The right to an opinion.

[Nightsweats]

It always baffles me when post match there is criticism of various aspects of our performance especially when it is specific and measured. It is met either by agreement or, in the case of those not in agreement , with words like bedwetters, dummies and prams.
It's also met with statements like "I'll trust the manager over you" and "what do you know".
My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.
Certainly we are not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, how training went, who might have a knock or niggle but none of that precludes an ability to give a very good insight into any 90 minutes.
The other thing I never get is why objective, constructive criticism is often seen as heresay and pitchforks and burning torches are the order of the day.
There's being unreasonably negative, being objective and honest and living in La-La Land wearing rose tinted glasses.
The middle position of those 3 is the domain of the ballanced and rational. The other two should be ignored.

 

[Stretch]

Most of us on here would agree with pretty much everything you say. However there are a select few posters who seem to come out frothing from every orifice when we don't hammer teams 5-0 every week, but also seem to go a bit quiet, or lose their internet connection completely when we win.

Absolutely though, we all have a right to an opinion.

 

[pommpey]

Most of us on here would agree with pretty much everything you say. However there are a select few posters who seem to come out frothing from every orifice when we don't hammer teams 5-0 every week, but also seem to go a bit quiet, or lose their internet connection completely when we win.

Absolutely though, we all have a right to an opinion.

There are those also that for every stale, predictable game we seemingly regularly put out, for every scrap of impetus lost and for every error made there is no wrong to be seen and blind loyalty trumps objective observation.

We are a team of serial disappointment smattered with rare triumph, rare indeed for a team from a big city in the north of England with a vast footballing legacy and pedigree, supported by a passionate half of that city blessed with a vicious rivalry of our neighbours. But you dare to criticise and your legs are swept from beneath you like you have blasphemed. I am almost in my seventh decade now, six of those watching and supporting United and over twenty five of those numerous years contributing to internet forums. Most, if not all of who I'd see will take a dirty, undeserved win over the silliness late on in the game Saturday, and know when we are well beaten.

Sure, calling for Heckingbottom's head this early in the season is a bit bleedin' previous, but a number of dismal pre-seasons and one inspiring 45 minutes in 270 this season so far tells us there is still work to do, and he needs to fix the defects first. That's not frothing from orifices, nor pissing my pit.

pommpey

 

[Overthehills]

Unfortunately it is 2022 and a society in which debate and disagreement is no longer acceptable. From provide an anonymous domain in which people can hide behind alias and portray themselves in any way the want without the risk of repurcussions….. obviously the outcome will be obnoxious bellend.

Society is mega messed up buddy…. Take it on the chin, brush it off and give it no further minutes of your time. We can’t all agree, but historically you could take out differences eye to eye. But with the tinternet comes opinionated billy big bollocks……

 

[Stretch]

There are those also that for every stale, predictable game we seemingly regularly put out, for every scrap of impetus lost and for every error made there is no wrong to be seen and blind loyalty trumps objective observation.

We are a team of serial disappointment smattered with rare triumph, rare indeed for a team from a big city in the north of England with a vast footballing legacy and pedigree, supported by a passionate half of that city blessed with a vicious rivalry of our neighbours. But you dare to criticise and your legs are swept from beneath you like you have blasphemed. I am almost in my seventh decade now, six of those watching and supporting United and over twenty five of those numerous years contributing to internet forums. Most, if not all of who I'd see will take a dirty, undeserved win over the silliness late on in the game Saturday, and know when we are well beaten.

Sure, calling for Heckingbottom's head this early in the season is a bit bleedin' previous, but a number of dismal pre-seasons and one inspiring 45 minutes in 270 this season so far tells us there is still work to do, and he needs to fix the defects first. That's not frothing from orifices, nor pissing my pit.

pommpey

Pommpey, my post was not directed at you, so your final sentence was unnecessary.

Come rain, wind or shine you make your feelings known, whether good or bad, and don't have an agenda beyond wanting us to do well.

I can't be so complimentary of others.

 

[Sheff de party]

Good OP and very relevant. I often avoid the forum for a few days after a standard or unlucky defeat. There are those who have yet to accept that football teams sometimes lose and that that’s ok.

Similarly, there are those who as you say, cry Owl/bedwetter/non-supporter at those who dare to criticise.

I try and call it as I see it. We’re fortunate to be one of the top 25 sides in the country. We’re also never likely to win anything. I’m fine with both of those things most of the time.

 

[Sheff de party]

There are those also that for every stale, predictable game we seemingly regularly put out, for every scrap of impetus lost and for every error made there is no wrong to be seen and blind loyalty trumps objective observation.

We are a team of serial disappointment smattered with rare triumph, rare indeed for a team from a big city in the north of England with a vast footballing legacy and pedigree, supported by a passionate half of that city blessed with a vicious rivalry of our neighbours. But you dare to criticise and your legs are swept from beneath you like you have blasphemed. I am almost in my seventh decade now, six of those watching and supporting United and over twenty five of those numerous years contributing to internet forums. Most, if not all of who I'd see will take a dirty, undeserved win over the silliness late on in the game Saturday, and know when we are well beaten.

Sure, calling for Heckingbottom's head this early in the season is a bit bleedin' previous, but a number of dismal pre-seasons and one inspiring 45 minutes in 270 this season so far tells us there is still work to do, and he needs to fix the defects first. That's not frothing from orifices, nor pissing my pit.

pommpey

I would say you’re one of the more negative posters, as the above is evidence of. You’re nevertheless reasonable in criticism and it’s always well thought out and well written.

The decades do explain why it’s so bloody negative though!

 

[Snowflake]

There are those also that for every stale, predictable game we seemingly regularly put out, for every scrap of impetus lost and for every error made there is no wrong to be seen and blind loyalty trumps objective observation.

We are a team of serial disappointment smattered with rare triumph, rare indeed for a team from a big city in the north of England with a vast footballing legacy and pedigree, supported by a passionate half of that city blessed with a vicious rivalry of our neighbours. But you dare to criticise and your legs are swept from beneath you like you have blasphemed. I am almost in my seventh decade now, six of those watching and supporting United and over twenty five of those numerous years contributing to internet forums. Most, if not all of who I'd see will take a dirty, undeserved win over the silliness late on in the game Saturday, and know when we are well beaten.

Sure, calling for Heckingbottom's head this early in the season is a bit bleedin' previous, but a number of dismal pre-seasons and one inspiring 45 minutes in 270 this season so far tells us there is still work to do, and he needs to fix the defects first. That's not frothing from orifices, nor pissing my pit.

pommpey

I am not sure what fans expect from their team, unless you support one of the very wealthy clubs.
It is well over 60 years since I attended my first match and in those years I have been to many grounds, play off finals, cup semi finals and been bored to death with some of the past seasons.
We have recently experienced four seasons of great enjoyment, possibly more so than most club fans will ever experience .
We are all disappointed when the players don’t achieve what we hope for (although they often achieve what we expect !) but to go back to the original post, far too many overreact to defeat or victory.
I enjoy the varied views on here, often disagreeing, but what pisses me off are the irrational rants at defeat and the unreasonable personal attacks on individual players or posters.

 

[Trafford]

My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.

Whilst this is true, as supporters we are all inherently emotive about our team and hence much less likely to be objective about individual and team performances than the years of watching matches would suggest. This applies equally to the highs and lows - some switch from believing that we’re going to walk the league to being convinced that we will be relegated in the same month!

 

[Sheffsteel]

Interesting subject….I hate reading posts from supposed Blades who seem to hate Sheffield United.
Everything is doom and gloom, he have zero money, will never sign players and will return to league 1 next season.
Think some posters just strive to be controversial because they crave a response, any response.

However I also don’t like listening to constant extreme positivity either.
We have 2 callers on Radio Sheffield, think they are called Jonathan and Bev. Initially it’s nice to hear positivity
but it becomes tiresome when even when we’ve players pathetically bad, those 2 still praise the boys and predict promotion.

Another point is it’s pretty much agreed by society that racial abuse is rightly unacceptable.
You can receive lifetime bans from the ground and a forum.

However surely racist abuse is a small part of a bigger picture and that picture is “on-line abuse”.

Don’t mind criticism of our players, someone like McBurnie has massively underperformed so I can understand the anger but surely the bile and personal insults he receives is out of order? Altho there’s also the insults using the comedy and sarcasm factor (yes I’m referring to you Pompey ha) which can muddy the waters.

I suppose insults are fine….it’s when it’s constant without logic and when it turns into abuse and bullying it becomes a problem.

 

[Nightsweats]

Whilst this is true, as supporters we are all inherently emotive about our team and hence much less likely to be objective about individual and team performances than the years of watching matches would suggest. This applies equally to the highs and lows - some switch from believing that we’re going to walk the league to being convinced that we will be relegated in the same month!

Fair points, however is it not also possible that as an invested human being a manager can fall into a similar trap? Conte v Tuchal seconds out round 3?

 

[Linz]

It would help if people could understand that their opinions are not necessarily statements of fact that cannot be refuted.

I've always thought that some people would be more suited to a blog, shouting into the void, than engaging a forum where discussion is the entire point.

I'm all for robust disagreements. But do try and keep them within the realms of what you would legitimately say to another forum member in-person without expecting a smack in return.

 

[Grappler]

It would help if people could understand that their opinions are not necessarily statements of fact that cannot be refuted.

I've always thought that some people would be more suited to a blog, shouting into the void, than engaging a forum where discussion is the entire point.

I'm all for robust disagreements. But do try and keep them within the realms of what you would legitimately say to another forum member in-person without expecting a smack in return.

Something I always adhere to, and something I wish more people would think about, not so much on here (although it happens), but especially on things like Twitter.

 

[MancBlade85]

welcome to the internet

 

[derfblade.3]

Say it as it is. I f a player is constantly getting game time when playing poorly for weeks on end, then saying on here that the manager is wrong and that the player is crap is fine by me. Opinions make this forum flourish. I do disagree with people who call out posters who differ with their opinion by calling out the guy as thick, stupid pig or stuff like that needs to exit this forum.

 

[de g.]

My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.

Opinions are like arseholes. Everyone has one, and most are a bit shitty.

Unless there are any members of the backroom team posting on here, we're all operating in the absence of full knowledge or facts about any of those things.

We should respect the opinions of everyone, but not because opinions are sacrosanct. Respect is due equally because all opinions are equally tainted by personal perspective and prejudices, and equally full of shit.

 

[Alan Birchenall's hair]

I come on here to read the eloquently scatty, laugh out loud views of Pommpey, the drop dead surreality of KnowsNowt, the dusty decades old of photos and reminiscences of past games and adventures from Bert, Hodgysbrokenthumb, ISawJoeShaw, Silentblade etc. If we've been crap (which I don't think we were last Sunday BTW), I want to vent my spleen. If we've been great, (again we weren't on Sunday), then I'd like to join in the effusive praise. 'Cos I think Mcburnie and, Brewster are crap, and that Berge is still very overrated, and that Jebbison will never be up to this level, I say so. When I say that Brewster is a headless chicken, this is not a personal insult, but refers to his playing style. I don't abuse them in personal terms, as I don't know them and can't say if they deserve it or not. But then again, unlike others, I never call Owls fans 'pigs' either. Or refer to Hillsborough as 'the sty'. But some do, and that's up to them.

What I don't come on here for is for trivial debate about whether Berge ought to sit slightly deeper in midfield, or whether Brewster should be running the channels further forward, or whether Baldock's crosses into the box ought to be delivered slightly earlier.

I'm nearly state pension age now, and plenty of things are dreary enough, so I like the colour that these contributors add. Lineker-style in depth analysis I can get from Radio Sheffield (but I don't bother).

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

It's part and parcel of supporting an average team that flirts with being fairly decent every now and again, unfortunately. It gets some of our expectations up & some think we're great some think we're shite.

 

[Bell4]

I come on here to read the eloquently scatty, laugh out loud views of Pommpey, the drop dead surreality of KnowsNowt, the dusty decades old of photos and reminiscences of past games and adventures from Bert, Hodgysbrokenthumb, ISawJoeShaw, Silentblade etc. If we've been crap (which I don't think we were last Sunday BTW), I want to vent my spleen. If we've been great, (again we weren't on Sunday), then I'd like to join in the effusive praise. 'Cos I think Mcburnie and, Brewster are crap, and that Berge is still very overrated, and that Jebbison will never be up to this level, I say so. When I say that Brewster is a headless chicken, this is not a personal insult, but refers to his playing style. I don't abuse them in personal terms, as I don't know them and can't say if they deserve it or not. But then again, unlike others, I never call Owls fans 'pigs' either. Or refer to Hillsborough as 'the sty'. But some do, and that's up to them.

What I don't come on here for is for trivial debate about whether Berge ought to sit slightly deeper in midfield, or whether Brewster should be running the channels further forward, or whether Baldock's crosses into the box ought to be delivered slightly earlier.

I'm nearly state pension age now, and plenty of things are dreary enough, so I like the colour that these contributors add. Lineker-style in depth analysis I can get from Radio Sheffield (but I don't bother).

You've said it all

IMO

I just don't like the personal insults players or posters attract on here from some - that isn't necessary . I , many times , have had my views changed / influenced by posters on here who present their views in a way that makes me question my own . I have also had some real belly laughs that still make me smile through their nuttiness.

As for knowing as much as the manager - if i went for an interview and was up against Hecky i know who will and should win.

 

[Cheesebored]

It always baffles me when post match there is criticism of various aspects of our performance especially when it is specific and measured. It is met either by agreement or, in the case of those not in agreement , with words like bedwetters, dummies and prams.
It's also met with statements like "I'll trust the manager over you" and "what do you know".
My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.
Certainly we are not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, how training went, who might have a knock or niggle but none of that precludes an ability to give a very good insight into any 90 minutes.
The other thing I never get is why objective, constructive criticism is often seen as heresay and pitchforks and burning torches are the order of the day.
There's being unreasonably negative, being objective and honest and living in La-La Land wearing rose tinted glasses.
The middle position of those 3 is the domain of the ballanced and rational. The other two should be ignored.

Anybody that thinks 'been into football ' is an acceptable phrase should be banned from the forum, then the Internet.

 

[Rodley]

It always baffles me when post match there is criticism of various aspects of our performance especially when it is specific and measured. It is met either by agreement or, in the case of those not in agreement , with words like bedwetters, dummies and prams.
It's also met with statements like "I'll trust the manager over you" and "what do you know".
My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.
Certainly we are not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, how training went, who might have a knock or niggle but none of that precludes an ability to give a very good insight into any 90 minutes.
The other thing I never get is why objective, constructive criticism is often seen as heresay and pitchforks and burning torches are the order of the day.
There's being unreasonably negative, being objective and honest and living in La-La Land wearing rose tinted glasses.
The middle position of those 3 is the domain of the ballanced and rational. The other two should be ignored.

I think on here, as in life, no one likes a moaner. So people grow tired of the weekly cringe-a-thon if a speck of adversity comes SUFC’s way.

 

[HarryHaslam]

Very good OP. Thought we played well at Boro, more than good enough for the 3 points. The managers tactics and subs or lack of them cost us all 3 points late on. So we have a positive and a negative in there, well within my rights as a fan of this club to have my say either positive or negative.

I truly believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, if you don’t like it just ignore them and don’t reply, it’s not that hard. I often read things and think your talking pure shite (yes I will have talked pure tripe also) but just leave them to it because that’s what they believe and any reply will not change their minds, for instance, there is actually match going Blades on here who believe McBurnie is very good and Jebbison is useless, where do you even start with them, but they are entitled to their opinion even though they are clueless in my opinion.

One thing that is a stand out on here is the moaning police I’ll call them, there is a few posters who seem to sit and refresh the forum looking for any negativity after a game, ready to pounce on the “moaners” … they have taken it to an art form and now feel this is their online persona so will now always be on the prowl to have a moan at moaners. So much so that moaning at moaners is the new moaning

 

[Champagneblade]

It always baffles me when post match there is criticism of various aspects of our performance especially when it is specific and measured. It is met either by agreement or, in the case of those not in agreement , with words like bedwetters, dummies and prams.
It's also met with statements like "I'll trust the manager over you" and "what do you know".
My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.
Certainly we are not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, how training went, who might have a knock or niggle but none of that precludes an ability to give a very good insight into any 90 minutes.
The other thing I never get is why objective, constructive criticism is often seen as heresay and pitchforks and burning torches are the order of the day.
There's being unreasonably negative, being objective and honest and living in La-La Land wearing rose tinted glasses.
The middle position of those 3 is the domain of the ballanced and rational. The other two should be ignored.

Also the fact an ex-footballer has an opinion somehow invalidates that of a fan.

Not all, but a lot of footballers are thick as mince. They are heads down, follow simple instructions but when it comes to the bigger picture haven't got a clue. Some of them are pundits and their opinion is no more insightful than those in the pub.

Gary Neville was hugely refreshing at first because he did share some insight. But his current analysis of Man U is no more insightful than the bore in the pub who thinks his club is more important than anyone else's.

I've played the game, I've managed in the game etc. Couldn't give a duck mate. I can see with my own eyes if someone can pass to their mates, runs off the ball, can be in the right place at the right time, marks well from set pieces etc. Most of football is finding space and passing to players in it. Even our overlapping revolution was this.

There's no wizardry to it.

 

[blade too long]

all reasonable structured temperate opinions should be respected

but a 2-2 draw away at a respected fellow regular top 10 club being touted as something similar to a 7-0 defeat does not fall into the above parameters

I was very critical of Lowe at West Brom purely on his lack of drive.but was pleased to see a great improvement from him at boro
we all get frustrated when players misplace a pass or gives possession away , but even Kevin DeBreune doesnt get 100 per cent pass ratios

Scapegoating seems to have developed over the years with players people dislike getting marked 4 when perhaps theyve had a 7 or 8 game
yes criticise but have the good grace to if not praise acknowledge when a player performs a little better-

 

[Mojo]

I've got nothing against constructive criticism but some people rant and rave and talk utter shite, but talk like their opinion is fact.

On Sunday, yes it was disappointing to not get 3 points but a point was not too bad and max lowe after a few shaky moments settled down and was our best performing defender in the last 3rd of the game.

And akpom was not mcburnies man either

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Interesting debate. In a sense, I disagree with Nightsweats in the Original Post.

"has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else."

I go to quite a few games. But, that bit leaves me cold. (FFS, recent heated debates about zone men notwithstanding). I rarely think in those terms. As if I were a "surrogate manager" or a pundit. I don't have that knowledge as described & I'm not interested in acquiring it. Sure, I have my more favourite players, sure I can tell if someone is having a 'mare. But, I don't think about the game in the "knowledge" way described. Look, I know others do, and I'm not criticising those who do. But, I don't.

For me, I can sort of encapsulate everything by what I felt in the stand as Berge's goal went in & he ran over and did that soppy salute celebration. I don't sit in the stands thinking why doesn't he put so and so on, the flat three isn't working put someone in the hole, he needs to rest thingyamebob he's better suited to the game on Tuesday. No joy at all for me in that.

Basically, I spend the whole match thinking - score a goal - and not much else.

Foxy s comments "some people would be more suited to a Blog" has tickled me. Shouting into the void...

Subscribe here...

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Ball Sup - A Blog about Football, Cricket & Beer from the Carrier Bag Firm

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[coolasanidiot]

Basically, I spend the whole match thinking - score a goal - and not much else.

Absolutely this but with one additional thought- please don't bring McBurnie on..

 

[Carlton Blade]

I write loads sometimes but mainly because I don't have a very good internal monologue. But I also don't care if people agree or not. They are my opinions and they are only really of value to me. Sometimes I'll be proved right, often I'll be talking shit. I like to think that I listen to what other people say and if it makes sense to me I steal it and say it was my opinion all along

But mainly, it's a discussion board about football. So discuss stuff. Agree, disagree - that's the point. But try not to be a complete dickhead about it

 

[Espania blade]

It always baffles me when post match there is criticism of various aspects of our performance especially when it is specific and measured. It is met either by agreement or, in the case of those not in agreement , with words like bedwetters, dummies and prams.
It's also met with statements like "I'll trust the manager over you" and "what do you know".
My opinion is that any football supporter who has a) been into football for years and B) followed "their" club has absolutely every bit as much knowledge about their teams strengths and weaknesses, tactical,selection ,substitute and game management failings or successes as anyone else.
Football is a very simple game and I would venture to suggest that most posters on here have a great depth of knowledge and experience enabling them to see where shortfalls and shortcomings arise regarding their team.
Certainly we are not privy to what goes on behind closed doors, how training went, who might have a knock or niggle but none of that precludes an ability to give a very good insight into any 90 minutes.
The other thing I never get is why objective, constructive criticism is often seen as heresay and pitchforks and burning torches are the order of the day.
There's being unreasonably negative, being objective and honest and living in La-La Land wearing rose tinted glasses.
The middle position of those 3 is the domain of the ballanced and rational. The other two should be ignored.

Well said, As an aside, I clicked on the McBurnie thread yesterday, couldn't believe the vitriol that was being spouted about this guy, in the end I came of the platform - I really enjoy reading constructive posts but for me there is no place for the stuff that was being posted, you would have thought McB was a hardened criminal (I'll wait!) and the worst footballer the planet has ever seen (I'll wait!)

He'll end up somewhere else in the Championship and be good for 20 goals a season.

I have forgotten, when i posted a comment about Heck'y possibly moving to a back four, somebody gave me some verbal abuse and some hurty words , do I care - not at all, I was forged on the backstreets of Sheffield eons ago! - but there was no need for it, it was just a opinion,
I genuinely put it down to lack of education.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Well said, As an aside, I clicked on the McBurnie thread yesterday, couldn't believe the vitriol that was being spouted about this guy, in the end I came of the platform - I really enjoy reading constructive posts but for me there is no place for the stuff that was being posted, you would have thought McB was a hardened criminal (I'll wait!) and the worst footballer the planet has ever seen (I'll wait!)

He'll end up somewhere else in the Championship and be good for 20 goals a season.

I have forgotten, when i posted a comment about Heck'y possibly moving to a back four, somebody gave me some verbal abuse and some hurty words , do I care - not at all, I was forged on the backstreets of Sheffield eons ago! - but there was no need for it, it was just a opinion,
I genuinely put it down to lack of education.

20 goal a season Championship players are extremely rare. He doesn’t deserve the personal nature of the stick he gets but he’s eons away from a player dominating at this level now.