Paddy - gutted

[diplomat]

If, as it seems has happened, and Paddy leaves us then I will be gutted. I think last season showed how hard he is to replace and we really missed him. Even with all the other gubbins going on I think if him and Naysmith were fit for the season we would have still crept into the playoffs.

I think there are some who have their misgivings about Paddy's ability but he has been worth a lot of points for us and I was really hoping he would sign up with Monty and Morgs (an Naysmith hopefully) and give us a solid familiar core. The reasons why can be long debated but the thing is, I'll miss him. I enjoyed the Kop chanting his name, the banter with away fans (I remember him stopping and taking a bite of someones pie whilst retrieving the ball to some "fat boy" abuse a couple of years ago), his little simple face, the debut friendly at Buxton where he looked like a little michelin man, gradually becoming an athelete.

I liked him.

 

[Santos]

If, as it seems has happened, and Paddy leaves us then I will be gutted. I think last season showed how hard he is to replace and we really missed him. Even with all the other gubbins going on I think if him and Naysmith were fit for the season we would have still crept into the playoffs.

I think there are some who have their misgivings about Paddy's ability but he has been worth a lot of points for us and I was really hoping he would sign up with Monty and Morgs (an Naysmith hopefully) and give us a solid familiar core. The reasons why can be long debated but the thing is, I'll miss him. I enjoyed the Kop chanting his name, the banter with away fans (I remember him stopping and taking a bite of someones pie whilst retrieving the ball to some "fat boy" abuse a couple of years ago), his little simple face, the debut friendly at Buxton where he looked like a little michelin man, gradually becoming an athelete.

I liked him.

I can't help but feel let down by him. I know theres a lot of reason to suggest I shouldn't do but it's just a gut feeling. I believe he owed us a few years for sticking by him.

But he's gone so I hope he enjoys playing infront of 12,000 fans and a few hundred away ones.

Imperative to not mess about and get in a proper experienced keeper. I would look no further than Simonsen, I didn't see his every game but he looked faultless to me and was extremely impressive and assured in the Derby. I like the way he commands his box and I think he has less calamity moments in him.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

I rarely get angry at players leaving these days but if he has indeed left for QPR then he will go right down in my estimation and I will always remember him as a cunt.

I hope he gets booed when we play them next season.

 

[GlosBlade]

Agree, very disappointed in him. Ok we all know money talks and he's probably doubling his salary but he did owe us a season at least after we stood by him in his hour of greatest stupidity. It makes his words of just a few weeks ago very hollow - probably yet another example of his stupidity. However if we get Simonsen in as his replacement then we end up with arguably a better keeper

 

[Kev Gee]

Agree, very disappointed in him. Ok we all know money talks and he's probably doubling his salary but he did owe us a season at least after we stood by him in his hour of greatest stupidity. It makes his words of just a few weeks ago very hollow - probably yet another example of his stupidity. However if we get Simonsen in as his replacement then we end up with arguably a better keeper

Agreed.

I think alot of this is down to Warnock.

I think Paddy sees him as his mentor. And i bet Warnock was calling him quite alot during his exile.

 

[TheSwollengland]

Paddy who?
Have said it a million times over 45 years the likes of Paddy and many others ,Currie,Deane and Jags for example become just other players when they decide to move on and play for some wanky other team rather than stay at the lane and play for the best club and fans in the best kit with the best badge in the world.

We hate wednesday ! We hate evrybody !!

 

[LouTheBlade]

Paddy leaving doesnt surprise me in the slightest. Footballers are all the same - they will go where the grass (money) is greener and won't look back. Everyone got carried away with this loyalty talk when he came back from his ban. I take things like that with a pinch of salt, its the same as badge kissing and a player's first press conference. They make the right sounds knowing full well why they're really there........

Having said all that I'm not angry with Paddy. He's gone to a strong team and undoubtedly taken a massive pay rise in the process. I defy anyone on here to tell me they wouldnt do the same - loyalty or not! Its his one last chance for a big pay off before his career starts to nose-dive.

Paddy is a good, competent goalkeeper. He isnt top class and has gone a long way on being a character who can pull off some fine saves every now and again. He is replaceable and United have to show a bit of foresight and competence in the transfer market for a change in getting the right man.

Players will come and go, Paddy is no exception. I don't worry about players leaving any more. We're a selling club, we always have been. I won't be booing him when he returns to the lane but I wont applaud him either. He has shown no loyalty whatsoever but has made a decision for his own benefit which I do not blame him for. One he's gone, he means nothing to me as a Blades supporter........

 

[Spire Blade]

I have to agree with the last two posts. Players will always come and go BUT in this case his return was a special day for me mainly because of the atmosphere. He then tells us after the game how great it was to be back, how brilliant the fans are and how much he owes the club for standing by him.
A few weeks later he buggers of to play in front of 12 to 13,000 people obviously for more money.
Despite the service he's given I will feel compelled to Boo him on his return........sorry

 

[Bergen Blade]

Agree with Lou, and think fans in general are far too sensitive when players leave. A player who's done his best for the club for eight years and always had a good report with the fans should be treated with more respect than abuse when he leaves.

QPR have bid something we said we were prepared to accept when we signed the deal with him, everything is legal, and who can blame the player for joining a club that offers more money and (from a neutral's point of view) probably have a better chance of promotion next season?

 

[Ollessendro]

I'm a little torn on this one. If Paddy had just simply fucked off to play for QPR then I would have understood (in fact i do understand). He's going to earn more money, under a better manager (and someone who he has a relationship with) and has one last crack at the big time (I think NW has a very good chance of getting QPR promoted). However under the circumstances I think that this whole affair has left a bitter taste in my mouth. There is the moral argument about Paddy standing by his employer like they stood by him. But also there is the issue of the things he said, such as 'I owe the club so much etc etc'. Saying what he said (I want to thank the club) and then fooking off makes me think that he is an arse.

I don't think that Paddy is leaving just for the cash. I believe he wants to work with a better manager and increase his chances of playing in the Prem one last time. NW bviosuly has a big influence over him and that has played a part. Still he is a big cunt for saying what he said and then leaving in these circumstances*.



* note that in another post I stated I'd wait for Paddy and SUFC to both speak about this before I made a judgement and before I get pulled up on this I thought I'd address it. There could be more to this than meets the eye (i.e. Paddy being pushed out, Simo lined up or whatever) but it is seeming more unlikely. Basically I am reserving the right to take my comments of 'Paddy you abolsute twat!" back if a different light is shed on this!?

 

[Nick Jansky]

I agree with Ollie on this. Paddy isn't exactly old for a keeper and has a lot of career ahead of him. After the way the club stood by him, the very least he could have done is give us another year.

Having said that, I rate Simonsen as a better keeper, so although I do think Paddy is a twat, I'm not going to be heartbroken about it if we end up with Simmo as a replacement.

 

[Bladesway]

Paddy "I owe United and will stand by them"
QPR "heres some money"
Paddy "I'm outta here"

If it is how it seems it sums loyalty in football up to a tee. Never ever believe a footballer.

 

[LouTheBlade]

* note that in another post I stated I'd wait for Paddy and SUFC to both speak about this before I made a judgement and before I get pulled up on this I thought I'd address it. There could be more to this than meets the eye (i.e. Paddy being pushed out, Simo lined up or whatever) but it is seeming more unlikely. Basically I am reserving the right to take my comments of 'Paddy you abolsute twat!" back if a different light is shed on this!?

I agree with some of the sentiments in your post olle but as far as this comment is concerned, I dont think the circumstances make any difference. Like I said, I couldn't give a toss - if he's going he's going so lets move on. Its no surprise that a footballer looks after no. 1........

Having said that, the circumstances of whether he might have been pushed are irrelevant to me. If Paddy was so determined to show the club a debt of gratitude and repay our faith then he simply wouldnt have gone for a medical and agreed terms with QPR. An honourable person (and I'm not saying he's obliged to be honourable) would turn around and say " thanks but no thanks Neil, I appreciate that you're offering me a great opportunity but I owe this club so I'm going to honour my contract." There would then be fuck all that SUFC or QPR could do about it.

Like I said, he's entitled to make his own choices and realistically he's not obliged to honour anything - his contract obviously states as much. No matter what way anyone spins this, the move is ultimately Paddy's decision. That part is black and white to me, so as far as I'm concerned you may as well start slating him if you feel disappointed. I can understand why a lot of fans would feel let down by this but personally I just shrug my shoulders........another player sold!

 

[Grecian2000]

I'm not going to be heartbroken about it if we end up with Simmo as a replacement.

I'd be bloody delighted. Thought Simonsen was a bright spark in an appalling season when he was here.

Just one thing Bergen, I think if Paddy had gone straight after the play-off final he would have gone with everyones thanks and best wishes. It is the "being a stupid twat" and poncing wages for a year that sticks in a lot of peoples craw and that will be why he gets a good boo next time he's at the Lane. I look forward to his first shank into touch with great anticipation.

 

[JohnDenver]

I doubt many will agree with me, but if Paddy said in the papers that he was made an offer too good to refuse and is thinking of his family's future then I'd appreciate the honesty. United also need to tell us whether they were happy to accept the offer as a correct valuation, or whether their hands were tied and they just couldn't compete with the wages.

Just let's not hear any more bobbins about loyalty, the fans, or top-of-division budgets. It's tiresome.

 

[LouTheBlade]

I doubt many will agree with me, but if Paddy said in the papers that he was made an offer too good to refuse and is thinking of his family's future then I'd appreciate the honesty. United also need to tell us whether they were happy to accept the offer as a correct valuation, or whether their hands were tied and they just couldn't compete with the wages.

Just let's not hear any more bobbins about loyalty, the fans, or top-of-division budgets. It's tiresome.

I would like to nominate this for "Sensible Post of The Year" - totally agree. At the end of the day Paddy is off and people have to accept that so it would be nice to get a true account of the situation once its done and dusted, just to know where we stand as a club.

All this political spin to cover up the real issues gets on people's nerves.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I doubt many will agree with me, but if Paddy said in the papers that he was made an offer too good to refuse and is thinking of his family's future then I'd appreciate the honesty. United also need to tell us whether they were happy to accept the offer as a correct valuation, or whether their hands were tied and they just couldn't compete with the wages.

Just let's not hear any more bobbins about loyalty, the fans, or top-of-division budgets. It's tiresome.

Yes, and for everyone's info, whenever a player signs a contract, he will speak some standard phrased nonsense. It DOES NOT mean he won't bugger off if the club accepts a bid from a club offering more money and the prospect of football at a higher level. We can't keep hating individual professionals and forget our previous good report with them because they make sensible career moves. I am quite sure that Kenny intended to do his best for us if there had been no offer from QPR.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I agree with Ollie on this. Paddy isn't exactly old for a keeper and has a lot of career ahead of him. After the way the club stood by him, the very least he could have done is give us another year.

I think he can play on professionally for quite a few years, but I doubt that he'd ever got a better chance of Premiership football than this move. His agent would be a fool in my opinion if he told Paddy to 'relax, there will be plenty of Premiership clubs queueing up next summer.'

 

[SotonBlade]

I'm a little torn on this one. If Paddy had just simply fucked off to play for QPR then I would have understood (in fact i do understand). He's going to earn more money, under a better manager (and someone who he has a relationship with) and has one last crack at the big time (I think NW has a very good chance of getting QPR promoted). However under the circumstances I think that this whole affair has left a bitter taste in my mouth. There is the moral argument about Paddy standing by his employer like they stood by him. But also there is the issue of the things he said, such as 'I owe the club so much etc etc'. Saying what he said (I want to thank the club) and then fooking off makes me think that he is an arse.

I don't think that Paddy is leaving just for the cash. I believe he wants to work with a better manager and increase his chances of playing in the Prem one last time. NW bviosuly has a big influence over him and that has played a part. Still he is a big cunt for saying what he said and then leaving in these circumstances*.



* note that in another post I stated I'd wait for Paddy and SUFC to both speak about this before I made a judgement and before I get pulled up on this I thought I'd address it. There could be more to this than meets the eye (i.e. Paddy being pushed out, Simo lined up or whatever) but it is seeming more unlikely. Basically I am reserving the right to take my comments of 'Paddy you abolsute twat!" back if a different light is shed on this!?

For the second time in less than a week, I agree wholly with your balanced view.

I would like Paddy, go like a shot if someone offered to double my wages. But the fact he said what he said, is not good PR on his part.

 

[Bergen Blade]

I'd be bloody delighted. Thought Simonsen was a bright spark in an appalling season when he was here.

Just one thing Bergen, I think if Paddy had gone straight after the play-off final he would have gone with everyones thanks and best wishes. It is the "being a stupid twat" and poncing wages for a year that sticks in a lot of peoples craw and that will be why he gets a good boo next time he's at the Lane. I look forward to his first shank into touch with great anticipation.

The club decided to give him that contract, I wouldn't have paid him a penny if he didn't play for us. Maybe that's what we said though, but eyed the chance to earn a few bucks, by giving him a contract that would give us a fee. Either way we surely acted with OUR interests at heart when WE agreed on the contract clauses etc.

 

[Nick Jansky]

I think he can play on professionally for quite a few years, but I doubt that he'd ever got a better chance of Premiership football than this move. His agent would be a fool in my opinion if he told Paddy to 'relax, there will be plenty of Premiership clubs queueing up next summer.'

If he really is one of the best keepers in the Championship then he will always be in demand from clubs with a real chance of promotion to the PL. I think the same chances will be there for him next summer & the summer after.

 

[Bergen Blade]

If he really is one of the best keepers in the Championship then he will always be in demand from clubs with a real chance of promotion to the PL. I think the same chances will be there for him next summer & the summer after.

I can't recall there being a single club bidding for him during his 8 years here, he's 32 now, rarely looks spectacular, comes with some off the pitch 'baggage' and some still considers him too small. I think he's a good goalie at this level, but like you I think Simonsen is better. There is one manager who likes him enough to bid £750,000 for him, he's retiring soon, but happens to find himself at a club with some money and ambitions now. I think this may have been Paddy's best chance of a better career move.

 

[lenners]

We cocked up with the contract, Paddy took advantage, he lacks loyalty, QPR are more ambitious than United, that's pretty much it.

 

[Nick Jansky]

We cocked up with the contract, Paddy took advantage, he lacks loyalty, QPR are more ambitious than United, that's pretty much it.

You are right except for the ambition bit. QPR are in a more fortunate financial position than us just now, but that's got nowt to do with ambition.

 

[lenners]

You are right except for the ambition bit. QPR are in a more fortunate financial position than us just now, but that's got nowt to do with ambition.

Not sure our mismanagement has much to do with fortune or luck.
Any club getting a brucie bonus of £20m shouldn't be lacking ambition.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Not sure our mismanagement has much to do with fortune or luck.
Any club getting a brucie bonus of £20m shouldn't be lacking ambition.

We spent way beyond our means, unfortunately under Robson, who could attract players but couldn't manage. We were very ambitious, but now its payback time. We remain ambitious, but within our financial means. We have had 3 massive setbacks. The first was relegation from the PL, the next was the appointment of Robson, the 3rd was the collapse of the economy. For many clubs right now, ambition means staying in business. Fortunately our future is fairly secure.

 

[Tuns]

We spent way beyond our means, unfortunately under Robson, who could attract players but couldn't manage. We were very ambitious, but now its payback time. We remain ambitious, but within our financial means. We have had 3 massive setbacks. The first was relegation from the PL, the next was the appointment of Robson, the 3rd was the collapse of the economy. For many clubs right now, ambition means staying in business. Fortunately our future is fairly secure.

Didn't Birch admit that United had broken even on transfers in recent years? Wasn't it something like £30 million in and out? Or did I imagine that?

Obviously wages are a big factor to add to that but on the other side we've had tens of millions of TV and Tevez money and gate receipts.

Yes were were wasteful under Robson but there seems to be a black hole in the finances which suggests the ambition we are paying for may have taken place away from the footbal side of the business.

 

[grafikhaus]

We have had 3 massive setbacks. The first was relegation from the PL, the next was the appointment of Robson, the 3rd was the collapse of the economy.

And the 4th was losing to Burnley. History will show that was a real tragedy as a fair number of teams have proved they can avoid instant relegation. Stoke and Wolves spring to mind.

 

[diplomat]

I think all of the points re his "opportunity", the chance to work with his "mentor", increased salary, arguably increased chances of promotion etc are all valid. As is the fact we obviously agreed to a clause which, in my opinion, undervalued his worth to us when factoring in the cost of a replacement.

My post was more that I liked Paddy in the team. He represented some of the positive things of supporting SUFC to me, he made me smile with his big simple baby head. I remember a lot more good saves than flaps. I think his consistency was good. I was familiar with him in my team and I felt comfortable with him in my team. I never really did with Bunny. I liked the passion he inspired in the fans, the way they chanted his name. I don't think that many players are taken too like he was. I don't think he'll get that off some southerners and I hope it leaves a bit of a gap he can't fill with his signing on fee.

Hopefully as the wage bills level off accross the league, which I think they will, being a club that embraces players and characters will be in our favour (as I think Morgan signing has been - I would have thought he answered several calls from Neil over the last few weeks) in terms of building a team that want to be there, playing for one another, instead of a collection of individual w@nkers who all want to earn as much as possible for doing as little as possible. We are a "proper" footy club at the end of the day unlike say, Reading wh oseem sanitised and manufactured. One thing I think is consistent with Utd teams that I've known is that we build a good togetherness. When it is missing it is glaring and not accepted by us fans.

I was excited about this chance to rebuild the squad this summer but it has been frustrating so far. I'm going to reserve judgement and see who we end up with. Whatever happens we should back them and see how they do.

UTB

 

[H. Metal Blade]

I dont hate Paddy - im dissapointed, but the blame lies with the club.

Having the £750,000 release clause was a sensible move when his ban was in place but it should have been written in to be removed the moment the ban was lifted - sloppy from the clubs point of view!

Paddy on the other hand has one last contract left - we were only offering him an extra year and QPR gave him 3 on £18k p/week - ggeeeee...let me think....