Less than a week to go....

[Highbury_Blade]

With less than a week to go til the season starts proper, and i'm royally confused.

Normally i'd be bouncing of the walls with excitement, but at the moment, watching united play is pretty far from my mind. Not sure if this is cos i'm all sported out after the Euros', & the olympics, or because the olympics have made me revaluiate how i feel about our footballing 'stars'? Maybe it's because i can't get excited about another season in the third tier? Maybe the 'Danny's second season' syndrome is weighing on my mind?

Either way, i don't think i've ever felt this way before the start of the season. Anyone else feeling anything similar?

 

[Wapping Blade]

Yep - I was thinking exactly this earlier today and I'm pretty sure it's the Olympics and the contrast of the sheer moronity of footballers and its hangers-on.

 

[Bradford Blade]

Thankfully, no - even after that mess on Saturday. In fact, now that's another Cup run outta the way, I'm kinda even really gee'd up for Sat and the League campaign now. Lucky bar-steward you might think?

To be fair though, the Olympics held no interest at all for me and the Euro's/England were pretty much another let down, so I can safely say they've had no 'hangover' effect for me at least.

I think this is probably just a 'perspective' issue, nothing worse than that mate. A few games in, I'm confident you'll have worked up some enthusiasm....well maybe

UTB!

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Kind of. I'm looking forward to trips darn't lane again but as for football in general and the PL its a 'meh' kind of feeling.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics and in particular seeing GB do so well. It's been very refreshing to watch dedicated athletes performing for the love of their sport and not only achieving greatness but doing it with class and dignity.

It has seriously made me look at top level footballers in a different way. Not just because they flatter to deceive but because of the way they behave in general.

 

[Grecian2000]

It has seriously made me look at top level footballers in a different way. Not just because they flatter to deceive but because of the way they behave in general.

Really?

They've been behaving like a bunch of spoilt, overpaid cunts for years. How come it's passed you by for so long?

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Really?

They've been behaving like a bunch of spoilt, overpaid cunts for years. How come it's passed you by for so long?

When did I say it had? It's more a case of previously accepting that its the way they are due to lifestyle/money etc. Since seeing our magnificent athletes at the games I've come to ask the question why should I accept it.

Does that clear it up?

 

[Kenilworth]

Do we start on Saturday?

 

[alcoblade]

It has seriously made me look at top level footballers in a different way. Not just because they flatter to deceive but because of the way they behave in general.

There's a lot of people saying this, but I'm suprised it's taken the Olympics to unearth. I've viewed top flight footballers, on the whole, as a bunch of c***s for years. Fortunately, I view football as a way of life, a social event, a bonding thing. Sadly, as a bye product, I contribute to making a few people (that don't deserve it) rich along the way.

UTB

 

[Grecian2000]

Is it because the Olympics has been in this country?

We've had several OG's and a number of WC's and Euros where our gallant top flight heros have been exposed for exactly what they are but it seems to have hit home with more people this time around.
This new "eye opening" can only be a good thing but, I suspect, will all be forgotten with Rooney's first goal of the season.

 

[Kenilworth]

Bloody Hockey was ruined by those brass band fuck faced fuckers though, wasn't it?

Can we sign up the Dutch women's Hockey team and swap them for our lot?
Might make a social occasion a whole lot more appealing - the result won't matter that much then

 

[Foxy]

Either way, i don't think I've ever felt this way before the start of the season. Anyone else feeling anything similar?

I've got my usual pre-season "excitement" but it's less and less expectation than it used to be, I don't think that's necessarily to do with the current situation but more due to my experience over the years. I think there becomes a point where most of the expectation you had switches to just the enjoyment of being part of something and having hope rather than nervous expectation. Don't get me wrong, I still fiercely hope that we are as successful as possible and before I get labelled as "accepting mediocrity" it's not that either.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Is it because the Olympics has been in this country?

We've had several OG's and a number of WC's and Euros where our gallant top flight heros have been exposed for exactly what they are but it seems to have hit home with more people this time around.
This new "eye opening" can only be a good thing but, I suspect, will all be forgotten with Rooney's first goal of the season.

I think it most definitely is for me a combination of the British successes in the Tour De France and Olympics, and the realisation that aside from football, there are other sports that i enjoy watching and doing. Most of the other 'mainstream' sport in this country i can't stand watching (Rugby, tennis, Horse racing, Cricket, Motor sports etc).

Instead of Saturday afternoons spent listening to blades player, or at the game, i think i'll be out on my bike from now on. Don't get me wrong i'll still get my fair share of games in, but i doubt i'll let it consume me like it has in the past.

Famous last words though eh?

 

[yorkshirecoast]

A lot of comments about the Olympics. I enjoyed much of it - particularly seeing GB do so well - but I've had enough now and I'm glad it's over (apart from the never ending interviews with the winners!). And how some of those "sports" get into the Olympics is beyond me.

As for the Blades, I'm looking forward to it but I'm a bit concerned we could be in for more disappointment. Then again, if we sign a keeper, full back & winger before Saturday things will be looking good.....

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Is it because the Olympics has been in this country?

We've had several OG's and a number of WC's and Euros where our gallant top flight heros have been exposed for exactly what they are but it seems to have hit home with more people this time around.
This new "eye opening" can only be a good thing but, I suspect, will all be forgotten with Rooney's first goal of the season.

Ok put it this way. Its the first Olympic games I've paid an active interest in (more because of the wave of public/media interest shoving it in my face than the fact it was in this country) and I've enjoyed it far more than any football tournament I've ever watched. I've also become far more appreciative of the athletes than any footballer I've ever seen.

Its not a case of learning anything new about footballers. Its a case of seeing that there is a positive alternative to the perpetual disappointment of being an English football fan.

 

[sheffielder]

I am exciting about the new season, always am. Glad to get the league cup out of the way and hoping for an early exit in both the LDV and FA Cup. No distractions, no excuses.

 

[Bradford Blade]

There's a lot of people saying this, but I'm suprised it's taken the Olympics to unearth. I've viewed top flight footballers, on the whole, as a bunch of c***s for years. Fortunately, I view football as a way of life, a social event, a bonding thing. Sadly, as a bye product, I contribute to making a few people (that don't deserve it) rich along the way.

UTB

Words right out of my mouth! Yep, footie for me is exactly the same, and sure, knowing many a pillock will make plenty of brass from our 'lifestyle', it's not really something I have any control over, so I tend to not let it bother me. I refuse to let such a bunch take from me what I hold near and dear...

UTB!

 

[Bradford Blade]

I am exciting about the new season, always am. Glad to get the league cup out of the way and hoping for an early exit in both the LDV and FA Cup. No distractions, no excuses.

Straight to the nitty gritty Sheffielder? Roll on Sat

 

[blade too long]

I can hardly contain my indifference

I used to lose sleep in the week before a season started such was the build of excitement

now its like looking forward to one of Jeans sausage surprises
Im honestly thinking of following dressage, for the buzz

 

[sheffielder]

Straight to the nitty gritty Sheffielder? Roll on Sat

Damn straight. Let's do this thing!

 

[raul]

Cant believe my birthday generates such strong and varied opinion.

 

[blade too long]

go easy with the free bus pass

 

[beightonblade]

If i wern't a Blade i'd have finished with football years ago.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I am looking forward to it. I am pleased with quite a few things that's happened this summer. We're working on getting the wage bill down, we've managed to get more pace in the side, the squad is looking younger and fresher, and somehow we managed to resign Kevin McDonald. It's great that we have a few strikers to choose from this season. I will also be relieved if we manage to get rid of Monty and Cresswell.

Then there are also some things that I am frustrated about. I didn't think signing Matt Hill on a two year deal was a good idea. It is also probably time to transfer list Marcus Williams. Right wing remains a problem position as I don't think Flynn will be a long term solution for us. McMahon and Hill are a bit different to Lowton and LJF, and may mean we require different type of wide midfielders.

I thought it was embarrasing to have only five substitutes on Saturday when players like Philliskirk, Tønne and Harriott must be praying every night for a chance to show what they can do. The defeat means they will get even fewer chances and it's not making it better to hear that players didn't look up for it, and that it seemed like a pre season friendly. The people that we've made redundant the last few months won't like hearing that.

Finally, I have a bad feeling that Wilson will continue to overlook Tønne this season. I just think he has many strong attributes and would like United to make use of them. I think it's wrong to write him off based on the Rotherham game.

These concerns don't mean that I am pessimistic though. We have an excellent chance and are rightly considered favourites. If we do things right, I expect promotion.

 

[Foxy]

Finally, I have a bad feeling that Wilson will continue to overlook Tønne this season. I just think he has many strong attributes and would like United to make use of them. I think it's wrong to write him off based on the Rotherham game.

Problem is Bergs, and you know how I rate young Erik (the crew will be here to tease me any second!), he doesn't seem to be regularly showing the strength he'll undoubtedly need in our league, with Wilson looking on at Matlock he showed both his best and worst attributes.... He got shoulder barged off the ball easily a couple of times, drifted out of the game but then popped up and placed one into the bottom corner after making himself space to shoot.

 

[SotonBlade]

Problem is Bergs, and you know how I rate young Erik (the crew will be here to tease me any second!).......

I'd hate to disappoint so...

Erik and Foxy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

 

[Bergen Blade]

Problem is Bergs, and you know how I rate young Erik (the crew will be here to tease me any second!), he doesn't seem to be regularly showing the strength he'll undoubtedly need in our league, with Wilson looking on at Matlock he showed both his best and worst attributes.... He got shoulder barged off the ball easily a couple of times, drifted out of the game but then popped up and placed one into the bottom corner after making himself space to shoot.

No doubt an area he should improve in, but few widemen are immensely strong. Would Quinn and Flynn beat him up? How did he look playing on the right compared to when he's on the left? How would you compare Chappell to Flynn? Not convinced about right midfield at the moment, last season's right hand side seems difficult to replace.

 

[Come from away]

You know folk go on about losing Williamson and him being hard to replace (his goals). Most of his goals were scored in multiple goal games where we won by 2 or more. Only once did he score in a tight game 2-1. Given that I am not sure we lose too much with Flynn, though I'm not overly impressed.

 

[Grecian2000]

now its like looking forward to one of Jeans sausage surprises

Is getting a sausage surprise from someone called Jean a good or bad thing?

 

[Grecian2000]

You know folk go on about losing Williamson and him being hard to replace (his goals). Most of his goals were scored in multiple goal games where we won by 2 or more. Only once did he score in a tight game 2-1. Given that I am not sure we lose too much with Flynn, though I'm not overly impressed.

I seriously don't know what you were watching if you think we don't "lose too much" by having Flynn in for Williamson.

I don't know the answer but how many of these Williamson goals were one of the first two crucial goals that lead on to multiple goal wins and how many were late "icing on the cake" types?

 

[blade too long]

Is getting a sausage surprise from someone called Jean a good or bad thing?

shes the thick one on eastenders