off yet another season? A season which will see our crowds fall and income diminish? I know I'm not.

 

[Ollessendro]

My my, the season is over is it?! I certainly hope the players don't think that. Like I said in my post, a win on Tuesday night and suddenly things are wide open again.

The question asked was, 'is that a good result?' in my opinion it was. We played a team that was undefeated in 12, had an excellent home record and were/are top of the form charts. They are fighting for a play off place and have beaten some of the better teams in the league recently. The result was encouraging for me. It keeps us in touching distance with Bournemouth. 6 points behind and the same goal difference seems a hell of a lot better than 7 points behind and an inferior goal difference. It just means that we need to win 2 of those 3 games, which we would be looking to do anyway. Any rational person looking at yesterday's result should see it as a good one, but unfortunately it seems a mixture of frustration, passion, negativity, cynicism ...... lack of inteligence in some cases has affected people's judgement.

When I saw the original post I thought here we go and of course the bore mongers were jumping up and down at United's 'failure'. The usual suspects come out in drones to challenge my opinion. I cannot be arsed to respond to the aggressive criticism, but all I will say is that we are still in this. We may indeed fall short. Bournemouth are on fire, but I would be surprised if they won all of their last 3. Winning 5 of the last 6 is probably necessary for SUFC, though 4 ight still see us over the line. Can I come up with the evidence that the Blades will do this? Of course not. It would be foolish to write us off though. I wondered if the Brentford fans have given up after they drew at Coventry yesterday. That must be seena as a 'terrible result' for them too presumably. I am just as frustrated as eveyone else that we have failed to beat some very average teams at BDTBL. However we still have a chance to put it right. There's no excuses for not beating Crawley and Preston at home, I am not worried about trips to Crewe and Pompey and we have left it now so that we have to beat Brentford and/or Swindon. We need to go for it now, simple as.

 

[Deadbat]

Any rational person looking at yesterday's result should see it as a good one, but unfortunately it seems a mixture of frustration, passion, negativity, cynicism ...... lack of inteligence in some cases has affected people's judgement.

I think it was Jeff Stelling who said 'Sheffield United (and Brentford) continue to lose ground' when the tables came up as the 'top two pull away.'

The top two won. We did not and thus fell further behind. All things considered it was a bad result. Maybe there is something wrong with my intelligence! We started the day 4 points behind the top two and now are 6 points behind? Struggling to fathom how we can say that is a good result/day no matter who we played as we are rapidy running out of time?

I admire your blind faith/optimism Olly I reallly do but I have seen nothing in this side to suggest we can win 4 (wont be enough) or 5 of last 6. Actually looking at Bournmouths fixtures I actually would be more surprised if they did not win the last 3. They play teams with nothing to play for Shrews, Carlisle and Tramere (playoffs be gone by end of season for them). That would mean we would have to win 5/6. Aint going to happen sadly.

 

[Rodley]

My my, the season is over is it?! I certainly hope the players don't think that. Like I said in my post, a win on Tuesday night and suddenly things are wide open again.

The question asked was, 'is that a good result?' in my opinion it was. We played a team that was undefeated in 12, had an excellent home record and were/are top of the form charts. They are fighting for a play off place and have beaten some of the better teams in the league recently. The result was encouraging for me. It keeps us in touching distance with Bournemouth. 6 points behind and the same goal difference seems a hell of a lot better than 7 points behind and an inferior goal difference. It just means that we need to win 2 of those 3 games, which we would be looking to do anyway. Any rational person looking at yesterday's result should see it as a good one, but unfortunately it seems a mixture of frustration, passion, negativity, cynicism ...... lack of inteligence in some cases has affected people's judgement.

When I saw the original post I thought here we go and of course the bore mongers were jumping up and down at United's 'failure'. The usual suspects come out in drones to challenge my opinion. I cannot be arsed to respond to the aggressive criticism, but all I will say is that we are still in this. We may indeed fall short. Bournemouth are on fire, but I would be surprised if they won all of their last 3. Winning 5 of the last 6 is probably necessary for SUFC, though 4 ight still see us over the line. Can I come up with the evidence that the Blades will do this? Of course not. It would be foolish to write us off though. I wondered if the Brentford fans have given up after they drew at Coventry yesterday. That must be seena as a 'terrible result' for them too presumably. I am just as frustrated as eveyone else that we have failed to beat some very average teams at BDTBL. However we still have a chance to put it right. There's no excuses for not beating Crawley and Preston at home, I am not worried about trips to Crewe and Pompey and we have left it now so that we have to beat Brentford and/or Swindon. We need to go for it now, simple as.[/]

.

True we're still in it. Concerning though that the penny hasn't dropped with Wilson about dropping players who have been shit all season, giving our youngsters a go and motivating the players to actually start a game out of 2nd gear

 

[Rodley]

For a team that has no confidence and on a bad run of form for a promotion chasing team then a win was vital. However, this is different to what people expected us to get. Many are realistic in that we knew only a win was needed at this stage but we also knew united wouldn't deliver, like they have failed to do for many years now. The way bournemouth are going (6 wins from the last 6), they will easily win all their last games whilst Doncaster have the points in the bag. For us, I don't know where our next win will come from. We have porter up front who can only score one goal per match which limits to what we can do.

We have wasted the last two season and next season will be just as bad due to having some of the same players on our books i.e Doyle etc. So the question is, do we sack Wilson or let him continue for next season (letting him take all the stick from the fans) and get a new manager for our promotion push in 2014/2015?

MPPiggo snorts again. Thought we'd have seen more of you mate?

 

[Ollessendro]

I think it was Jeff Stelling who said 'Sheffield United (and Brentford) continue to lose ground' when the tables came up as the 'top two pull away.'

The top two won. We did not and thus fell further behind. All things considered it was a bad result. Maybe there is something wrong with my intelligence! We started the day 4 points behind the top two and now are 6 points behind? Struggling to fathom how we can say that is a good result/day no matter who we played as we are rapidy running out of time?

I admire your blind faith/optimism Olly I reallly do but I have seen nothing in this side to suggest we can win 4 (wont be enough) or 5 of last 6. Actually looking at Bournmouths fixtures I actually would be more surprised if they did not win the last 3. They play teams with nothing to play for Shrews, Carlisle and Tramere (playoffs be gone by end of season for them). That would mean we would have to win 5/6. Aint going to happen sadly.

There is no blind faith or optimism here. I am just being rational and balanced in what I see. Unlike you (and many others) I am not blinded by pessimism and cynicism. As you stated in another post the other day, many Unitedites have very good reasons for fearing and expecting the worst.

We had a similar debate around late Decemeber time, when you wrote our chances off. I argued back and said that we would come back and challenge for automatic promotion. We did. Funny you went a bit quiet when we went on a run and ended up back in the top 2. We've been there or there abouts all season and we will continue to push for the top 2.

Anybody who thinks I am being positive is misreading what I am saying. We may indeed fall short. Our form has been indifferent of late and our home form shocking. Bournemouth are on fire and are looking like they may well win their remaining 3 games. If they do, then they'll go up (imo). However that is not guaranteed. Far from it. I am really worried about Bournemouth and this does have a feel of last season, where (like we Wednesday) we wait for a slip up that doesn't look like happening. SUFC have to just concentate on their fixtures though.

I have been saying for ages it will go down to the wire. I have a bad feeling in my guts (like everyone else) that we will miss out by a hair's breath (again) but writing us off is just daft. If we are out of it by the final week, then I will put my hands up and say I was wrong. However I suspect that I will be saying I told you so, when us, Brentford and Bournemouth all go into the final game with a chance of winning it. I suspect there'll be more twists and turns in the final weeks, with a few unexpected results and it will only be settled on the final day.

 

[mpjacko]

MPPiggo snorts again. Thought we'd have seen more of you mate?

110% blade. Maybe you will get it into your thick head one day.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

To be fair to Donny, they've done what we need to do and beat two rivals at home. If we win on Tuesday and then somehow beat Swindon and Brentford, it effectively rules both of them out. Yeovil have a decent last 4 games but they'd probably need at least 2 of the contenders to fall away.

So the answer is still yes, it was a decent result yesterday although obviously dropping 2 points has made it mathematically harder. In a way, the fact we know we have to get at least 7 points from the next three games should put out any thoughts of playing it safe which might work in our favour. As Ollie says, chances are it will still go down to the last couple of games but it is still all in our hands.

 

[Deadbat]

We will see at the end of the season. You say I am being pessmistic. I say you are being optimistic. The reality will bear out who is right in their prognosis.

You are right we ended up back in the top two after stuttering but sadly have lost momentum and have now won just 1 in 5 games and have not scored for 3 home games. That is fact not pessimsim or cynicism. We now have fallen away again and with 6 games to play are 6 points behind. We are as far off the top two as we have been for a while; maybe all season in terms of points if not positions.

My rational and balance is based on the fact we have some of the worst home form in the division and I see nothing to suggest we can turn it around and go on a run. What do you see that makes us thing we can win at least 3/4 of our remaining home games after the dire performances and results at the Lane for much of the season? Serious question.

Maybe I am preparing myself for the inevitable fade out (for the record if we get to the playoffs I think we will not even get to Wembley this year - hows that for ultra pessism!) but I am basing it on what I have season this season and in recent weeks as much as previous years failings. I think Donny and Bournemouth will be up before the final day of the season. They have upped it when it matters; we are scrambling around getting draws and the odd win in 4 or 5. Sadly when it comes to the crunch at the moment we are once again bottling it. Maybe you are right and we will take it to the wire but cannot see it with this mish mash of ageing, unfit and mostly slow players we have at our disposal.

 

[mpjacko]

We had a similar debate around late Decemeber time, when you wrote our chances off. I argued back and said that we would come back and challenge for automatic promotion. We did. Funny you went a bit quiet when we went on a run and ended up back in the top 2. We've been there or there abouts all season and we will continue to push for the top 2.

Deadbat quiet? You're scrapping the barrel now. Deadbat posts every weekend on how he sees the match

 

[Deadbat]

We will see at the end of the season. You say I am being pessmistic. I say you are being optimistic. The reality will bear out who is right in their prognosis.

You are right we ended up back in the top two after stuttering but sadly have lost momentum and have now won just 1 in 5 games and have not scored for 3 home games. That is fact not pessimsim or cynicism. We now have fallen away again and with 6 games to play are 6 points behind. We are as far off the top two as we have been for a while; maybe all season in terms of points if not positions.

My rational and balance is based on the fact we have some of the worst home form in the division and I see nothing to suggest we can turn it around and go on a run. What do you see that makes us thing we can win at least 3/4 of our remaining home games after the dire performances and results at the Lane for much of the season? Serious question.

Maybe I am preparing myself for the inevitable fade out (for the record if we get to the playoffs I think we will not even get to Wembley this year - hows that for ultra pessism!) but I am basing it on what I have season this season and in recent weeks as much as previous years failings. I think Donny and Bournemouth will be up before the final day of the season. They have upped it when it matters; we are scrambling around getting draws and the odd win in 4 or 5. Sadly when it comes to the crunch at the moment we are once again bottling it. Maybe you are right and we will take it to the wire but cannot see it with this mish mash of ageing, unfit and mostly slow players we have at our disposal.

 

[mpjacko]

We had a similar debate around late Decemeber time, when you wrote our chances off. I argued back and said that we would come back and challenge for automatic promotion. We did. Funny you went a bit quiet when we went on a run and ended up back in the top 2. We've been there or there abouts all season and we will continue to push for the top 2.

Deadbat quiet? You're scrapping the barrel now. Deadbat posts every weekend on how he sees the match

 

[Deadbat]

I have said all along I felt we werent good enough this season. The Blackman sale was the nail for me despite many feeling he has not been missed; we have barely created anything nor scored much since he left. Miller was a blow but we were still scoring goals and creating etc after that.

I cannot say we look like pushing on or making the top two currently. I really hope I am wrong and I see a different side; one that is positive, attacks and goes for it in the next 3 games. If we do that then we go into the last final 7 days with a chance but I feel in just over a week, we may have won one, drawn one and lost one and if Bournemouth won next week, the gap would be 5 points. Bournemouth then would beat Carlisle and we will draw at Pompey and it will be over.

Feel free to come back and lambast this post in a few weeks! Its just a prediction. Of course I could be massively wrong and hope I am.

 

[Deadbat]

For what its worth; theres nowt wrong with opinions. I can share feelings with those that are pessmistic and feel the worst but equally fair play to them that are still positive and have the faith. The fact there is different opinions and creates debate is what such boards are for reallly. Disappointed that people who still keep the faith and believe are slammed as much as those labelled 'bore mongers(!?)' for their feelings we wont make it. Surely everyone has a right to say what they think without being criticised in such a way?

As I say I hope I am wrong and posting giant pictures of humble pie in a few weeks.

 

[blade too long]

considereing walsalls form its a good result

the pleasing thing was we were shite in the first half , why is that pleasing

because we came out a changed team second half , the team we need to be , up for it mean a bit nasty
thats the team we need over the next 10 days and 3 home games

lets not forget we go third with a draw due toi missing games we look worse than we should , but we need to win

 

[super_pig]

good point..
in isolation.. it's the rest of the results that are killing us

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

There's two sides really db, you either go with the maths which is (just) still with us but the form and momentum aren't, and I really think it's down to Tuesday as I've said elsewhere. Win with a decent performance and we're right back in it, lose or draw, KMac gets booked and well, we know the rest. What worries me is the fact we can't seem raise our game for more than 20 minute spells and god knows, we've had enough games similar to Tuesday where we've just not been at it in recent weeks.

Time will tell but as it stands, the pessimists are probably looking favourites.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

We've only lost one match since the 1st of February!

If we beat Crawley on Tuesday we will well and truly have Bournemouth on the ropes.

COYRAWW!!!

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I have said all along I felt we werent good enough this season. The Blackman sale was the nail for me despite many feeling he has not been missed; we have barely created anything nor scored much since he left. Miller was a blow but we were still scoring goals and creating etc after that.
.

I think that's a bit revisionist. After Blackman left we went on a run of four wins that took us to the top of the table, scoring an average of 2 goals a game.

The key thing is what's happened since March that was different to February? I haven't been to any games in March so i can't tell you.

 

[Maidenhead]

We've only lost one match since the 1st of February!

If we beat Crawley on Tuesday we will well and truly have Bournemouth on the ropes.

COYRAWW!!!

and fwiw I think Bournemouth will lose at both Shrewsbury and Tranmere. There's a long way to go yet!

 

[blade too long]

and it was our hardest game we had left , 4 home and away at pompey and crewe , gives us all the right fixtures , just need the grit to take advantage

 

[Ollessendro]

I really wish you were read my replies Deadbat. I've tried to explain it several times. The bore mongers are the one's coming out with the same old rubbish, win, lose or draw. The one's creating umpteen threads about how garbage we are. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and a forum is certainly a place for debate. I respect yours and all the others opinions that we'll fuck it up, as I can see why. I probably actually agree, but think it is foolish to write us off right now. I do not think I am being positive. I have said that I think we will probably fall just short, especially if Bournemouth win their final 3. However football is a funny old game and things rarely turn out the way we expect. What about if we win on Tuesday night and Bournemouth go into their next game, knowing we are 3 points behind, have 2 extra games to play and have a better goal difference and get nervous? Perhaps wishful thinking on my part, but it is a possibility. Nerves, luck, injuries, refereeing decision etc could all come into play in the next few games, affecting us, Bournemouth and Brentford.

What have I seen to say we can still do it. The 2nd half yesterday is a start. Very encouraging. Our excellent defensive record and clean sheets record suggest we will not concede many, therefore we will not lose many games. We just need to break teams down. I think we have enough quality in Murphy, McFeazden, Flynn and McDonald to create chances, it is up to people like Forte and Porter to bury those. I've seen plenty to suggest we'll struggle to break down Crawley, Swindon and Brentford, but I have also seen flashes to suggest we can beat them. Playing 4-4-2 and attacking them from the start is the key to me. Use Forte's pace up front, play Porter, get Murphy and McFeazden out wide and get the ball to them. Tell them to attack, run at their men and get to the byline.

As you say, we will see in 9/10 days time. I will either be holding my hands up and apologising, saying you were right all along. Or I will be shooting my mouth off saying Olle told you so. Hope it is the latter and not because I am an arrogant, pedantic wanker

 

[bladesfan]

I think the players are afraid to score because when they score Mcabe sells them.

 

[mpjacko]

and fwiw I think Bournemouth will lose at both Shrewsbury and Tranmere. There's a long way to go yet!

Bournemouth won't lose any games. They won 6 of their last 6 games and have the momentum

 

[mpjacko]

We've only lost one match since the 1st of February!

If we beat Crawley on Tuesday we will well and truly have Bournemouth on the ropes.

COYRAWW!!!

Or you can say we've won only 2 games out of 7 since the 26th Feb and no home goals since 16th February.

 

[Houso]

Bournemouth won't lose any games. They won 6 of their last 6 games and have the momentum

That'll be why before their recent win they lost 5 on the trot after winning 5 on the trot.

Not saying they won't win all three, but to be sure that they'll go undefeated is folly.

 

[mpjacko]

I really wish you were read my replies Deadbat. Maybe you could try reading Deadbat's reports after the games to see that he posts alot on this forum I've tried to explain it several times. The bore mongers are the one's coming out with the same old rubbish, win, lose or draw. Just as much as the clappers and rose tinted brigade The one's creating umpteen threads about how garbage we are Just stating the truth. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and a forum is certainly a place for debate. I respect yours and all the others opinions that we'll fuck it up, as I can see why. I probably actually agree, but think it is foolish to write us off right now the results / the way we are playing suggest that we have. I do not think I am being positive. I have said that I think we will probably fall just short, especially if Bournemouth win their final 3. However football is a funny old game and things rarely turn out the way we expect. What about if we win on Tuesday night and Bournemouth go into their next game, knowing we are 3 points behind, have 2 extra games to play and have a better goal difference and get nervous It won't be any different to the their last 6 matches which they won. ? Perhaps wishful thinking on my part, but it is a possibility. Nerves, luck, injuries, refereeing decision etc could all come into play in the next few games, affecting us, Bournemouth and Brentford.

What have I seen to say we can still do it. The 2nd half yesterday is a start. Very encouraging. Our excellent defensive record and clean sheets record suggest we will not concede many, therefore we will not lose many games. We just need to break teams down. I think we have enough quality in Murphy, McFeazden, Flynn and McDonald to create chances, it is up to people like Forte and Porter to bury those. I've seen plenty to suggest we'll struggle to break down Crawley, Swindon and Brentford but I have also seen flashes to suggest we can beat them. Don't forget this is the same team who couldn't score against the worse defense in the league, Carlisle, or beat Hartlepool Playing 4-4-2 and attacking them from the start is the key to me. Use Forte's pace up front, play Porter, get Murphy and McFeazden out wide and get the ball to them. Tell them to attack, run at their men and get to the byline.

As you say, we will see in 9/10 days time. I will either be holding my hands up and apologising, saying you were right all along. Or I will be shooting my mouth off saying Olle told you so. Hope it is the latter and not because I am an arrogant, pedantic wanker

What ever happens, it will be too little too late

 

[alcoblade]

We are turning into Crewe Alexandra only with a larger stadium

They play good football though.

UTB

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

They play good football though.

UTB

and could end up winning twice at Wembley in 11 months.

 

[JohnDenver]

and could end up winning twice at Wembley in 11 months.

2-0 up at the mo and with a ref playing as their 12th man...

 

[JohnDenver]

I think that's a bit revisionist. After Blackman left we went on a run of four wins that took us to the top of the table, scoring an average of 2 goals a game.

The key thing is what's happened since March that was different to February? I haven't been to any games in March so i can't tell you.

I've always thought we've missed Miller more than Blackman. The fact we're now relying on Forte to come good is just a reflection of that.

 

[OllyBlade]

I've always thought we've missed Miller more than Blackman. The fact we're now relying on Forte to come good is just a reflection of that.

I agree losing Miller was a big blow.

My issue with Wilson at the moment is his not rotating anyone. If we had a clear out and out best 11 like last season it is understandable, but now he really needs to use his squad, and I'm not sure he's been preparing people enough.

 

[super_pig]

The key thing is what's happened since March that was different to February? I haven't been to any games in March so i can't tell you.

robson came into the team.. we can't take two older players in the middle that slow play down.. either doyle or robbo but not both IMO