Saturdays game

[Ollessendro]

And don't think our re-profiled, sorry, gutted, squad is anything more than a mid table one.

Compltely disagree with you. Under decent management we could/should be pushing for automatic promotion. Barring another centre back we have a team that should be going for a top 4 finish.

 

[Fiery Blade]

If we were selecting a CCC Representative side similar to the PFA do at the end of the season how many Blades would get in there?

 

[SwissBlade]

Yes, as I said Henderson scored 3 goals (in 27 games) in the Premiership. And actually Henderson being a 'proven' premiership would bolster my argument (now it is you who is not reading the posts!?). Blcakpool and Leicester both have 1 or 2 proven premiserhsip players. What's your point? My point was that we ahve a good team. A very good team and good squad. Hence I expect to beat average teams such as Bristol. And you empthasised that it your last post that we 'should' be beating Bristol. Then typically you followed it up with an excuse (or maybe someone else excuse) for reasons why we might not

I'd love to think that everything was as simple as well we should beat them so we will. My point is that its not that simple, far from it. We're Sheffield United, we never do simple(Although a lot of us fans are). We have to be realistic, back of a poor run, signs of improvements are showing, players coming back. But we saw on Sat in the 2nd half that we were still weak in areas, once Ward, Williamson and Camara tired we dropped off, killa isn't interested, the keeper is our 3rd choice etc etc. These aren't excuses these are statements of the realistic situation that I think we're in.

Ha ha yes I was bolstering your argument to an extent (took you a while to realise that one), but also pointing out that just because we have players with pedigree, it doesn't guarantee success. There are teams in this division that shouldn't beat other teams on based on your arguement, but they still do! Leicester and Blackpool are flying, but I doin't believe that they have more talent or a better manager than us. They're just on better runs of form. Cardiff have a lot of quality, should they be beaten by a team that I rate as one of the worst in the division, on pedigree, Barnsley. Yes we have a good team, I don't believe we have a good squad. With the players that we have available for Saturday, we have the quality to beat Bristol, but its not guaranteed.

Again I didn't make an excuse, I said we'll get a draw, because as well as pedigree, talent available and a the corner slowly being turned, I think the way things have been recently, the important thing is not to lose. I think we'll try to play in a very organised manner, Blackie knows we need to be cautious. Again its more important not to lose and get a point rather than nothing, perhaps thats a defeatist attitude, but surely its sensible.

The whole point of what I'm saying is that if we get a point, thats great and then there is no need for excuses.

As for me feeling sorry for myself, not at all, nothings being taken personally, I'm putting my point across, but I'm completely fed up with the routine that if things don't go to plan, particulary when the plan is not always realistic then everything is the fault of one man. I just don't get it at times.

Get the round in!

 

[Ollessendro]

If we were selecting a CCC Representative side similar to the PFA do at the end of the season how many Blades would get in there?

I presume this question is aimed at me. Based purely on ability (and not form) then 4 (maye 5 or 6). Contenders are:

Walker
Kilgallon
Naysmith
Harper
Ward
Coterill

 

[Ollessendro]

I'd love to think that everything was as simple as well we should beat them so we will. My point is that its not that simple, far from it. We're Sheffield United, we never do simple(Although a lot of us fans are). We have to be realistic, back of a poor run, signs of improvements are showing, players coming back. But we saw on Sat in the 2nd half that we were still weak in areas, once Ward, Williamson and Camara tired we dropped off, killa isn't interested, the keeper is our 3rd choice etc etc. These aren't excuses these are statements of the realistic situation that I think we're in.

Ha ha yes I was bolstering your argument to an extent (took you a while to realise that one), but also pointing out that just because we have players with pedigree, it doesn't guarantee success. There are teams in this division that shouldn't beat other teams on based on your arguement, but they still do! Leicester and Blackpool are flying, but I doin't believe that they have more talent or a better manager than us. They're just on better runs of form. Cardiff have a lot of quality, should they be beaten by a team that I rate as one of the worst in the division, on pedigree, Barnsley. Yes we have a good team, I don't believe we have a good squad. With the players that we have available for Saturday, we have the quality to beat Bristol, but its not guaranteed.

Again I didn't make an excuse, I said we'll get a draw, because as well as pedigree, talent available and a the corner slowly being turned, I think the way things have been recently, the important thing is not to lose. I think we'll try to play in a very organised manner, Blackie knows we need to be cautious. Again its more important not to lose and get a point rather than nothing, perhaps thats a defeatist attitude, but surely its sensible.

The whole point of what I'm saying is that if we get a point, thats great and then there is no need for excuses.

As for me feeling sorry for myself, not at all, nothings being taken personally, I'm putting my point across, but I'm completely fed up with the routine that if things don't go to plan, particulary when the plan is not always realistic then everything is the fault of one man. I just don't get it at times.

Get the round in!

Point 1. there you go making excuses again! You are worse than Blackwell!? Honestly, I think you should send your CV in to be his PR person

2nd point. You were bolstering my argument full stop.

3rd point. Leicester and Blackpool clearly have a better manager than we do. They are doing better on less resources. This is my point.

On the feeling sorry for yourself point. Of course the blame lies with Blackwell. If things go tits up then the manager has to take responsibility. Of course there are more problems at the club and more culprits. But he is directly responsible for morale, form and tactics. These are things that are shockingly low/poor at the moment. Like I said above, he is done poorly on a a good set of resources. If he was in a factory he's be innefficient. If he performed the same way in the private sector he'd be sacked.

As for your last point. You get the round in. I deserve a drink after having to read your sickening opinions that Kevin Blackwell can walk on water!?

 

[davidpinder]

Compltely disagree with you. Under decent management we could/should be pushing for automatic promotion. Barring another centre back we have a team that should be going for a top 4 finish.

Just to add to your posts, which as you will see from my first post i completely agree with what you are saying. Saturdays squad
Bunn
walker
naysmith
stewart
killa
morgan
davies
fortune
monty
harper
quinn
treacy
ward
little
williamson
camera
hendo
evans

Am sure i've missed one or two, but this is blackwells team and the team he built to get us promoted. If people can argue this squad isn't good enough to put in a performance to beat Bristol then blackwells to blame as well.

 

[SwissBlade]

Ollesendro. Points 1, 2 and 3, ifd only things were so simple.

Just because I don't think Blackie should be sacked doesn't mean that he walks on water. Far from it, he has a responsibility and he needs to deliver but this is over the season, not just a few games.

Form has been awful, tactics not sure I agree entirely, morale low? Can't agree or disagree as I don't have an insight in to the day to day at United. Besides this has been discussed to death.

If Blackie was in the private sector or in a factory - completely irrelevant point.

Last point, perhaps I'll get you a soft drink, the booze might go to your head if my posts are making you sick.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Maybe I have been numbed into thinking the squad is not good enough by the dross served up week in week out.
Looking at the squad overall I believe they are good enough for a top 6 finish but some have spectacularly underperformed this season including Killgallon, Morgan, Montgomery, Quinn, Evans, Harper, Howard and Cotterill
In essence this is Blackwells team playing to Blackwells Tactics, Blackwells Plan and motivated or not by Blackwell.
I firmly believe that Blackwell is the problem not the players (although there are players I wouldn't have invested in including Henderson, Evans, Cresswell, France, Stewart - Bunn, Treacey, Davies, Reid and Little were not playing in their Premier league teams because they are not good enough and Blackwell gets shut of players he either can't bully or doesn't like including Cotterill, Hendrie, Carney, Bromby and Webber

 

[Ollessendro]

Ollesendro. Points 1, 2 and 3, ifd only things were so simple.

Seriously though Swiss you should speak to Blackwell about being his PR person/'spinster'. If he saw the effort you go to to make excuses, put a positive spin on things and see the btight side of the absoute crock of shit that he keeps serving up every week, then he'd hire you on the spot!?

Maybe I have been numbed into thinking the squad is not good enough by the dross served up week in week out.
Looking at the squad overall I believe they are good enough for a top 6 finish but some have spectacularly underperformed this season including Killgallon, Morgan, Montgomery, Quinn, Evans, Harper, Howard and Cotterill
In essence this is Blackwells team playing to Blackwells Tactics, Blackwells Plan and motivated or not by Blackwell.
I firmly believe that Blackwell is the problem not the players (although there are players I wouldn't have invested in including Henderson, Evans, Cresswell, France, Stewart - Bunn, Treacey, Davies, Reid and Little were not playing in their Premier league teams because they are not good enough and Blackwell gets shut of players he either can't bully or doesn't like including Cotterill, Hendrie, Carney, Bromby and Webber

I think you're right in that statement Fiery (in Italics). You are also right that usually consistent players (or one's that we know are quality) are under performing. If one or 2 of them were underperforming then you might question those particular players. However, when a whole team of talented individuals fails to perform you have to look at the manager. I said the other day that i would not harp on and state Blackwell out, however all the bllody problems relate back to him.

 

[SwissBlade]

Seriously though Swiss you should speak to Blackwell about being his PR person/'spinster'. If he saw the effort you go to to make excuses, put a positive spin on things and see the btight side of the absoute crock of shit that he keeps serving up every week, then he'd hire you on the spot!?



I think you're right in that statement Fiery (in Italics). You are also right that usually consistent players (or one's that we know are quality) are under performing. If one or 2 of them were underperforming then you might question those particular players. However, when a whole team of talented individuals fails to perform you have to look at the manager. I said the other day that i would not harp on and state Blackwell out, however all the bllody problems relate back to him.

And you said that I was making excuses.....

 

[Fiery Blade]

Hi Swiss,
I would seriously take up Ollesendro's suggested career path - you would be brilliant!
You generally cover Blackwells arse. front, side, top and bottom with such fantastic
excuses that sound so plausable you firmly believe all you write!
I am sure there would be no shortage of references - if you require any testimonial from the Fiery one visit my website www.fierytalksbollx.com

 

[Come from away]

Hi Swiss,
I would seriously take up Ollesendro's suggested career path - you would be brilliant!
You generally cover Blackwells arse. front, side, top and bottom with such fantastic
excuses that sound so plausable you firmly believe all you write!
I am sure there would be no shortage of references - if you require any testimonial from the Fiery one visit my website www.fierytalksbollx.com

At least your website title speaks the truth. I'm glad that Swiss can find the time to speak up - I just don't type fast enough for the little time I find - and am amazed that not being all out negative should cause you so much grief. Go for it Swiss. UTB!

 

[Fiery Blade]

Assistant Arse Licker position for Mr Come from Away Contact Mr Swiss Blade

 

[Fiery Blade]

Honestly Mr Swiss and Mr Come from Away I do not want to get personal (Just Healthy Debate) but has Mr Blackwell got some compromising photos that you do not want divulging! Thats the only reasoning behind most of your auguements yet you keep dressing them up as a stance for the positive aspect Can neither of you see anything wrong with our inglorious leader!

 

[davidpinder]

At least your website title speaks the truth. I'm glad that Swiss can find the time to speak up - I just don't type fast enough for the little time I find - and am amazed that not being all out negative should cause you so much grief. Go for it Swiss. UTB!

Fiery etc etc are all out negative at the moment because there is nothing to be positive about. We have a good squad but a shit manager, were 14th and have been beaten easily by blackpool and scunthorpe in recent weeks lets go crazy.............

 

[SheepdipBlade]

Honestly Mr Swiss and Mr Come from Away I do not want to get personal (Just Healthy Debate) but has Mr Blackwell got some compromising photos that you do not want divulging! Thats the only reasoning behind most of your auguements yet you keep dressing them up as a stance for the positive aspect Can neither of you see anything wrong with our inglorious leader!

In the interests of a balanced "healthy debate" - can you see anything right "with our inglorious leader"?

 

[Ollessendro]

Good call Fiery.

Swiss and Come from Away, if you want to put me down as a referee for if/when you apply for the job of PR spinster and assistant then just let me know!

 

[Come from away]

Honestly Mr Swiss and Mr Come from Away I do not want to get personal (Just Healthy Debate) but has Mr Blackwell got some compromising photos that you do not want divulging! Thats the only reasoning behind most of your auguements yet you keep dressing them up as a stance for the positive aspect Can neither of you see anything wrong with our inglorious leader!

Hey buddy if it is to be a battle of the put downs you win. Here's your prize :fishbowl:

Know you've missed it elsewhere but I don't "like" Blackwell, just think much of the criticism has gone beyond ridiculous and is becoming much of a muchness. So would rather think of other things and work within the world of reality. Still like your website, should be a permant part of your posts. UTB!

 

[Fiery Blade]

In the interests of a balanced "healthy debate" - can you see anything right "with our inglorious leader"?

I actually thought that Blackwell did a good job with the team after taking over from Robson
He motivated the players to play without fear (probably he had nothing to lose with that strategy) and generally the players responded.
In his first full season he demonstrated his cautious approach (very similar to Warnocks) and it worked well away from home and despite being very turgid and one dimensional was effective in its results.
However last years home form was a pointer to whats happening this season when Blackwells lack of tactical nous and attitude to change made winning games harder when teams came to BDTBL to defend and the likes of Blackpool (10 men), Nottm Forest (10 men) Coventry, Southampton, Donny, Wendy all proved stumbling blocks which Blackwell couldn't overcome!
In answer to your question I believe Blackwell can do a holding job and on occassions get the team playing but unfortunately it is too few too often
(exception Preston Play Off Semi when the Blades played the most exciting football I have seen for years but it was a one off and not repeated since)
He is limited and perhaps Championship is his level - he's not a bad manager he just isn't a very good one either!

 

[davidpinder]

I actually thought that Blackwell did a good job with the team after taking over from Robson
He motivated the players to play without fear (probably he had nothing to lose with that strategy) and generally the players responded.
In his first full season he demonstrated his cautious approach (very similar to Warnocks) and it worked well away from home and despite being very turgid and one dimensional was effective in its results.
However last years home form was a pointer to whats happening this season when Blackwells lack of tactical nous and attitude to change made winning games harder when teams came to BDTBL to defend and the likes of Blackpool (10 men), Nottm Forest (10 men) Coventry, Southampton, Donny, Wendy all proved stumbling blocks which Blackwell couldn't overcome!
In answer to your question I believe Blackwell can do a holding job and on occassions get the team playing but unfortunately it is too few too often
(exception Preston Play Off Semi when the Blades played the most exciting football I have seen for years but it was a one off and not repeated since)
He is limited and perhaps Championship is his level - he's not a bad manager he just isn't a very good one either!

Completely agree with you, last years away form after xmas was also fantastic but this year we have been found out and now KB is lost and hasn't got the know how to change tactics completely, its like if it doesn't work than we'll try again next week. KB has done a good job but i think he has done what he can with us, the supporters expect more and deserve more.

 

[Grecian2000]

the supporters expect more and deserve more.

Hells bells, you can't say that on here. They're all the devil incarnate you know.

I agree with Blackies "good points". That second half of the Robson season was excellent. But the decline started at St Andrews the following August.

He has been like the second coming of Howard Kendall (without the nice passing).
They both took over struggling sides, improved performances and results and missed the play-offs by a fraction.
The next season they both went alarmingly into their shells culminating in horrible performances at Wembley. Negativity ruled.
Blackie should have left then as Howard did (sadly Everton didn't need a manager this summer)

I can sort of understand the psychology behind it. You take over a team in trouble, you can play with a certain degree of freedom because, if the worse happens, then it isn't all your fault. The next season it's all down to you so you are more cautious. However, surely you must be able to see that the results and performances (and therefore crowd happiness) was better when you weren't so damn negative. With Howie it could have been that this realisation never happened because of certain re-fuelling issues. With Blackie I have no idea but it has certainly turned a large section of the crowd against him.

 

[SheepdipBlade]

I actually thought that Blackwell did a good job with the team after taking over from Robson
He motivated the players to play without fear (probably he had nothing to lose with that strategy) and generally the players responded.
In his first full season he demonstrated his cautious approach (very similar to Warnocks) and it worked well away from home and despite being very turgid and one dimensional was effective in its results.
However last years home form was a pointer to whats happening this season when Blackwells lack of tactical nous and attitude to change made winning games harder when teams came to BDTBL to defend and the likes of Blackpool (10 men), Nottm Forest (10 men) Coventry, Southampton, Donny, Wendy all proved stumbling blocks which Blackwell couldn't overcome!
In answer to your question I believe Blackwell can do a holding job and on occassions get the team playing but unfortunately it is too few too often
(exception Preston Play Off Semi when the Blades played the most exciting football I have seen for years but it was a one off and not repeated since)
He is limited and perhaps Championship is his level - he's not a bad manager he just isn't a very good one either!

Which suggests to me that the gap between Come from Away / Swiss - and yourself and Ollesendro isn't that wide. Blackwell can - and has been - an effective manager at the Lane - - the only question is "How long should he be given to become so again?

Given the differences are so minor - why all the put downs?

I know your comments are not meant to be hurtful - but they seem to have got under Come from Away's skin - - and I can't see how that helps anyone.

 

[Bladesway]

Blackwells excuses if we lose:-

Players coming back.
Players not being match fit.
Players not had chance to gel because they have been injured for so long.

All reasonable excuses for the other 91 managers in the league so why should he not use them?

 

[Ollessendro]

I actually thought that Blackwell did a good job with the team after taking over from Robson
He motivated the players to play without fear (probably he had nothing to lose with that strategy) and generally the players responded.
In his first full season he demonstrated his cautious approach (very similar to Warnocks) and it worked well away from home and despite being very turgid and one dimensional was effective in its results.
However last years home form was a pointer to whats happening this season when Blackwells lack of tactical nous and attitude to change made winning games harder when teams came to BDTBL to defend and the likes of Blackpool (10 men), Nottm Forest (10 men) Coventry, Southampton, Donny, Wendy all proved stumbling blocks which Blackwell couldn't overcome!
In answer to your question I believe Blackwell can do a holding job and on occassions get the team playing but unfortunately it is too few too often
(exception Preston Play Off Semi when the Blades played the most exciting football I have seen for years but it was a one off and not repeated since)
He is limited and perhaps Championship is his level - he's not a bad manager he just isn't a very good one either!

hear, hear Fiery. I have been jumping up and down shouting something similar over the last few weeks. I too respect Blackwell for what he did and thank him for turning us around. However I've never been convinced that he's the righ man for the job. Also I belive his time is up and that's why I've been saying what i've been saying for a while now.

People are quick to catagorise people who are pissed off such as myself, Fiery, DavePinder as knockers, resuming that we hate Blackwell and never gave him a chance. It's not the case. It's just after a period of time we don't like where he is taking the club and hence are calling for a change.

Which suggests to me that the gap between Come from Away / Swiss - and yourself and Ollesendro isn't that wide. Blackwell can - and has been - an effective manager at the Lane - - the only question is "How long should he be given to become so again?

Given the differences are so minor - why all the put downs?

I know your comments are not meant to be hurtful - but they seem to have got under Come from Away's skin - - and I can't see how that helps anyone.

There is no putting down. There is healthy debate and challenging and questioning of opinions. I hope you are not upset or pissed off Come from away. It's nothing personal. We're all Blades and we all want what is best for the club. It's banter also. There is no malice in any of my posts, even if I shoot holes in someones argument. I'd happily sit down and debate these issues over a beer with Swiss and Come from Away (where they'd see I'm less of an arsehole and judge my posts in the correct manner ) but it's not possible and the next best option is this forum.

 

[Come from away]

Olli: I'll tell you when I'm over for a beer. I could use a few freebies. You were offering to buy right? UTB!

 

[Ollessendro]

Olli: I'll tell you when I'm over for a beer. I could use a few freebies. You were offering to buy right? UTB!

As I said to Swiss, I think that you and him should be buying the beers, for me and thhe other 'knockers', with all this positive drivvle that you keep spouting!?

 

[Ollessendro]

If the rumours are true and Blackwell is to walk soon (god forbid: Swiss and Come from Away will be heart broken) then I wouldn't be surprised if we stuff Bristol tomorrow. We all now that Blackwell struggles under pressure, but if the pressure is off then his teams often perform. If he is to walk, hence pressure is off, then we might get a decent performance on tomorrow.

 

[Fiery Blade]

If the rumours are true and Blackwell is to walk soon (god forbid: Swiss and Come from Away will be heart broken) then I wouldn't be surprised if we stuff Bristol tomorrow. We all now that Blackwell struggles under pressure, but if the pressure is off then his teams often perform. If he is to walk, hence pressure is off, then we might get a decent performance on tomorrow.

Don't know where you got your info from Ollessendro but I would be very surprised if Blackwell would 'walk' I think we would have to drag him away kicking and screaming from the Lane.
I too hope that I have not got to Come from Away, my comments whilst straight to the point, are not meant as a slur on other posters, but from the heart as a blade.
Again, if Swiss and Come from Away, Boo, Sheepdip or any of my detractors wish to debate in person I would be only too pleased to stand my round:thumbup:

 

[Ollessendro]

Don't know where you got your info from Ollessendro but I would be very surprised if Blackwell would 'walk' I think we would have to drag him away kicking and screaming from the Lane.

Didn't you see the other thread Fiery?

http://www.sheff-utd.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=15989

Could be nonsense, but I live and dream. Imagine that .... 3 points and that clown out. Heaven!?

I'd be surprised if Kev walked at this stage. Maybe at the end of the season when he inevitably doesn't take us up. He is well aware that the fans don't like him and the pressure is on, but he's stubborn as a mule and i guess there is the milllion pay off that would make a big difference.

 

[cooperblade]

Camara definitely out on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

Usual list of 4 or 5 players who are "struggling with injury/illness" including Geary, Williamson and Evans