Latest at the Lane

[Torrix1889]

You said Clough has already failed because we are mostly crap.

QPR were awful in many games last season but went up via the Play Offs. So did Redknapp fail last season?

No, I said Clough had failed to address various issues, which is true and would remain true even if we went up through the play offs. If Redknapp failed to address the same issues for QPR then its the same, although they subsequently achieved promotion. Jose Mourinho might guide Chelsea to the Premiership, but he has failed in a lot of areas too.

A promotion doesnt mean the Manager has been succesful.

 

[The Bohemian]

Phipps is being bombarded by fans on his Facebook page calling for Clough's sacking.

I can understand why it's tempting to join in. It must be incredibly frustrating to see the team he has assembled put in one crap performance after another. If we drop out of the Play Off zone on Saturday the pressure will be even greater.

People are citing Dave Jones' sacking at the pigs and Wilson's sacking at Barnsley as evidence that a new face can revive a team. But I'd like to see stats on this. I suspect that for Every Barnsley or Wednesday there's been plenty of instances where a new manager hasn't halted the slump. Most recently, Adams and Morgan's appointments didn't have much effect when they took charge at the Lane.

This is Clough's squad and he knows the players better than anyone else, so I'd give him until the end of the campaign. With 10 games to go there's no certainty that a new manager would be able to turn things around - and Clough hasn't failed yet.

Here's some research that supports your thesis. http://www.wbs.ac.uk/downloads/news...-of-changing-football-manag-1331309432116.pdf

I've read elsewhere that a change of manager is worth an average of 7 additional points before reversion to the mean.

Surely, given the progress achieved and good times delivered in 18 months, Project Clough needs to be seen through until at least the end of the season?

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Hi guys. I am just writing to say i know i'm usually not the one with info, but i've been told McCabe,Phipps and Sella will all be in attendece on Saturday as McCabe has gave them the call and is seriosusly considering his option (Clough's future) If we loose Saturday or draw as ive been told the board have set Clough a 7 points in 3 games target and well, he's not reached this target.

It seems the end is near.

Please don't shoot the messager though.

Been talking to a journalist today in London , who said exactly the same , but with a different spin . He said , he had found out due to the Blades touting for another manager . If i think who it is , he has league 1 experience , and promotion on his cV , but would he be any better , than what we've got . Maybe for the final push.

UTB

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Here's some research that supports your thesis. http://www.wbs.ac.uk/downloads/news...-of-changing-football-manag-1331309432116.pdf

I've read elsewhere that a change of manager is worth an average of 7 additional points before reversion to the mean.

Surely, given the progress achieved and good times delivered in 18 months, Project Clough needs to be seen through until at least the end of the season?

Bohemian , was at a conference with the Brentford chairman , who is in to all things betting / statistics . The new manager scenario , can be gaged within the first 10 matches as the benchmark for success / failure / average season .

Although the first 4 to 5 matches can all be successful with the new broom affect , it may well secure us promotion if there was a change in management , but back fire next season . Who cares - lets just get out of this league , and worry about thing we can control .

UTB

 

[Isar]

Clough has failed to get in the top two. Now he his struggling to keep his team in the top 6. With the resources at his disposal he is failing. I hope we get rid ASAP.

 

[The Bohemian]

Bohemian , was at a conference with the Brentford chairman , who is in to all things betting / statistics . The new manager scenario , can be gaged within the first 10 matches as the benchmark for success / failure / average season .

Although the first 4 to 5 matches can all be successful with the new broom affect , it may well secure us promotion if there was a change in management , but back fire next season . Who cares - lets just get out of this league , and worry about thing we can control .

UTB

Despite indifferent league form this season there are many positives from Cloughie's first 18 months, which we risk forgetting too easily. Despite some serious errors (not signing Coady, signing Higdon, the centre half farce) I do believe he has shown himself capable of building an effective team. He's also shown himself to be tactically astute in preparing for big games, e.g. Southampton.

I'd prefer to take a longer term view and feel we've given the guy every opportunity with his best 11 available before pulling the trigger - yet again!

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Despite indifferent league form this season there are many positives from Cloughie's first 18 months, which we risk forgetting too easily. Despite some serious errors (not signing Coady, signing Higdon, the centre half farce) I do believe he has shown himself capable of building an effective team. He's also shown himself to be tactically astute in preparing for big games, e.g. Southampton.

I'd prefer to take a longer term view and feel we've given the guy every opportunity with his best 11 available before pulling the trigger - yet again!

Unfortunately the buzz word of the day , which sums up all things Clough and the blades - Fine Margins.

We the fans and board - have to have bottle and confidence long term , but being in a results business like a plc , it is difficult forecasting positive protections , without some form of fall guy especially relating to football when the stakeholders are us fans and bonus issues are points on the board.

UTB

 

[Kev Gee]

I think we should give Clough till the end of the season and hope we are successful in the play offs. Clough has shown he can do the business in one off matches in the cups
If we are not successful then he needs to be sacked straight after the final whistle.
I don't think the prince will tolerate failure anyway after so much backing this season.

 

[Torrix1889]

Bohemian , was at a conference with the Brentford chairman , who is in to all things betting / statistics . The new manager scenario , can be gaged within the first 10 matches as the benchmark for success / failure / average season .

Although the first 4 to 5 matches can all be successful with the new broom affect , it may well secure us promotion if there was a change in management , but back fire next season . Who cares - lets just get out of this league , and worry about thing we can control .

UTB

Adkins....?

 

[alcoblade]

I think we should give Clough till the end of the season and hope we are successful in the play offs. Clough has shown he can do the business in one off matches in the cups
If we are not successful then he needs to be sacked straight after the final whistle.
I don't think the prince will tolerate failure anyway after so much backing this season.

He should get until the end of the season, at least. That said, I wouldn't put too much on us being setup well for the play offs.

It's true that we've done well in cups against better teams. That's as likely to be because it suits our counter attacking style. I'm not sure that would benefit us against, say, the Dingles.

UTB

 

[Kenilworth]

He's also shown himself to be tactically astute in preparing for big games, e.g. Southampton.

Utter Tosh.

The single way we are set up is precisely what gives us a chance against teams like Southampton and precisely why we struggle to break teams like Scunny and Crawley and Walsall and Fleetwood and struggling sides on their arse, like Coventry (1 point from 6)

If he was tactically astute we would have slightly different edges to break the defensive teams down and have the personnel to bully teams into submission.

Grayson is tactically astute
Robinson has learned a lot in the last 3 years
Cotterill knows this division and what works here

NC believes there is one way to play and that will prevail - well it will at the elite level but not at the Haggis swilling, kiss me quick - fuck me slowly, alright me dog and duck level we are spinning at

In div 3 you need some Billy Whitehurst and a large slice of Chris Morgan with a sprinkling of honest Jock Bryson and some energy buoyant, blood stirring, beef crunching, mad eyed monster of a central midfielder to bounce you through some of the games. Some pacey winger and a sharp shooter completes the picture. More Sheffield Furnace rather than slight and finesse.

 

[Bladepicker]

A promotion doesnt mean the Manager has been succesful.

Yes it does.

Robinson has learned a lot in three years

Had Karl Robinson done for us what he has done at MK Dons with similar resources, the clamour for his sacking would have reached fever pitch about 18 months ago.

 

[Sirius]

There's a goat in a field somewhere not too far from Totley, seems that he stamps his right foot once for yes, twice for no. He gets especially agitated when the topic of Sheffield United is raised. When asked about current employment chances at the Lane the goat has yawned and decided that anyone who asks this question again must be a relative of his and has passed on the responsibility for future United questions to his four legged brethren.

One thing's for sure, they've got my goat

 

[Dkc]

Been talking to a journalist today in London , who said exactly the same , but with a different spin . He said , he had found out due to the Blades touting for another manager . If i think who it is , he has league 1 experience , and promotion on his cV , but would he be any better , than what we've got . Maybe for the final push.
UTB

That's interesting. If true, it goes against the "long term project" soundbytes that came from the club when Cloughie was appointed. If I remember, Phipps and others stated repeatedly that Clough was to be the man handed the task of a long term rebuilding project, and the days of sacking managers after a poor run of results or an average season were a thing of the past. Those quotes will come back to bite them if they do indeed change manager again.

I can imagine that the Prince isn't too happy though, and he's the one who's been pumping in the cash. Viewing the full 90 minute videos of us v Peterborough and Fleetwood can't have helped the case for the "long term project".

Also, if this is an active rumour in journalist circles, it will also become a rumour at the club, which will undermine Clough's authority and undermine confidence. I hope it isn't true, and we give Clough the rest of the season at least.

 

[bladesmanluke]

I hate what Clough has done this season, but sacking him before the end of the season will cost us any slim chance of promotion

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

That's interesting. If true, it goes against the "long term project" soundbytes that came from the club when Cloughie was appointed. If I remember, Phipps and others stated repeatedly that Clough was to be the man handed the task of a long term rebuilding project, and the days of sacking managers after a poor run of results or an average season were a thing of the past. Those quotes will come back to bite them if they do indeed change manager again.

I can imagine that the Prince isn't too happy though, and he's the one who's been pumping in the cash. Viewing the full 90 minute videos of us v Peterborough and Fleetwood can't have helped the case for the "long term project".

Also, if this is an active rumour in journalist circles, it will also become a rumour at the club, which will undermine Clough's authority and undermine confidence. I hope it isn't true, and we give Clough the rest of the season at least.

Dkc , agree with you , in my mind it is a coincidence , what Bohemian had heard yesterday , and the journalist was from a broad sheet paper , who is well respected. My view is that managers like footballers have agents , and they do tout around there clients when in or out of work.

Clough to some extent has made a rod for his own back , and it is up to him and his squad to deliver . Never mind what anyone says , if we do not reach the play offs or get promotion , this season can be classed as a failure with under achievement. The board pays the money and wages and they will make the decision . What may well be the nail in the coffin , could be the next 3 home results and ultimately the crowds reaction. This situation is only heaping more pressure on all connected with the club , including us fans.

the sensible thing to do , is assess the situation at the end of the season. However sense goes out of the window with all things football.

We have to be careful for what the fans and board wish far , as sacking managers does not work at the lane . Thats why we are stuck in this league . In saying that we have made some right cock ups with appointments.

I hope Clough stays to finish the job he started , but he may have created his own downfall.

UTB

 

[Torrix1889]

That's interesting. If true, it goes against the "long term project" soundbytes that came from the club when Cloughie was appointed. If I remember, Phipps and others stated repeatedly that Clough was to be the man handed the task of a long term rebuilding project, and the days of sacking managers after a poor run of results or an average season were a thing of the past. Those quotes will come back to bite them if they do indeed change manager again.

I can imagine that the Prince isn't too happy though, and he's the one who's been pumping in the cash. Viewing the full 90 minute videos of us v Peterborough and Fleetwood can't have helped the case for the "long term project".

Also, if this is an active rumour in journalist circles, it will also become a rumour at the club, which will undermine Clough's authority and undermine confidence. I hope it isn't true, and we give Clough the rest of the season at least.

But the "long term project" hinged on promotion this year, which I am sure most at the club thought was a "gimme" after thecup run last year and the late surge

 

[YES Blade]

Dkc , agree with you , in my mind it is a coincidence , what Bohemian had heard yesterday , and the journalist was from a broad sheet paper , who is well respected. My view is that managers like footballers have agents , and they do tout around there clients when in or out of work.

Clough to some extent has made a rod for his own back , and it is up to him and his squad to deliver . Never mind what anyone says , if we do not reach the play offs or get promotion , this season can be classed as a failure with under achievement. The board pays the money and wages and they will make the decision . What may well be the nail in the coffin , could be the next 3 home results and ultimately the crowds reaction. This situation is only heaping more pressure on all connected with the club , including us fans.

the sensible thing to do , is assess the situation at the end of the season. However sense goes out of the window with all things football.

We have to be careful for what the fans and board wish far , as sacking managers does not work at the lane . Thats why we are stuck in this league . In saying that we have made some right cock ups with appointments.

I hope Clough stays to finish the job he started , but he may have created his own downfall.

UTB

Should we have kept Weir then?

It's not the sacking that is the problem it's the appointing.

 

[YES Blade]

But the "long term project" hinged on promotion this year, which I am sure most at the club thought was a "gimme" after thecup run last year and the late surge

I don't think anyone thought it was a gimme, but not one thought we wouldn't have a chance of the top 2 with 10+ games to go.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Should we have kept Weir then?

It's not the sacking that is the problem it's the appointing.

YES Blade , i did say we had made some right cock ups with appointments , and Weir was the most recent example . I think the board when carrying out a due diligence on managers do get advice from the wrong people , and be swayed by there comments / recommendations.

McCabe - Ferguson - appointment Robson.

McCabe - Moyes - appointment Weir.

Circumstances change , and , the board could be reaching , dammed if they do , dammed if they don't position , with Clough.

A lot of time and investment is going into the Clough project , so we all need to take stock and see how the season pans out.

My own opinion is we stick with him , as whose to say we would be better off with sacking him. Stability is the key to success with the right manager . If we have the right manager in Clough , only time will tell , but how long can we all wait.

The most annoying and frustrating thing is that , we are actually a bloody good side , with decent players , but being inconsistent , and underachieving , will be pissing Clough off as much as it is us , and ultimately could cost him his job.

In saying that he has still underestimated this league , and not sorted / resolved key positions in the side , but luck and fate has not helped him on this one.

UTB

 

[Torrix1889]

The thing is when Clough came in we were all made to feel lucky that we had secured a manager of his "calibre" but what exactly has he achieved...? A couple of none-league promotions and mid-table mediocrity with Derby, (admittedly on a tight-budget).

Clough came with a string of demands, all of his back-room team including his brother must be given a job and the Prince and McCabe, (and a lot of fans for that matter) bought into this hype in the belief that we had perhaps secured a leader capable of taking us forward. After all, if he had mastered none-league and kept an average Derby side in the Championship, League 1 would be a doddle...surely? The early signs were good, a cup-run and a late surge up the league to within a whisker of the play-offs banished the Wier blues and had us all believing. The signs were there last year however, (Crewe away anyone?) but we put that down to it still being Wier's team. We should have made the play-offs last year, Clough certainly had enough time.

Since then he has had the summer to clear out the dross and build his own squad but it's not worked in that we haven't achieved our target in mounting a strong challenge for automatic and are now in danger of slipping out of the play-offs.

I'm not anti-Clough, (although if you go back through the archives I didn't want him in the first place) and I'm certainly not convinced sacking him is the answer but I can't imagine the Prince, McCabe, Sela & Phipps would have said anything other than promotion is acceptable. We might yet secure a play-off position, but then we have to win the thing which as we know is not exactly one of our strong points. There are a few teams coming with a head of steam, some that we still have to play, not to mention 4 local derbies. The next 3 games v Vale, Scunny & Crewe are crucial, to lose any of those is unthinkable.

If we lose at home on Saturday the knives will be out....then it's up to the Board....stick or twist....shit or bust....personally I would twist now given the choice.

 

[finlaytheblade]

YES Blade , i did say we had made some right cock ups with appointments , and Weir was the most recent example . I think the board when carrying out a due diligence on managers do get advice from the wrong people , and be swayed by there comments / recommendations.

McCabe - Ferguson - appointment Robson.

McCabe - Moyes - appointment Weir.

Circumstances change , and , the board could be reaching , dammed if they do , dammed if they don't position , with Clough.

A lot of time and investment is going into the Clough project , so we all need to take stock and see how the season pans out.

My own opinion is we stick with him , as whose to say we would be better off with sacking him. Stability is the key to success with the right manager . If we have the right manager in Clough , only time will tell , but how long can we all wait.

The most annoying and frustrating thing is that , we are actually a bloody good side , with decent players , but being inconsistent , and underachieving , will be pissing Clough off as much as it is us , and ultimately could cost him his job.

In saying that he has still underestimated this league , and not sorted / resolved key positions in the side , but luck and fate has not helped him on this one.

UTB

great post lord bos we have to see this season through with clough and review it then or more to the point the money men do.

 

[Kev Gee]

The thing is when Clough came in we were all made to feel lucky that we had secured a manager of his "calibre" but what exactly has he achieved...? A couple of none-league promotions and mid-table mediocrity with Derby, (admittedly on a tight-budget).

Clough came with a string of demands, all of his back-room team including his brother must be given a job and the Prince and McCabe, (and a lot of fans for that matter) bought into this hype in the belief that we had perhaps secured a leader capable of taking us forward. After all, if he had mastered none-league and kept an average Derby side in the Championship, League 1 would be a doddle...surely? The early signs were good, a cup-run and a late surge up the league to within a whisker of the play-offs banished the Wier blues and had us all believing. The signs were there last year however, (Crewe away anyone?) but we put that down to it still being Wier's team. We should have made the play-offs last year, Clough certainly had enough time.

Since then he has had the summer to clear out the dross and build his own squad but it's not worked in that we haven't achieved our target in mounting a strong challenge for automatic and are now in danger of slipping out of the play-offs.

I'm not anti-Clough, (although if you go back through the archives I didn't want him in the first place) and I'm certainly not convinced sacking him is the answer but I can't imagine the Prince, McCabe, Sela & Phipps would have said anything other than promotion is acceptable. We might yet secure a play-off position, but then we have to win the thing which as we know is not exactly one of our strong points. There are a few teams coming with a head of steam, some that we still have to play, not to mention 4 local derbies. The next 3 games v Vale, Scunny & Crewe are crucial, to lose any of those is unthinkable.

If we lose at home on Saturday the knives will be out....then it's up to the Board....stick or twist....shit or bust....personally I would twist now given the choice.

Good post mate.

Im glad im not in the boards shoes. Damned if they do & damned if they dont.

Lets not forget that many people thought Weir was a great appt at first & the performance against County certainly made us think we had out man.
However what transpired was abit of a nightmare. Who can remember him shuffling along the touchline with his hands in hs pockets game after game & looking like a rabbit in the headlights?

What a difference Clough made when he came in. Everyone bought into him & after a stuttering start and some key loan signings we shot up the league.

I think the board have backed Clough this season & he has chosen to spend the money on a squad not a team.

Its like hes actually gone against his own advice this season in team building terms.

I think he deserves till the end of the season. Failure for promotion and its bye bye.

And finally I think the board needs to reasset authority over certain elements again. If Clough is to stay then we need to get rid of his brother and other associated hangers on. If he doesnt like it then well, you know were the door is.

 

[chipsncake]

Wish I was in the boards shoes.

The picture couldn't be clearer, Clough has failed miserably and doesn't have the answers either short or long term.

Sack him now before he does any further damage and bring in Adkins.

We will be promoted.

Simples.

 

[RedandWhite]

Hi guys. I am just writing to say i know i'm usually not the one with info, but i've been told McCabe,Phipps and Sella will all be in attendece on Saturday as McCabe has gave them the call and is seriosusly considering his option (Clough's future) If we loose Saturday or draw as ive been told the board have set Clough a 7 points in 3 games target and well, he's not reached this target.

It seems the end is near.

Please don't shoot the messager though.

You're an owl, get a life, I wouldn't ever click on Owlstalk, let alone make an account on it.

 

[maxstertheblade]

I'm not a Wendnsday fan and will never be i swear on my mums life i'm not. I was at school and my freind went on my account. End of argument.

 

[sitwell]

Cant believe that. Not that your at school. That youve got a friend

 

[The Bohemian]

Utter Tosh.

The single way we are set up is precisely what gives us a chance against teams like Southampton and precisely why we struggle to break teams like Scunny and Crawley and Walsall and Fleetwood and struggling sides on their arse, like Coventry (1 point from 6)

If he was tactically astute we would have slightly different edges to break the defensive teams down and have the personnel to bully teams into submission.

Grayson is tactically astute
Robinson has learned a lot in the last 3 years
Cotterill knows this division and what works here

NC believes there is one way to play and that will prevail - well it will at the elite level but not at the Haggis swilling, kiss me quick - fuck me slowly, alright me dog and duck level we are spinning at

In div 3 you need some Billy Whitehurst and a large slice of Chris Morgan with a sprinkling of honest Jock Bryson and some energy buoyant, blood stirring, beef crunching, mad eyed monster of a central midfielder to bounce you through some of the games. Some pacey winger and a sharp shooter completes the picture. More Sheffield Furnace rather than slight and finesse.

"Grayson is tactically astute" Why is he? I would argue his team relies heavily on a very good striker, without whom, when injured earlier this season, his team's form was indifferent. Grayson can't seem to hold a job down in the Championship.

"Robinson has learned a lot in the last 3 years" Finishing positions: 5th, 5th, 8th, 10th - What exactly has he learned?

"Cotterill knows this division and what works here" Based on what? One good season?

I get your point about teams with a more direct, aggressive style seeming to do well in League One, but it's wrong to suggest it's the only way - as Southampton, Doncaster and others have proved in recent years. In fact the closest we have come to getting out of League One was with an approach closer to Clough's than the one you propose.

 

[sheffielder]

Picking on kids now. Stay classy guys

 

[maxstertheblade]

Picking on kids now. Stay classy guys

Where are they saying this?