The rebuild starts now.

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

 

[Yogi]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding.
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

Great well considered post I think we agree on a lot of things with regards to what needs to be the long term vision of the club.

unfortunately all the noises coming out the club seem to be that the rebuild in the pitch won’t begin in this transfer window if we’re bringing in short term loans although maybe that’s changed given we still haven’t picked up points.

 

[HD8 Blades]

Sound post. Good read

 

[robbiez666]

no one will sign for us permanently this transfer window. We only shop in 2 divisions and I suspect it's highly unlikely any Premier League player would even want to come on loan unless they're desperate to impress ahead of the Euros. You're basically coming to lose every week.

No player at a top half Championship club would sign for us. Why would they? They have more chance of being in the PL next year than we do.

So, no point trying to spend money to bring players into a toxic atmosphere of loss after loss.

 

[Hockey'sBeard]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

Excellent post and 100% agree. Our infrastructure particular scouting is way behind but no criticism as it was surely to be expected with the meoteotic rise we had when the highest level of players we were considering or aspiring to were mid championship at best and of course we couldn’t keep our brightest prospects playing in league 1. I see lots of people saying sack Wilder but no suggestions of who to replace him with or what else needs to change

 

[ZLB]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

Still you xx

 

[ancientblade]

Great well considered post I think we agree on a lot of things with regards to what needs to be the long term vision of the club.

unfortunately all the noises coming out the club seem to be that the rebuild won’t begin in this transfer window if we’re bringing in short term loans although maybe that’s changed given we still haven’t picked up points.

any loans we make have to be with a view to the championship next season we could sign 4 internationals this window and it still wouldnt keep us up imo. i would go with what weve got add 2 or 3 of the young lads to the match day squad and give them some experience of being around things and change the tactics playing 5 at the back aint gonna win us games. its heartbreaking just now after weve come so far but were on a sound financial footing (unlike those clowns in s6) and with good planning we can come back from this setback and challenge again next season utb fto

 

[SouthportBlade]

Pragmatic view and well articulated. Fully agree, its hard as a fan because we see everything in the moment but the bigger picture and longer term transformation is key - gradually building a squad, infrastructure, backroom staff, scouting network. Years languishing in league 1 mean there's a long way to go.

The problem for me is next year will be a struggle. We need a proper reset / clear out. Maybe 10/12 of squad can go for me and the same bringing back in, that turnover in a team means a difficult year.

 

[Yogi]

any loans we make have to be with a view to the championship next season we could sign 4 internationals this window and it still wouldnt keep us up imo. i would go with what weve got add 2 or 3 of the young lads to the match day squad and give them some experience of being around things and change the tactics playing 5 at the back aint gonna win us games. its heartbreaking just now after weve come so far but were on a sound financial footing (unlike those clowns in s6) and with good planning we can come back from this setback and challenge again next season utb fto

I agree with the sentiment but it will be very difficult to loan with a view to next season. As any young up and comers out of the lower leagues won’t be available for loan as teams will want monetary compensation for their assets ditto establish champ players. Older fringe prem players won’t want to come and join in the champ unless they’re past it. The only players who might be available are young fringe prem players who teams are willing to let go but these will be a step down from Brewster, ampadu and Ramsdale and I’m not sure we as a fan base have the patience for that.

If we’re going down the route of young fringe prem players then the ones to target are the ones refusing to sign contracts because they want football. People praise the Brentford model and rightly so well this is the part of it we are most able to emulate right now and it’s something we should look at imo.

 

[Robbat]

I agree with the sentiment but it will be very difficult to loan with a view to next season. As any young up and comers out of the lower leagues won’t be available for loan as teams will want monetary compensation for their assets ditto establish champ players. Older fringe prem players won’t want to come and join in the champ unless they’re past it. The only players who might be available are young fringe prem players who teams are willing to let go but these will be a step down from Brewster, ampadu and Ramsdale and I’m not sure we as a fan base have the patience for that.

If we’re going down the route of young fringe prem players then the ones to target are the ones refusing to sign contracts because they want football. People praise the Brentford model and rightly so well this is the part of it we are most able to emulate right now and it’s something we should look at imo.

 

[Luke1993]

For me next season our squad should look something like this.

Gks: ramsdale, verrips, foderingham or a youth gk as 3rd choice. (sell verrips or fod)

Rwb: bogle/Baldock
Rcb: new 1st choice younger Rcb, bash
CB: Egan, young backup (pollock?)
Lcb: joc, Robinson
Lwb: Lowe/RND/Osborn
Cm: berge, Norwood
Rcm: new 1st choice, berge, bash, coulibaly?
Lcm: fleck, Freeman, Osborn
Cam, Freeman, Didz, coulibaly? Brunt, New signing (sell freeman)
Sts: mcburnie, Brewster, Burke, new signing, Didz, sharp.

That's if we're sticking with the back 3, obviously if we change to a formation with wingers, recruitment should reflect that

 

[Bruce Wayne]

What rebuild? We have just had the best window ever.

 

[ZLB]

What rebuild? We have just had the best window ever.

Good to see that ‘best transfer window ever’ has replaced ‘kidney punch’ as the IN joke.

 

[ChappyAppleBlade]

Robinson? I'd fly that Droid to tattooine and sell him to the Jawas myself, rather than let him play for Sheffield United Football Club again.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for I think

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

I think the rebuild started months ago. But a club like us can’t afford to do our rebuilding in the glare of the Prem. We’ve simply been caught in transition with our trousers round our ankles.

 

[YES Blade]

I just can’t see Wilder turning this around, it just doesn’t happen. It never ends well for a manager after such a poor run.

 

[Vikkster]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

 

[gordoncharles]

I just can’t see Wilder turning this around, it just doesn’t happen. It never ends well for a manager after such a poor run.

Maybe it will, maybe it won't. There are a couple of "it has" though. One is Farke at Norwich with 10 straight defeats to end their season.

The other is McCann at Hull. Hull's record after New Year's Day to the end of last season was Pl 20 W 1 D 3 L 16 Pts 6. . They conceded 4 or more goals six times in that run.

If they have been responsible, United's board should have been preparing for next season for well over a month.

 

[BanderSerge]

I just can’t see Wilder turning this around, it just doesn’t happen. It never ends well for a manager after such a poor run.

Apart from Norwich?

 

[Snowflake]

For me, the rebuild starts now.

This is a perspective I'd reached on my own, but aligns well with the post Zipwire has shared earlier this evening.

This is bigger than this season alone, this is about the overall stature, direction and growth of SUFC. I actually agree a lot with Zipwire's idea of being 'overpromoted' in terms of the infrastructure we had in place. The build wasn't a gradual one, but more of a meteoric rise. We deserved every scrap of success that came our way based on our style of play, our professionalism, our togetherness, the innovation of our system and the hunger of everyone in the squad.

But now, we reflect that the wider standing of club isn't quite where it needs to be: wage structure, training ground, academy, squad depth. Hence why plans are in place to develop Shirecliffe and why we have squad with little credible depth, a 38-year old second choice centre half, and little variation in the squad, to be more flexible and change the system, tactically.

In many respects, last season was the outlier, as magic as it was. Hence Wilder in his interview commenting on how last season's success was thanks to every aspect of the club (tactics, selection, confidence, fitness, taking chances) being 100%, maxing the squad (and our fortunes) out.

When Wilder makes comments about the standing of certain clubs, and not being able to go toe-to-toe with sides, I understanding why it doesn't always go down well, especially when the offering on the pitch is so poor, currently. However, I'm starting to appreciate what he means.

I've said a few times on Shoutbox tonight that I'm at peace with the situation, as much as I can be. This is a rebuild. Not to get us back to last season's heroics, but to continue to drag us away from the dire abysmal days of Rochdale away, Connor Sammon, Dean Hammond, selling Adams, Maguire, DCL to the earliest bidder, playoff disappointments and McCabe's inadequacies. This is a project, a long-term transformation of a club from those dark days. Is anything on the pitch currently easy to watch? Of course not. I feel sad and fed up most weeks, but this is bigger context stuff.

The need for continued growth and improvement in this project, doesn't mean losing the manager - quite the opposite. Instead, appraise and scrutinise all aspects of the club's performance last year and this, but improve together. That includes tactics, wage structure, squad depth, recruitment. I trust noone more with my club, but we are learning together and need to reflect on where we could've done much better. It's important to remember that Wilder is no more experienced at this level than anyone else. We could have noone better experienced in the Championship if/when we go down - but a proven PL manager doesn't drop down to the Champ.

So, starting points:

• Assess the squad now. Where are the gaps, which areas need improving or depth adding. For example, does Freeman have a key role for us next season?
• Build the shopping list for the Championship now, use this window too.
• Clear the deadwood. Pay off Moore, Jagielka, Rodwell, Foderingham etc..
• Seek assurances and commitments from the current squad - get a real feel for who is committed to the cause, even if we do go down.
• Get back to the basics, revisit how we want to play, what we want our style and tactics to be, and rebuild around that.

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill's influence has been the best thing to happen to this club for decades, now it's time to think about what their next chapter holds in store for us...

Good comments
Wilder’s reply at the press conference to “ throw the kids in” was illuminating and clearly he agrees with you !

 

[Kev Gee]

There is some element to the over promotion angle but even then you expect to progress each season. However there's an argument that the squad is actually worse than last year!

Also you would expect even a mid level championship team to nick a win or two here and there if they were suddenly promoted and played with the same squad in the PL.

 

[Chabuddy G]

Apart from Norwich?

Norwich was never anything like this bad

 

[Harry's Game]

Team Day one next season (assuming Wilder is still here and it’s the same formation as the last time in the Championship)

...............................Ramsdale

..............Bash ..........New CB........ New LCB

Bogle...........................................................Stevens

...............New CM.................New CM

................................New no.10

...............McBurnie ...................... Brewster


Thats what we need to replace people who will go in the summer and need replacing.. And that’s before we think about the back up players.

Big rebuild needed.

 

[alcoblade]

Norwich was never anything like this bad

Interesting that they lost their last 10 matches though. The summer clearly helped them prepare.

And one advantage we have, however unfortunate, is that we know what division we will be in well in advance of other teams.

The manager situation needs clarification first I suppose.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

Team Day one next season (assuming Wilder is still here and it’s the same formation as the last time in the Championship)

...............................Ramsdale

..............Bash ..........New CB........ New LCB

Bogle...........................................................Stevens

...............New CM.................New CM

................................New no.10

...............McBurnie ...................... Brewster


Thats what we need to replace people who will go in the summer and need replacing.. And that’s before we think about the back up players.

Big rebuild needed.

I think this is almost nailed on.

I thin Baldock receives interest, as does Egan and Berge. I think and hope JOC stays, due to his imminent recovery. For all, I don't see cutting ties and leaving as a foregone conclusion, hence as I said in my OP, sounding them out with where their priorities and loyalties lie. I think they're all invested in SUFC.

I think Norwood and Fleck are around the squad, form is temporary, class is permanent - and at a level below. We have a fair bit to rebuild, their revival could save a lot of money and headaches.

New 10, agreed - Freeman can compete here too.

 

[robbiez666]

I keep hearing Norwich mentioned as a justification that we'd come straight back up. However, if you look at the team they went down with it looks so much better on paper than ours.

They've only sold Lewis and Godfrey for £40 million

They've still got:

Aarons
Cantwell
Beundia
Krul
Pukki
Bryam

and signed 10 players on top of that on permanents and loan

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Apart from Norwich?

In fairness, Norwich was really different. They treated promotion as a free hit - spent nothing & competed fairly well. What we're going through, sadly, is an unprecedented level of humiliation with much of our Prem money already spent.

I don't see us bouncing back unless we keep JOC & Egan, which I also find unlikely.

 

[Shoreham_Bhoys]

I think we’ll get O’Connell till next January, teams simply won’t pay our asking price for a player who hasn’t proven his fitness after a year out.

If he’s decent until then he’ll be gone to the PL.

 

[I'll tell me dad.]

Robinson? I'd fly that Droid to tattooine and sell him to the Jawas myself, rather than let him play for Sheffield United Football Club again.

Ooteenee

 

[CentralQuay]

In fairness, Norwich was really different. They treated promotion as a free hit - spent nothing & competed fairly well. What we're going through, sadly, is an unprecedented level of humiliation with much of our Prem money already spent.

I don't see us bouncing back unless we keep JOC & Egan, which I also find unlikely.

JOC and Egan won't be going anywhere, unless there are serious cash flow issues.
Too many questions over them for clubs to pay their valuation, especially with the financial part of the game being how it is.

Obviously the main one is JOC's fitness/injury issues, and the other is the fact that not many sides play 3CBs in the league, and neither have shown they can perform in a back 4 at this level.