Retained List

[Pegster]

Coulibaly is not long turned 22. Only recently gained his first International cap and has played 78 senior games and we paid over a million for him.

I'd have been amazed if we hadn't extended his deal. It would have undermined our desire to unearth rough gems and develop them.

It still means our current midfield is still only Norwood, Coulibaly, Berge.

Have you seen any indication in the past that Hecky is likely to select Coulibaly over Fleck ?

 

[BadgersBigToe]

If United sign Kamara, where does Fleck fit into the midfield?

Perhaps he could take Kamara’s role on Sky

 

[Flumps]

Personally don't mind Fleck and Osborne staying, even Norwood. I won't claim they're first team anymore or prem quality but they can do a job in the last 15 to hold a win perhaps. They did it plenty of times towards the end of the season. What they lack in quality I guess we can rely on their experience perhaps. They simply all need to be last options though we do need better.

Sharps a sad one. Gone for the right reasons, everyone included him knows that. I do hope we see him back at the Lane very soon, no doubt the lad has plenty of offers to come back as part of the staff. I'll keep an eye on the remainder of his career. The only reason I can accept it is he obviously knows what he means to the club and the fans, he knows he needs to finish his career elsewhere, there's no malice between anyone.

The club has to focus on the future now

 

[Aston max]

So long as he's better

Coulibaly could end up like lundstum not featuring much in the championship but playing more in the prem.

 

[Dellas Cowboys]

No promotion for us next season mate
As a backup he is a known quantity. If he plays like he did last few games, then maybe. Otherwise....

Yes I watched Fleck closely in the last few games as just couldn't understand the views on this forum. He was excellent and I really hope he signs up. Just who do people think we are getting if Fleck, Osborn & Robinson don't sign? We have no money - any replacements would be a hopeful stab in the dark at best, who just might be as good as those three.

 

[Sean Thornton]

While I admit I don't know what goes on behind the scenes at the club (or any club, for that matter), I really would have preferred that SUFC honoured Billy Sharp, the player, the Blades legend, and the man that he is, by saying something like, "...with his desire for definite first team football, and guaranteed game time, Billy Sharp and Sheffield United Football Club have sadly come to a mutual agreement that Billy will be leaving the club, to continue his career elsewhere, the club would like to thank Billy......", etc., etc.

Instead, we just have his name on the "released" list. Like he doesn't mean anything.

Just me, I know, but that has really got to me.

“While I admit I don't know what goes on behind the scenes at the club.”

Mods. Can you do something about this please. Fans don’t come on here to read the views of someone who doesn’t have a club high up as a mate! At a time when we have a severely depleted itk squad as we enter the PL the last thing we need are members who can’t even make up a trusted source.

 

[blade67]

That's it. This is the last straw. I'm going to support a club who are going places, massive and have already released their retained list. Now, where did I put that blue and white emergency toilet roll?

I'm more concerned that we've rushed this out a bit to be honest.

What would be the harm in taking a calm measured approach to these decisions. Get it right, not get it fast is my motto.

Typical blades knee jerk IMHO

 

[Weasel]

I hope Coulibaly doesn't end up like Lundstram, and turning into a lazy prick. He might not ultimately make it with us but I'm sure the lad has more scruples than that dickhead.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Personally don't mind Fleck and Osborne staying, even Norwood. I won't claim they're first team anymore or prem quality but they can do a job in the last 15 to hold a win perhaps. They did it plenty of times towards the end of the season. What they lack in quality I guess we can rely on their experience perhaps. They simply all need to be last options though we do need better.

Sharps a sad one. Gone for the right reasons, everyone included him knows that. I do hope we see him back at the Lane very soon, no doubt the lad has plenty of offers to come back as part of the staff. I'll keep an eye on the remainder of his career. The only reason I can accept it is he obviously knows what he means to the club and the fans, he knows he needs to finish his career elsewhere, there's no malice between anyone.

The club has to focus on the future now

Even Norwood? He was the in the best 2-3 players for 85% of the season. The loss of form and, on occasion, his place in the side for the final few games shouldn't detract from what was yet another great season for him.

Out of the three you mention, I'd say he's the only with any chance of being able to compete at Prem level - he just needs more protection around him.

 

[Berkshire Blade]

I am guessing the brunt offer is so we can get some sort of cash for him on a tribunal type thing as he's come via the academy but he's actually off?

 

[robbiez666]

My full apologies, I have just seen a list of names.

JOC and Stevens also got a nice couple of paragraphs.

 

[Mouth of the South]

I'm more concerned that we've rushed this out a bit to be honest.

What would be the harm in taking a calm measured approach to these decisions. Get it right, not get it fast is my motto.

Typical blades knee jerk IMHO

This you???

It's an absolute disgrace that we still haven't sorted this. It's this type of thing that makes me regret supporting United at times. Rochdale, fucking Rochdale have theirs out and we are still fannying around writing the fucking press release

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

Yes I watched Fleck closely in the last few games as just couldn't understand the views on this forum. He was excellent and I really hope he signs up. Just who do people think we are getting if Fleck, Osborn & Robinson don't sign? We have no money - any replacements would be a hopeful stab in the dark at best, who just might be as good as those three.

He was so Jekyll and Hyde. The one who played the last few games is the one we want.

 

[Ndiayewillalwaysloveyou]

JOC and Stevens also got a nice couple of paragraphs.

Grappler Billy's got about 5 posts on him on SUFC social media...

 

[skyjam]

ozburn is fukin crap n so is flick

 

[Torrix1889]

Fleck Ozzy. JLT might go, they've only been offered contracts.

We can only hope Fleck & Osborn get a decent offer with a guarantee of games back in the Championship, they will be nothing but fillers here and i would rather put faith in the likes of Arblaster.

As for JLT, it's obvious he wont be first choice LCB next year as we would have offered him a deal to reflect it that he would have signed without hesitation. Given the choice I would keep him as back-up but if he goes I won't cry into my frosties each morning.

 

[Davalon]

We've currently got 24 players including 5 keepers (3 of which are unlikely to be anywhere near the first team).

I also think it's fair to say that 7 of those 24 are unlikely to get a game next season but may be wrong.

Then consider some may be sold on.

It's possible we could be looking at the best part of 7 or 8 players to come in. With our budget I think it's understandable Osborne in particular has been offered something. Versatile, professional, and what level of player can we expect to be a bit part under the circumstances.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Fleck and Osborn are fully tried and tested in the art of Prem League back pedalling.

 

[skyjam]

i'll say again os bun is fuckin shite

 

[skyjam]

n flick as bin worse for longer

 

[fifty shades of blade]

Cover? We may as well play wi 10.

Jesus wept

 

[fifty shades of blade]

People moaning and we haven't even started bringing players in yet. Fucks sake

 

[St Annington]

This was what Hecky said back in May, so i'm not so sure why the retained list is such a surprise

 

[Keen Blade]

Osborn and fleck.....

Please tell me it's an April fools joke

Does the phrase "contract offers made" imply that we had an option to extend Fleck , Osborn , Brunt & Robbo , but we decided not to exercise it - and instead we have made an offer on a much lower wage ?
Otherwise , I can't understand it - why would we lumber ourselves with Fleck & Osborn for more than 12 months ?
Maybe we've only offered them 12 months on lower money ?
I accept that we might need a bit of cover for 12 months but if we have offered any longer than that , our management is certifiably insane.

 

[Ndiayewillalwaysloveyou]

Does the phrase "contract offers made" imply that we had an option to extend Fleck , Osborn , Brunt & Robbo , but we decided not to exercise it - and instead we have made an offer on a much lower wage ?
Otherwise , I can't understand it - why would we lumber ourselves with Fleck & Osborn for more than 12 months ?
Maybe we've only offered them 12 months on lower money ?
I accept that we might need a bit of cover for 12 months but if we have offered any longer than that , our management is certifiably insane.

Nope, all 4 were going to be released anyway. Robinson and Osborn had their year option triggered last summer.

Wes, Coulibaly, Norwood and McBurnie are the ones who've automatically had their contracts triggered.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

BRB, just going to cry for a little bit.

 

[Harry's Game]

I believe we will release Sharp and Stevens.

I think we will give Fleck another year just cos we need numbers and are skint.

Told ya

 

[Keen Blade]

That’s a bit of a reach, mate

He's the fifth of our 5 goalies

 

[skyjam]

Fuckin taters Fluck n Ozbeen stayin on?
Lets av a whipround ffs

 

[Keen Blade]

A retained list with Osborn and Fleck can’t be the real one.

They are not retained - I think that technically they are "released" and so free to talk to other clubs , but we happen to have made them what must be a lowball offer.
Otherwise , why would we not simply exercise our 12 month extension option (assuming we had one)