tick tock

[Trigger Blade]

I'm sure we can rustle up a few more trialists to make up the numbers.
The state of Sheffield football is pretty shameful for our city.

It was shocking that we were signing Bruce, now it's shocking that we're not. That sounds about right for you len.

I've been expecting you to put a positive spin on the latest goings on at S6, don't let me down.

 

[davidpinder]

Tick Tock Tick Tock............Not looking good in the signings department at the moment, hope it is not panic buying next week. Dickinson signing gone quiet and Bruce looks like staying put. The way things are going we will start at cardiff with the usual 4-5-1

...............................Simmo...............................

Kozluk.........Nosworthy.........Morgan...........Taylor

...............................Ertl....................................

Yeates.........Monty.............Britton..........Cresswell

.............................Boggy..................................

Unless we sign Bartley i can't see anyone else settling in, in time to play against Cardiff. I do expect other signings but not in time for the new season and a i have a feeling it will be loans again with blackie coming out and saying "we had no choice the right player is not available with our budget, it's not ideal but better than nothing"

 

[lenners]

It was shocking that we were signing Bruce, now it's shocking that we're not. That sounds about right for you len.

I've been expecting you to put a positive spin on the latest goings on at S6, don't let me down.

Er no Trig, I fully recognise that we need more nomarks to actually put a full team out next season.
It disappoints me that we can't even manage to gather our collection of said nomarks less than 10 days before the season starts.

 

[Ollessendro]

Tick Tock Tick Tock............Not looking good in the signings department at the moment, hope it is not panic buying next week. Dickinson signing gone quiet and Bruce looks like staying put. The way things are going we will start at cardiff with the usual 4-5-1

...............................Simmo...............................

Kozluk.........Nosworthy.........Morgan...........Taylor

...............................Ertl....................................

Yeates.........Monty.............Britton..........Cresswell

.............................Boggy..................................

Unless we sign Bartley i can't see anyone else settling in, in time to play against Cardiff. I do expect other signings but not in time for the new season and a i have a feeling it will be loans again with blackie coming out and saying "we had no choice the right player is not available with our budget, it's not ideal but better than nothing"

The team isn't a bad one (apart from our full backs) although it is very defensive minded. I suppose Cressy gives an extra attacking option but we essentially have 3 defensive midfielvders in the team. At the very leat Monty and Ertl are both holding players. Now I know that Spain pulled this off, but this is Sheffield United we are talking about.

Here's a thought for you ..... how about actually attacking Cardiff, playing 4-4-2 and trying to win??? Of course we know that Blackwell will aim for a 0-0 and to stifle Cardiff.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Er no Trig, I fully recognise that we need more nomarks to actually put a full team out next season.
It disappoints me that we can't even manage to gather our collection of said nomarks less than 10 days before the season starts.

Good grief! Unlike other posters lenners I tend to take your downbeat posts with a pinch of salt and the fact that you occasionally make some valid points, means that I dont feel the need to berate or challenge your posts as others do..........

But you must feel so so bitter towards the club as I have never seen you say anything positive whatsoever. My older brother is a right miserable twat when it comes to United and I find you even more downbeat than him!!!! Believe me that is worrying.

Every waking minute you spend talking (or even thinking) about United must be torture for you. It has to be a sheer deep seated love for the club somewhere that makes you stay involved and keep coming back! If it visibly irked me as much as it does you, I would have packed up a long time ago..........

 

[LouTheBlade]

The team isn't a bad one (apart from our full backs) although it is very defensive minded. I suppose Cressy gives an extra attacking option but we essentially have 3 defensive midfielvders in the team. At the very leat Monty and Ertl are both holding players. Now I know that Spain pulled this off, but this is Sheffield United we are talking about.

Here's a thought for you ..... how about actually attacking Cardiff, playing 4-4-2 and trying to win??? Of course we know that Blackwell will aim for a 0-0 and to stifle Cardiff.

Sadly I feel you are right Olle, in the sense that KB will chop and change all season to suit the opposition threat. We will seldom attack away from home and that's just the way he is. Personally I would go with the following based on what we have at the moment;

At Home;

--------------------------Simonsen-------------------------
Nosworthy--------Morgan-----------Ertl--------------Taylor
Ward-----------Montgomery-------Britton-----------Yeates
------------------Evans----------Cresswell-----------------

Subs:- Aksalu; France; Kozluk; Lowton; Quinn; Bogdanovic; Henderson

Away;

--------------------------Simonsen-------------------------
Nosworthy--------Morgan-----------Ertl--------------Taylor
-------------------------Montgomery-----------------------
-------------------Britton-----------Quinn------------------
Ward---------------------------------------------Cresswell
----------------------------Evans---------------------------

Subs:- Aksalu; France; Kozluk; Lowton; Yeates; Bogdanovic; Henderson

Bench still looks dreadful! We need a right back, a left back and a left sided midfielder. I really hope thats what he's looking at because we look unbalanced at the moment!

 

[SESKU Blade]

Here's a thought for you ..... how about actually attacking Cardiff, playing 4-4-2 and trying to win??? Of course we know that Blackwell will aim for a 0-0 and to stifle Cardiff.

Well said Ollie, we've proved we can do this on the few occasions we've tried it. Had we done it more last season we'd have probably sneaked into the playoffs, and the season before we'd have most likely got the 2nd automatic spot.

 

[davidpinder]

The team isn't a bad one (apart from our full backs) although it is very defensive minded. I suppose Cressy gives an extra attacking option but we essentially have 3 defensive midfielvders in the team. At the very leat Monty and Ertl are both holding players. Now I know that Spain pulled this off, but this is Sheffield United we are talking about.

Here's a thought for you ..... how about actually attacking Cardiff, playing 4-4-2 and trying to win??? Of course we know that Blackwell will aim for a 0-0 and to stifle Cardiff.

Yes i know that and you know that a 4-4-2 would be us going for the win and KB hasn't got the bottle for it, both last years and the year before's opening day games were there for the taking. In my opinion this year even more so Cardiff are there for the taking, they are dangerous but i think the game is very winnable if the right team is selected. I'd put as many new boys in as possible providing they have played together and see how much they want it. You have to remember boggy is playing for the biggest club in the world.

 

[LouTheBlade]

If you look at the squad closely you can see what KB is trying to do;

Players able to play in defence;
Kozluk, France, Morgan, Ertl, Nosworthy, Lowton, Taylor

Players able to play in midfield;
Ward, Yeates, Lowton, France, Montgomery, Ertl, Williamson, Quinn, Britton

Players able to play as forwards;
Henderson, Evans, Cresswell, Bogdanovic, Ward

He is succeeding in having a squad of flexible and versatile players. This will serve us well only to a point though. The trouble with having a squad like this is that as soon as you get injuries and suspension players have to be shunted about and be shoe horned into other positions. Yes.....I hear what you're going to say next....."that is the point of having utility men." The downside though, is that you wont get that familiarity of specific roles and it will promote constant re-shuffling........

Sadly with the lack of funds available and difficulty in signing players, KB probably has no other choice and has gone for this method of recruitment as a safeguard. It will have its problems though, it always does.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

If you look at the squad closely you can see what KB is trying to do;

Players able to play in defence;
Kozluk, France, Morgan, Ertl, Nosworthy, Lowton, Taylor

Players able to play in midfield;
Ward, Yeates, Lowton, France, Montgomery, Ertl, Williamson, Quinn, Britton

Players able to play as forwards;
Henderson, Evans, Cresswell, Bogdanovic, Ward

He is succeeding in having a squad of flexible and versatile players. This will serve us well only to a point though. The trouble with having a squad like this is that as soon as you get injuries and suspension players have to be shunted about and be shoe horned into other positions. Yes.....I hear what you're going to say next....."that is the point of having utility men." The downside though, is that you wont get that familiarity of specific roles and it will promote constant re-shuffling........

Sadly with the lack of funds available and difficulty in signing players, KB probably has no other choice and has gone for this method of recruitment as a safeguard. It will have its problems though, it always does.

On the plus side though, the players he's ikely to be shuffling around are experienced pros such as Ertl, Nyron and Cresswell so I don't think it's as huge a problem as it could be. Here's hoping we get a decent run of luck on the injury front, we're certainly due.

 

[Ollessendro]

I hate to be asking this so close to the first game, but when does the window close. Also when does the emergency loan window open? (eek).

The clock has ticked, time has run out and the season is here. Still we remain 4 or 5 players short of looking anything like competitive. I got a bit of stick for starting this thread over 6 weeks ago, but surely even the happiest of clappers would have to say that we are out of time now.

I'm interested clappers (i'll pick on Dunc as he likes to have digs at myself for being a knocker) are you happy with the way things have gone pre season? And more to it are you happy with the current squad? i.e. the one that will be travelling to Cardiff in 3 days time

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

I hate to be asking this so close to the first game, but when does the window close. Also when does the emergency loan window open? (eek).

The clock has ticked, time has run out and the season is here. Still we remain 4 or 5 players short of looking anything like competitive. I got a bit of stick for starting this thread over 6 weeks ago, but surely even the happiest of clappers would have to say that we are out of time now.

I'm interested clappers (i'll pick on Dunc as he likes to have digs at myself for being a knocker) are you happy with the way things have gone pre season? And more to it are you happy with the current squad? i.e. the one that will be travelling to Cardiff in 3 days time

Everyone knows we're at least 3 short, probably 2 for the 1st XI but it's not for the want of trying is it ?

Overall, we've done OK in the Summer, most gaps have been filled with decent players for this level.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Everyone knows we're at least 3 short, probably 2 for the 1st XI but it's not for the want of trying is it ?

Overall, we've done OK in the Summer, most gaps have been filled with decent players for this level.

Don't forget we have lost Walton, Hendo and Williamson through injury already

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

I hate to be asking this so close to the first game, but when does the window close. Also when does the emergency loan window open? (eek).

The clock has ticked, time has run out and the season is here. Still we remain 4 or 5 players short of looking anything like competitive. I got a bit of stick for starting this thread over 6 weeks ago, but surely even the happiest of clappers would have to say that we are out of time now.

I'm interested clappers (i'll pick on Dunc as he likes to have digs at myself for being a knocker) are you happy with the way things have gone pre season? And more to it are you happy with the current squad? i.e. the one that will be travelling to Cardiff in 3 days time

I don't think we are 4 or 5 short for a squad for Sunday. The transfer window closes at the end of August I think, well that's certainly when the PL squads have to be in.
Blackwells comments about getting everything in place for Malta were naive at best, stupid at worst because the best loan opportunities won't be available until the season has started.

For Sunday's match I think we are looking ok. Depending on injuries I'd say a squad of Simmo, Aksalu, Lowton,Ertl, Nos, Morgs, Dickinson/Capaldi,Taylor, Monty, Britton, Quinny,Ward, Yeates, Evans, Cresswell, Bogdanovic its a competitive 16 at our level which no doubt will be strengthened further by the likes of Bartley and others.

(4-5-1)
Simmo, Ertl, Nos, Morgs, Taylor, Monty, Quinny, Britton, Cresswell/Yeates, Ward, Evans

(4-4-2)
Simmo, Ertl, Nos, Morgs, Taylor, Monty, Britton, Yeates, Ward, Evans, Cresswell.


Lou, the Capaldi deal was on/off definitely happening, not likely and still he has signed for no one. Between him Dickinson and probably other targets we'll have a left back in soon enough.

 

[LouTheBlade]

I think we'll be alright for sunday but we definately need to get these extra 2 to 3 bodies in over the next week. I will be fairly happy once we do, having seen a fairly solid (at times creative) display against Estudiantes.

I just hope that if we do find ourselves short of numbers at some point, that KB gives opportunites to the young lads he's used in pre-season. They look decent players to me and they show enthusiasm. I would rather see them used in an emergency than a loan signing!

Bob - I noticed the name Capaldi in your lineup..........is that back on now???? I heard a rumour about him ages ago but assumed we had set our hearts on Dickinson.

 

[frechyblade]

I hate to be asking this so close to the first game, but when does the window close. Also when does the emergency loan window open? (eek).

The clock has ticked, time has run out and the season is here. Still we remain 4 or 5 players short of looking anything like competitive. I got a bit of stick for starting this thread over 6 weeks ago, but surely even the happiest of clappers would have to say that we are out of time now.

I'm interested clappers (i'll pick on Dunc as he likes to have digs at myself for being a knocker) are you happy with the way things have gone pre season? And more to it are you happy with the current squad? i.e. the one that will be travelling to Cardiff in 3 days time

Happy with the squad, no but I'm sure something will happen before the end of the month when the prem sides name their 25. Happy with the starting 11 for Cardiff, yes. I hope we start with Nosworthy at CB and give Lowton a chance at RB.

We obviously need at least a couple more defenders but I'm happy to wait and see if the prem sides make some better quality players available i.e. Dickinson and Bartley.

UTB

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Happy with the squad, no but I'm sure something will happen before the end of the month when the prem sides name their 25. Happy with the starting 11 for Cardiff, yes. I hope we start with Nosworthy at CB and give Lowton a chance at RB.

We obviously need at least a couple more defenders but I'm happy to wait and see if the prem sides make some better quality players available i.e. Dickinson and Bartley.

UTB

I think that's about the size of it, subject to Nyron and Taylor shaking off their niggles, we'll start with a back four of Lowton, Morgs, Nyron and Taylor on Sunday with Bartley, Dickinson and possibly Lazlo to come in by the end of the month.

 

[Ollessendro]

I'm amazed that people still think it is acceptable for us to be at least 2 players short, possibly 4 or 5, and we're 3 days away from our first game!!!

The defence is a massive weakness for me. They've barely played together and there is little or no cover. When we get torn apart on Sunday, people might finally realise that our singings have not been enough and the defence is way of the mark (mark my words).

 

[Grecian2000]

Not in the same league as John Cooper Clarke

 

[frechyblade]

I'm amazed that people still think it is acceptable for us to be at least 2 players short, possibly 4 or 5, and we're 3 days away from our first game!!!

The defence is a massive weakness for me. They've barely played together and there is little or no cover. When we get torn apart on Sunday, people might finally realise that our singings have not been enough and the defence is way of the mark (mark my words).

Olle, what would you rather the club do? They have identified the players that they want to fill the positions i.e. Bartley and Dickinson but their clubs are under no pressure to make a decision until the manager has to finalise his team on 31st August. Do we wait for them or go trolling around championship, league 1 and 2 clubs for players that probably aren't up to the mark but are available?

UTB

 

[LouTheBlade]

I'm amazed that people still think it is acceptable for us to be at least 2 players short, possibly 4 or 5, and we're 3 days away from our first game!!!

The defence is a massive weakness for me. They've barely played together and there is little or no cover. When we get torn apart on Sunday, people might finally realise that our singings have not been enough and the defence is way of the mark (mark my words).

I dont think anyone is really saying its acceptable as such Olle. But what option do we have other than to accept our squad is what it is?! I'm sure the management are aware we are short of players and they are clearly working on it, but its no secret that all clubs at our level are struggling to complete their recruitment.

The defence is obviously the priority but its not as if we dont have enough to put out a back four against Cardiff. It might not be an ideal back four, I appreciate that but its been made clear that dealings havent been straight forward. For that reason I think most people accept that we have to make do whilst the club get new bodies in.

It is frustrating but I see little point in getting upset about it. Who exactly is going to "tear us apart" though? The opposition are no mugs I admit, but I think you're over-estimating them a touch. I fancy United to get something down there.

 

[LouTheBlade]

Olle, what would you rather the club do? They have identified the players that they want to fill the positions i.e. Bartley and Dickinson but their clubs are under no pressure to make a decision until the manager has to finalise his team on 31st August. Do we wait for them or go trolling around championship, league 1 and 2 clubs for players that probably aren't up to the mark but are available?

UTB

A more concise version of what I was trying to say. Point well made fb.

 

[Ollessendro]

Olle, what would you rather the club do? They have identified the players that they want to fill the positions i.e. Bartley and Dickinson but their clubs are under no pressure to make a decision until the manager has to finalise his team on 31st August. Do we wait for them or go trolling around championship, league 1 and 2 clubs for players that probably aren't up to the mark but are available?

UTB

I'll tell you what i don't want the club to do ..... lose their first game and/or get off to a poor start to the season. Our first 4 games all are tough and our squad is not good enough.

It's ok saying what do you expect SUFC to do bla de bla. We've had the WHOLE summer to recruit players. There was no play off final (the excuse for last year). We've had from the middle of May to sign players. We've had loads of time, but still we are well short. First of all it was contracts running out. Then it was players on holiday. Then it was waiting for the money from Sharp. Then it was wait until Malta. I am tired of excuses. I'm tired of the being fed bullshit (mostly by overly optimistic fans, rather than Birch, KB and crew). We knew what we had to do (build a squad that could compete) and when we had to do it by (the start of the season). We've failed in that task. But now it is ok, as we have to wait until 31st of August. Then it will 'oh the loan window opens soon'.

We realeased a load of players during the summer. This left us with a pathetically bare squad. We then sold another 2 of our contracted players. We've since brought in a whopping total of 5 players. FIVE FUCKING PLAYERS. We've had all summer and we've signed 5 players. But oh, what do you expect the club to do. What I expected the club to do was to sign 7 or 8 players during the summer. I expected them to bring in enough payers to have a competitive squad. They've failed. Simple as.

 

[lenners]

Olle, what would you rather the club do? They have identified the players that they want to fill the positions i.e. Bartley and Dickinson but their clubs are under no pressure to make a decision until the manager has to finalise his team on 31st August. Do we wait for them or go trolling around championship, league 1 and 2 clubs for players that probably aren't up to the mark but are available?

UTB

Pretty sure we're already trolling around the Championship but we clearly don't have the scouting set-up or contacts to pick up any players from lower down.
And if we never intended to have our squad ready for the start of the season and were always going to rely on more loanings, perhaps the club should have said that.
It's that kind of thing that makes long-standing season ticket holders decide they've had enough.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

According to the official site, we have 19 players in the first team squad. Three of those are injured for a few months which leaves us with a squad of 16 fit players.
Blackwell has categorically stated that he'll be signing only two more players, which will give us our matchday 18 (assuming all stay fit and suspension-free).
If this season is going to be a transitional season with the likes of Roe, Chapell and James being given their opportunity to come through, then having a squad of that size would be fine and ok by me.
If the club is genuinely "ambitious" and serious about getting promotion as they keep telling us, then we are still around 5 players short. Why pretend that we're not?

 

[alcoblade]

I'll tell you what i don't want the club to do ..... lose their first game and/or get off to a poor start to the season. Our first 4 games all are tough and our squad is not good enough.

It's ok saying what do you expect SUFC to do bla de bla. We've had the WHOLE summer to recruit players. There was no play off final (the excuse for last year). We've had from the middle of May to sign players. We've had loads of time, but still we are well short. First of all it was contracts running out. Then it was players on holiday. Then it was waiting for the money from Sharp. Then it was wait until Malta. I am tired of excuses. I'm tired of the being fed bullshit (mostly by overly optimistic fans, rather than Birch, KB and crew). We knew what we had to do (build a squad that could compete) and when we had to do it by (the start of the season). We've failed in that task. But now it is ok, as we have to wait until 31st of August. Then it will 'oh the loan window opens soon'.

We realeased a load of players during the summer. This left us with a pathetically bare squad. We then sold another 2 of our contracted players. We've since brought in a whopping total of 5 players. FIVE FUCKING PLAYERS. We've had all summer and we've signed 5 players. But oh, what do you expect the club to do. What I expected the club to do was to sign 7 or 8 players during the summer. I expected them to bring in enough payers to have a competitive squad. They've failed. Simple as.

Which bit of us being skint don't you get? The club, and to be fair just about every club, will talk about ambition for the premiership, trying to recruit "top" players, blah blah blah. But it's not going to happen as you expect because we don't have the money. Maybe they should spell it out, I'm not sure. But I don't need it spelling out for me - why do you?

UTB

 

[Ollessendro]

Which bit of us being skint don't you get? The club, and to be fair just about every club, will talk about ambition for the premiership, trying to recruit "top" players, blah blah blah. But it's not going to happen as you expect because we don't have the money. Maybe they should spell it out, I'm not sure. But I don't need it spelling out for me - why do you?

UTB

It's pretty fucking obvious that we are skint. We haven't paid a penny in transfer fees and lenghty contract negotiations suggest that we are offering peanuts to players. Still, see the post below. We've barely enough players to fill the bench.

If the club came out and gave a statement saying this was a transitional season or whatever I'd cut them some slack. However they haven't. Maybe Birch/McCabe thinkin it will impact upon ticket revenues, but that's a short sighted view. They'll just piss all the people off who are swallowing the bullshit about promotion. Communication is the lynch pin here.

Blackwell came out at the start of the summer (after releasing all those players) that he needed 11 players to bolster his squad.He has signed 5. Add to that we have sold 2 players. So we're 3 up on the meagre 16 we had. We have 19 contracted players of which at least 3 will not be playing for the first 3 months. Blackwel has stated that we need only 2 players when every Tom, Dick and Harry can see we need at least 5. Then Birch comes out and says we look competitive. Our squad is as sloce to being competitive as I am to winning next year's Tour De France.

I can read between the lines and see we are skint. I can see what Blackwell is doing. He has made some smart signings that fit in with the decreasing wage bill. Ertl csan play in 3 positions, Kozzy at iether full back, Nos at RB and CB etc. He has brought in several players who can play in different positions (such as Ward and Cressy). I can accpept all of this. I'm expecting a mid table finish. I am resigned to Blackwell until his contract runs out. I won;t get upset if we have a poor season. HOWEVER, the preperation has been poor. Saying one things and doing another really irks me. Not only that but the squad looks really, really weak.

If it's a transitional season and KB plans to use youngsters to bolster our thin squad then tell us. Despite being very critical of Blackwell, I haven't criticised the board and senior management. However now I am really starting to think that they think we're all idiots.

Question for you alco. Are you happy with the way things have gone this pre season? or, let me put it better .... do you think that we did the best job with the resources we have?

According to the official site, we have 19 players in the first team squad. Three of those are injured for a few months which leaves us with a squad of 16 fit players.
Blackwell has categorically stated that he'll be signing only two more players, which will give us our matchday 18 (assuming all stay fit and suspension-free).
If this season is going to be a transitional season with the likes of Roe, Chapell and James being given their opportunity to come through, then having a squad of that size would be fine and ok by me.
If the club is genuinely "ambitious" and serious about getting promotion as they keep telling us, then we are still around 5 players short. Why pretend that we're not?

Top post. I'm in agreement with all that.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

What gets me is the suggestion by some that we aren't trying to address the situation. We've had around a dozen players on trial, deals have fallen through (doubtless some we don't know about) and as discussed many times, there will be plenty of movement still to come this month.

Yes the squad is short, Blackwell knows this but in the short term, we have a matchday XVI more than capable of making a decent start which is surely the main thing ?

 

[Ollessendro]

Yes the squad is short, Blackwell knows this but in the short term, we have a matchday XVI more than capable of making a decent start which is surely the main thing ?

Ok Jim, let's all give Blackwell and Birch some credit. They tried, but they failed. Good work for trying boys. Good effort, shame it's not been good enough. I (speaking on behalf of the sunshine band) would like to show my real appreciation for how hard you've tried to sign players. The trials, the attempted transfrers, the ongoing transfrer attempts and the inevitable loans. Sterling effort chaps. So what if there is no end result. It's the taking part (or trying in this case) that counts. Bravo!

You think that our current 16 is good enough to pull results out of the bag against Cardiff, QPR and Boro Jim?

Time will tell, but I fear that we are in for a rude awakening.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

You think that our current 16 is good enough to pull results out of the bag against Cardiff, QPR and Boro Jim?

Time will tell, but I fear that we are in for a rude awakening.

Based on what I think KB will go with, don't see why not

Simmo
Lowton, Nyron, Morgs, Taylor
Ward, Monty, Britton, Ertl, Yeates
Cressy

Subs: Kozzy, Ched, Boggy, Squinny, Aksulu