Questions for Fans Forum - 23rd/24th April

[Linz]

Hello chaps.

For a while, it has been mooted that as a forum we act as a conduit in taking your questions to Mr McCabe and Mr Birch. And with regards to the fans forums taking place a week on Friday and the following Saturday morning, we have in fact, been asked to get involved and do this.

We have been assured that the only barrier to the questions being put to the men concerned is time and that they are keen to embrace the independent views of all kinds of Blades fans. We kind of put our heads above the parapet when we transcribed the last Q&A which seemed to spread far and wide.

A link to the transcript from last time can be found HERE.

So, this isn't a thread for discussion. This is merely a thread for you to pop your questions in. These will be printed out and passed on to the relevant people so that hopefully, they can be answered. This thread will be locked on Wednesday 21st April to ensure that we don't miss anyone's questions so please, if you want to have your say, get your questions in here by then.

If there are any questions that people would like raising anonymously (i.e. so your username is not linked to your question) send them via private message to Foxy or myself and we will ensure that they too are passed on. Again, please have them to us by Wednesday 21st April.

As for guests viewing this, we don't want to leave you out either. You can email your questions to us at [email protected] Same deadline applies.

I apologise if you are repeating stuff that you have already posted elsewhere, but keeping the questions in one place with no discussion is slightly easier for us to keep track of.

We have also been asked to widely encourage people to come down, especially those on the forum who perhaps have a strong, critical opinion of McCabe and Birch. I was also told to pass on the message that if there are questions that some people are uncomfortable with raising in public, to get in touch with the club so that maybe a more intimate meeting could take place. Email them on [email protected]. Anyone wanting to attend will be placed into the lottery for tickets for the Saturday morning as the Friday night is very heavily subscribed.

The strong message I got was that the club wants to hear everything - good and bad. So this is your chance to give your opinion and raise your questions and we are providing a vehicle for you to do so.

And chaps, I shouldn't have to say this, but please do keep these serious and attempt to make them legible We are literally going to pass on your questions verbatim.

Cheers

Details of the events:

Location: Legends of the Lane (in the South Stand)

Friday 23rd April:

Doors open: 18:30
Q&A: 19:00 - 20:00

Saturday 24th April:

Doors open: 09:30
Q&A: 10:00 - 11:00

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Three questions I’d like to put are:

A If we are to cut the wage bill further can he assure us that Blackie will be retained as he has demonstrated that he can keep a squad that is struggling within the Blades finances structure out of the relegation fight zone?

B If we have finished cutting back and the season gone is a one off, ‘balancing the books session’; can he assure us that Blackie won’t be in charge as he has demonstrated that he can’t get us promoted.

C If B applies what assurances can he give us that the new man would not be someone who ‘looks good on paper whilst negotiating property deals around the world’ but is in if fact useless to the football team?

 

[SE1Blade]

Exiled Blade so I can't make it, but I would like to ask Mr McCabe specifically (as Mr Birch wasn't here):
Does he think that the club is still suffering the after effects of appointing Bryan Robson and the fees and wages he spent in his few months, and have all the big contracts awarded in the Robson era now expired / re-negotiated or are there any players still on massive wages which will restrict our manoevreability in the market this summer?
Cheers.

 

[Blade Blade]

Is McCabe happy with the brand of football the Blades play, or is it all about results?

How do teams like Swansea (average 15,000), Blackpool (average 8,000) and Doncaster (average under 11,000) play good football and gain good results with such limited crowd revenue?

 

[Chingo]

I have sent off to attend , I can imagine all the obvious questions I want asked will be asked by others but could you ask him if he has any intentions of writing any of the debt off that the club owes him , why should he you say ... well why should the Stoke chairman who wrote off millions a few months ago ?


Also what criteria did he use when he was splitting the businesses attached to the club up to in his words "protect the club" and why does it seem that the ones with debt atatched or mortgages etc are still connected with the football side of his businesses ?


Also why did two board members lend the club money last season at a high interest rate ?


Will you also ask them to hold a straw poll of the people attending if they still want Blackwell as manager ?


Probably more to follow.

 

[beightonblade]

With hindsight what would you have done different at BDTBL ? .......... and a secondary question: Who does own the freehold to BDTBL ?

 

[mattbianco1]

These are mine.

1. What is realistically the transfer budget we can expect in the summer if we don't sell any players
2. Will Jamie Ward be sold?
3. Can he speak to KB or whoever the manager is and make sure that Billy Sharp is playing in our squad next season.
4. Is it realistic to think we can finish in the top 2 next year?

 

[Torrix1889]

Mine would be;

Whilst I thank Mr Blackwell for all he has done for the club I personally have lost all belief in the current management and their ability to take the club forward and I believe this will be reflected in poor season ticket sales. Does Mr McCabe feel that Kevin Blackwell is the man to take our club forward and if so what assurances can he give us the fans that next season will show an improvement?

 

[sheffielder]

1. We were told when we sold James Beattie and signed Jamie Ward that this was the new transfer policy of the club. Please could you tell us why the only player we have signed from a lower division is Andy Taylor who's success could politely put as 'needs work'
2. Billy Sharp has proven that he can score at this level. Are you willing to write off a £2million investment because we have a manager who can't player to his strengths and of others in the squad.
3. Most of our loan signings were defenders. Since January our midfield and strikeforce have all been 'our' players. Do you feel it a credible excuse that our poor football and lack of goals can always be blamed on loan's and injuries.
4. When Kevin first joined and in the last 2 weeks he has said that he wants to bring power and pace to the football club. Could you tell me which of his signings bring both to us? From our signings I would consider Camara as the only person who fits that bill. Little, Yeates, Taylor, Fortune, Harper, Henderson are certainly players who could be considered none pacey. Again where is the youth promises?
5. Do you consider the money spent on Evans as money that could have been spent better elsewhere in the team?I feel Ched could be a good player but not under this management.

Whatever my person feelings are about Kevin, I feel that the squad left for next season sprinkled with youth either via loan or lower markets matched with a bit of experience could allow us to make a push for promotion. I certainly won't be renewing with him as manager and beg you to see that you don't need money to do well at football. Ask Doncaster. We need vision and a manager who is respected by both fans and players.

All I ask is you give us one last chance to have hope againa

 

[Micalijo]

Why were Blades Realty Feb 2009 accounts filed late? Was it because of going concern issues?

What is the latest up to date trading position of Realty - a company SUFC plc owns 50% of.

Why were fans not told in unmistakably clear terms that Walker could easily be recalled by Spurs in January.

When Kevin Blackwell says we created xyz number of chances in a game, do you cringe at the remarks?

You stated at length in the 2009 accounts that we have very substantial budget for a CCC club with no parachute payment. Why has your manager spent a large part of the season complaining about the tools at his disposal and saying these were the only players available?

Why didn't you sack Robson before Xmas?

Did you go to any of the away games at Blackpool, Scunthorpe, Peterboro, Palace or Watford? If so, what were your impressions? If you didn't go - have you seen replays or have you taken steps to find out what the performances were like?

How much cash has been spent to date on Evans?

Why were France and Fortune signed and do Blackwell's acquisitions ever get questioned by the board?

 

[SotonBlade]

- Our squad was very largely supplemented on loan players this season. This was down to a low number of our own players and an unfortunate number of injuries. Was the plan at the start of last season to supplement a low squad number with loans in order to save money? If so, do you see that as a successful decision?

- At the start of next season we will have less than 10 first team players on contracts. Will the plan be in the summer to sign a high number of permanent signings or will we be supplementing the squad with loans again?

- Given the high number of injuries to the squad this season, why has Mr Blackwell been reluctant to use some of our youth players in the first XI, we here so much how good our academy is and how much has been invested in it, why don't we see some sort of return on that investment?

- Are the current season ticket sales concerning to you, if so, what reason do you think is behind it? And don't use the 'global downturn' as an excuse.

- Last season Mr Blackwell said we'd would only be buying players who were better than we already have. He then went and spent a fee which could rise to £3million on Ched Evans, who he later described as a development player. Would you consider the amount spent on a development player was extremely misjudged given the lack of numbers and lack of quality in the squad at that time, when the cash could have been better spent on other areas of the squad?

- What's the new plan?

- Do you both believe that Kevin Blackwell is the man to take us FORWARD? If so, why?

 

[davidpinder]

1, To Mr McCabe.... Are you happy at BDTBL??
2, Are you satisfied with this season and the fact small clubs like Swansea, Cardiff and Blackpool are above us when they also have small budgets??
3, Do you believe Kevin Blackwell can take the club forward??

More to follow

 

[Linz]

Just a quick pre-emptive request, can we try not to repeat questions which have been asked previously in this thread?

It cuts down the amount of paper we have to use printing the things off

Cheers.

 

[Pinchy]

Numerous Blades are saying they are not renewing season tickets until Blackwell has gone. Do you think they are kidding?

Why continue with the former semi-pro reserve goalie experiment when a proven successful manager who plays entertaining passing football [Coppell] is not in employment?

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

I would simply like to know the following:

- These Q&A meetings and appearances by Mr McCabe and Mr Birch on local radio are always appreciated. Why then do we seem to go weeks and weeks without hearing anything from the hierarchy of the club when the fans are feeling restless?

- It seems to me that the only link we have with our 'sister' clubs (Ferencvaros, Central Coast, Chengdu) is that their news appears on our official website or we hear negative stories emanating from within them. What exactly is the plan for these links, how much do they cost us and will we begin to see some benefits sometime soon?

- For the first time in years, I have not been enjoying my visits to Bramall Lane and when we have scored, I haven't felt that 'rush of exhiliration' like I have done in the past. I will renew my season ticket in the end but can you tell me exactly what I have to look forward to? Is it cost cutting and mediocrity (or worse) or is the future bright and positive?

 

[Come from away]

Although we bring many players in 'on trial' I have difficulty recalling any who have received a contract. If the quality of player we attract in this manner is so poor why persist? Is this a reflection of our scouting ability or simply player availability?

 

[mattbianco1]

I haven't felt that 'rush of exhiliration' like I have done in the past. I will renew my season ticket in the end but can you tell me exactly what I have to look forward to?

That is 100% bang on mate!

Q - Does he think Blackwell is the right man long term?
Q - Is he aware that most fans want a iminent change and that Sean O'Driscoll is the prefered choice amongst fans due to the style of play and the standard of players Doncaster have, it's a remarkabe job he's doing.

 

[Linz]

These are ones that have been popped through to me on Twitter:

* What are our realistic hopes for next season?

* What are the plans for the further development of our youth programme? It would be great see more [players] coming through. It's still nice to see Jags developing, for example, even if it is somewhere else.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Linz/Foxy,

I can't make those dates unfortunately so if possible, I would like the following questions asked;

1) Following the recent announcements of a reduced wage budget associated with the club's playing staff, can the fans be offered assurances that the manager will be given sufficient transfer funds to attract a good standard of player? If so; which revenue stream will be funding this?

2) There has been much speculation and assumption amongst supporters regarding the future ownership of the football club. Can you confirm whether any parties have been interested in either buying the club or putting forward investment? If so; have such parties so far been deemed unsuitable?

 

[carper Blade]

Just a quick question from me to mcabe, simple CAN WE GET RID OF BLACKWELL NOW PLEASE? oh maybe another then...... CAN WE HAVE SHARPY BACK NOW?

 

[Grecian2000]

As a long standing Season Ticket holder who is now a) resigned to but saddened by the selling of our best prospects and better players and b) bored senseless by the way we now play, why should I renew my season ticket? What plans have you to negate the feelings that are spreading amongst many fans who have seen worse times but are now as angry as they've ever been with this club?

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I've restricted myself to three (so far):-


1) Last season, United lost SEVEN defenders through sale, long-term injury or suspension (Naughton, Walker, Kilgallon, Bromby, Ehioghu, Naysmith and Kenny) but only ONE replacement defender was signed on a permanent contract (Taylor). Instead ELEVEN different defensive players were signed on loan. What was the reasoning behind this recruitment policy?

2) On the official SUFC website on 3rd July 2009, Kevin Blackwell confirmed that United were trying to sign Ched Evans in addition to having large transfer bids accepted for Tommy Smith, Michael McIndoe and Andrew Surman. We signed Evans but the other three players subsequently moved to other clubs for a reported total of £3.7M. Were these three accepted transfer bids genuine and if so, why was the £3.7M not subsequently spent on other players?

3) In general, how does the recruitment policy operate at United? Who determines the wages and transfer fees budget? Who decides which players to sign, what their transfer valuation is, what their wages should be? Who negotiates contracts with new and existing players? Following recent public statements by the manager, is there a conflict between he and “those above him” in these areas?

 

[Jimbo]

How does KMs insistence that we have one of the highest wage bill's in the division correlate with KB complaining that we have had to rely too heavily on loan players due to us having too small a squad?

Surely these two 'facts' contradict each other?

 

[grafikhaus]

My one question to Mr. McCabe is this:

On reflection, do you not think the 'baby was thrown out with the bathwater' after Wembley, May 2009? We reduced an very efficient defensive/midfield unit comprising the two Kyles, Morgs, Killgallon and Monty to rubble as soon as acceptable offers were made.

The results of this short-termism are now plain to see. As a businessman, do you not now see that the fees received for Naughton, Walker and Kilgallon, while appearing acceptable at the time, have now proved to have had a negative impact on our income? I'm thinking a very good chance of promotion if we'd have kept that team intact, where the rewards would have far outweighed the fees received, and the significan drop in season ticket revenue.

As it was, we had around 20,000 season ticket holders in 2008-9, approx. £2m made from Wembley, a final parachute payment and the unexpected windfall of the Tevez money. So was it really necessary to break up that team?

 

[axel smeets]

One simple question for me please. Bryan Robson was Middlesbrough manager between 1994-2001. In that time he spent the budget of a small African country, and yet his best finishing position was 9th in the Premier League. He was relegated in 1997 and spent £18.5m getting them back up again. £18.5M IN 1997!!! IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
ON WHAT BASIS WAS HE APPOINTED MANAGER OF SHEFFIELD UNITED?

 

[keenzy]

We have also been asked to widely encourage people to come down, especially those on the forum who perhaps have a strong, critical opinion of McCabe and Birch

.

Anyone wanting to attend will be placed into the lottery for tickets for the Saturday morning as the Friday night is very heavily subscribed.

Contradicts itself a little there.....

As for a question.....
Will Mr McCabe do me a discounted season ticket or next seasons home shirt free for watching this shyte all season!!

 

[Tickhillblade]

Who was responsible for the appointment of Bryan Robson (a manager few fans wanted), the change in wage structure and transfer policy at that time which has resulted in todays cost cutting, selling young talent and todays apathey amongst fans.

Please own up

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

As part of the Kyles transfer to Tottenham we were told that the deal involved the choice of players on loan excluding Walker returning.
No one came despite the likes of Rose and Taarabt being linked. Did Spurs go back on this element of the deal, was it a line from the club to soften the blow, or did the manager decide he didn't require a player?

 

[Sean the Blade]

I have been told that I can no longer stand at a football match, it is now frowned upon to swear at a football match, smoking is no longer allowed within a football stadium, the price of food and drinks are rediculously high, my job/personal circumstances prevent me from purchasing a season ticket. Add to this the dire performances, lack of excitement and apparent lack or ambition shown by the club have, this season, driven me away from my frequent 'pay on the door' visits to BDTBL. What does KM plan to do to convince me, and others, that we DON'T have something better to do on a Saturday?

 

[BexleyBlade]

Mr McCabe, if your internet service provider persistently failed to provide you with a sufficient internet connection, your washing powder manufacturer failed to manufacture powder which actually cleaned your clothes, or the staff at a restaurant served up battered cod instead of the fresh lobster you ordered, would you honestly continue to take you custom to the respective businesses? Why, therefore, should I continue to line your pockets and renew my season ticket this year when I travel 360 miles round trip every other Saturday to witness an inadequate display of 'football' from both the management and the playing staff?