Long way to go

[SwissBlade]

Congratulations must go to the Sunshine Band!

However, I'm far from happy.

Were now managerless and the talk is of young inexperienced (cheap?) options like Speed stepping up. But Speed was part of Blackwells team and for those that want a big change it might not be that drastic.

Why take the decision now? We've gone through the summer, McCabe backed Blackie, rightly or wrongly. So we wasted a summer.

I said at the end of last season he shouldve gone, but we moved on from that.

Maybe investments behind this, this concerns me. Blackie was good enough to be the face of the Blades in Malta so why bin him 2 games.

I'm at a loss on this one. I don't disagree with the decision as such, but the whole situation appears reactive and worries me.

I just hope we've got a decent replacement lined up. But I guess well see in the coming days/ weeks

 

[bricktop]

Given yesterdays momumental events at the Lane, i think the right way to go is to appoint and young manager with something to prove and give him this season to mould his side together and gets some momentum going in the right direction. I would be happy with Gary Speed taking over and doing things his own way, or as an leftfield pick Chris Wilder.

I was surprised that the end for Blackwell came as quickly as it did, as i thought the only way he would go if we was floundering near the bottom in Autumn time.

The sad thing for me yesterday was that watching Sheffield United was like a car crash yesterday, we turned in some shocking stuff, the tactics looked all wrong, the combined team performance was poor and passionless, the supporters watching on with a mixture and apathy, and at full time the ground was half empty. It was upsetting to see as i have seen so many matches with a passionate atmosphere and never say die attitude.

What we have to do is now accept that we back in the old days where we don't have a pot to piss in. We had a chance to do something but with the mismanagement of the club the way it was, and the way some players proved a horrendous drain of resources we missed the boat and now stand in the position we are in. Terry Robinson was key in all this with the appointment of Bryan Robson when a good and shrewd appointment would have seen us up at the first attempt. The signings of Geoff Horsfield, Ade Akinbiyi, Luton Shelton, Ahmed Fahti, Billy Sharp, Lee Hendrie, and David Carney. All big money signings for very little results. We had a chance and fucked it up royally.

 

[SwissBlade]

Agreed in many ways Brownie. I'm worried.

Yesterday I stayed right till the end, normally the Lion's empty when I walk in post match, but sadly it was full yesterday whilst the ground was empty at the end of the game.

I really don't know where we go now.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Whatever decision they take, they must make sure its the right one. The next move will determine the next few years and whoever is chosen must be outlined with specific reasons as to why they can take us forward. I would be happy to see United take a week or so to make a decision because I dont think a knee-jerk appointment is what we need. At the same time we can't afford to delay for too long because any manager who comes in, might want to bring a couple of his own players in. We have two weeks of the transfer window left and that gives the new fella limited time. This is why appointing Speed might be the cheap and easy option. Of the already mentioned candidates:-

Gary Speed:- Already on the pay roll, knows the club and United have always seemed determined to keep him. It is quite possible that they could get him to take the job without any assurance of transfer funds. The most likely candidate really.

Sean O'Driscoll:- A lot of United fans would like to see it but I really cant see it. His style of football is at the other end of the scale and he would need to completely revamp the squad (all over again) to have any success. Too much of a transition during an already transitional period. We would have to pay compo as well. Non-starter IMO.

Phil Brown:- If United are looking to interview several candidates then you would imagine he would be one. Not necessarily the right man IMO but he is looking to get back into the game and as a northen boy he wouldnt have to move. Definatley a realistic option but might be a bit dearer than United are prepared to pay for.

Others:- I can't really see anyone else in the frame. Maybe a Mark Robins or a Lee Clark, but again they would come at a price.

 

[Worksop II]

This time Time Last season Roberto Martinez would have been top of the list, he may be available soon ......

 

[Stafford Blade]

football manager - best job in the world. I can't think of any other career where you can be absolutely useless, waste obscene amounts of money then be asked to leave. Along with a nice pay off. Then a few months later having made plenty of money doing some punditry work another club takes you on.

all the usual suspects are on the list. I think we need to bite the bullet and take a risk on a young manager. If a big club like celtic can appoint someone with no expereience then why can't we?

 

[Micalijo]

Congratulations must go to the Sunshine Band!

However, I'm far from happy.

Were now managerless and the talk is of young inexperienced (cheap?) options like Speed stepping up. But Speed was part of Blackwells team and for those that want a big change it might not be that drastic.

Why take the decision now? We've gone through the summer, McCabe backed Blackie, rightly or wrongly. So we wasted a summer.

I said at the end of last season he shouldve gone, but we moved on from that.

Maybe investments behind this, this concerns me. Blackie was good enough to be the face of the Blades in Malta so why bin him 2 games.

I'm at a loss on this one. I don't disagree with the decision as such, but the whole situation appears reactive and worries me.

I just hope we've got a decent replacement lined up. But I guess well see in the coming days/ weeks

You're a miserable so and so Swiss! Why can't you just support the club rather than point out the negatives?

I am totally loving this!!! He has GONE, GONE, GONE. The darkness has GONE!!!!!!

I will be watching United on Sunday genuinely wanting them to win a game for the first time in ages.

 

[LouTheBlade]

You're a miserable so and so Swiss! Why can't you just support the club rather than point out the negatives?

I am totally loving this!!! He has GONE, GONE, GONE. The darkness has GONE!!!!!!

I will be watching United on Sunday genuinely wanting them to win a game for the first time in ages.

I'm glad you're happy mic and I agree with the decision my self, but seeing my club get battered 3-0 at home and then becoming managerless (in disarray) doesn't make me jump for joy. I am concerned about our next move more than anything.

You should always want your team to win. If you don't then youre not supporting them.

 

[sheffielder]

Congratulations must go to the Sunshine Band!

However, I'm far from happy.

Were now managerless and the talk is of young inexperienced (cheap?) options like Speed stepping up. But Speed was part of Blackwells team and for those that want a big change it might not be that drastic.

Why take the decision now? We've gone through the summer, McCabe backed Blackie, rightly or wrongly. So we wasted a summer.

I said at the end of last season he shouldve gone, but we moved on from that.

Maybe investments behind this, this concerns me. Blackie was good enough to be the face of the Blades in Malta so why bin him 2 games.

I'm at a loss on this one. I don't disagree with the decision as such, but the whole situation appears reactive and worries me.

I just hope we've got a decent replacement lined up. But I guess well see in the coming days/ weeks

You can't have gone yesterday or to Hartlepool if you don't understand the decision. Blackwell's biggest mistake was giving up on the league cup and stating it was all about the league. 3-0 at home against Neil and Paddy with no effort or desire from your side. Only one decision could be made after yesterday and I applaud McCabe and Birch because when I left yesterday I had no intentions on going back while Blackwell was there

 

[alcoblade]

The timing of the sacking was strange. My theory is that he's been under orders since before the end of last season to change our playing style. After having the summer to make changes, the board couldn't believe what they'd seen at Hartlepool and yesterday (neither could I) and decided to act quickly, before the end of the transfer window.

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

I don't know how anyone can be worried; I would be more worried if Blackwell was here.

 

[Micalijo]

I'm glad you're happy mic and I agree with the decision my self, but seeing my club get battered 3-0 at home and then becoming managerless (in disarray) doesn't make me jump for joy. I am concerned about our next move more than anything.

You should always want your team to win. If you don't then youre not supporting them.

In disarray? hang on a minute - you and a few others have spent alot of energy recently saying we have a decent squad haven't you? Surely all it needs is a half decent manager to see us push for play-offs.

 

[Stafford Blade]

i'm sure we will all be wanting them to win. The problem is that even though the clueless manager has left many of his inept signings will still be playing. Looks a home win banker unfortunately

 

[sheffielder]

Whatever decision they take, they must make sure its the right one. The next move will determine the next few years and whoever is chosen must be outlined with specific reasons as to why they can take us forward. I would be happy to see United take a week or so to make a decision because I dont think a knee-jerk appointment is what we need. At the same time we can't afford to delay for too long because any manager who comes in, might want to bring a couple of his own players in. We have two weeks of the transfer window left and that gives the new fella limited time. This is why appointing Speed might be the cheap and easy option. Of the already mentioned candidates:-

Gary Speed:- Already on the pay roll, knows the club and United have always seemed determined to keep him. It is quite possible that they could get him to take the job without any assurance of transfer funds. The most likely candidate really.

Sean O'Driscoll:- A lot of United fans would like to see it but I really cant see it. His style of football is at the other end of the scale and he would need to completely revamp the squad (all over again) to have any success. Too much of a transition during an already transitional period. We would have to pay compo as well. Non-starter IMO.

Phil Brown:- If United are looking to interview several candidates then you would imagine he would be one. Not necessarily the right man IMO but he is looking to get back into the game and as a northen boy he wouldnt have to move. Definatley a realistic option but might be a bit dearer than United are prepared to pay for.

Others:- I can't really see anyone else in the frame. Maybe a Mark Robins or a Lee Clark, but again they would come at a price.

this pisses me off abit. Our squad is built for playing football not hoofball. If Sean or any other football minded chap came in or Speed chooses to go down that route, we do not need an overhaul. Are you saying to me that Yeates, Britton, Ward, Quinn, Evans etc are built to play hoofball? They are all good footballers who I now hope will get a chance to show us what they really can do in a footballing side. I think you have sold them short a bit there

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I don't know how anyone can be worried; I would be more worried if Blackwell was here.

Dowie, Brown, Roeder, need I go on.......

Very few managers are capable of coming in and making the major changes we're crying out for. Anyone thinking it'll all become rosy of Phil Brown comes in and suddenly we'll start knocking it around and 5,000 fans will suddenly return will be in for a shock.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Sean O'Driscoll:- A lot of United fans would like to see it but I really cant see it. His style of football is at the other end of the scale and he would need to completely revamp the squad (all over again) to have any success. Too much of a transition during an already transitional period. We would have to pay compo as well. Non-starter IMO.

Nonsense. As I've mentioned elsewhere Kendall changed the Hoofball of Bassett into pass and move in half a week.

 

[sheffielder]

Dowie, Brown, Roeder, need I go on.......

Very few managers are capable of coming in and making the major changes we're crying out for. Anyone thinking it'll all become rosy of Phil Brown comes in and suddenly we'll start knocking it around and 5,000 fans will suddenly return will be in for a shock.

McCabe has a proper footballing number 2 now in Birch so I don't think we will be picking one of the guys off the circuit and I would rather have Lee Strafford then Blackwell. Sorry I just can't stand the man. I like Speed and I would be more than happy if he brought in a guy like Roeder as his number 2

 

[LouTheBlade]

this pisses me off abit. Our squad is built for playing football not hoofball. If Sean or any other football minded chap came in or Speed chooses to go down that route, we do not need an overhaul. Are you saying to me that Yeates, Britton, Ward, Quinn, Evans etc are built to play hoofball? They are all good footballers who I now hope will get a chance to show us what they really can do in a footballing side. I think you have sold them short a bit there

This is the problem with some football fans.....you simplify everything too much. There aren't only two ways of playing the game sheffielder.

Are you saying that Taylor, Morgs, Monty, Cresswell and Henderson are built to play one touch fluid football? You named half of our usual starting eleven above and conveniently left out the less technically gifted players. Dont get me wrong, I like the five players ive just mentioned - but they aren't suitable for a side that plays the kind of football O'Driscoll promotes. They simply aren't and you cant argue with that.

I have never acknowledged the term "hoofball" because the suggestion that we have been playing this way is a little exaggerated IMO. The so called "sunshine gang" make us out to be a modern day Wimbledon, when what we have actually been doing is playing simple, direct percentage football. Certain people have confused this with so called long ball tactics.....which is incorrect. I haven't said for a minute that we are built for this "hoofball" or so they call it, but I know for a fact that we aren't built for stylish passing football either! To say that we are and to base that argument on five of our players is complete nonsense.

In the event of O'Driscoll becoming manager (I dont think he will for the record), he will immediately want to move certain players on. I can promise you that with great certainty.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Nonsense. As I've mentioned elsewhere Kendall changed the Hoofball of Bassett into pass and move in half a week.

Bollocks. It took him months. United's style changed slowly over a course of time and if he had have achieved what you said, it would make him a miracle worker of biblical proportions because no manager has ever change a team's style completely overnight.

He also sold at least half a dozen players (some had been ever present previously) - Nathan Blake anyone?

Kendall got results quite quickly off the back of the new manager feel good factor. The style did not change in a week and a half, thats rubbish.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Congratulations must go to the Sunshine Band!

However, I'm far from happy.

Were now managerless and the talk is of young inexperienced (cheap?) options like Speed stepping up. But Speed was part of Blackwells team and for those that want a big change it might not be that drastic.

Why take the decision now? We've gone through the summer, McCabe backed Blackie, rightly or wrongly. So we wasted a summer.

I said at the end of last season he shouldve gone, but we moved on from that.

Maybe investments behind this, this concerns me. Blackie was good enough to be the face of the Blades in Malta so why bin him 2 games.

I'm at a loss on this one. I don't disagree with the decision as such, but the whole situation appears reactive and worries me.

I just hope we've got a decent replacement lined up. But I guess well see in the coming days/ weeks

Perhaps discussions between the Chairman and Manger this summer went along the lines of 'style has to change', two games in it hasn't so easy decision to make.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I'm glad you're happy mic and I agree with the decision my self, but seeing my club get battered 3-0 at home and then becoming managerless (in disarray) doesn't make me jump for joy. I am concerned about our next move more than anything.

You should always want your team to win. If you don't then youre not supporting them.

This attiude kept Robbo here for 30 games too many.

 

[LouTheBlade]

This attiude kept Robbo here for 30 games too many.

"This attitude?" Wanting my team to win is 'an attitude'

It beggars belief but comments like that provide hilarity if nothing else!

 

[beightonblade]

i think the new sposors/investors/owners have a hand in this.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Sometimes you need to take one step back to take two steps forward in life.

As we are talking about a football club to take that step backwards to allow progress means sometimes a win is a bad option.

 

[Revolution]

Bollocks. It took him months. United's style changed slowly over a course of time and if he had have achieved what you said, it would make him a miracle worker of biblical proportions because no manager has ever change a team's style completely overnight.


Bollocks yourself. the results took time to come, and new players came in who did it better, but the change was made immediately. United completely changed their style and were passing the ball around in Kendall's first game at Ipswich, building from the back with what was a pretty defensive formation. The change was so marked I've never forgotten it.

 

[alcoblade]

Bollocks. It took him months. United's style changed slowly over a course of time and if he had have achieved what you said, it would make him a miracle worker of biblical proportions because no manager has ever change a team's style completely overnight.

He also sold at least half a dozen players (some had been ever present previously) - Nathan Blake anyone?

Kendall got results quite quickly off the back of the new manager feel good factor. The style did not change in a week and a half, thats rubbish.

I have to disagree Lou. I was at Ipswich and distinctly remember the cheers of excitement as our fans were amazed that the same bunch of players could string 5 or so passes together - something they rarely did under the very long ball but often successful Basset era. It may have not all come in the place at once but the change in style was ordered, and evident immediately.

UTB

 

[LouTheBlade]

Bollocks. It took him months. United's style changed slowly over a course of time and if he had have achieved what you said, it would make him a miracle worker of biblical proportions because no manager has ever change a team's style completely overnight.


Bollocks yourself. the results took time to come, and new players came in who did it better, but the change was made immediately. United completely changed their style and were passing the ball around in Kendall's first game at Ipswich, building from the back with what was a pretty defensive formation. The change was so marked I've never forgotten it.

If you say so. Funny that it suits an agenda

Kendall was obviously completely unique to any other manager that has ever existed.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Bollocks. It took him months. United's style changed slowly over a course of time and if he had have achieved what you said, it would make him a miracle worker of biblical proportions because no manager has ever change a team's style completely overnight.


Bollocks yourself. the results took time to come, and new players came in who did it better, but the change was made immediately. United completely changed their style and were passing the ball around in Kendall's first game at Ipswich, building from the back with what was a pretty defensive formation. The change was so marked I've never forgotten it.

Sorry Lou, I agree with Rev, I saw us at Tranmere a few games in and the change was unbelievable.

 

[JohnDenver]

Bollocks yourself. the results took time to come, and new players came in who did it better, but the change was made immediately. United completely changed their style and were passing the ball around in Kendall's first game at Ipswich, building from the back with what was a pretty defensive formation. The change was so marked I've never forgotten it.

You're right. I remember one of the players saying that Kendall simply told them to prove to him they could pass it. Obviously the new players were better at it, as results improved with them, but the Kendall approach was Shock Therapy.

...but we shouldn't forget that we played lots of awful football in the next season under the same manager. Strange times.

 

[JohnDenver]

If you say so. Funny that it suits an agenda

Kendall was obviously completely unique to any other manager that has ever existed.

No agenda from me Lou. The change in style was instant. The change in results came a bit more slowly.

I think we'll find a near consensus.