Kevin Blackwell

[CrookesBlade]

Sorry, I disagree. He was the wrong man. There was never a right time to put someone like him in charge of our budget.

Robson was dire, he really was, I had a little bit of ITK at the time. Anyone could have sorted us out. The players would have responded to anyone who wasn't Robson. By getting Blackwell on a 'trial', it was inevitable that he'd do OK to start with and thus he'd get the job full time. The first half season was a simple coaching job, beyond that the job needed a proper manager.

KM wouldn't promote his best steel fixer to Head of Construction so why is it acceptable to assume a coach can do a manager's job, particularly when the available evidence suggested he wasn't capable?

I don't disagree on the point that almost anybody could have got that group of players playing again or that getting a 'temporary quick fix appointment is ever going to be straightforward.

My point is though is that didn't we go something like 16/17 games unbeaten after he took over? Putting aside the whole 'new manager syndrome' (if such a thing exists) he'd surpassed the basic requirement by some distance and we looked like going into the new season with a bit of momentum. Admittedly he was in place after the transfer window had shut so never had the chance to embarrass himself there.

 

[BushBlade]

I don't disagree on the point that almost anybody could have got that group of players playing again or that getting a 'temporary quick fix appointment is ever going to be straightforward.

My point is though is that didn't we go something like 16/17 games unbeaten after he took over? Putting aside the whole 'new manager syndrome' (if such a thing exists) he'd surpassed the basic requirement by some distance and we looked like going into the new season with a bit of momentum. Admittedly he was in place after the transfer window had shut so never had the chance to embarrass himself there.

As I say, it was a coaching job in his first season and I've never criticised his coaching ability. It's everything else you need to be good at as a manager, like motivation and recruitment, that he was useless at.

I'd argue he's the worst manager to serve more than two seasons with us. Ever.

 

[jockdodds]

My favourite Blackwell story was told to me by my GP, who used to be the club doctor.

He was on duty at the game at Hillsborough on 18th April 2010 when Cresswell was elbowed in the face by Jermaine Jackson about 5 minutes before half time.

Bob said it was the worst elbow induced injury he had ever seen – the cut was so deep that the bone was visible. He didn’t think Cressy should continue, but he insisted he wanted to play on so Bob stitched him up, which took some time because of the severity of the injury.

While Cresswell was off the pitch, the pigs scored, and at half time Blackwell came steaming in to the dressing room, shouting at Bob, saying “how fucking long does it take to put a few stitches in? We’ve gone a goal down because of you”.

To which Bob replied “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you had a medical qualification – which university did you get your degree from? Firstly, I thought Richard was a forward, and it’s the defenders’ job to stop them scoring. It’s certainly not mine. Secondly, if I was as bad a doctor as you are a football manager, the streets of Sheffield would be littered with dead bodies”.

 

[blades78]

Under his management, we played the worse football I've ever watched during my lifetime. Yes, he had to cut the squad to raise funds and lower the wage bill, however he signed some terrible players on good money with long contracts (Trevor Birch to blame as well), such as Darius Henderson, Ryan France, Mark Yeates, James Harper, Andy Taylor, Jordan Stewart and Steve Simonsen. In addition, he seemed to have a problem with any players that had a creative bone in their body (Cotterill, Dyer, Britton etc).

 

[Sean Thornton]

My favourite Blackwell story was told to me by my GP, who used to be the club doctor.

He was on duty at the game at Hillsborough on 18th April 2010 when Cresswell was elbowed in the face by Jermaine Jackson about 5 minutes before half time.

Bob said it was the worst elbow induced injury he had ever seen – the cut was so deep that the bone was visible. He didn’t think Cressy should continue, but he insisted he wanted to play on so Bob stitched him up, which took some time because of the severity of the injury.

While Cresswell was off the pitch, the pigs scored, and at half time Blackwell came steaming in to the dressing room, shouting at Bob, saying “how fucking long does it take to put a few stitches in? We’ve gone a goal down because of you”.

To which Bob replied “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you had a medical qualification – which university did you get your degree from? Firstly, I thought Richard was a forward, and it’s the defenders’ job to stop them scoring. It’s certainly not mine. Secondly, if I was as bad a doctor as you are a football manager, the streets of Sheffield would be littered with dead bodies”.

Poor Cressy. Done by a member of the Jackson 5

When he came back on he got near to JJ as often as he could, always talking to him. Johnson looked petrified and virtually disappeared from the game.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Under his management, we played the worse football I've ever watched during my lifetime. Yes, he had to cut the squad to raise funds and lower the wage bill, however he signed some terrible players on good money with long contracts (Trevor Birch to blame as well), such as Darius Henderson, Ryan France, Mark Yeates, James Harper, Andy Taylor, Jordan Stewart and Steve Simonsen. In addition, he seemed to have a problem with any players that had a creative bone in their body (Cotterill, Dyer, Britton etc).

Birch couldn't stand him.


Think it was at Donny when we were in disarray. All over the place and the fans were singing Blackwell sort it out. He stepped out from the dugout and shrugged his shoulders.

 

[Wards]

I hated Blackwell with an absolute passion. Still do in fact. Cunt.

 

[JayGreen17]

My point was and is specific.
Carlisle involved a bloke going about his daily work to end his life.
I find that cowardly and inexcusable.
My question is does he have remorse for fucking the guys life up or is he just concerned about Blackwell telling him to run faster?

And even if he didn't show remorse on a talk sport interview doesn't mean he hasn't or does its a bloody interview ffs, not a kangaroo court.....

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

And even if he didn't show remorse on a talk sport interview doesn't mean he hasn't or does its a bloody interview ffs, not a kangaroo court.....

Whereas this is a football fora where everyone expresses their opinions.
Rather than spout crap,try actually reading what folk post.
Might lower your blood pressure.

Just for clarification and future reference,do you work as a qualified professional in the "Being offended on other peoples behalf " field or just as an enthusiastic amateur?

 

[JayGreen17]

Whereas this is a football fora where everyone expresses their opinions.
Rather than spout crap,try actually reading what folk post.
Might lower your blood pressure.

Just for clarification and future reference,do you work as a qualified professional in the "Being offended on other peoples behalf " field or just as an enthusiastic amateur?

Its you spouting crap regarding your opinion on whether he showed remorse you tool, im not easily offended or defending anyone, as you say I'm having an opinion on a forum....how do you ignore someone again.as . you don't half spout some shite..

 

[Th!stledo]

Attempting suicide is the point some people reach ... the conclusion. How people get there and their personalities are completely varied. So it is very hard to condone or condemn their actions in a generalised manner.

I feel there should be more publicity regarding others that may get caught up in the scene of the act and also the consequences that is cascaded down. It is true that people looking to commit suicide may not be thinking straight but it is important that they understand the full impact of their actions.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Its you spouting crap regarding your opinion on whether he showed remorse you tool, im not easily offended or defending anyone, as you say I'm having an opinion on a forum....how do you ignore someone again.as . you don't half spout some shite..

I'll take that as being a professional and ignore all future shit you post.
I'll also refrain from namecalling unlike you.
But only because I'd hate to make you cry.

 

[BushBlade]

Attempting suicide is the point some people reach ... the conclusion. How people get there and their personalities are completely varied. So it is very hard to condone or condemn their actions in a generalised manner.

I feel there should be more publicity regarding others that may get caught up in the scene of the act and also the consequences that is cascaded down. It is true that people looking to commit suicide may not be thinking straight but it is important that they understand the full impact of their actions.

If I'd got to the point where I wasn't even able to consider the feelings of my family and friends I doubt I'd give a thought for someone I didn't know. I'm not saying it's right or wrong but when people genuinely try to kill themselves, they're not thinking straight, as you say. And if they're not thinking straight, you can't just say 'well, they should be'. It's the fact they're not and they can't that's the problem.

 

[Th!stledo]

If I'd got to the point where I wasn't even able to consider the feelings of my family and friends I doubt I'd give a thought for someone I didn't know. I'm not saying it's right or wrong but when people genuinely try to kill themselves, they're not thinking straight, as you say. And if they're not thinking straight, you can't just say 'well, they should be'. It's the fact they're not and they can't that's the problem.

Not judging anyone's decision to attempt suicide ... people reach that point in life for various reasons. I just feel that people should fully understand the fallout before they decide the 'how' and the 'why'.

 

[BushBlade]

Not judging anyone's decision to attempt suicide ... people reach that point in life for various reasons. I just feel that people should fully understand the fallout before they decide the 'how' and the 'why'.

But if they were able to do that, to have perspective, they probably wouldn't be suicidal.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

My point was and is specific.
Carlisle involved a bloke going about his daily work to end his life.
I find that cowardly and inexcusable.
My question is does he have remorse for fucking the guys life up or is he just concerned about Blackwell telling him to run faster?

Not judging anyone's decision to attempt suicide ... people reach that point in life for various reasons. I just feel that people should fully understand the fallout before they decide the 'how' and the 'why'.

I actually met with CC in a professional capacity a few weeks ago. He has met with the lorry driver on numerous occasions and continues to do so. He said he will meet and support the guy for the rest of his life if that is required.

CC is very lucid and articulate about his suicide attempt. He thought, and at the time it seemed logical and clear in his mind, that him being dead would be the best thing for everybody around him.

I wont divulge too much more, but what I have said above is public knowledge and CC has expressed this publicly. There was plenty more discussed and he is very honest and forthright about everything, but as LYDON said, there is no such thing as a suicide that doesn't involve a third party and it isn't part of the thought process to even consider this for many contemplating it.

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

I actually met with CC in a professional capacity a few weeks ago. He has met with the lorry driver on numerous occasions and continues to do so. He said he will meet and support the guy for the rest of his life if that is required.

CC is very lucid and articulate about his suicide attempt. He thought, and at the time it seemed logical and clear in his mind, that him being dead would be the best thing for everybody around him.

I wont divulge too much more, but what I have said above is public knowledge and CC has expressed this publicly. There was plenty more discussed and he is very honest and forthright about everything, but as LYDON said, there is no such thing as a suicide that doesn't involve a third party and it isn't part of the thought process to even consider this for many contemplating it.

That does him immense credit. As with anyone who felt no option but to do as he did and survive lets hope he finds his way to a fulfilling life.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Not so sure about that Woody. I think KM's biggest mistake was not seeking and investing more funding to ensure the club would remain in the Premiership beyond just one season. (I also think Warnock was guilty of spending stupid money, not big money, just stupid money, on players that weren't good enough to compete in the Premiership and spent most of their time watching from the stands. I question whether Warnock had really got what it takes to manage in the Prem?). Whether you agree with the assessment of Warnock or not, the facts are if we'd put more behind improving the quality of the team we wouldn't have been in the relegation scrap in the first place and all that West Ham nonsense wouldn't have concerned us.

Robson had proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he wasn't a successful manager when he came here. But McCabe wanted him for "global ambassadorial reasons" - he should have hired him as a Director of Football then and let him do that international hand-shaking job - but let a proper manager run the team. Another KMcBlunder!

Don't forget that in his second coming, Blackwell was appointed for the same reason that so many other managers have been appointed at our club...he was cheap - first and foremost. Sacked by Luton and out of work. Perfect! He knew the club, he had that going for him at least. Blackwell was working with hands tied but he made us competitive - more so than many give him credit for. But he wasn't a particularly likeable bloke - at least that's the impression I get from his public persona.

Yep, KM stated his biggest mistake was letting Warnock have a crack at the Prem but in truth, who would have denied him that? Nonsense to say Blackwell inherited no budget..The wage bill was over £23m!!!!
Of course that reduced as it should when he mucked it up. Gambles fail and it/they did.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

That does him immense credit. As with anyone who felt no option but to do as he did and survive lets hope he finds his way to a fulfilling life.

He is in a much better place. More importantly he has understanding of his illness, his trigger points and a very good support network around him. He's doing loads of work for his foundation, trying to help people faced with similar situations. He is regularly around the country speaking about mental health issues and, having heard him speak a couple of times, is always honest, direct and articulate.

http://ccdd.org.uk/

https://www.justgiving.com/ccfordd

 

[Sheffsteel]

I actually met with CC in a professional capacity a few weeks ago. He has met with the lorry driver on numerous occasions and continues to do so. He said he will meet and support the guy for the rest of his life if that is required.

CC is very lucid and articulate about his suicide attempt. He thought, and at the time it seemed logical and clear in his mind, that him being dead would be the best thing for everybody around him.

I wont divulge too much more, but what I have said above is public knowledge and CC has expressed this publicly. There was plenty more discussed and he is very honest and forthright about everything, but as LYDON said, there is no such thing as a suicide that doesn't involve a third party and it isn't part of the thought process to even consider this for many contemplating it.

CC came across really well on the radio, very articulate and intelligent.
He was a guest of the radio show, so they are hardly going to ask over pressing/ difficult questions.

Just thought it was interesting when asked to speak about the managers he'd worked under.
He said Boothroyd at Watford was very thorough, always working on small tactical details.
He said Coyle at Burnley was a good motivator always telling his players how good they were. Said it played a big part in making them feel supremely confident when they played us in the playoff final. He said he knew they'd win.

He said Blackwell was the headmaster, "I'm the boss" type of manager.
You sense he went easy on Blackwell but said he doesn't enjoy working under that style of management.
This basically backs up the rumours that other fans have heard that KB's man management skills were lacking.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Sorry, I disagree. He was the wrong man. There was never a right time to put someone like him in charge of our budget.

Robson was dire, he really was, I had a little bit of ITK at the time. Anyone could have sorted us out. The players would have responded to anyone who wasn't Robson. By getting Blackwell on a 'trial', it was inevitable that he'd do OK to start with and thus he'd get the job full time. The first half season was a simple coaching job, beyond that the job needed a proper manager.

KM wouldn't promote his best steel fixer to Head of Construction so why is it acceptable to assume a coach can do a manager's job, particularly when the available evidence suggested he wasn't capable?

The only defence for McCabe here is that from what I understand Warnock used to bugger off down to Cornwall and play with his tractor for 3 days each week leaving Blackwell in charge of training until Thursday when Warnock would come back and fire them up for the weekend. McCabe might have seen this as a positive sign hence why he didn't see it as a big leap to management.

During that time I'm told Blackwell was a decent bloke and got on with the players, it was when he had to take on the mantle of a manager full time he just didn't have the people side in the slightest. Maybe it was good cop/bad cop with Blackwell and Warnock and that worked well, when he had to do the bad cop as well he was shit at it and ended up losing the respect of the players.

 

[Gin&Juice]

Was it Blackwell who banished all the female kitchen staff from the canteen before the players arrived and made youth team players sweep the car park?

The thing with Blackwell was he was a shit manager, he genuinely had no clue what he was doing and relied on a strong dressing room and a good set of players, literally old-school in a time when younger, more tactically aware managers sussed him out in 5 minutes. Playoff final is the obvious example, but I remember playing a shitty Forest side under that Scottish dwarf, they had a man sent off after 5 minutes and we still drew 0-0. No plan B whatsoever! Also, getting dicked on by Doncaster the season after, or by West Brom at the Hawthornes are notable Blackwell games.

 

[steve26272]

Not so sure about that Woody. I think KM's biggest mistake was not seeking and investing more funding to ensure the club would remain in the Premiership beyond just one season. (I also think Warnock was guilty of spending stupid money, not big money, just stupid money, on players that weren't good enough to compete in the Premiership and spent most of their time watching from the stands. I question whether Warnock had really got what it takes to manage in the Prem?). Whether you agree with the assessment of Warnock or not, the facts are if we'd put more behind improving the quality of the team we wouldn't have been in the relegation scrap in the first place and all that West Ham nonsense wouldn't have concerned us.

Robson had proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he wasn't a successful manager when he came here. But McCabe wanted him for "global ambassadorial reasons" - he should have hired him as a Director of Football then and let him do that international hand-shaking job - but let a proper manager run the team. Another KMcBlunder!

Don't forget that in his second coming, Blackwell was appointed for the same reason that so many other managers have been appointed at our club...he was cheap - first and foremost. Sacked by Luton and out of work. Perfect! He knew the club, he had that going for him at least. Blackwell was working with hands tied but he made us competitive - more so than many give him credit for. But he wasn't a particularly likeable bloke - at least that's the impression I get from his public persona.

i said going into that last game if we stay up sack Warnock, if we go down keep him. His approach and philosophy was exposed in prem against the top managers, but he knew how to get a team promotion. We should have kept him, let him take us up then "thank you and goodnight" sack him close season and appoint a new man for the new prem term

 

[andy m]

We

I don't understand why Blackwell is lauded as some kind of modern day bogeyman.

I can accept that he wasn't the nicest of blokes, and I can see how his relationship with Warnock worked. Warnock good cop, Blackwell bad cop. When it was Blackwell alone the bad cop became more apparent.

I still think we would have gone down in 07/08 if Blackwell hadn't come in and sorted the mess that Robson had left.

In 08/09 we was still fighting for a chance of automatic promotion on the last day at Palace, and reached a play off final, against a back drop of injuries and the sales of the best players.

He more or less succeeded by keeping us up in the face of cutbacks, the wage bill being slashed and having to rely on selling to survive,

had the best squad in the division by a mile that season. David Weir would have got that side up. Well maybe

 

[Sean Thornton]

We

had the best squad in the division by a mile that season. David Weir would have got that side up. Well maybe

I know the point you're making but what the fuck are you drinking?

 

[seanbeenstattoo]

Dunno but







can I have a drop?

 

[Lower Drop Blade]

Blackwell was a full weight wanker.

 

[andy m]

I know the point you're making but what the fuck are you drinking?

A meths/absinth/white spirits cocktail. Why?

 

[Sean Thornton]

A meths/absinth/white spirits cocktail. Why?

Brasso chaser?

 

[andy m]

Brasso chaser?

Jees I'm not Bryan Robson