"Nervousness at the Club"

[Hodgyman]

We have heard much of the nervousness within the club of late, so how about the true supporters doing what they can do to help?

For a start they can stop abusing players who make a mistake. An example of late was the jeering and ironic cheering of George Long. That abuse is only going to make matters worse not better.

If a forward has a shot that misses the target, applaud the fact that he tried to score for us. The jeers that are so common at the Lane for not scoring make them less likely to shoot rather than pass the ball (or buck). Good examples are Kevin McDonald, Ryan Flynn and Michael Doyle are shot shy, all of which have scored fine goals for us in the past.

Save the boos and jeers for the opposition and officials.

I know that I will be judged as a "happy clapper" for this post, but if the idea of supporting and encouraging players to enable greater success on the field is not in the minds of those who turn up for matches (or post on these forums) then they should question whether they are real supporters.

Also, it is easy to criticise and identify areas that are wrong but please suggest what improvents that you would make to make things better, not just sack the manager or hang the chaiman.

 

[Jon Bon]

Personally, I'd like to see the players do a fair hour and a half's work for more than a fair hour and a half's pay. That might just rouse me to be a bit more appreciative.

 

[Rodley]

Has booing a player ever improved performance? At the final whistle fair enough, but during the 90 minutes?

For me the argument needs to be no more complex than that!

 

[Blade58]

Can someone explain why professional footballers, some of which have played 100's of games in front of decent crowds suddenly become nervous ............................ half way through a season?

I suspect Wilson doesn't really know why we've lost our form

I would argue it certainly isn't from nerves

As for booing, personally I think it's a no no, but that's just my opinion

When the time comes that someone feels strong enough to be booing their own, perhaps it's time for them to stop going and find somat else to do

Yes, I'm as pissed off as the next fan when it's evident that the performance of certain players looks below what it should be, but I never ever boo one of my own

I agree with the op "Save the boos and jeers for the opposition and officials."

 

[Coily]

A very noble sentiment, the concept of which I don't disagree with. Get behind the team etc, makes sense.

However, when it comes down to it, the players must take professional responsibility for their own performances and get the fans behind them that way. There was no blind devotion of the team in the past, and that's still the case now. It's probably less now, given the financial outlay we fans make. And part of the reason for the increased prices is down to the greatly increased pay these players get.

So when these players are very well paid, they must accept the inherant pressures and responsibilities of the job. I'm afraid the argument that our players are not shooting because they are scared of a negative response to failure elicits zero sympathy from me. If that is the case, they should have no future in professional football.

To the players, I'd say this. Do your job, or do another job with less pressure.

 

[TarquinDelouche]

Can someone explain why professional footballers, some of which have played 100's of games in front of decent crowds suddenly become nervous ............................ half way through a season?

Because a recent study has discovered that they are actually people. With feelings and personal problems. Some of them even have confidence issues.

 

[Blade58]

Because a recent study has discovered that they are actually people. With feelings and personal problems. Some of them even have confidence issues.

They are footballers paid as pros to do a pro job.

If they don't have the mental capacity or strength to carry that out on match days, then I'm afraid they are in the wrong job

What has changed from December to January?

F'k all would be my answer.

Some of those players just aren't performing and they need to look at themselves and pull their finger out

Wilson is the man to sort it out as he's the manager and paid to do as much

If he can't, then perhaps sooner or later something has to give

 

[Fiery Blade]

These guys are professional footballers, paid handsomely to do something they are better than most of us are, their choice , their rewards. When they don't perform to an expected level they should expect signs of displeasure from the people that pay to watch them perform - like a singer on a stage - if he's crap he will get booed - fact of life!
Whilst I don't advocate booing players =- it happenes and they should man up and accept it! or better still perform to their expected levels and get the fans cheering! Give them something to shout about!
Sorry Hodgyman, your're obviously from my era but I cannot agree - the players are pampered enough - get them to show some backbone, commitment, belief, heart, passion and a small measure of their god given talent and they will get cheered!!

 

[Jon Bon]

Because a recent study has discovered that they are actually people. With feelings and personal problems. Some of them even have confidence issues.

Link?

 

[Micalijo]

We have heard much of the nervousness within the club of late, so how about the true supporters doing what they can do to help?

For a start they can stop abusing players who make a mistake. An example of late was the jeering and ironic cheering of George Long. That abuse is only going to make matters worse not better.

If a forward has a shot that misses the target, applaud the fact that he tried to score for us. The jeers that are so common at the Lane for not scoring make them less likely to shoot rather than pass the ball (or buck). Good examples are Kevin McDonald, Ryan Flynn and Michael Doyle are shot shy, all of which have scored fine goals for us in the past.

Save the boos and jeers for the opposition and officials.

I know that I will be judged as a "happy clapper" for this post, but if the idea of supporting and encouraging players to enable greater success on the field is not in the minds of those who turn up for matches (or post on these forums) then they should question whether they are real supporters.

Also, it is easy to criticise and identify areas that are wrong but please suggest what improvents that you would make to make things better, not just sack the manager or hang the chaiman.

I've heard about a poisonous atmosphere but not nervousness Hodgy? Ineptitude, incompetence and general mis-management also.

I admire you, you are a true supporter but I'm afraid many just cannot back the club properly after having so many kicks in the teeth.

 

[madeinsheffield]

We're supporters, let's support.

Yes we pay our money which gives us the right to complain. However does anybody really think it has a positive effect on a player's performance. I don't mean be a happy clapper, just don't get on their backs. And please don't boo them off at half time, feels like a pantomime because 15 mins later they are usually cheered back out.

We're supposed to be together as one. I can just imagine the manager of the opposing team telling his players silence this big crowd, within 30 mins they'll be on their own players' backs.

Look what's happening at Chelsea for a perfect example of a negative home crowd affecting the performance of a team.

Rant done!

 

[Cheshire Cat]

These guys are professional footballers, paid handsomely to do something they are better than most of us are, their choice , their rewards. When they don't perform to an expected level they should expect signs of displeasure from the people that pay to watch them perform - like a singer on a stage - if he's crap he will get booed - fact of life!
Whilst I don't advocate booing players =- it happenes and they should man up and accept it! or better still perform to their expected levels and get the fans cheering! Give them something to shout about!
Sorry Hodgyman, your're obviously from my era but I cannot agree - the players are pampered enough - get them to show some backbone, commitment, belief, heart, passion and a small measure of their god given talent and they will get cheered!!

In a perfect world they would be man enough and improve to stop the boos. Trouble is, it's often easier to avoid boos and bollockings by hiding - obviously not enough to get booed or bollocked for hiding, but a square ball here when I could have risked taking the man on or a short pass to the bloke who's just passed it to me before making a clever run that wasn't spotted pushes the focus onto the mug that does try to do the right thing and makes a mistake. I give you Brian Howard. Pro footballers aren't daft and are just as crafty as the skivers in any workplace. Them being pampered just makes it worse.

I don't advocate laying off them or pretending all is rosey. But I can't see too many professional footballers deciding as a group to raise their standards because the crowd's on their back. More likely they'll coast through games until either the manager changes or they get a chance to go elsewhere.

I don't think they're sensitive souls at all - just cynical money-grabbers.

 

[Darren]

Can someone explain why professional footballers, some of which have played 100's of games in front of decent crowds suddenly become nervous ............................ half way through a season?

I suspect Wilson doesn't really know why we've lost our form

I would argue it certainly isn't from nerves

As for booing, personally I think it's a no no, but that's just my opinion

When the time comes that someone feels strong enough to be booing their own, perhaps it's time for them to stop going and find somat else to do

Yes, I'm as pissed off as the next fan when it's evident that the performance of certain players looks below what it should be, but I never ever boo one of my own

I agree with the op "Save the boos and jeers for the opposition and officials."

The thing is though, third division players are in the third division for a reason - they have serious flaws in their game that prevents them playing at a higher level. So, for example. you might have a player who is technically gifted, but has a fragile temparement and reacts badly to booing. Should we just boo him anyway, tell him to "man up" and remind him he is doing a job that thousands of people would love to do etc etc or should we do the best to try and instil confidence in him so he performs to the best of his ability?

 

[sitwell]

Can someone show me where they sell this confidence ,because apparently the more youre paid the less nervous you are. Some quality ways to slag off everything Sheffield United on this forum. Fans ? do me a favour.

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

booing is useless. like our team. i think people just get fed up cos of the way we play. if we had a real go and got battered, the fans would probably appreciate the effort more than the insipid stuff we have to put up with. maybe its an illusion, maybe the passion is there but were trying to keep it tight. but the end result looks like were going through the motions, waiting for every match to end.

 

[cahill]

I've mixed feelings on this. Personally I'd never boo a United player but that's how the game is. On Saturday Long constantly had his name chanted around me I'm sure he's pleased to hear it but he's playing professional sport and should be expected to "man up" when he's booed or catcalled. It's not cricket or tennis it's football and I'm sure he'll be expected to put up with more than booing during a successful career. Paddy Kenny used to get some right stick, admittedly from opposition fans. I'm sure George will be allright and survive after all he's not been subjected to racial or homophobic abuse like some have

 

[Bladesway]

Can someone show me where they sell this confidence ,because apparently the more youre paid the less nervous you are. Some quality ways to slag off everything Sheffield United on this forum. Fans ? do me a favour.

Now I don't condone the booing and I certainly wouldn't partake but shouldn't the people who turn up and pay good money have a right to support how they choose? Or are we going to take that away in a flurry of flags and loud music. Perhaps Garyoke could play the music that loud throughout the game no one would hear the booing? Or even better a bladesness test could be carried out prior to kick off. If you don't pass it you get electrocuted in a back room with someone in a uniform and a pair of jackboots? Ok enough of Darrens private life but realistically it is very simple.

Stop serving up crap and making piss poor excuses for it. Now some people will never be happy I know but in the main the majority want to go and enjoy themselves. Whats better for Sheffield United is we don't actually care too much if we win so long as we see 11 players giving 100% for the shirt. Not too many are seeing that right now nor have they for some time. Perhaps entertainment isn't too much to ask. An attacking formation that means we go blood and guts at it. Something that (while I hate the man) Warnock had a knack of doing.

Nervous? FFS don't make me laugh. I would pay to turn up for Sheffield United and I always would have. I'm too fat and old now granted but there wasn't a moment in my boyhood or in the times I played for any team at any time I didn't wish I wasn't gracing the hallowed turf. But like the rest I wasn't good enough. Those who are, no matter which team they turn out for on a Saturday should feel honoured that 20,000 people deem them interesting enough to show up for. As for being nervous if someone boos? Jesus christ do these people have brittle ego disease? If you do this for a living rather than just for fun then you take it seriously. You are supposedly focussed and wild horses shouldn't stop you throwing yourself into a tackle etc.

 

[Bladesway]

It's not cricket or tennis

I would suggest our cricketers are twice the men our footballers are to be fair. Ever had some bloke hurl several ounces of leather at you at 100mph from 22 yards away?

 

[Fiery Blade]

In a perfect world they would be man enough and improve to stop the boos. Trouble is, it's often easier to avoid boos and bollockings by hiding - obviously not enough to get booed or bollocked for hiding, but a square ball here when I could have risked taking the man on or a short pass to the bloke who's just passed it to me before making a clever run that wasn't spotted pushes the focus onto the mug that does try to do the right thing and makes a mistake. I give you Brian Howard. Pro footballers aren't daft and are just as crafty as the skivers in any workplace. Them being pampered just makes it worse.

I don't advocate laying off them or pretending all is rosey. But I can't see too many professional footballers deciding as a group to raise their standards because the crowd's on their back. More likely they'll coast through games until either the manager changes or they get a chance to go elsewhere.

I don't think they're sensitive souls at all - just cynical money-grabbers.

Therefore it is then the job of the Management team (Manager and Coaches) to root them out and get playing for the cause - These guys are mercenaries in real terms, whilst they don't necessarily support them they are paid by the club to do a job - if they are hiding, coasting, skiving then it is up to the manager to sort it!
Perhaps thats the problem, too many players coasting and the manager either unwilling (not a strong enough character) or unable (doesn't reall;y have any power) to change the mentality!

 

[Fiery Blade]

Can someone show me where they sell this confidence ,because apparently the more youre paid the less nervous you are. Some quality ways to slag off everything Sheffield United on this forum. Fans ? do me a favour.

You don't buy self confidence you build and develop it - possibly with the help of your coaches and manager!

Do you want all Blades fans to clap like seals whatever fayre is being served up!

Arsenal fans are up in arms because they haven't won a trophy for years, Tottenham fans are disgruntled because the always finish below Arsenal

Serve up sh!te performances week in week out with no fight, commitment, heart, passion and effort and Sitters and his mates will cheer you all day!!

 

[sitwell]

Trouble ,is the players who appear to be coasting are the ones that can change games and there would be a massive shitstorm if they were dropped for workhorses. Difficult one for a manager ,because ultimately these are the players who will have to pull us out of this spell.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Then it's the managers job to sort it - that's what he is paid for!
At this moment in time Doyle would have difficulty changing his shorts never mind the game!
Doyles game is based on a high work ethic - unfortunately he doesn't appear arsed to put it in!

 

[sitwell]

You don't buy self confidence you build and develop it - possibly with the help of your coaches and manager!

Do you want all Blades fans to clap like seals whatever fayre is being served up!

Arsenal fans are up in arms because they haven't won a trophy for years, Tottenham fans are disgruntled because the always finish below Arsenal

Serve up sh!te performances week in week out with no fight, commitment, heart, passion and effort and Sitters and his mates will cheer you all day!!

What a complete crock of shit ,why change my view to suit your views. That last sentence should embarrass you ,grow up

 

[Fiery Blade]

What a complete crock of shit ,why change my view to suit your views. That last sentence should embarrass you ,grow up

Please explain 'Crock of Shit'
You appear to want to defend mediocrity and poor performances yet get upset when someone questions your views!
I don't want you to change your views!
I personally don't like watching highly paid professional footballers cheating the paying public by not putting in a performance
If you do, then fine it's your shout!

 

[alcoblade]

The club has been run to the ground and we've every right to moan privately about it. But I can't understand why anyone can't get behind the product they've paid money to support during the 90 minutes.

That said, our ponderous style of play can easily be judged (or mistaken?) for lack of effort, and that's one thing fans can't tolerate.

Either way, the players are human, vastly overpaid or not. They respond to encouragement and whether they deserve it or not, its in all our interests, and makes for a better experience all round.

UTB

 

[Darren]

We are in the third division and hence have third rate players. Yes. we'd really like them to show the skill, mental toughness and commitment of premier league players, but I am afraid we will have to get to the PL before that happens.

No-one is stopping anyone from booing and expressing their feelings in any way they choose. Some of us are just questioning whether that sort of behaviour is counter-productive.

 

[Darren]

The club has been run to the ground and we've every right to moan privately about it. But I can't understand why anyone can't get behind the product they've paid money to support during the 90 minutes.

That said, our ponderous style of play can easily be judged (or mistaken?) for lack of effort, and that's one thing fans can't tolerate.

Either way, the players are human, vastly overpaid or not. They respond to encouragement and whether they deserve it or not, its in all our interests, and makes for a better experience all round.

UTB

Exactly.

 

[sitwell]

No where have i ever said i cheer shite performances or any other of the bollocks you come up with. End of debate because there is no point debating with someone who just makes up the oppositions view. Sad.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Every paying member of the crowd has a right to make his feelings known - Whilst I would never boo - I think it's counter productive I do retain the right to complain about the performances on forums such as this one!
I don't expect everyone to agree - some will strongly disagree but as they say it takes all sorts!
I usually find that the players will get the encouragement if they try - not many people will applaud a player that can't be arsed - except perhaps one or two

 

[Darren]

Every paying member of the crowd has a right to make his feelings known - Whilst I would never boo - I think it's counter productive I do retain the right to complain about the performances on forums such as this one!
I don't expect everyone to agree - some will strongly disagree but as they say it takes all sorts!
I usually find that the players will get the encouragement if they try - not many people will applaud a player that can't be arsed - except perhaps one or two

Just because one has a "right" to do something doesn't mean one should do it. I have the right to get myself blind drunk everynight whilst eating nothing but McDoanalds, but I don't think it would be agood idea for me to do that.