Surprised and disappointed

[Bladesway]

While you can argue over many things in detail (and we have) I am a little surprised at the lack of fanfare with the arrival of Sammon and Sharp. In fact some people are bemoaning being overloaded in the striking department!!

We have just signed players who are and have played a significant part of their careers at a higher level. They have dropped down to join us. This suggests quality wise they are in the Brayford envelope. This also suggests to me the club is showing its ambition by signing these players.

Add to that the most significant upgrade in a manager in some time and you would think it was cause for optimism. Appears not, we still need several new players according to our on site team of experts and "we can all see" positions need filling. And whats more they need filling now!

I'm quite happy with the business we are doing, I am happy with the Manager we have. I am happy with the commitment of the board to strengthening the squad. What more to say really?

 

[Sothall_Blade]

While you can argue over many things in detail (and we have) I am a little surprised at the lack of fanfare with the arrival of Sammon and Sharp. In fact some people are bemoaning being overloaded in the striking department!!

We have just signed players who are and have played a significant part of their careers at a higher level. They have dropped down to join us. This suggests quality wise they are in the Brayford envelope. This also suggests to me the club is showing its ambition by signing these players.

Add to that the most significant upgrade in a manager in some time and you would think it was cause for optimism. Appears not, we still need several new players according to our on site team of experts and "we can all see" positions need filling. And whats more they need filling now!

I'm quite happy with the business we are doing, I am happy with the Manager we have. I am happy with the commitment of the board to strengthening the squad. What more to say really?

And we haven't sold anybody....yet.

I will be pleasantly surprised and delighted if we don't.

 

[metalblade]

And we haven't sold anybody....yet.

I will be pleasantly surprised and delighted if we don't.

I think it is fair to say just about every Unitedite is waiting for the kick in the bollocks of the club selling our best players close to the start of the season, after all why would you expect the club to change the habits of a lifetime. Maybe this is what is dampening down the flames of optimism but some of the negativity recently is way over the top, since getting rid of Clough you can't really fault the board and management of the club. Fingers crossed this continues.

 

[Sunjihi]

While you can argue over many things in detail (and we have) I am a little surprised at the lack of fanfare with the arrival of Sammon and Sharp. In fact some people are bemoaning being overloaded in the striking department!!

We have just signed players who are and have played a significant part of their careers at a higher level. They have dropped down to join us. This suggests quality wise they are in the Brayford envelope. This also suggests to me the club is showing its ambition by signing these players.

Add to that the most significant upgrade in a manager in some time and you would think it was cause for optimism. Appears not, we still need several new players according to our on site team of experts and "we can all see" positions need filling. And whats more they need filling now!

I'm quite happy with the business we are doing, I am happy with the Manager we have. I am happy with the commitment of the board to strengthening the squad. What more to say really?

Good post exactly the point I was making to some mates of mine especially re sammon we were all bemoaning lack of presence all over the pitch last season , we sign a player who give us just that and hey presto he's not what we need , not a goal scorer, not a very good footballer , blah blah blah ! IMO he is exactly what we have been lacking for a good few seasons , and for the record when he came on Sunday he showed some lovely first touches and laid some very good balls off linking the play up , but I guess it's just the blades way to have a scapegoat I'm afraid

 

[Houso]

I'd agree that we are showing ambition with these signings and recent times have shown that we won't necessarily be selling anyone.

BUT, I also think it's very evident that we need one or two central defenders, and it's not unreasonable to say that the sooner the better in order that we're nicely organised for the season ahead.

There have been one or two silly posts saying we need signings across every position still, but I'll be very happy with the balance of the squad when we've strengthened central defence, and I think this goes for most supporters.

 

[Sunjihi]

I'd agree that we are showing ambition with these signings and recent times have shown that we won't necessarily be selling anyone.

BUT, I also think it's very evident that we need one or two central defenders, and it's not unreasonable to say that the sooner the better in order that we're nicely organised for the season ahead.

There have been one or two silly posts saying we need signings across every position still, but I'll be very happy with the balance of the squad when we've strengthened central defence, and I think this goes for most supporters.

Yes we do need a new first choice centre half and I do believe we will get one I also think we could see bob Harris struggle for a place in the team in favour of mceverly because of his height

 

[Houso]

Yes we do need a new first choice centre half and I do believe we will get one I also think we could see bob Harris struggle for a place in the team in favour of mceverly because of his height

Woah, I don't want to see Jay Mac anywhere near left back this season. Bob (despite his troubles in the playoff semi) is as good a left as we could get in this league and we shouldn't even be thinking of replacing him.

 

[Silent Blade]

Woah, I don't want to see Jay Mac anywhere near left back this season. Bob (despite his troubles in the playoff semi) is as good a left as we could get in this league and we shouldn't even be thinking of replacing him.

I like Harris going forward but he has made mistakes when defending

 

[Oreyt]

Very statesmanlike language Bladesway. The sort of thing your favourite teacher would say after you set fire to their coat or something.

 

[Revolution]

I am reserving judgment on our signings until we see the whole package, ie who else comes in or who leaves.

I've been fooled too many times by our board to get too excited yet.

 

[Bladesway]

I am reserving judgment on our signings until we see the whole package, ie who else comes in or who leaves.

I've been fooled too many times by our board to get too excited yet.

Agree to a point but at what point do we celebrate the signing of players that we as fans have been asking for? Yes there may be a sting in the tail but if that is all you are looking for that is all you will find. Doesn't it feel different now to you? It does to me.

 

[mattbianco1]

With the correct management and style of play we could field 2 matchday squads capable of finishing 1st and 2nd in this shitty little league.

It was the same last season but they were totally mismanaged.

Other teams in this league will be looking at our squad and wondering how we are still here.

 

[Jon Bon]

I'm just a girl who can't say no. Although I can type it, no problem.

 

[Revolution]

Agree to a point but at what point do we celebrate the signing of players that we as fans have been asking for? Yes there may be a sting in the tail but if that is all you are looking for that is all you will find. Doesn't it feel different now to you? It does to me.

No, it doesn't.

I thought the Clough era was different, coming off that great finish to the season...and then bye bye Maguire and hello no centre halves and tiny midfielders.

When do we celebrate? When we know that Billy Sharp's arrival doesn't necessitate the sale of Jamie Murphy, that's when. 1 September I suppose.

 

[Oreyt]

All this is very premature. I'll reserve all judgement till about three games into the season.

Then I shall reach for my trusty pitchfork and flamethrower combo.

 

[Torrix1889]

I think it's inevitable some will go before the transfer window closes. We are still overloaded squad wise and are only adding to it, whether we can limit this to shipping out the players we can probably do without will have to be seen.

Yes we do seem to have a plethora of attacking options now in Sharp, Sammon, Higdon, McNulty, Done & Adams plus the attacking midfielders/wingers of Murphy, Woolford, JCR, Flynn, Diego, Scougall, Baxter and then there's Reed, Dimaio, DCL and probably a few more that I have missed out!

There is obviously going to be some movement out, we aren't going to be able to keep 6 strikers plus 7 or 8 attack minded midfileders on the books for only 4 positions, (presuming Adkins keeps faith with the 4-4-2 and we play 2 holding midfielders in Bash and Wallace/Coutts).

For me I would be delighted if we kept Done, Adams, & Murphy along with the new boys of Sharp, Sammon & Woolford. Diego has just signed a new contract and will probably go out on loan and Reed will be a bench regular with Dimaio and DCL still seen as development players.

That leaves question marks over JCR, Flynn, Scougall and Baxter, Higdon and McNulty and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 4 of these move on or go out on loan.........I do have an awful feeling however that we could lose one or maybe two of Done, Murphy and Adams.

 

[Davie Blade]

Woah, I don't want to see Jay Mac anywhere near left back this season. Bob (despite his troubles in the playoff semi) is as good a left as we could get in this league and we shouldn't even be thinking of replacing him.

I saw the Guardian reporting a large spike in sales of Ecstasy and LSD this last year, so it only seems normal we get the occasional 'Bob Harris is the best left back in the division' post.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I like Harris going forward but he has made mistakes when defending

Undoubtedly true but isn't this the modern way? It's true all the way up to international level. Glenn Johnson and many others. The balance for a while has been on attacking potential rather than defensive solidity.

Cliche corner: My heart is in my mouth when Bob has to defend but his passing is a sight for sore eyes.

 

[Slim Man]

I saw the Guardian reporting a large spike in sales of Ecstasy and LSD this last year, so it only seems normal we get the occasional 'Bob Harris is the best left back in the division' post.

In the interests of fairness, can you name a better one?

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

While you can argue over many things in detail (and we have) I am a little surprised at the lack of fanfare with the arrival of Sammon and Sharp. In fact some people are bemoaning being overloaded in the striking department!!

We have just signed players who are and have played a significant part of their careers at a higher level. They have dropped down to join us. This suggests quality wise they are in the Brayford envelope. This also suggests to me the club is showing its ambition by signing these players.

Add to that the most significant upgrade in a manager in some time and you would think it was cause for optimism. Appears not, we still need several new players according to our on site team of experts and "we can all see" positions need filling. And whats more they need filling now!

I'm quite happy with the business we are doing, I am happy with the Manager we have. I am happy with the commitment of the board to strengthening the squad. What more to say really?

In 40 odd years, is this the best time to be a Blade?

The best board we've had*?

The best manager we could have?

New football friendly pitch.

Squad packed with potential.

We'll soon find out when we start playing - and reality does have its drawbacks, but I'm very optimistic for now.

UTMB

*I've just finished reading Fit and Proper and I realise this is like saying it's the asylum with the fewest nutters but I'm much more confident than that

 

[alcoblade]

In the interests of fairness, can you name a better one?

In reality, most people who make these judgements either way haven't really got a clue about the level of competition they are comparing to.

It's ever so slightly less pointless than "I think we will win 3-1 with Murphy getting the winner in the 86th minute" type of posts.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

In 40 odd years, is this the best time to be a Blade?

The best board we've had*?

The best manager we could have?

New football friendly pitch.

Squad packed with potential.

We'll soon find out when we start playing - and reality does have its drawbacks, but I'm very optimistic for now.

UTMB

*I've just finished reading Fit and Proper and I realise this is like saying it's the asylum with the fewest nutters but I'm much more confident than that

I think you missed a number of 's off the end of that post?

UTB

 

[coaxingstar71]

Some good posts on here and some very funny ones.

Not sure it's the best time to be a Blade in last 40 years, the first 4 to 5 years under Bassett were the best for me but I certainly take the point about the board. Pity we didn't have this board back then.

I also agree that my arse cheeks clinch that little bit more in the moment before Bob attempts to tackle in and around the box. A new thread devoted to the subject of Mr Harris beckons...

I'm looking forward to the new season with the usual optimism. I expect we might lose Done or Murphy or Adams - that's football - but I feel more confident that at least we won't give them away for nowt. All under a couple of years contract so should get good fees. I don't want to lose any of them though if possible.

Also agree we have the best manager we could have hoped for and I just hope that my expectation that we will be playing a much more positive brand of football is realised.

Still think we need a decent quality CB at the very least, but other than that more than happy with the squad we've got.

 

[Rodders]

In 40 odd years, is this the best time to be a Blade?

The best board we've had*?

The best manager we could have?

New football friendly pitch.

Squad packed with potential.

We'll soon find out when we start playing - and reality does have its drawbacks, but I'm very optimistic for now.

UTMB

*I've just finished reading Fit and Proper and I realise this is like saying it's the asylum with the fewest nutters but I'm much more confident than that

Fucking hell - the 5th consecutive year in the 3rd division is better than playing in the Premier League or old Div. 1 with Harry Bassett's side?? Really?

While I share your optimism with our current board, it's potential and nothing more. Concentrating on the matter in hand is the important thing - such as players being able to play in the Championship; it arguably cost us promotion last year and there is no evidence they actually could.. yet.

 

[DazBlade88]

I like Harris going forward but he has made mistakes when defending

Agreed, but he did save a hell of a lot of goals too. No defender could look good for us last season.

I saw the Guardian reporting a large spike in sales of Ecstasy and LSD this last year, so it only seems normal we get the occasional 'Bob Harris is the best left back in the division' post.

Name a better left back currently in League One.

 

[DazBlade88]

Come to think of it, I can't believe that we've only made signings that Nigel has worked with before or have come from Derby. What a disgrace

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Fucking hell - the 5th consecutive year in the 3rd division is better than playing in the Premier League or old Div. 1 with Harry Bassett's side?? Really?

While I share your optimism with our current board, it's potential and nothing more. Concentrating on the matter in hand is the important thing - such as players being able to play in the Championship; it arguably cost us promotion last year and there is no evidence they actually could.. yet.

The counter to that is given what was going on behind the scenes it was unsustainable and *arguably* the reason we are where we are now.

The price of short term success is often long term failure.

For me I suppose we'll only really know if in ten years time we're a fixture in Division 1.

 

[robbiez666]

Simple. We were all really positive and confident last season and look what happened.

 

[Worksop II]

For me I suppose we'll only really know if in ten years time we're a fixture in Division 1.

I think 5 years has nailed it for me

Premier League Fans

Championship Team

League 1 Board

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I think it's inevitable some will go before the transfer window closes. We are still overloaded squad wise and are only adding to it, whether we can limit this to shipping out the players we can probably do without will have to be seen.

Yes we do seem to have a plethora of attacking options now in Sharp, Sammon, Higdon, McNulty, Done & Adams plus the attacking midfielders/wingers of Murphy, Woolford, JCR, Flynn, Diego, Scougall, Baxter and then there's Reed, Dimaio, DCL and probably a few more that I have missed out!

There is obviously going to be some movement out, we aren't going to be able to keep 6 strikers plus 7 or 8 attack minded midfileders on the books for only 4 positions, (presuming Adkins keeps faith with the 4-4-2 and we play 2 holding midfielders in Bash and Wallace/Coutts).

For me I would be delighted if we kept Done, Adams, & Murphy along with the new boys of Sharp, Sammon & Woolford. Diego has just signed a new contract and will probably go out on loan and Reed will be a bench regular with Dimaio and DCL still seen as development players.

That leaves question marks over JCR, Flynn, Scougall and Baxter, Higdon and McNulty and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 4 of these move on or go out on loan.........I do have an awful feeling however that we could lose one or maybe two of Done, Murphy and Adams.

Baxter seems to be the first choice of Adkins for central midfield alongside Basham.
The only friendly he wasn't included alongside the other "first team" players was the first one when he had just been through the draining tribunal experience.