McCabe speaks........

[silverfox]

From the OS..........

Collective strength and calm are required to drive Sheffield United forward in the New Year.

And the Blades' remarkable fans - the club is the best supported in the Championship - have a key role to play.

That's the message today (Mon, New Year's Eve) from PLC Chairman Kevin McCabe, more determined than ever to put behind 2007 disappointments to bring on-field success to match the club's remarkable off-the-field progress.

"I am working ever hard to make to make 2008 the start of an even more successful playing and commercial period for Sheffield United. "The supporters who have been to Cardiff or seen the home performances against Blackpool and Palace know we are going through a difficult period. But, this is the time when we all need to be strong and stay calm.

"On and off the pitch we have so much to gain. The fans have to be behind the team and show that we have an exceptional club capable of being a force in the game and attractive to the opportunities which now exist in soccer for further investment in clubs such as ours.

"A collective strength is required - we all have a part to play to get the Blades moving forward again," said Mr McCabe, who took time out to talk to disappointed supporters who had gathered in the club's car park after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Neil Warnock's Crystal Palace.

"Supporters can make their comments and state their opinions, that's all part of the fabric of the game. Those I spoke to on Saturday in the car park now fully understand that I am determined to make this club a success on and off the pitch.

"But some comments made by some fans during the course of Saturday's match were not helpful A goal down at home is when our players and coaching team need vocal backing and encouragement. Sadly, at times, that was missing. We want Bramall Lane to be a place where our players can be kings in their own fortress.

"The club and the soccer management team recognise that, after recent results, changes in the playing staff are required. The addition of Gary Speed, who brings a wealth of experience, is a start and we will continue to address these issues. I have spoken to Bryan Robson and he knows what is required. But we need the fans to be with us on this journey which, with a run of good results, could still see us challenging for a return to the Premier League from where we were so unfairly relegated from last season," added Mr McCabe.

 

[keenzy]

my new years resolution,

stop bitching about united and get behind them, im not calling for robsons head now until the end of the season.

There.

 

[silverfox]

my new years resolution,

stop bitching about united and get behind them, im not calling for robsons head now until the end of the season.

There.

They never last!

 

[The One]

i've only called for his head inside my head or on here the odd time....but never at the matches.

 

[Foxy]

For those that didn't hear it...heres the transcript from his chat on Radio Sheffield tonight (I've kindly typed it all out):


McCabe: The crowd of which i'm a member, are disappointed, frustrated and exasperated at times by the way we've played over the two Christmas games. But you know, all fans know that we should have won those games. We missed chances, pretty easy chances, in both matches which could have brought 6 points not 1. What disappointed me as a fan, was that when we played Palace, parts of the crowd actually aided the opposition. Shouting for Neils return and to be shouting for the sacking of our own manager, not at the end of the game, but in the middle of the game, I really scratch my head.

You know, over the last few years, we've built up great support at Sheffield United. The best support i've known in my lifetime where we have now the highest average attendance in the championship. We had nearly 31000 back in our season in the Premiership. We don't wanna lose that support, we're all supporters together and if it's taken us a good few years to recreate this new Sheffield United, including at least 25000 United supporters... Lets not lose it, lets not create a crisis, lets try and make Bramall Lane the stadium and the filled stadium with supporters who really show the passion for that team. Yes frustrations after the match, one can accept that, but not whilst we're playing! and thats what sort of disappointed me, we've gotta get the supporters back and not create a crisis. Enjoy watching this new United, accept that somethings not as it should be, but its not something that won't be cured. Because the people at the helm aren't fools, they are pretty sensible guys who have done an awful lot to make sure Sheffield United are a very much admired football club, in the UK and beyond.

Radio Sheffield: It's difficult though to enjoy whats being served up at the moment...

McCabe: Yes, but Seth, that's short term. You know some of the most successful teams at times play pretty patchy football but grind out the results. We are going through a period, and you know, 2007 has been a wretched year for the Blades, don't try and explain why, but you know we've won so few matches, the second half of the premiership although we did so well in the first. We've had the face of relegation, both because of the number of points we got, but also because of the Tevez affair. We've had a pretty miserable start to our return to the championship, but hey.... This isn't a crisis!, this is a club thats got a fine squad of players, a good management system, a great football infrastructure and you know, with everyone pulling together, not tearing apart, it will come right, we will get success.

You know Seth, thank god i'm ever more determined that 2008 I will work even more harder with initiatives to bring United through. I aint gonna pack in, I aint gonna quit, I aint gonna sort of shout and yell at my own club. I am a supporter just like every other fan, i'm gonna work harder to get it right, because i'm desperate for Sheffield United to be successful.

Radio Sheffield: Some people would say, well it's easy for you, your not going into debt to come and watch some of the football, which isn't as was promised in pre-season.

McCabe: Thats a promise that we hope to adhere to, it's not worked out, thats the beauty and the beast of football. We are not the only club who build up its aspirations, believe its got a good squad but it takes longer to blend. If you could find the answer to the puzzle, we'd all be millionaires! So you know....

Radio Sheffield: YOU ARE!

McCabe: Yeah, but you know, so much of my fortune has been ploughed to make United a team that it's never been in my lifetime. You know we've always played second fiddle to Sheffield Wednesday and other yorkshire clubs. Now we've got a fantastic infrastructure, a great stadium, we've built up the 25000 support, don't let those supporters get downcast because we've not had a good start to the championship, they gotta stick with it, they are part of the reason as to why we have re-created ourselves. Lets not get despair, lets not create our own drama. Yeah, we all accept its exasperating but, lets make 2008 which starts in a few hours time, something quite special for United! Lets cheer and yell! and cheer and yell for that team during the whole 90 minutes! To HELP them get back on track, to help them get back confidence!

Radio Sheffield: Have you told the manager that he's gotta do his bit as well? he's gotta put on a product that people can cheer?

McCabe: He's absolutely trying to do that. You can say very clearly that it may not be working at the moment, but its not for lack of dedication, commitment, effort AND i'll use one word which fans use in reverse... its not for the lack of passion. People show passion in different ways.

I hope we have that bit of luck, I hope 2008 brings with it that fortune that 2007's left behind for Sheffield United.

It has been a wretched year on the field at first team level for the Blades and you ask me why?, I can't answer you. Its just the way it is, but come on fans, we are a great club again, lets be proud of United and lets all really shout ever louder to give support and lets start that 2008 with a new vigour and a new determination at supporter level.

Radio Sheffield: You were approached as you left the stadium on Saturday by a group of fans demanding answers to questions and shouting and jeering, whats your response to that? and what was the feeling at the time for you?

McCabe: I am a fan, so I understand, I was frustrated as any other supporter on Saturday, but you know, I maybe have to contain some of my frustrations, because I site in the directors box. I have to be hospitable to opposing directors and the like. I have to show courtesy and good manners.
When I go out to speak to supporters, I understand where they are coming from, but i'm really saying look, don't create a crisis here lads, still support your club, still support those who are making decisions. I believe we will get it right. If i'm wrong, i'm proved wrong, but at least in life I make decisions and i'm a strong man at doing that.

Radio Sheffield: Has Bryan Robson got a completely carte blanch to do whatever he likes now? is he completely untouchable?

Mccabe: I think thats a question that is too far fetched Seth. I mean Bryan is our team manager, he's got a strong coaching team of qualified professionals. He's bringing, he's attempting to reshape the squad which he's done in part and obviously with Gary Speed now being a Blade that sees him performing for us as from tomorrow... If he wants to strengthen that squad thats what he'll be doing. We are an ambitious club who intend to go forwards, its just not worked out so far.

Radio Sheffield: But in terms of his future at the football club? People will say that over the period of time, if your not in the top 6 getting towards a premiership place.. at what point does Kevin McCabe sit down and say i've put all my eggs in this basket and it isn't quite working, maybe we've gotta look at something else?

McCabe: Only myself can answer that Seth, but at the minute i'm firmly behind Bryan Robson, I believe we will get it right and he has my support to see the squad improved, reshaped as appropriate.

Radio Sheffield: What is it that you see that the fans don't?

McCabe: Dedication, commitment, effort and a spirit. The fans don't see that, but you know if any of us watching the game from the touchline know better than those that are on the pitch playing the game.. We are all that way, I know what goes on behind the scenes, I know the dedication and effort that goes into making Uniteds first team squad in terms of a first class first team squad... it aint quite happening right at the minute, Bryan Robson knows that, I know that also, but I believe that given time, a wee bit more time, it will come right.

Radio Sheffield: Just going back to Bryan, do you think theres a certain section of the fans that will never buy into what he's about?

McCabe: Probably, but there were always a certain section of the fans that would never buy into what Neil was all about, I can assure you as a chairman during the majority of Neils reign, i've lost quite a few friends. At times when they were desperate for me, pestering me, pleading with me, shouting at me to remove Neil which I wouldn't do. So you know, nothing changes, opinions from supporters swing from week to week, a guy who can be a hero can then become a villain and vice versa.

 

[Linz]

Thanks for that Fox... couldn't be arsed to listen to the RS muppets

 

[happyhippy]

Thanks for that Foxy. I can never fault King Kev for his heart, and more so, he's put his coins before him too.

As much as he's been the best we've had for years; as much as he's a Blade; as much as I can't think there's anything he can do immrdiately without spending a fortune, we're in a real pickle.

 

[dingledog]

Well done mate for that, happy new year to you

 

[S64 Blade]

Thanks for that Foxy.

You can't knock what McCabe has done for the club, i just hope he can continue that and if the situation at the club doesn't improve soon, something is done before it's too late.

 

[Samantha]

Mr McCabe collared my dad in the car park Saturday morning before the game - he's known my dad a few years so recognised him when dad mouthed off after the game on Boxing Day in the direction of the directors box!

He shook his hand, put his arm round him and waved his finger in front of his face - "I'm telling you we've got the best manager in this division. He will turn things around you mark my words. There's no need for all this shouting, you mark my words - he's our man"

Half of me trusts him, always had a lot of respect for McCabe, and pray he's right (again) - he's done so much for this club, it'd be a shame to see things go the wrong way.

 

[keenzy]

if we have the best manager in the division, why do we keep putting out poor performances?

 

[Come from away]

Just means he is staying, he's sure the best we have got, if he fills in more for the mid-field and we still struggle we can worry but right now it's the only shot we have got. Enjoy!