O'Driscoll - blank canvas

[Bramley]

I can't see how we would have a realistic chance of getting O'Driscoll considering he has a better squad, better resources, a good chairman and turned down Burnley in the Prem to stay at Donny and finish the job.

It's just not realistic.

 

[lenners]

I can't see how we would have a realistic chance of getting O'Driscoll considering he has a better squad, better resources, a good chairman and turned down Burnley in the Prem to stay at Donny and finish the job.

It's just not realistic.

I'm not sure he turned down Burnley but of course we would have a realistic chance of getting him if we really wanted him.
Depends what prospectus we're putting out.

 

[Bramley]

Can't agree with you there Len. It's taken him 4 years to build up Donny and they are a season away from being top 6 contenders. If he has another good season I think lower league Premiership clubs will be looking at him as a potential manager. In addition, John Ryan has started to loosen his purse strings e.g. Billy Sharp. Why would he come to us? It'd be another 4 to 5 years of changing our squad along with the real prospect of starting the job (properly) in League One with no money. I just can't see the attraction to him I'm afraid.

I think a manager lower down the food chain, on his way up is a more realistic option.

 

[lenners]

Can't agree with you there Len. It's taken him 4 years to build up Donny and they are a season away from being top 6 contenders. If he has another good season I think lower league Premiership clubs will be looking at him as a potential manager. In addition, John Ryan has started to loosen his purse strings e.g. Billy Sharp. Why would he come to us? It'd be another 4 to 5 years of changing our squad along with the real prospect of starting the job (properly) in League One with no money. I just can't see the attraction to him I'm afraid.

I think a manager lower down the food chain, on his way up is a more realistic option.

Like I said, it depends on the prospectus we're putting out.
If we're saying for god sake just keep us up this season then clearly not.
If we're saying we think you can shape this club for years to come and your ultimate chance of sustained success is better here than at Donny, then maybe.

 

[Tuns]

Not sure he's going to get many if any chances of a Prem club on the basis Donny are bobbing about in the top half of the table, and his low profile (rightly or wrongly) doesn't help him.

He needs a big club in big trouble where there is the potential to build to get to the Prem and stay there long term.

There is always the odd Blackpool and Burnley but realistically he knows he has more chance of managing in the Prem if he goes to a championship club with potential.

Having said that we may now be in a bit too much trouble for him! And McCabe would bottle it anyway.

 

[super_pig]

>And McCabe would bottle it anyway
indeed.. unless donny start pulling in 25k fans all of a sudden, they'll always find it difficult to compete at the highest level because they simply can't generate the revenues to fund the standard of players they need.. they could only afford billy because the chairman funded it from his own pocket.. *idea*.. we need donny's chairman.. not manager!!

 

[Bramley]

>And McCabe would bottle it anyway
indeed.. unless donny start pulling in 25k fans all of a sudden, they'll always find it difficult to compete at the highest level because they simply can't generate the revenues to fund the standard of players they need.. they could only afford billy because the chairman funded it from his own pocket.. *idea*.. we need donny's chairman.. not manager!![/]

Ah you don't need 25k in the Prem, it's all about the TV money. Blackpool doing alright, ditto Blackburn, Bolton, Fulham, Wigan etc.

 

[super_pig]

yeah but you need to buy decent players to 'get you there' in the first place.. that is the connundrum

 

[Toronto Blade]

Can't agree with you there Len. It's taken him 4 years to build up Donny and they are a season away from being top 6 contenders. If he has another good season I think lower league Premiership clubs will be looking at him as a potential manager. In addition, John Ryan has started to loosen his purse strings e.g. Billy Sharp. Why would he come to us? It'd be another 4 to 5 years of changing our squad along with the real prospect of starting the job (properly) in League One with no money. I just can't see the attraction to him I'm afraid.

I think a manager lower down the food chain, on his way up is a more realistic option.

Mickey Adams or Keith Hill would fit that bill.

 

[Pinchy]

I'm sorry Bramley but it is quite absurd to label 'unrealistic' the prospect of the Doncaster Rovers manager taking over at Sheffield United. Of course, he'd take the job - like a shot!

Whatever the current respective positions of the clubs, it would remain a step up in class. A much bigger job at a much bigger club. It's a move any manager with ambition would make, and SOD has ambition.

I know we have significant and substantial problems at the moment but you are hugely underselling us.

If we can summon up enough ambition to make the offer, he'll be here, make no mistake.

Come on you 'ambitious old git', make it happen!!

 

[chipsncake]

Sadly I think we already know the answer and the spiral will continue.
If we continue down this road I think the whole future of the club will be in doubt. Football is continuing to change, becoming more global and if and when SWFC slip past with the help of the alleged tax dodger I wonder what the point of United, with gates likely to be around 10,000, will really be.
A lot of people I never thought would walk away have done. That process will accelerate.

Interesting point re people you thought would never walk away. I too know many former stalwart Blades of many years standing who either no longer go or say this will be their last season ticket under this regime. I really do wonder if McCabe is fully aware of the seriousness of our current position and how he is alienating so many of the fan base which took so long to build. On the face of it he refuses to accept any responsibility for where we now find ourselves and doesn't realise the implications that making piss poor managerial appointments has had. Maybe he has one more chance, but who would put money on him getting it right this time.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Can't agree with you there Len. It's taken him 4 years to build up Donny and they are a season away from being top 6 contenders. If he has another good season I think lower league Premiership clubs will be looking at him as a potential manager. In addition, John Ryan has started to loosen his purse strings e.g. Billy Sharp. Why would he come to us? It'd be another 4 to 5 years of changing our squad along with the real prospect of starting the job (properly) in League One with no money. I just can't see the attraction to him I'm afraid.

I think a manager lower down the food chain, on his way up is a more realistic option.

My argument would be that if he can do what he's done with Donny given their resources, he could do more with us. OK, our stock is falling at the moment but he's as much as said that he doesn't think he can take Donny any further.

 

[Grecian2000]

I'm sorry Bramley but it is quite absurd to label 'unrealistic' the prospect of the Doncaster Rovers manager taking over at Sheffield United. Of course, he'd take the job - like a shot!

Whatever the current respective positions of the clubs, it would remain a step up in class. A much bigger job at a much bigger club. It's a move any manager with ambition would make, and SOD has ambition.

I know we have significant and substantial problems at the moment but you are hugely underselling us.

For 120 years this would have been an undeniable truth. The last two years, if they've shown anything, is that we have become a club where balance sheet goes before performance, where profit goes before style and where financial results mean more than those on a Saturday afternoon.
We have no soul as a football club anymore. Why would O'Driscoll want to walk away from what he has now for that?

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

For 120 years this would have been an undeniable truth. The last two years, if they've shown anything, is that we have become a club where balance sheet goes before performance, where profit goes before style and where financial results mean more than those on a Saturday afternoon.
We have no soul as a football club anymore. Why would O'Driscoll want to walk away from what he has now for that?

A challenge. Plus, if he got us playing, or even showing signs of playing the kind of football Donny do the fans would be more than happy. IMO, we have enough footballers in the squad for him to have something to work on, before he starts bringing his own players in. He's picked up players for nothing who have gone on to perform at this level before.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Sadly I think we already know the answer and the spiral will continue.
If we continue down this road I think the whole future of the club will be in doubt. Football is continuing to change, becoming more global and if and when SWFC slip past with the help of the alleged tax dodger I wonder what the point of United, with gates likely to be around 10,000, will really be.
A lot of people I never thought would walk away have done. That process will accelerate.

I was only thinking last night that we were due a yellow len prediction about how quickly the dark side will rise again, and here it is, bang on cue. I'd have expected Leeds to get a mention too, as one of the large phlanx of clubs we should aspire to emulate.

Personally, I wouldn't swop our last ten years for either of theirs, but I suppose it doesn't matter much to you, you couldn't even enjoy the good days, so the bad days must be even sweeter now they're here

Thank you for your inevitable prediction of continuing decline, though I expect you were saying the same thing ten years when Warnock arrived. I did see a post of yours where you even questioned SUFC's ongoing existence. A lot of people have been thinking a big club might eventually go pop, Pompey, W*dnesday, how stupid of us not to realise it'll be us.

AGM Saturday, yellow len's chance to bring about positive change, but understandably, you can't, because the AGM's in the Copthorne, damn.........

 

[ghandi]

I was only thinking last night that we were due a yellow len prediction about how quickly the dark side will rise again, and here it is, bang on cue. I'd have expected Leeds to get a mention too, as one of the large phlanx of clubs we should aspire to emulate.

Personally, I wouldn't swop our last ten years for either of theirs, but I suppose it doesn't matter much to you, you couldn't even enjoy the good days, so the bad days must be even sweeter now they're here

I have a spare attendance card for the AGM as I can't attend (but for logistical reasons nothinh to do with the nlocation)

Thank you for your inevitable prediction of continuing decline, though I expect you were saying the same thing ten years when Warnock arrived. I did see a post of yours where you even questioned SUFC's ongoing existence. A lot of people have been thinking a big club might eventually go pop, Pompey, W*dnesday, how stupid of us not to realise it'll be us.

AGM Saturday, yellow len's chance to bring about positive change, but understandably, you can't, because the AGM's in the Copthorne, damn.........

I can't go the AGM on Sat for logistical reasons rather than anything to do with venue. Anyone wishing to go and you're in Sheffield City Centre tomorrow where I can hand it over....first one to PM me can go and vent their spleen.

 

[Trigger Blade]

I can't go the AGM on Sat for logistical reasons rather than anything to do with venue. Anyone wishing to go and you're in Sheffield City Centre tomorrow where I can hand it over....first one to PM me can go and vent their spleen.

I'm pretty sure anybody can attend as a guest if they sign in. Technically, they wouldn't be allowed to vent their spleen, but I don't see how that could be stopped. You don't have to wave your papers or identify yourself as the mic arrives.

My rant will start "len says you're all cowards......."

 

[ghandi]

I'm pretty sure anybody can attend as a guest if they sign in. Technically, they wouldn't be allowed to vent their spleen, but I don't see how that could be stopped. You don't have to wave your papers or identify yourself as the mic arrives.

My rant will start "len says you're all cowards......."

Nige.....I'm pretty sure you do have to be shareholder to gain entrance unless you're a member of the Press.

 

[lenners]

I was only thinking last night that we were due a yellow len prediction about how quickly the dark side will rise again, and here it is, bang on cue. I'd have expected Leeds to get a mention too, as one of the large phlanx of clubs we should aspire to emulate.

Personally, I wouldn't swop our last ten years for either of theirs, but I suppose it doesn't matter much to you, you couldn't even enjoy the good days, so the bad days must be even sweeter now they're here

Thank you for your inevitable prediction of continuing decline, though I expect you were saying the same thing ten years when Warnock arrived. I did see a post of yours where you even questioned SUFC's ongoing existence. A lot of people have been thinking a big club might eventually go pop, Pompey, W*dnesday, how stupid of us not to realise it'll be us.

AGM Saturday, yellow len's chance to bring about positive change, but understandably, you can't, because the AGM's in the Copthorne, damn.........

Aye, one year in the top flight out of ten - or 17 if you wanted to be precise - doesnae get much better than that Trig.
When did you hold your street party or is it still in the planning stage?
And I don't think we'll go bust, I think we could just wither on the vine into nowt.

 

[Sirius]

Does it matter if we go down this season?
Can only see another season fighting relegation if we manage to survive this year anyway.
For me, we go out with a purpose for O'Driscoll and show leadership or we go for Micky Adams, who I could see stoking up the fire a bit but longer term, probably not really.

Lenners. What's happened to your support for Mick McCarthy? I seem to remember you had him as your front runner when we changed managers. Just interested!

 

[lenners]

Lenners. What's happened to your support for Mick McCarthy? I seem to remember you had him as your front runner when we changed managers. Just interested!

Last seen managing a club in the Prem as far as I know.
Not that I got that one right as well, of course..

 

[Trigger Blade]

Aye, one year in the top flight out of ten - or 17 if you wanted to be precise - doesnae get much better than that Trig.
When did you hold your street party or is it still in the planning stage?
And I don't think we'll go bust, I think we could just wither on the vine into nowt.

It didn't need a street party just to be happy we've had a better last ten years than either of them len, but I think you knew that, you silly billy. I'm relieved you've backtracked on us disappearing.

---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------

Nige.....I'm pretty sure you do have to be shareholder to gain entrance unless you're a member of the Press.

I'm a shareholder anyway, as it happens. I only mentioned getting in without being one because I went to a (proper) PLC AGM last week. I'm a shareholder there too, but through an online acoount, so they couldn't identify my modest shareholding as mine. They let me sign in as a guest, so I assumed that was always the case. It wasa bloody good buffet too, more than we'll get on Saturday I bet.

 

[lenners]

It didn't need a street party just to be happy we've had a better last ten years than either of them len, but I think you knew that, you silly billy. I'm relieved you've backtracked on us disappearing.

---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------



I'm a shareholder anyway, as it happens. I only mentioned getting in without being one because I went to a (proper) PLC AGM last week. I'm a shareholder there too, but through an online acoount, so they couldn't identify my modest shareholding as mine. They let me sign in as a guest, so I assumed that was always the case. It wasa bloody good buffet too, more than we'll get on Saturday I bet.

I have Leeds spending four of the last 10 in the Prem, with a Champions League semi-final in 2001, now above us and only a couple of points off automatic promotion.
The Porkers I give you - never suggested otherwise - but struggling with your logic on the other one.
Not backtracked on anything. I never suggested we'd go bust - I simply think so many people are utterly fed up with United and prepared to walk away that the club will just wither on its own.
Unless an owner and/or manager grabs the situation by the knackers that is.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I have Leeds spending four of the last 10 in the Prem, with a Champions League semi-final in 2001, now above us and only a couple of points off automatic promotion.
The Porkers I give you - never suggested otherwise - but struggling with your logic on the other one.
Not backtracked on anything. I never suggested we'd go bust - I simply think so many people are utterly fed up with United and prepared to walk away that the club will just wither on its own.
Unless an owner and/or manager grabs the situation by the knackers that is.

Forgeting all this bickering, Birch's comments today very interesting lenbit, wants someone with Championship experience, someone to play the style of football he wants, there's one outstanding applicant in his eyes so far but he might be trickier to get

 

[lenners]

Forgeting all this bickering, Birch's comments today very interesting lenbit, wants someone with Championship experience, someone to play the style of football he wants, there's one outstanding applicant in his eyes so far but he might be trickier to get

Struggle to believe it.
Believe he might think SOD would make a good manager at the Lane but struggle to believe there's the commitment and wherewithal to do it.
One step at a time though. I'm pleased we've had confirmation that Trevor Birch does still exist.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Struggle to believe it.
Believe he might think SOD would make a good manager at the Lane but struggle to believe there's the commitment and wherewithal to do it.
One step at a time though. I'm pleased we've had confirmation that Trevor Birch does still exist.

I seem to remember he has a clause in his contract and it wasn't that Burnley couldn't afford it last season, it was a combination of him not actually wanting to take on a relegated club and Burnley going for a cheaper option in Laws. I would imagine with the compo from Wales and the difference in salaries, we wouldn't be any worse off which has to be a key factor as far as the board are concerned so it depends a lot on whether he wants the challenge. For all the reasons above, and if both parties are up for it why not, he ticks all the boxes ?

 

[sheffielder]

I seem to remember he has a clause in his contract and it wasn't that Burnley couldn't afford it last season, it was a combination of him not actually wanting to take on a relegated club and Burnley going for a cheaper option in Laws. I would imagine with the compo from Wales and the difference in salaries, we wouldn't be any worse off which has to be a key factor as far as the board are concerned so it depends a lot on whether he wants the challenge. For all the reasons above, and if both parties are up for it why not, he ticks all the boxes ?

However bad we are, we are only 5 points behind Doncaster I think. We have shown in patches that we have some players who can play football and Scunthorpe strangely remains one of our best performances this season. Because he players youngsters and picks up a bargain we would be a good fit for him and this would be a good chance because I think his stock could slip eventually. He could build the infrastructure at our club for years to come and would be a great person to attract youngsters in the area. To me this is the only person who I think Kevin would give us one last chance with. Yes we might struggle for the rest of the season but the end game is worth it

 

[lenners]

I seem to remember he has a clause in his contract and it wasn't that Burnley couldn't afford it last season, it was a combination of him not actually wanting to take on a relegated club and Burnley going for a cheaper option in Laws. I would imagine with the compo from Wales and the difference in salaries, we wouldn't be any worse off which has to be a key factor as far as the board are concerned so it depends a lot on whether he wants the challenge. For all the reasons above, and if both parties are up for it why not, he ticks all the boxes ?

Ticks all the boxes for me but I doubt the compo from Wales is more than a couple of hundred grand and Donny would be wanting more than that I suspect.
Unfortunately, I think McCabe/Birch will still be looking only at the immediate bottom line and not taking any longer view.
That will damage the bottom line further in the long run but strategic or even mildly clever/sensible planning seems to be completely beyond them.

 

[Wards]

I think TB was alluding that the compo was around 300/400k. May have misheard but I sizeable wedge if we really wanted SOD.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Unfortunately, I think McCabe/Birch will still be looking only at the immediate bottom line and not taking any longer view.

That's not what Birch said in the interview. Actions speak louder of course. Rumours are around £500K compo from Wales and yes, it probably would take more to get SO'D but his wage won't be as high as Speed's so over say, a 3 year contract, I don't think there'd be much in it overall.