I dont know where to start with this Bob. Sometimes I agree with you, other times I don't. This post will reveal the latter. I agree with the first part, a £14M wage budget is significant and he should have produced better if that's what he's had from the start. I also agree that some wont renew ST's because of him. Although 12,000 at this stage isnt bad for a club with an unpopular manager
I understand that argument but there is no getting away from the fact that on Saturday I was talking to the people who sit round me (all season ticket holders) and none of them were renewing unless Blackie goes.
Now around me are people with families and we worked out that that was around 20 ST not being renewed just sat around my seat. While I think we will top 15-16,000 I think if SoD was brought in we would be looking at 18-19,000 again.
KB has never fallen out with Wardy and the suggestion is utter rubbish. Both parties have come out and confirmed as much themselves. Its sheer shit-stirring and propaganda aimed at unsettling the player and manager. Most Blades have accepted that its bollocks and the only place I now still hear this rumour (thats all it is) is on here.
OK, you either believe this or you don't but I heard this from as close to the horses mouth as you are likely to get. They had a bust up, Wardy was very upset about it and spoke about it. The club then saw it hit the net via BM and Birch went ballistic. This coupled with the posting of what was discussed in the meeting with the academy resulted in all staff being reminded that 1st team business leaking out was a disciplinary offence. This wasn't in a open meeting kind of a way but official 1 to 1 meetings with Simon Argyle amongst others, since which the club have continually monitored a couple of internet sites while they try and work out who put this information into the public domain. On the back of this Wardy was summoned to put out the statement by the club . Soon afterwards Wardy was asked about the incident again while out in Sheffield and he said he had to keep his head down and didn't want to talk about it, he just wanted to concentrate on getting his early season form back.
Now if you know something different from the player himself then fine but that is what happened at the time.
Henderson is a highly regarded player at this level. Despite his obvious disciplinary failings and occasional no-shows, should United choose to cash in on him there will be a queue for his services mark my words.
Good I seriously hope so.
The academy does seem to be failing to produce talent at this present time, I think we can all agree on that but from all accounts this age group hasnt been the best. TB and the coaches have insisted that in two or three years a very good crop is due to come through so we will just have to wait and see on that.
The academy feel that good talent hasn't been given a fair chance in the first team. They feel that Naughton was only given a chance because of the chronic injuries problems and because he did well Walker was brought in when the situation worsened. Blackwells treatment of Ron Reid and the assumption that he knew best was disgraceful and Blackwells demeanour around Shirecliffe is also very very poor. Both him and Ellis enjoy intimidating the academy staff and players and that is no way to work. Both Naughton and Walker were ready to go elsewhere as they felt they hadn't been given enough chances and even the board now accept that the first team staff haven't used the academy as they should of done.
If the people around you dont want to renew their ST's then thats their prerogative. I both respect and understand the reasons for this, but spitting the dummy out of the pram when the club dont achieve promotion is not going to solve anything or make anyone feel any better. I am far from satsified with this season but at the end of the day you will always have 23 other teams competing against us and its not possible for everyone to succeed. When mistakes have been made and you havent been good enough, you just have to hold up your hands which most people at the club have done. If it wasnt being recognised at all, that is when I would start to worry!
Firstly we are talking about long term ST holders here not one of the adults are under 40, and Premiership football has got nothing to do with it. They can't stand Blackwell, the football he players, the bollocks he comes out with, or have any faith in the majority of players he signs. In all honesty I think a high percentage of them will relent, but they aren't happy and it shouldn't be overlooked.
You are bang on the money about mistakes being made and you just have to hold your hands up. It is of no surprise that while Birch and McCabe have done this the one person who hasn't and has refused to is the one ultimately responsible.