Lee Carsley - chat last night

[Linz]

As you might have seen mentioned on the shoutbox if you were around last night, Lee Carlsey had specifically requested a round-table before the main Q&A last night with some of the "people from the message boards".... if you've had a text from Foxy over the past few days, that was why. DazBlade88 did manage to make it along for our lot.

His main intention seems to have been to reassure people about the collective coaching experience of both himself and David Weir and to give us a bit of an idea of their approach and how they're finding it so far.

Under Adam Owen, the training has got a bit more technical with heart rate monitors and the like and that regardless of the types of session the players will be doing, they'll always be working at about 95% exertion levels. He said that the players were responding well to this and would be under no allusions as to what was expected of them.

He said they're working on creating a passing, pressing game as he said that he knew from Coventry last season that some clubs revelled coming to Bramall Lane as they were allowed the whole pitch to play with.

They want to push forwards in numbers but not in any kind of reckless way, stressing that it would be drilled into players the importance of covering back.

Despite the insistence of certain people in attendance who also wanted to give him a masterclass in how to defend (naming no names ) he didn't really want to focus on the past regimes and said that he'd only watched the Yeovil play-off game videos from last season.

David Weir wandered in towards the end and stressed how excited they are about the opportunity they've got. He's said that "the boys" never want to leave the office and that they all live and breathe football. And that they're going to go for it, so whatever happens, they can never be accused of a lack of effort.

Although he said he wouldn't be reading the message boards, Carsley said that he knew how important they were and that they want to be open and honest with the supporters because that's the only way we're going to be able to buy into what they're trying to do.

And the bottom line was that all the fans could make a difference.

It was very interesting to hear Lee talk and hopefully he'll make himself available at future Q&A events because he does speak very well.

 

[Kopped]

Also to add to Linz's post:

Been told I can post this so here goes and let me know what you think.

John Garrett out-lined last nights forum as what will turn out to be 1 of very regular events that will be started this season as part of Julian Winters Club Transparency idea's.

Basically, along with the attended forums. Players and Management Staff will also be taking to Twitter, Facebook, and could also go on most independent forums like this 1 to answer questions from all fans. Not all details have been ironed out yet.

Exiled fans don't often get to ask their questions direct to the Manager, Players and Club Officials and this will be a new initiative to bring the club forward and make it almost transparent.

Obviously there has to be some levels of secrecy involving the transfer market and some club projects including investment and sponsorship deals but they want to engage with the fans at all levels again.

What are your thoughts?

 

[SwissBlade]

Great stuff, just get out on the pitch and do it and we'll buy into it

 

[Kev Gee]

I echo Swiss' comments. play attacking exciting FOOTBALL & the fans will back them. The rest should fall into place.

 

[UnitedBlade]

Been saying for 2 years now anyone who presses our midfield (mainly) will have a field day

Confirmed by Carsley that everyone in the league knew this.

I'm confident this will be fixed, no more hiding from some people or surely they are out.

Can't see us going into the season with Doyle as captain now.

Really, really pleased to hear this.

I think my mojo is returning

UTB

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Yep, all making the right noises, but proof will be in the pudding come August 2nd and beyond. The club have certainly set off on the right foot this Summer and all seem to be pulling in the same / right direction given where we are and what we have to play with.

Bottom line though is new manager, 1st job, plenty of inexperience in and around the squad and patience might be required from the terraces if things don't go exactly to plan in the 1st few months.

 

[Linz]

Another thing he said is that they definitely have a one-season, rather than two-season plan. So they are going to have to go for it in that case.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Another thing he said is that they definitely have a one-season, rather than two-season plan. So they are going to have to go for it in that case.

With their ambition, that's probably because they'll be moving to another club after the first year

I'm interested to hear a bit more on what DW said re: the captaincy. I wouldn't have thought there were clear options from within the squad - Collins is the obvious alternative. Maguire possibly, though that obviously changes the dynamic between him and Collins at the back if that were to happen.

 

[stannyblade]

This must be the first manager in a long time to get almost 100% backing from the off. Long may it continue. I for one cant wait for the 2nd now. Even coming off holiday a day early so I can go. COYRAWW

 

[Latters]

Yep, all making the right noises, but proof will be in the pudding come August 2nd and beyond. The club have certainly set off on the right foot this Summer and all seem to be pulling in the same / right direction given where we are and what we have to play with.

Bottom line though is new manager, 1st job, plenty of inexperience in and around the squad and patience might be required from the terraces if things don't go exactly to plan in the 1st few months.

The thing is, we've done patience. We've been in this league for two seasons already and are about to start our third. That's two seasons too many at this level. The longer we remain here, the greater the risk of becoming "established" at this level and finding a comfort zone like we used to in and around the league above's play-off zone.

We don't need patience, we need results and progress. Progress is promotion.

I was disappointed when we appointed Weir, because I wanted a manager who I was confident would get results and take us up. Instead, we got an inexperienced gamble that was inexplicably met with a wave of optimism from most. I hope the optimism proves to be well-founded, I really do, but patience is something we no longer have time for and now seems a poor time for a gamble to me.

My enthusiasm for the Blades is in a lull at the moment. I haven't even looked at the fixtures for the forthcoming season because I know it's just the same old, shitty little teams. Teams that no longer fear us because we're just another third tier club now. The only fixture I know is the first game of the season because ive seen it referred to on here that it's on Sky. I will be there though, hoping for the best.

I want my enthusiasm back. That won't come from big talk from new managers and assistants, that will come from results and performances on the pitch. I couldn't care less about communication and transparency. I care about the football.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'm not criticising carsley but I think part of the problem is that "football people" ie people working in the game, think that us fans need hugs and cuddles to get us on side. The past regimes and now this one seems to think that us blades need handling with care. We don't.

Wilson won 99% of fans over in that first season. Not because he had round tables, but because he got the team playing effective, exciting football and it got results.

Us fans aren't a complicated beast, give us high tempo, high work rate and hopefully winning football and we'd back the team and manager.

Backing the club is a different issue and the Bassett era proved that you can back one without the other.

Less talk, more action.

 

[DazBlade88]

Cheers again for inviting me along guys, it was a really good insight into what they want to achieve and how they're aiming to do it. I was hoping to contribute a little bit more to the discussion but I didn't get much chance!

Make no mistake about it, they know exactly what is expected here and what the objectives should be. Everything they have said about the training methods and how they want to play the game is positive, and I hope it leads us well into the season. I just hope people aren't jumping down their throats if we don't win the first couple of games.

They appear to have a lack of experience in terms of coaching, but they started their coaching badges almost 10 years ago, they've both played football for a number of years at a very high level and clearly know the game inside out. I'm happy about how they have gone about their business so far. They've identified our weaknesses and worked on correcting them either by bringing players in with attributes we've lacked or trying different things in training within a month of being here. I have a really good feeling about them.

 

[Pinchy]

Sorry Latters and SwissBlade, I don't agree with either of you. I've seen and heard more than enough of DW to convince me this is no gamble. This manager has a clear vision of where he wants to go and is implementing a modern, realistic strategy to achieve it. He speaks unequivocal common sense and acts accordingly.

I have no doubt at all that this guy will be a bit special. I like him. I like his methods. I like his management team and I ❤ his initials.

As for more action, less words. He's brought in half a dozen players already, changed the playing style and is not afraid of tough decisions. Oh and Swiss, you missed out 'passing'and 'attractive' from your expectations. I'm sure it was an oversight.

I'm very impressed with LC's words and willingness to engage with and explain things to the fans. I think such initiatives are quite important.

However Linz, I am deeply and irrevocably hurt at not being invited to the round table. It would have made my knight.

Please accept my resignation from the forum with immediate effect. I'm off to join Lenners and play with some lager-drinking teenage boys.

It's been great.

 

[SwissBlade]

Sorry Latters and SwissBlade, I don't agree with either of you. I've seen and heard more than enough of DW to convince me this is no gamble. This manager has a clear vision of where he wants to go and is implementing a modern, realistic strategy to achieve it. He speaks unequivocal common sense and acts accordingly.

I have no doubt at all that this guy will be a bit special. I like him. I like his methods. I like his management team and I ❤ his initials.

As for more action, less words. He's brought in half a dozen players already, changed the playing style and is not afraid of tough decisions. Oh and Swiss, you missed out 'passing'and 'attractive' from your expectations. I'm sure it was an oversight.

I'm very impressed with LC's words and willingness to engage with and explain things to the fans. I think such initiatives are quite important.

However Linz, I am deeply and irrevocably hurt at not being invited to the round table. It would have made my knight.

Please accept my resignation from the forum with immediate effect. I'm off to join Lenners and play with some lager-drinking teenage boys.

It's been great.

I never mentioned that it was a gamble...I don't particularly think it is. How did Danny Wilson work out for you in the end with his passing?

Two weeks ago I went to watch my first J league game. Yokohama fc marinos ( due to play Man U on tues).

They stroked the ball about, had pace, movement it was attractive to watch. They played against bottom of the league and they didn't offer much fight for Marinos.... But they took the lead to the delight of their 200 fans. Marinos fought back with beautiful, neat, attractive passing play. Text book Wenger style... They eventually equalised.

The game was the most frustrating I've ever watched. They just wouldn't and couldn't shoot.

Give me effective over attractive....

 

[Ted Danson]

Sorry Latters and SwissBlade, I don't agree with either of you. I've seen and heard more than enough of DW to convince me this is no gamble. This manager has a clear vision of where he wants to go and is implementing a modern, realistic strategy to achieve it. He speaks unequivocal common sense and acts accordingly.

I have no doubt at all that this guy will be a bit special. I like him. I like his methods. I like his management team and I ❤ his initials.

As for more action, less words. He's brought in half a dozen players already, changed the playing style and is not afraid of tough decisions. Oh and Swiss, you missed out 'passing'and 'attractive' from your expectations. I'm sure it was an oversight.

I'm very impressed with LC's words and willingness to engage with and explain things to the fans. I think such initiatives are quite important.

However Linz, I am deeply and irrevocably hurt at not being invited to the round table. It would have made my knight.

Please accept my resignation from the forum with immediate effect. I'm off to join Lenners and play with some lager-drinking teenage boys.

It's been great.

*night

Only because its you Pinchy

 

[Latters]

*night

Only because its you Pinchy

Likely a reference to the "round table". Unlucky TD, but I assume it was intentional.

 

[DazBlade88]

The game was the most frustrating I've ever watched. They just wouldn't and couldn't shoot.

Give me effective over attractive....

They are aware that you need to shoot, I can tell you that much. They've already told certain players that they need to take up the opportunity more often.

 

[Ted Danson]

Likely a reference to the "round table". Unlucky TD, but I assume it was intentional.

Bugger, thought there must be some kind of link there but just couldn't see it.

 

[Latters]

Sorry Latters and SwissBlade, I don't agree with either of you. I've seen and heard more than enough of DW to convince me this is no gamble. This manager has a clear vision of where he wants to go and is implementing a modern, realistic strategy to achieve it. He speaks unequivocal common sense and acts accordingly.

I have no doubt at all that this guy will be a bit special. I like him. I like his methods. I like his management team and I ❤ his initials.

As for more action, less words. He's brought in half a dozen players already, changed the playing style and is not afraid of tough decisions. Oh and Swiss, you missed out 'passing'and 'attractive' from your expectations. I'm sure it was an oversight.

I'm very impressed with LC's words and willingness to engage with and explain things to the fans. I think such initiatives are quite important.

However Linz, I am deeply and irrevocably hurt at not being invited to the round table. It would have made my knight.

Please accept my resignation from the forum with immediate effect. I'm off to join Lenners and play with some lager-drinking teenage boys.

It's been great.

But of course he has a clear vision, anybody would. You or I would. That's not to say that putting it into practice will be a piece of piss. Most managers would want to achieve attractive, winning football through flowing passing moves and great team spirit, but if simply saying that's what you were aiming for was all it took to achieve it, everybody would do it.

DWI proved last season that it isn't always possible to play in the way you want. We played great football in his first season. As the quality of the players diminished, so did the football.

I have no idea who any of Weir's signings are. They could be great, they could be shit. Time will tell.

All I'm saying is if having a clear vision was all there was to football management, everybody would be great at it. As there's more to it than saying some nice things, chatting up the fans and signing some unknowns, Weir remains a massive gamble.

He's done the talking, now it's time for Weir to back it up.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

The thing is, we've done patience. We've been in this league for two seasons already and are about to start our third. That's two seasons too many at this level. The longer we remain here, the greater the risk of becoming "established" at this level and finding a comfort zone like we used to in and around the league above's play-off zone.

We don't need patience, we need results and progress. Progress is promotion.

I was disappointed when we appointed Weir, because I wanted a manager who I was confident would get results and take us up. Instead, we got an inexperienced gamble that was inexplicably met with a wave of optimism from most. I hope the optimism proves to be well-founded, I really do, but patience is something we no longer have time for and now seems a poor time for a gamble to me.

My enthusiasm for the Blades is in a lull at the moment. I haven't even looked at the fixtures for the forthcoming season because I know it's just the same old, shitty little teams. Teams that no longer fear us because we're just another third tier club now. The only fixture I know is the first game of the season because ive seen it referred to on here that it's on Sky. I will be there though, hoping for the best.

I want my enthusiasm back. That won't come from big talk from new managers and assistants, that will come from results and performances on the pitch. I couldn't care less about communication and transparency. I care about the football.

What's happened in previous years has no bearing on the here and now in terms of the CURRENT team and CURRENT manager requiring patience given that it's his first job in management, the likely 1st team is not blessed with experience in certain areas and the back-up players are certainly short in experience.

I appreciate the history, agree that we can't hang around here for much longer and it is no doubt a gamble with Weir but everything may not fall into place immediately. What we certainly don't need is the fans getting on the players / manager's backs by the middle of September if we're not 10 points clear at the top, that's all I'm saying.

 

[Latters]

What's happened in previous years has no bearing on the here and now in terms of the CURRENT team and CURRENT manager requiring patience given that it's his first job in management, the likely 1st team is not blessed with experience in certain areas and the back-up players are certainly short in experience.

I appreciate the history, agree that we can't hang around here for much longer and it is no doubt a gamble with Weir but everything may not fall into place immediately. What we certainly don't need is the fans getting on the players / manager's backs by the middle of September if we're not 10 points clear at the top, that's all I'm saying.

I'm not advocating getting on anybody's back (not that you were implying I was). I was merely saying that whether there has been a change of personnel or not, the club as an entity has been where it is for too long already. As a going concern, fair or not, we must take the past into account.

I can see your point in saying Weir might need patience as an individual, but I want the club's immediate future to show a vast improvement over the recent past. If he needs more patience, or brings poorer results, than a more experienced candidate, then, in my view, the board made the wrong appointment. We need to progress and move up as soon as possible.

 

[broomhillblade]

Some fans have been saying for years that the Club doesn't tell them what's going on, or they've even been lied to, etc.

Now that we have people who are keen to communicate with the fans, there are one or two posters who demand less talk and more action.

You just can't win...

 

[Latters]

You just can't win...

The inability to win was what cost us last season, not a lack of communication with the fans.

If people want the club to communicate with them, that's fair enough. Perhaps not the "less talk", but the "more action" bit would be nice.

 

[Pinchy]

I never mentioned that it was a gamble...I don't particularly think it is. How did Danny Wilson work out for you in the end with his passing?

Two weeks ago I went to watch my first J league game. Yokohama fc marinos ( due to play Man U on tues).

They stroked the ball about, had pace, movement it was attractive to watch. They played against bottom of the league and they didn't offer much fight for Marinos.... But they took the lead to the delight of their 200 fans. Marinos fought back with beautiful, neat, attractive passing play. Text book Wenger style... They eventually equalised.

The game was the most frustrating I've ever watched. They just wouldn't and couldn't shoot.

Give me effective over attractive....

Your request for 'more action' is intriguing. What should he have done, that he hasn't, given we are still two weeks from kick-off?

 

[judge]

bit early for a clapper -knockers debate isnt it lads ?

 

[1889]

First time manager or not, I think Weir will prove to be a great managerial appointment, he has a great pedigree, speaks from the heart, is clearly passionate about the opportunity and doesn't strike me as someone who will accept failure, or anything less than 100% commitment to the cause. I'm sure his connections in the game will prove very useful and I think he has been shrewd in his transfer dealings this far, which will please KM. Whats more, he's added strength where we needed it, even though I still think we need another forward.

From a 'more action' perspective, I think five signings before August isn't a bad start, is it? Frankly, I'm more concerned about Martinez's performance and just hope he turns out to be a roaring success!

 

[Foxy]

We don't need patience, we need results and progress. Progress is promotion.

The chat didn't come across as a plea for patience or to accept second best in the slightest, it was more of an indirect re-assurance that wouldn't be happening for me. We were told about how things were going to run, how the plan isn't something that's come around in the last couple of weeks on the back of a fag packet and how their research and experiences had set them up to put into place that plan.

I was disappointed when we appointed Weir, because I wanted a manager who I was confident would get results and take us up. Instead, we got an inexperienced gamble that was inexplicably met with a wave of optimism from most. I hope the optimism proves to be well-founded, I really do, but patience is something we no longer have time for and now seems a poor time for a gamble to me.

Which manager within our reach wouldn't have been a "gamble"? I don't really see why it's inexplicable that there is optimism about a clean sweep with a calculated and methodical approach? Sure... It might fail spectacularly, but there is as much, if not more, chance of that happening with the majority of "more experienced" candidates I'd back us to attract.

My enthusiasm for the Blades is in a lull at the moment. I haven't even looked at the fixtures for the forthcoming season because I know it's just the same old, shitty little teams. Teams that no longer fear us because we're just another third tier club now.

We are a "shitty little team" at present, absolutely on merit. We are however, our "shitty little team", the one that we support. Admittedly, I totally understand that people have many differing reasons for finding the product less attractive and fair play to them... But don't we go to support our team? not just to watch the "big clubs" we might be taking on?

One of the things highlighted by Carsley was that his past memories of the Blades were that we were a force, but that on his recent experience, teams were enjoying playing us. He talked about how they were at Everton, their whole ethos being that other than the very top teams, they expected to beat anyone coming to Goodison or at the very least, give them a proper game.

Time will tell if they can re-create something emulating that ethos and feeling, but they aren't just spewing the words to placate the fans without any substance or thinking behind it, they are being backed up with methodologies, stats and an initial air of professionalism you would expect from those having worked with and under some of the names that they have.

He talked about the two of them as players and how they shared the same attitude to their training and approach to preparation. That everything should be done to the maximum, that improvement was always there to be had and how every single training session should be as committed as an important match. There was no room for an easy training session, which left people unprepared for the demands of a game and having to raise their levels. All could indeed be suggested as "ideals" that they know we want to hear, but are backed up with their demands on the intensity levels and new monitoring and evidenced by the length of their careers.

I'm not criticising carsley but I think part of the problem is that "football people" ie people working in the game, think that us fans need hugs and cuddles to get us on side. The past regimes and now this one seems to think that us blades need handling with care. We don't.

I'm sensitive to what you suggest there and I've seen it happen first hand in other cases. I've heard some of the ideals before, but without the depth of presentation and thinking behind them. The brief opportunity we've had so far to chat with those involved really didn't come across in that way. Time will give us the ultimate answer, especially when the going isn't so good and the pressure is on (a failing of predecessors).

We can't have it both ways though, fans clamour to know what is happening, always know much more than the ones doing the job and often demand answers and explanations as to "why they can't see it".

What do we do when given the opportunity to garner a feeling for the thinking and the intention of those with the job and to grill them further and add substance to their words?

We end up with those talking about selling Birchinall and Jones and contradicting themselves about the failings of previous managers tactics and play. Followed by suggesting they are all talk and trying to fluff us up and should stop talking and start getting results.... before we've even played competitively, never mind had a proper chance at it.

Summarised quickly, I'm happy with what I've seen so far and I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing if what they are bringing has the results it's intended to. I think we've made good appointments and appointments far better than I expected.

That's not from a few fluffy words and being invited for a chat, it's from observing the subtle changes of approach we've seen so far, from actions and from the professionalism and apparent depth of thinking.

I hope I'm not wrong

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

One of the things highlighted by Carsley was that his past memories of the Blades were that we were a force, but that on his recent experience, teams were enjoying playing us.

Wow Carsley looks good for his age, he must be at least 90.

 

[OllyBlade]

They are aware that you need to shoot, I can tell you that much. They've already told certain players that they need to take up the opportunity more often.

Does one of their names begin with "K" and end with "evin McDonald"?

 

[SwissBlade]

Your request for 'more action' is intriguing. What should he have done, that he hasn't, given we are still two weeks from kick-off?

Why are you trying to turn my comments around to something they're not?

The point about action is not in what he's done to date, just what I want going forward. Calm down dear