McCabe Interview

[Oreyt]

Scrotal Recall

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

The Lubricator?
True Thighs?
The Bumming Man?

Jingle all the way

Raw deal

cause he didn't use a rubber, er sorry, Eraser

Barrel.bottom.scraping.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Pumping Ryan?

 

[lenners]

I can't be arsed to dig out the number of times that Linz and Foxy have toed the club line when it's been challenged on here but I don't know who you lot think you're kidding by your puffed up indignation.
I did not and would not say they are not genuine fans. They'll have been to more matches than me in recent seasons for starters and more power to them for that.
That does not alter the fact that their opinions have often chimed with the establishment until a recent change in tone.
The over creamy attitude towards the fans forums also said suggested they weren't able to grasp when they were being fed the smelly stuff.
When it comes to being independent, you have to be just that.
And there's a lot more to United's problems than getting flags fire tested.

 

[shorehamview]

If Len has any decency and class he should, and would, make an apology right now.

Perhaps. Let's give him the chance.

I think you've answered your own question...

No, let's give him the chance to show he has decency and/or class.

We should give him the chance to say he was wrong and apologise.

We should.

I can't be arsed to dig out the number of times that Linz and Foxy have toed the club line when it's been challenged on here but I don't know who you lot think you're kidding by your puffed up indignation.
I did not and would not say they are not genuine fans. They'll have been to more matches than me in recent seasons for starters and more power to them for that.
That does not alter the fact that their opinions have often chimed with the establishment until a recent change in tone.
The over creamy attitude towards the fans forums also said suggested they weren't able to grasp when they were being fed the smelly stuff.
When it comes to being independent, you have to be just that.
And there's a lot more to United's problems than getting flags fire tested.

And there you go.

All questions about style and class answered in a nutshell.

lenners won't apologise for questioning Linz and Foxy's integrity. Sure, they may not be as vocal as some in criticising the club but to say they are toeing the club line suggests that the club may have some influence over them, and it doesn't. Being independent doesn't necessarily mean disagreeing with everything said by the club, or questioning every single decision. Just because their views have differed from the views of others doesn't mean they, and this forum, are not independent. If you don't like the opinions posted by the people who pay for and run this place then that's fine, but to question their integrity or independence is out of order.

And if you think that you are the only one who has spotted that there's more to United's problems than fire testing flags then you are sorely disillusioned. Still, it diverts from the matter in hand.

 

[lenners]

Sorry Shoreham, when it has come to questioning what the club was saying and what it was doing, Linz and Foxy pretty much always toed the club line until recently.
I well remember the glee about the fans forums and how valuable they were. We've all seen how they turned out - as was pointed out at the time.
The only thing I've seen from BIFF so far is some bizarre flag testing scheme allied to club screening of flags.
Maybe they'll get their act together, be prepared to question what is really happening at our club, criticise the complete failures of commercial and on the pitch performances and so on.
I don't question Linz and Foxy's integrity as fans - I wouldn't question anyone's integrity as fans.
I do question whether their views are likely to be independent given their history of supporting the club line.
And I question it only in terms of BIFF, not in terms of their running of this forum which is fully their business.
I know the above is beyond simple yes and no answers but I hope you can grasp the point being made.

 

[cooperblade]

The only thing I've seen from BIFF so far is some bizarre flag testing scheme allied to club screening of flags.

To be fair to the club on this one, they're responding to complaints from fans about flags and are trying to do something about it. It's meaningless to 99% of our fans and I can understand why people may think the club should be concentrating on more pressing issues (getting mailers out on time for example). I don't think it should be used as a stick to beat the club with though, they're showing willing as I think they tend to do. On this occasion, it hasn't worked as expected. I hope they keep trying though and I hope fans will give them a chance when they do.

I think there's a balance that can be struck between supporting the club and questioning what they are doing.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Sorry Shoreham, when it has come to questioning what the club was saying and what it was doing, Linz and Foxy pretty much always toed the club line until recently.
I well remember the glee about the fans forums and how valuable they were. We've all seen how they turned out - as was pointed out at the time.
The only thing I've seen from BIFF so far is some bizarre flag testing scheme allied to club screening of flags.
Maybe they'll get their act together, be prepared to question what is really happening at our club, criticise the complete failures of commercial and on the pitch performances and so on.
I don't question Linz and Foxy's integrity as fans - I wouldn't question anyone's integrity as fans.
I do question whether their views are likely to be independent given their history of supporting the club line.
And I question it only in terms of BIFF, not in terms of their running of this forum which is fully their business.
I know the above is beyond simple yes and no answers but I hope you can grasp the point being made.

len, I enjoy taking issue with you, and for me it's not real life it's a bit of banter, but I'm staggered that you see fit to be critical of people who give their time and money to run a website for moaners like you to do just that, as an easier alternative to getting off your arse and doing something. Perhaps various forums didn't work because the really enlightened and clever ones (like you), didn't get involved.

Then you have the gall to hope they'll "get their act together", who the f*ck (sorry everybody, that's not me at all) do you think you are, that's incredibly arrogant?

I've asked you loads of times whether you'd get down to the AGM and become involved, you've never answered a simple yes/no question, but you haven't done it. Under those circumstances, you forfeit the right to be critical of those who are trying to improve things.

I've always respected the calm way you've responded to the stick you take on here, but you've gone down a long way in my estimation on this one. I do realsie what I think doesn't matter, by the way.

 

[SotonBlade]

I do question whether their views are likely to be independent given their history of supporting the club line.

Only in your opinion! So what your basically saying len is anyone who has a similar opinion to that of club and happens to run a independent forum, is being manipulated by said club, unless they show a differing opinion to that of the club.

I bet you think the government are hiding the truth about life on other planets too along with other conspiracies! Try and be a bit less skeptical len, lighten up a bit, don't be so bloody serious all the time. Have a look in the Pig and Truffle, see if you can raise a smile, it must black in your world! Try an be positive, you might feel better for it!

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

I refer you to my previous post.

So basically because they don't agree with your minority rhetoric they are now not independent?
This is proven because you can now email a Blades independent fan group via the site. A group who were setup by fans who can pass on all concerns directly to the club and who are totally independant from the club.

Shame on the webbo's for providing then fans with these links.

Lenners logic; The only way to be an independent fan is to go totally against the club, anything less and your a patsy

 

[Worksop II]

Lots of people beating on Lenny, I am sure Foxy and Linz can stand up for themselves on here, no need for you lot to go overboard.

It takes all flavours guys, chill out, I am sure Len will continue to give his full support for his team.

The better the mix on a Forum the better the experience - i fink

 

[SotonBlade]

Agree with your point Worksop, I think a wide varied type of person is required for a forum to be successful, and on the whole lenners arguments and opinions spark debate between the others on here and keeps the place an interesting read.

However on this occasion, he's overstepped the mark.

 

[Foxy]

Are Foxy and Linz part of the BIFF set up?
If they are, you'd have to question how independent they would be given the guff surrounding the fans forums and the often establishment view they've espoused on here.

I was introduced to the founder of BIFF by another Blade we both know. We had a few chats about the Blades, being a blade and what we both did and planned to do. As a result I was invited to become part of what BIFF are trying to achieve. First and most importantly as a supporter of Sheffield United but secondly as someone with experience of facilitating a wide ranging community of Blades fans for the best part of a decade.

In deciding to get involved in BIFF, I saught assurances myself that we wouldn't be doing exactly of what you appear to be accusing, I'm confident that this isn't the case and if anything on that front ever changed then we would distance ourselves.

In terms of the link between BIFF and the site/forum - We simply (both S24SU and BIFF as seperate entities) wish to seek to involve a wide range of supporters and work to effectively address their concerns and opinions with the club. But also provide information perhaps previously lacking or poorly communicated to the fans. For a bit more detail on that one, please see here - http://www.s24su.com/showthread.php...pendent-Fans-Forum-amp-Chinese-visit-to-BDTBL

If you fancy a pint before Millwall I'm more than happy to have a proper chat with you about your concerns on my accused inability to form my own opinions.

Give over. I've noticed a minor move towards enlightenment in recent times but they usually toed the party line in the past.
Independent means just that. One of Wednesdayite's problems and their failure to do anything of real substance while their club goes to the wall is that they got too close to the club

Indeed Shoreham. And it's good to see the education process has begun to get through to one or two on here.
I don't even think you're a lost cause yet.

I'd love to know exactly how we've "toed the party line" and failed to be independant thus far?

At the moment, the only reasoning I can see for you saying that is that as individuals we don't always agree with your opinion, just as it's rare two people from the entire Blades fanbase agree.

I struggle to see how we could ever toe a party line, when it's incredibly rare me and Linz completely agree with each other when it comes down to footballing matters.

I can't be arsed to dig out the number of times that Linz and Foxy have toed the club line when it's been challenged on here but I don't know who you lot think you're kidding by your puffed up indignation.
I did not and would not say they are not genuine fans. They'll have been to more matches than me in recent seasons for starters and more power to them for that.
That does not alter the fact that their opinions have often chimed with the establishment until a recent change in tone.
The over creamy attitude towards the fans forums also said suggested they weren't able to grasp when they were being fed the smelly stuff.
When it comes to being independent, you have to be just that.
And there's a lot more to United's problems than getting flags fire tested.

Is that the usual "can't be arsed" attitude when someone asks you to back up your opinion?

What recent change in tone is this?

That "over creamy" attitude was essentially being the only people bothered enough to attempt to bring the Q&A's to a wider audience, certainly in the first instance. We were there as fans, interested to hear what the Club and Kevin McCabe had to say to points raised by the supporters.

Given that you couldn't be bothered to go yourself, how else exactly would you have had the questions and answers to shoot down and proclaim as "smelly stuff"?

We, without the knowledge or permission of the club published a transcript completely verbatim for the wider community of Blades to digest and comment on. This is something that took us a great deal of time and effort for absolutely no gain whatsoever other than the knowledge that we'd helped those who couldn't attend to have access to what went on. Something which was lacking via other channels. I'm totally perplexed as to how that can be accused of pandering to the club?

As for the further fans forums, we tried to do the same again, this time actively opening dialogue with the club in terms of raising the issues of members/readers of this place. We passed on concerns and opinions to the people that they were aimed at. Many of these opinions and comments I didn't agree with personally, but I can assure you, they were passed to the man at the very top, who read and digested them. Again, I'm perplexed as to how this is pandering to the club?

You couldn't be bothered to go and put your opinions/searching questions across, so we did if for you (if I remember rightly and you did indeed raise something for us to pass on)... Yet we went and passed it on personally to the man at the top and we are the ones toeing a line/pandering to them?

As for the comment on flag testing, you can belittle it all you want, nobody is saying that it's the single key issue right now. What we've done is clarify the current position of the club on an issue which effects Blades supporters and communicated in further depth and clarity exactly the reasoning and ruling behind it.

The only thing I've seen from BIFF so far is some bizarre flag testing scheme allied to club screening of flags.
Maybe they'll get their act together, be prepared to question what is really happening at our club, criticise the complete failures of commercial and on the pitch performances and so on.

You will have seen and probably benefited from things BIFF have been part of, just because you've only "noticed" the stuff regarding flags doesn't mean there hasn't been more going on.

I do question whether their views are likely to be independent given their history of supporting the club line.
And I question it only in terms of BIFF, not in terms of their running of this forum which is fully their business.
I know the above is beyond simple yes and no answers but I hope you can grasp the point being made.

I strongly question your opinion on my integrity and wonder just how it's been formed. I also strongly question the fact you seem to think I'm unable to seperate my own opinions from those of others. Being part of BIFF isn't about giving my opinion and nothing else, it's about also trying to communicate the opinions and concerns of the wider fanbase... whether I agree with them or not (and don't think by that I'm claiming to speak for anyone else... I'm not and never will do).

I often disagree with your opinions Lenners, but today is the first time you've actually personally offended me.

If you wish to cast aspersions on us personally, then I'd prefer that you at least had the decency to back up what you say and quantify your claims (though i'm not holding my breath on that one).

I'd also prefer you'd had the decency to meet us and actually know us as people, before essentially proclaiming to everyone and their dog that we are liars.

The fact of the matter is, we are independant as a website and do have our own minds as individuals.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

You will have seen and probably benefited from things BIFF have been part of, just because you've only "noticed" the stuff regarding flags doesn't mean there hasn't been more going on.

All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?

 

[JohnDenver]

Lots of people beating on Lenny, I am sure Foxy and Linz can stand up for themselves on here

Equally, we know Lenners can do the same. For what it's worth (which isn't much), I think his concerns on this one are plain daft and reduce people's postions into artificially polarised camps.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?

Before I answer that question I need to know who you're with Bob.....the people's front of Judea? or the judean people's front?

 

[beechblade]

Right I'm not going to lambaste or rant at anyone, but with all the rumours and speculation... all on running the club and questions being asked about people doing something about things going on behind the scenes, I thought some of you might be interested in this, if your not thats fine. The link I've posted below is a course on the subject, what it will require... if you are willing to learn more about actual running of a club is around £14 and registering with the FA and its FA learning section and some of your time, anyone can under take these courses, I myself am a coach so they are handy for me but as a fan the knowledge of the basics are available for us all. If you are or do decide to engage the club in trying to change things in anyway it maybe of help to have a little prior knowledge or helpful knowledge about some of the work that has to be done.


http://falearning.thefa.com/docent/bin/docentisapi.dll/lms,thunder,2151/?CMD=LOGIN&file=frameset.jsm.... To access the course, if you have registered then go to online courses and scroll the page till you find FA Running a Club - Club Administration.



Cheers

Kieran

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Before I answer that question I need to know who you're with Bob.....the people's front of Judea? or the judean people's front?

Judian peoples front, FUCK OFF! 'Popular peoples Front of Judea'

 

[oldblade]

If Len has any decency and class he should, and would, make an apology right now.

You may as well hope to win first prize on the national lottery on that one, Foxy. Len will never apologise for anything. If he did, I would draw the conclusion that someone else has obtained his password and logged on in his name!

But, you are right. He should apologise. But he won't.

 

[CG Blade]

Not been posting on this forum for longand I have noticed that Linz and Foxy posting are not as prevelent as they used to be, so maybe they have other important things to do with there life, but I have not noticed that they toe the club line,. The forum is far better than others associsted with SUFC, and to me gives an even view of a cross section of opinions. I for one do not see it as a mouth piece for the club, and don't see the administrators toeing the club line.

Anyway on to the Macabe inteerview in today's Star, it is a non interview, everything has been said before, there is no word on how Macabe is going to help provide funds for transfers/loans.... you could have taken any interview in the last few years and published it again........ waste of time and print

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Anyway on to the Macabe inteerview in today's Star, it is a non interview, everything has been said before, there is no word on how Macabe is going to help provide funds for transfers/loans.... you could have taken any interview in the last few years and published it again........ waste of time and print

Another scoop for Mr Shields.

 

[Muttley]

waste of time and print

Bloody marvellous eh?

 

[Woodwaaard]

Equally, we know Lenners can do the same. For what it's worth (which isn't much), I think his concerns on this one are plain daft and reduce people's postions into artificially polarised camps.

Reducing people's positions into artificially polarised camps is precisely what Lenners tries to do all the time. Each response is crafted to elicit a relatively extreme reaction from the reader: Either a strong "I agree" or an equally strong "I disagree"

I PM'd Foxy about his methodolgy some time ago. Lenners and his previous alias on BU Viewpoints have been doing the same thing for years now

I'm afraid that Lenners is a Troll of the highest order

In my book he's a sort of Keyboard Joey Barton

or Twat (for short )

 

[yorkshirecoast]

We wait for ages to hear anything from McCabe & all he does is come out with complete drivel, most of which we have heard before. Once again he claims we have have spent more than most but completely ignores the fact that nobody has sold as many of their best players as we have in recent years.

The guy just doesn't seem to give a sh!t anymore.

 

[MunXy]

seems to me this thread has detracted from the original point and become debate as to if lenners is right in beliveing admin and owners of this fine, upstanding forum are toeing the club party line.Personally i dont believe so and think they have and are doing a fine job of keeping this forum independant, if it was as lenners alledges, not independant then id have to suppose that people such as him would have posts ripping SUFC policies and linz and foxy in particular apart would and could easily be deleted instead of allowing innuendo, cryptic suspicions and down right character assassination from people with slightly less knowledge of the in's and out's of actually running a forum with such openess and freedom of speech as this forum is than a mushroom omlette.
independnce means allowing ALL sides of any discussion and lenners, you should remember that even your arrogant and ill informed bollocks are even allowed here by virtue of linz and foxy's good grace.
so before casting such accusations you should ask yourself if they weren't independant of thought you for one would be elsewhere because other less free forums would have deleted an banned your ass long ago.
just because linz and foxy agree with as much of the "party line" as they feel happy with does under no circumstance digress from the fact they have thier own thoughts about all the shit going on at BDTBL and just because they dont agree with your stance or beliefs does not make them wrong or worse the enemy.
think long and hard lenners because reading this thread gives me cause to believe most think you should appologise profusely for deciding what people whogive freely thier time and energy to keep this place what it is a TOTALLY independant fans voice forum.
sorry for the length of this

MunXy

 

[super_pig]

i don't agree that the admins toe the party line.. bear in mind though that they do however have to be careful that they don't end up getting their arses sue'd off..

 

[Cheshire Cat]

I often disagree with your opinions Lenners, but today is the first time you've actually personally offended me.

If you wish to cast aspersions on us personally, then I'd prefer that you at least had the decency to back up what you say and quantify your claims (though i'm not holding my breath on that one).

I'd also prefer you'd had the decency to meet us and actually know us as people, before essentially proclaiming to everyone and their dog that we are liars.

The fact of the matter is, we are independant as a website and do have our own minds as individuals.

Hmmmn, I await a response to this from Lenners with bated breath. Although, if he had any decency he'd apologise in person for overstepping the mark and then point out he was mistaken. Banter's banter, and there's nowt better than getting everyone's views out in the open. I would hope that offence was never intended - and if it was taken, then an apology is in order.

 

[Yossarian]

Back to McCabe:

"There are few people in division, if any, who have spent more money across the board than Sheffield United have over the past few seasons," McCabe said. "With the benefit of hindsight, we have to conclude that it hasn't worked because we haven't been promoted. There have been others who have enjoyed more success, relatively speaking, than we have despite having smaller budgets.

"That has got to change. But that does not mean we are any less determined to get to where we want to be than in the past.

"We've spent money in the past. It didn't work. We're going to try something different. Like NOT spending."

"The development of players is crucially important. Spotting and identifying talent is going to be absolutely paramount.

"Likewise the academy, where we have already seen some fine prospects come through and where, from what we are being told, there is an equally exciting wave pushing hard to come through if not this season then the next.

"We're sorry, that you missed our special 'Buy one get one half price', but we've just sold out of fresh talent. Come back next year and get them at a special discount. Buy one get one free."

 

[super_pig]

interesting conclusions yossarian.. i sincerely hope that you are being over pessimistic but can't help being sympathetic to your opinions :/

 

[Yossarian]

Interesting also that he's said:

"There are few people in division, if any, who have spent more money across the board than Sheffield United have over the past few seasons"

When what he meant to say was:

"There are few people in division, if any, who have GIVEN more money TO the board than Sheffield United have over the past few seasons"