Sheffield United and the play-offs

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If given the opportunity, would you scrap the Football League play-offs?

  • Yes

    Votes: 37 32.2%

  • No

    Votes: 78 67.8%
  • Total voters
    115
J

JackG6

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Hi everyone.

I'm not actually a Blades fan, but I was wondering if a few of you might be able to help me with my dissertation?

I know the above title of this thread has probably brought back too many bad memories for you to even contemplate, but I'm doing my dissertation on the Football League play-offs and, while I've already spoken to a fair few fan groups about them, I don't think I'll get any more interesting answers than those from Sheffield United fans.

I've listed a few questions below and I'd be really grateful if a few of you took the time to answer them. If you could leave your full name underneath your answer, or DM me with it, that'd be great too.

So, baring in mind your record:

1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Thanks for any and all help,

Jack.
 



It rewards mediocrity
a team can finish 20 points adrift of 3rd and still go up

league football is about consistency over 9 months , not a run of 3 games

3rd should be rewarded, end of
if it must be done at least handicap the teams in some way
level after 90 minutes it goes to the team who finished higher , not penalties

having said that if we sneak 6th and we win it , keep them, theyre wonderful
 
The team which finishes 3rd should go up. Anything else devalues the higher league and ultimately makes it harder on the club who were promoted via this method the following season.

Cheers for the fucking cheerful survey by the way. I'm off to think about my first marriage and the fact that I've put on weight.
 
1. Being 3-0 down to Wolves at half time in the 2003 play off final following a great season that promised and deserved more.

2. We're just a loser club.

3. Of course we'd take 6th place - we just have to trust the law of averages to do the job for us one day.

4. I support the play off system because it makes the league far more interesting and competitive. It won't always work out the best but on balance I think they're a good thing.


Regards

Ricky Petter Van Herbert III
 
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Not turning up against Burnley
Because we never turn up at play off finals
Write off - we are shit this season
3rd should go up.
 
1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

Watching a pal of mine trying to walk home after the Huddersfield game and managing to walk into, over, under, down and through nearly every object in his path...my sides still bare the scars...drunk wasn't the word...

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

Luck...of course!

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

Happily take sixth.

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

It is unfair...not simply, the reasons are fairly complicated but revolve around money mostly.
 
1. Losing the final to Wolves in 2003 in such a shocking manner.

2. Players not turning up and getting the job done when it really mattered.

3. I'd rip your arm off for 6th place this season. We need to get promoted as soon as we possibly can.

4. I support the play off system but I think it should be slightly tweaked. There should be a rule that if 3rd finishes 9 or more points ahead of 4th then they should go up automatically.
 
1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?
Huddersfield loss when we so clearly deserved to go up that season- and the pigs going up just made it even worse.

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

1997 injuries wrecked our chances, 1998 we had a depleted squad, 2003 we were awful and then since then I think it's been a mental thing, from both the local media, fans and then transmitted to the players etc. also never having an in form striker going into them has never helped.

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

definitely take 6th and another shot, surely we have to win one day!

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Unfair on teams finishing 3rd. They should adjust it to just 3rd-5th place, 6th shouldn't be in it. 3rd place automatically goes to Wembley, then 4th and 5th play a two legged semi. If its a draw then 4th should go through to the final.

If in the final its a draw after extra time, then 3rd place goes up.
 
JackG6 said:
Hi everyone.

I'm not actually a Blades fan, but I was wondering if a few of you might be able to help me with my dissertation?

I know the above title of this thread has probably brought back too many bad memories for you to even contemplate, but I'm doing my dissertation on the Football League play-offs and, while I've already spoken to a fair few fan groups about them, I don't think I'll get any more interesting answers than those from Sheffield United fans.

I've listed a few questions below and I'd be really grateful if a few of you took the time to answer them. If you could leave your full name underneath your answer, or DM me with it, that'd be great too.

So, baring in mind your record:

1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Thanks for any and all help,

Jack.
Click to expand...

Hi Jack, don't hijack our forum thanks.

Tell you what, as a Pig and a student, are you happy that clubs/companies can cheat their creditors and go on to prosper without redress?

Much worthier dissertation for you to study, agree?
 
Woodwardfan.

I don't really know what a 'Pig' is in this context. I've got a friend who's doing his dissertation on pretty much exactly that though (how clubs cheat their fans) so I'll happily let you know his findings.

I might be completely wrong here, but if a 'Pig' is a Sheffield Wednesday fan then you're incorrect. I'm a Norwich fan, and I've been a season ticket holder since 2004. My footballing idols growing up were Iwan Roberts, Darren Huckerby and Grant Holt. We won the play-off final last year and that's why I picked this subject, us having also lost it ourselves (in 2002 against Birmingham).

And I haven't just asked you guys about the play-offs, I've spoken to Norwich, Preston and Palace fans too. It's important to get different perspectives.

Thanks to everyone else who answered: it has so far been genuinely interesting and insightful seeing what you have to say!
 
Neuschwanstein said:
The play offs are for the TV money and not the fans. Top 3 up, bottom 3 down.
Click to expand...
We have finished third twice and missed out in the play offs so have good reason to moan about the play offs ,but they are here to stay as they keep the season alive for a lot more clubs.If we reach play offs and win them it just proves why they are here to stay ,generates real excitement. Now let's see
Barnsley off tomorrow and keep the season alive.
 
JackG6 said:
Woodwardfan.

I don't really know what a 'Pig' is in this context. I've got a friend who's doing his dissertation on pretty much exactly that though (how clubs cheat their fans) so I'll happily let you know his findings.

I might be completely wrong here, but if a 'Pig' is a Sheffield Wednesday fan then you're incorrect. I'm a Norwich fan, and I've been a season ticket holder since 2004. My footballing idols growing up were Iwan Roberts, Darren Huckerby and Grant Holt. We won the play-off final last year and that's why I picked this subject, us having also lost it ourselves (in 2002 against Birmingham).

And I haven't just asked you guys about the play-offs, I've spoken to Norwich, Preston and Palace fans too. It's important to get different perspectives.

Thanks to everyone else who answered: it has so far been genuinely interesting and insightful seeing what you have to say!
Click to expand...

Have a word with Ipswich fans , they will give you a balanced view on a important subject.
 



Why should a club finishing 6th have the same chance of promotion as the club that finished 3rd? It is about the money, the TV and again the MONEY.
I agree it is extra excitement, but that does not make it right.
 
JackG6 said:
Hi everyone.

I'm not actually a Blades fan, but I was wondering if a few of you might be able to help me with my dissertation?

I know the above title of this thread has probably brought back too many bad memories for you to even contemplate, but I'm doing my dissertation on the Football League play-offs and, while I've already spoken to a fair few fan groups about them, I don't think I'll get any more interesting answers than those from Sheffield United fans.

I've listed a few questions below and I'd be really grateful if a few of you took the time to answer them. If you could leave your full name underneath your answer, or DM me with it, that'd be great too.

So, baring in mind your record:

1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Thanks for any and all help,

Jack.
Click to expand...

Firstly and most importantly, why aren't you doing a proper degree? :)

As for the rest...

1, Wolves 2003. Deserved promotion that year.

2, Someone has to lose. Luck plays a part, but it's not outrageous misfortune, mostly just inadequacy.

3, Of course I'd take 6th. To do otherwise would be wholly irrational.

4, The playoff system is unfair, but the value is adds in entertainment far outweighs that.
 
I think the play offs are unfair on the team finishing 3rd... but they keep the season alive for so many teams that I'd vote for keeping them..

My tweak to the system would be:

6th plays 5th (at 5th's ground)

winner of that plays 4th (at 4th's ground)

winner of that plays 3rd (at Wembley/Old Trafford/suitable big ground)
 
JackG6 said:
Woodwardfan.

I don't really know what a 'Pig' is in this context. I've got a friend who's doing his dissertation on pretty much exactly that though (how clubs cheat their fans) so I'll happily let you know his findings.

I might be completely wrong here, but if a 'Pig' is a Sheffield Wednesday fan then you're incorrect. I'm a Norwich fan, and I've been a season ticket holder since 2004. My footballing idols growing up were Iwan Roberts, Darren Huckerby and Grant Holt. We won the play-off final last appyear and that's why I picked this subject, us having also lost it ourselves (in 2002 against Birmingham).

And I haven't just asked you guys about the play-offs, I've spoken to Norwich, Preston and Palace fans too. It's important to get different perspectives.

Thanks to everyone else who answered: it has so far been genuinely interesting and insightful seeing what you have to say!
Click to expand...


Trouble is, you are one of many, why should you be the one? Put that in your dissertation appendix and smoke it like you students do.
 
I agree that the play off format does need to change to tilt it more in favour of the team finishing 3rd.

One of....

3rd v 6th at 3rd placed team's ground, just one leg - but if gap to 6th is 15 points or more 3rd go straight to final

3rd straight to the final with 4th playing 5th over two legs to get to the final (I don't think anyone should have to beat three different sides to win the play offs)

Same as it is now but 3rd going through in the second leg if it's level after extra time (last choice option)


I actually wouldn't mind the top 3 being promoted automatically with the play off positions being extended down to 7th place creating a 4th promotion spot, as it is in League Two. Not from the Championship to the Premier League though.
 
1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

They've all been tough. The least worst was probably losing to Burnley, but a last minute goal against Palace, the expectation against Wolves (though they had looked the business in the league game prior was a warning) but losing a bloody penalty shoot out against Huddersfield after being ahead was pretty bad.

I think our unbelievably crap record is the worst thing, along with Brentford and Preston. We've never scored a goal in a play off final (390 minutes of football). Now that is shit!

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

Because I don't think Sheffield United have a winning club mentality. When fans mock participation in the JPT 'because it's a mickey mouse competition', Christ, I want us to win something for a change. We couldn't even win the Watney Cup Final for heaven's sake losing to a club from two leagues lower in another penalty shot out! Winning breeds a winning mentality so winning the JPT would be a start.

3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

Yes 6th place. If we made 6th I think for once the momentum might be with us. And that is important.

4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Broadly. But it could be made fairer. League position should count in some way. So 6th should be away to 5th in a one off game, the winner away to 4th in a one off game and the winner away at Wembley to play 3rd or even at 3rd's ground in a one off game. If the game ends in a draw the higher finishing league team goes through.
 
Agree Ricky, needs changing.

I'd suggest:

6th plays 5th at 5th's ground
Winner plays 4th at 4th's ground
Winner plays 3rd in a final

Or 3rd plays 6th at 3rd's ground
5th plays 4th at 4th's ground
Winner plays in final

Think it's unfair the teams finishing higher up only get the advantage of playing extra time and penalties at their ground only if level.

Of the team in 6th has to go through hell to go up, so be it. They weren't God enough over 46 matches.

Both would reduce play offs to 3 matches and not 5 but how many clubs in play offs complain about being behind the following season in terms of preparation?
 
1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?
Has to be the Huddersfield game because that season I genuinely believe we were the BEST team in league 1. We certainly has the best players man for man. We played attacking free flowing football scoring over 100 goals. We had quite a bit of bad luck dominating games the conceding late goals. Our points tally that season would normally have seen auto promotion and we were 10 points clear in 2nd place with a few matches to play. We lost Ched Evans who was unexpectedly found guilty and imprisoned and we never won another match finishing 3rd. The final was a poor matches finishing 0-0. We have a terrible penalty record and like the England team I knew we'd lose. However amazingly we were 2-0 up with us taking another to go 3-0 up. I was beginning to believe we'd achieve our deserved promotion. We missed and ended losing 10-8 on penalties.

2. Why do you think you have been so poor in play-off?
That's like saying why do England always lose at penalties. Why do some teams seem unlucky where as others seem lucky. Why do some teams always seem to score last minute winners whereas other concede last minute winners? I believe that negativity and/ or positivity amongst the fanbase has a bigger effec than what people believe. SU have regularly played well when they are the underdogs and performed badly they are favourites.
In the play-off finals many Blades say what's the point in going to Wembley as we know we'll lose.
Extreme negativity can become a self profiling prophesy.

3: Would you take 6th place and the playoffs this year or write the season off?
Of course I'd take 6th place and for once I'd feel quite relaxed because we don't deserve promotion because the players have regularly underperformed. However I do believe we'd have a decent chance of winning the thing because I beleove that player for player we are slightly better than the other teams in the playoffs. So if the players have the right mental attitude and click them we could win it but as I said we don't deserve promotion.

4: Do you support the playoffs?
The positives outweigh the negatives so yes I think they are a good idea.
Yes it might seem unfair on the club that finishes 3rd but they rules before the season starts.
The postive is that It keeps the season alive for so many clubs, keeping the league interesting/ excirting and boosting attendances. It also gives fans of lower league clubs a chance to visit Wembley stadium in the final.
 
Last edited:
At least we hold some records.

4 defeats in the play off finals
The only club to lose playoff finals at 3 different stadiums (the old Wembley, Millenium and the new Wembley)

However the incredible stat is we've taken 30 to 36,000 expectant fans to all these matches.
4 games with 2 of them (Crystal P and Huddersfield) going to extra time.

That's 420 minutes or 7 hours of football and our goal tally is ZERO.
We haven't even had a single goal to cheer, no wonder some Blades can't get excited when we reach the final.
 
Well this is a cheerful thread isn't it?

Can you get over to General Chat now and ask

"Which bridge would you jump off to kill your self?"

Or

"Which is the best train to jump in front of when you want it ending?"
 
JackG6 said:
Woodwardfan.

I don't really know what a 'Pig' is in this context. I've got a friend who's doing his dissertation on pretty much exactly that though (how clubs cheat their fans) so I'll happily let you know his findings.

I might be completely wrong here, but if a 'Pig' is a Sheffield Wednesday fan then you're incorrect. I'm a Norwich fan, and I've been a season ticket holder since 2004. My footballing idols growing up were Iwan Roberts, Darren Huckerby and Grant Holt. We won the play-off final last year and that's why I picked this subject, us having also lost it ourselves (in 2002 against Birmingham).

And I haven't just asked you guys about the play-offs, I've spoken to Norwich, Preston and Palace fans too. It's important to get different perspectives.

Thanks to everyone else who answered: it has so far been genuinely interesting and insightful seeing what you have to say!
Click to expand...

So put that in your pipe and smoke it Woodwardfan
 
1. What has been your most painful memory supporting Sheffield United in the play-offs?

That basically looking back, we've never really turned up for any of the finals.

2. Why do you think you have historically been so poor in the play-offs?

Combination of things:

When we've been expected to get auto, on occasions we've only managed to sneak into the play-offs. This has had a psychological effect before the play-offs even kick-off
Players not turning up on the day
Mentally not strong enough
Injuries at the wrong time
Poor planning
Poor tactically
Bad luck



3. Obviously you have a very slim chance of making the play-offs this year. If given the opportunity, would you happily take sixth place and another shot at them or write off this year altogether?

Are you mad? :)


4. Do you support the play-off system? Or is it simply unfair?

Yes, but perhaps changes should be considered
 



JackG6 said:
Woodwardfan.

I don't really know what a 'Pig' is in this context. I've got a friend who's doing his dissertation on pretty much exactly that though (how clubs cheat their fans) so I'll happily let you know his findings.

I might be completely wrong here, but if a 'Pig' is a Sheffield Wednesday fan then you're incorrect. I'm a Norwich fan, and I've been a season ticket holder since 2004. My footballing idols growing up were Iwan Roberts, Darren Huckerby and Grant Holt. We won the play-off final last year and that's why I picked this subject, us having also lost it ourselves (in 2002 against Birmingham).

And I haven't just asked you guys about the play-offs, I've spoken to Norwich, Preston and Palace fans too. It's important to get different perspectives.

Thanks to everyone else who answered: it has so far been genuinely interesting and insightful seeing what you have to say!
Click to expand...

Well I've been a season ticket since the 1960's - if you had endured the number of grinding disappointments as I and other Blades have, you would be just as cynical. Nowt worse than trudging home after yet another let-down

So happy to know you won a play-off final (sic)

NB Yes Sheffield Wednesday are referred to as The Pigs
 
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