The Grind Never Stops Y'know

[Katzenjammer]

Like anybody else, I'm very annoyed at losing the most talented player I've ever witnessed in the red, white and black.

Like anybody else, I'm aware of the negative implications of starting the Premier League in his absence.

Like many others, I feel no small measure of anger towards how the whole business has been conducted, with specific reference to our glorious leaders in the boardroom.

But there remains a squad to be built by Paul Heckingbottom and his staff.

There remains an entire team to get behind, and to scream our lungs out in support of for over 38 games. Those lads will need every decibel of it. It WILL make a difference. If you don't believe it does, I refer you to 2020/21. That's where you and I come in.

Being pissed off is understandable, and I'm not being dismissive of the understandable negative reaction.

But the sheer degree of self-flagellating, doom-mongering, and downright apocalyptic expressions of hysteria are quite frankly, an absolute embarrassment.
I've been familiar with this fanbase and community for as long as I can remember, being part of it myself.
I know our proclivity towards pessimism, knee-jerkery and cantankerousness, sometimes justifiable, many times not so much.

But quite frankly, the reaction from many quarters has shocked and surprised even me.

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

I'll leave you with the immortal advice that my late father imparted to me whenever I was being a mopey bastard.

"Bloody well shek thi sen".

 

[moody1889]

To sum it up we are a sh*t show of a club again the Prince has undone all of Heckingbottom good work just like he did with Wilder.

I thought it was Wilder just being bitter at the time but it is clear he was actually speaking a lot of truth.

The owner needs to sell up and sell up now he talks as much waffle as his owd pal McCabe.

The Prince says actions speak louder than words he said he wanted a quick sale well then he has to put his money where his mouth is and sell up now.

The club are to blame for. Ndiaye contract situation getting to what it did if they had sorted it one way or the other a season ago we wouldn't be in this mess.

Ndiaye and his agent have shown themselves to be a pair of snakes going by the reports today and I say good riddance to them.

So to hell with Ndiaye now and focus on the future.

 

[Stretch]

That Katzenjammer, is a very well written post.

Agree 100%.

 

[CPB]

I'm annoyed and disappointed for sure. And I feel like the club could have done more previously to avoid this situation a bit.
No I'm not talking about the deal they offered this summer because this sounds like as good as we could do. More so 12 months ago or more.

But not alot we can do now but move onto new targets and try to build a new forward line. We have Traore in, we deffo need more.
If Osula can start finishing he could be really good too.

But whoever puts on the shirt we need to back. My expectation for the season has deffo lowered now Iliman has gone and I do expect relegation.
But it's not a foregone conclusion, certainly before we have even played 1 match.

And if we do go down we want to go down fighting and so I would hope we can pick up some wins too!

 

[Bladeinleeds]

To sum it up we are a sh*t show of a club again the Prince has undone all of Heckingbottom good work just like he did with Wilder.

I thought it was Wilder just being bitter at the time but it is clear he was actually speaking a lot of truth.

The owner needs to sell up and sell up now he talks as much waffle as his owd pal McCabe.

The Prince says actions speak louder than words he said he wanted a quick sale well then he has to put his money where his mouth is and sell up now.

The club are to blame for. Ndiaye contract situation getting to what it did if they had sorted it one way or the other a season ago we wouldn't be in this mess.

Ndiaye and his agent have shown themselves to be a pair of snakes going by the reports today and I say good riddance to them.

So to hell with Ndiaye now and focus on the future.

Wilder spend 140m+ In the PL. in no universe can he complain about not being backed.

He’s only got himself to blame that basically NONE of them represented value for money. He then threw toys out that we didn’t throw good money after bad when we were essentially relegated by November.

We’ve been paying off the mess he purchased for the last few years.

 

[dingledog]

Good original post, I think it shouldn't be underestimated what effect this might have on our players though. I know they are professionals and this stuff happens, but they will also know that with illy they had a better chance of staying up.

 

[Katzenjammer]

Good original post, I think it shouldn't be underestimated what effect this might have on our players though. I know they are professionals and this stuff happens, but they will also know that with illy they had a better chance of staying up.

Yeah I agree, the players will need some rallying. Heckingbottom's primary task now is to re-instill that sense of belief in themselves.

Fortunately, there's good evidence that he can do that. He had to pick them back up when they were broken by the second Premier League season.
Then he came back to do it when it didn't work out with Slav, and we went on a wonderful run, only falling short because of a sluggish start. And then he obviously took us up. So I have every faith

 

[HuddersfieldBlade]

Completely agree with the OP. Every team will be under pressure to sell there talent, players want to leave etc. We've lost the best player I've seen for United, good luck to him in his career. And as long as we get the right money for him giving his contract status, and we invest in the right areas to keep developing the squad and be in a better position in the future.

Could be worse, we might not have any money, an aging small squad and selling 10 year season tickets for cash only

 

[west_yorks_blade]

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

As you say, most are royally pissed off at the moment, but you have no idea how long this will continue for.

Assuming that everyone will be sulking for 9 months is just as daft as condescendingly sneering at people that aren't taking the news as well as you.

 

[Katzenjammer]

As you say, most are royally pissed off at the moment, but you have no idea how long this will continue for.

Assuming that everyone will be sulking for 9 months is just as daft as condescendingly sneering at people that aren't taking the news as well as you.

Perhaps you should read the post again.

I've actually gone to great lengths to explain how much I understand the frustration. I also stressed that I'm not trying to be dismissive either.

My criticism is of the degree to which it has been expressed. It's not condescension, I'm imploring us to dust ourselves down and carry on. It's not in our hands to make things better, but we do have the power to not make it worse than it has to be.

And many will be moping for the next 9 months unfortunately. I come across many folk even now who still have the tit on because of Deane and Fjortoft being sold 25 years ago.

 

[TJB.]

It's not in our hands to make things better, but we do have the power to not make it worse than it has to be.

An excellent point well made.

You condescending little shit.

 

[Rochdaleblade]

I'm inclined to agree with the OP. If Illy refused to sign a new contract then it's a case of choosing the least worst of two options, sell him for whatever we can get or keep him and lose him for nowt next year. Keeping him would not necessarily have kept us up and could have left us with a mardy arse Aubamayang situation. Unfortunately, players (and agents) have all the power these days.

 

[S40BLADE]

My frustration isnt with this season its the lack of long term thinking that is truly making me shit myself. We have about 5 professional (non-academy) on the books for next year. And with our lack of investment now who's to say we will invest next season. Looking up to be a pathetic promotion attempt rebuild.

 

[Westran]

I was annoyed at first, like most were/are; we're a fickle bunch and we like to let our frustrations be heard. But I try not to let my feelings be known until I've let the dust settle so I can see exactly what's happening and I have made sense of it.

We're obviously going to be disappointed losing such a talent, and the state of contracts next year needs sorting, but the Illi situation was coming one way or the other and I'm glad we seem to have a plan b, even given all the opinions I've seen, I'm not sure we could have done much more. But I must say I feel better about it already given the names we've been linked with since the news broke. We can now move into planning for the next season knowing who's staying and going, and we have a chunk of money to help us on our way.

One thing that would definitely help us is if we start to see key new contracts being dealt out along with quality attacking and defensive options come through the door.

All we can do is get behind the team we support, the bedwetting happens, it probably makes the sense of feeling when we start backing the team even stronger. I still have faith that this season will be a good one.

 

[BouncinBlade]

Like anybody else, I'm very annoyed at losing the most talented player I've ever witnessed in the red, white and black.

Like anybody else, I'm aware of the negative implications of starting the Premier League in his absence.

Like many others, I feel no small measure of anger towards how the whole business has been conducted, with specific reference to our glorious leaders in the boardroom.

But there remains a squad to be built by Paul Heckingbottom and his staff.

There remains an entire team to get behind, and to scream our lungs out in support of for over 38 games. Those lads will need every decibel of it. It WILL make a difference. If you don't believe it does, I refer you to 2020/21. That's where you and I come in.

Being pissed off is understandable, and I'm not being dismissive of the understandable negative reaction.

But the sheer degree of self-flagellating, doom-mongering, and downright apocalyptic expressions of hysteria are quite frankly, an absolute embarrassment.
I've been familiar with this fanbase and community for as long as I can remember, being part of it myself.
I know our proclivity towards pessimism, knee-jerkery and cantankerousness, sometimes justifiable, many times not so much.

But quite frankly, the reaction from many quarters has shocked and surprised even me.

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

I'll leave you with the immortal advice that my late father imparted to me whenever I was being a mopey bastard.

"Bloody well shek thi sen".

Well said & very articulate Sir! ( for a minute i thought it was Simon Jordan)

Come the home game at Palace WE ALL will be in full voice.

I personally don’t understand the hatred against the prince. Yes, things could have been handled better but I think he’s done a good job. We wouldn’t be in the premier league if he would have sold Berge & Illiman in January. I believe his heart is in the right place. He knows he can’t fund the club full time. Hence, would like investment or a sale. Let’s give the man a break. C’mon you Blades

 

[Katzenjammer]

Well said & very articulate Sir! ( for a minute i thought it was Simon Jordan)

Come the home game at Palace WE ALL will be in full voice.

I personally don’t understand the hatred against the prince. Yes, things could have been handled better but I think he’s done a good job. We wouldn’t be in the premier league if he would have sold Berge & Illiman in January. I believe his heart is in the right place. He knows he can’t fund the club full time. Hence, would like investment or a sale. Let’s give the man a break. C’mon you Blades

Cheers bud.

Although now that I've been compared to Simon Jordan, I probably need to re-evaluate my entire life to date

 

[Broomhall Blade]

Like anybody else, I'm very annoyed at losing the most talented player I've ever witnessed in the red, white and black.

Like anybody else, I'm aware of the negative implications of starting the Premier League in his absence.

Like many others, I feel no small measure of anger towards how the whole business has been conducted, with specific reference to our glorious leaders in the boardroom.

But there remains a squad to be built by Paul Heckingbottom and his staff.

There remains an entire team to get behind, and to scream our lungs out in support of for over 38 games. Those lads will need every decibel of it. It WILL make a difference. If you don't believe it does, I refer you to 2020/21. That's where you and I come in.

Being pissed off is understandable, and I'm not being dismissive of the understandable negative reaction.

But the sheer degree of self-flagellating, doom-mongering, and downright apocalyptic expressions of hysteria are quite frankly, an absolute embarrassment.
I've been familiar with this fanbase and community for as long as I can remember, being part of it myself.
I know our proclivity towards pessimism, knee-jerkery and cantankerousness, sometimes justifiable, many times not so much.

But quite frankly, the reaction from many quarters has shocked and surprised even me.

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

I'll leave you with the immortal advice that my late father imparted to me whenever I was being a mopey bastard.

"Bloody well shek thi sen".

It just grinds you down after nearly 50 years supporting the Blades you would think I would be used to it by now.
But this one particularly hurts its up there with Deane and Fjortoft.
I was resigned to a tough season and probably relegation with our transfer dealings and contract offers anyway, but did have a little bit of hope with Ndiaye being here.
He would have at least added some creativity and an outlet something we was desperately lacking in our last relegation from the Premiership, but now we are left with a squad which is arguably worse than the one which last got relegated from the Premiership.
I know there is still time too sign players(Although alot of the names linked don't exactly inspire me with confidence) but it's under 2 weeks until the season starts and we have one friendly left too play not great is it, especially with the first game being a relegation 6 pointer already in my view.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Doesn’t surprise me at all.

It’s the fashion with so many disloyal self entitled fans who demand the best but refuse to pay for it.

However don’t think this is even about money. The player had a dream to play for his boyhood club, he was leaving no matter what. Now some of our fans turn on N’Diaye, he’s best out of it.

Remember when we did a similar thing bringing Sharp home from Leeds with a year left on his contract. Our fans thought that was fair and reasonable at the time.

To be honest think it’s mainly hot air.
No player is ever bigger than a club, it shows a small club mentality.

I’m reserving criticism until the season starts then we’ll know what we’ve got going forward however agree at the moment it’s not looking good.

 

[Katzenjammer]

It just grinds you down after nearly 50 years supporting the Blades you would think I would be used to it by now.
But this one particularly hurts its up there with Deane and Fjortoft.
I was resigned to a tough season and probably relegation with our transfer dealings and contract offers anyway, but did have a little bit of hope with Ndiaye being here.
He would have at least added some creativity and an outlet something we was desperately lacking in our last relegation from the Premiership, but now we are left with a squad which is arguably worse than the one which last got relegated from the Premiership.
I know there is still time too sign players(Although alot of the names linked don't exactly inspire me with confidence) but it's under 2 weeks until the season starts and we have one friendly left too play not great is it, especially with the first game being a relegation 6 pointer already in my view.

Yeah I get that, I've only had it for half as long as you as a fan, and I'm very jaded by it all.

If I can offer a bit of hope, looking at the transfer activity for our first Premier League season under Wilder. We didn't look like we were putting together a side that would eventually finish 9th, apart from Berge who we didn't sign until January.

https://www.transfermarkt.com/sheffield-united/transfers/verein/350/saison_id/2019

Worst case scenario, we might have to revert to our old secret weapons: "Passion" and "momentum"!

 

[Bladesman]

Cheers bud.

Although now that I've been compared to Simon Jordan, I probably need to re-evaluate my entire life to date

Did you used to own Crystal Palace as well?

 

[Katzenjammer]

Did you used to own Crystal Palace as well?

I might have at some point actually, but I've completely forgotten about it. Palace are that sort of club.

 

[Bladesman]

I might have at some point actually, but I've completely forgotten about it. Palace are that sort of club.

You may have bought it on eBay after a heavy night.

 

[Katzenjammer]

You may have bought it on eBay after a heavy night.

"Ooh, a Batman bedspread, ooh, a Charles and Diana commemorative tea towel, ooh a child's toy snooker table"

"Crystal Palace FC? Ah fuck it, I've still got a fiver".

 

[Sean Thornton]

Did you used to own Crystal Palace as well?

He’s mixed up. He means Stephen Jordan…..

 

[Pedro's Winger]

Like anybody else, I'm very annoyed at losing the most talented player I've ever witnessed in the red, white and black.

Like anybody else, I'm aware of the negative implications of starting the Premier League in his absence.

Like many others, I feel no small measure of anger towards how the whole business has been conducted, with specific reference to our glorious leaders in the boardroom.

But there remains a squad to be built by Paul Heckingbottom and his staff.

There remains an entire team to get behind, and to scream our lungs out in support of for over 38 games. Those lads will need every decibel of it. It WILL make a difference. If you don't believe it does, I refer you to 2020/21. That's where you and I come in.

Being pissed off is understandable, and I'm not being dismissive of the understandable negative reaction.

But the sheer degree of self-flagellating, doom-mongering, and downright apocalyptic expressions of hysteria are quite frankly, an absolute embarrassment.
I've been familiar with this fanbase and community for as long as I can remember, being part of it myself.
I know our proclivity towards pessimism, knee-jerkery and cantankerousness, sometimes justifiable, many times not so much.

But quite frankly, the reaction from many quarters has shocked and surprised even me.

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

I'll leave you with the immortal advice that my late father imparted to me whenever I was being a mopey bastard.

"Bloody well shek thi sen".

Looking forward to the sequel same time next year when we've beaten Derby's points record and half the team have gone as we prepare to mount an alleged promotion challenge.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

It just grinds you down after nearly 50 years supporting the Blades you would think I would be used to it by now.
But this one particularly hurts its up there with Deane and Fjortoft.
I was resigned to a tough season and probably relegation with our transfer dealings and contract offers anyway, but did have a little bit of hope with Ndiaye being here.
He would have at least added some creativity and an outlet something we was desperately lacking in our last relegation from the Premiership, but now we are left with a squad which is arguably worse than the one which last got relegated from the Premiership.
I know there is still time too sign players(Although alot of the names linked don't exactly inspire me with confidence) but it's under 2 weeks until the season starts and we have one friendly left too play not great is it, especially with the first game being a relegation 6 pointer already in my view.

After 50 years I'd say it aint close to the double departure. That came out of the blue when we were poised to rise again (for a couple of years), this is not close to the same. Hes been refusing to sign a contract for some time. Any time asked about ambitions, win the ballon d'or and play for Marseille. Leaving shouldn't be a shock, to Marseille is as predictable as it gets. The yes/no fiasco of the last few weeks is ridiculous, but the outcome no great surprise at all.

As another 50+ years in, 52 just done calculation, I find my self agreeing with the OP completely. A breakdown of the demographic of the hysterical extreme reactors would be interesting, I'd wager a majority under 30, but the forum Simon Jordan is right. Does Katzenjammer have highlighted luscious locks as well?

 

[Katzenjammer]

Looking forward to the sequel same time next year when we've beaten Derby's points record and half the team have gone as we prepare to mount an alleged promotion challenge.

We aren't going to be anywhere near as low as 11 points by May. I keep seeing Derby comparisons being made, and with respect, it's just daft.

That Derby team were utterly shite, to a man. We have a far better side which happens to have been made weaker by losing our best player.

And if losing one player, no matter how brilliant, puts us on fewer than 11 points, then we would've been fucked even if we'd kept him.

 

[Katzenjammer]

Does @Katzenjammer have highlighted luscious locks as well?

If only.

I've got a 'Barry Bannan'.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

If only.

I've got a 'Barry Bannan'.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Like anybody else, I'm very annoyed at losing the most talented player I've ever witnessed in the red, white and black.

Like anybody else, I'm aware of the negative implications of starting the Premier League in his absence.

Like many others, I feel no small measure of anger towards how the whole business has been conducted, with specific reference to our glorious leaders in the boardroom.

But there remains a squad to be built by Paul Heckingbottom and his staff.

There remains an entire team to get behind, and to scream our lungs out in support of for over 38 games. Those lads will need every decibel of it. It WILL make a difference. If you don't believe it does, I refer you to 2020/21. That's where you and I come in.

Being pissed off is understandable, and I'm not being dismissive of the understandable negative reaction.

But the sheer degree of self-flagellating, doom-mongering, and downright apocalyptic expressions of hysteria are quite frankly, an absolute embarrassment.
I've been familiar with this fanbase and community for as long as I can remember, being part of it myself.
I know our proclivity towards pessimism, knee-jerkery and cantankerousness, sometimes justifiable, many times not so much.

But quite frankly, the reaction from many quarters has shocked and surprised even me.

There is a task at hand, it has indeed been made harder. But it will hardly be made easier by non-stop wallowing, knicker-pissing, and spending the next 9 months with our bottom lip sticking out because we no longer have the 'Starboy' in our ranks.

I'll leave you with the immortal advice that my late father imparted to me whenever I was being a mopey bastard.

"Bloody well shek thi sen".

This is by far the best post I’ve seen in what has been a shitty couple of days for everyone associated with the club. We won’t all move on together because sadly some enjoy dragging out a good wallow and some are just permanently angry at everything & anything. But I have no doubt that 90% plus of us will be right behind whoever is in the starting line up v Palace. The important thing is the journey, not the destination. UTB.