We gotta get out of this place

[pommpey]

Transfer fees are not the be all and end all they once were.
UTB

I'd say they are. The three players we have whom we have spent considerable amounts of cash on, Brayford, Done and Sharp are the ones we would like to keep next season and the ones we fear other clubs will pinch off us. I don't hear anyone saying 'Oh dear. Flynn/Basham/McEveley might be sold next season, because we know they are worth fuck all.

You say 'Release the shite and reinvest', but invest what? For a player to come to United he has to be available (i.e. out of contract or on the transfer list) and to be honest, I'd rather we shopped for transfer listed players in divisions above ours. Shopping for players in our division or below is ridiculous. And we need cash that will attract a player of marque ... who will come to United for peanuts?

pommpey

 

[alcoblade]

I'd say they are. The three players we have whom we have spent considerable amounts of cash on, Brayford, Done and Sharp are the ones we would like to keep next season and the ones we fear other clubs will pinch off us. I don't hear anyone saying 'Oh dear. Flynn/Basham/McEveley might be sold next season, because we know they are worth fuck all.

You say 'Release the shite and reinvest', but invest what? For a player to come to United he has to be available (i.e. out of contract or on the transfer list) and to be honest, I'd rather we shopped for transfer listed players in divisions above ours. Shopping for players in our division or below is ridiculous. And we need cash that will attract a player of marque ... who will come to United for peanuts?

pommpey

I'd differ there. I'd be shopping in this division. The best young players who are doing it now, and who would be pleased to sign for us.

I think we've had terrible value shopping from above. You have to pay well over the odds to get quality to drop (Brayford) and often also end up catching falling stars (Hammond, Sammon)

I'd confess to not knowing who these players might be, but my educated guess is that there will be lots of them falling out of contract In the summer.

UTB

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

I'd have laughed in the face of anyone who said we would be in L1 for at least 5 seasons the day we got relegated...

Read this S12. It may help..

Menu
Laughing Turns into Hysterical Sobbing
By Daniel J. Tomasulo, PhD, TEP, MFA, MAPP
http://psychcentral.com/ask-the-therapist/2014/10/09/laughing-turns-into-hysterical-sobbing/

 

[BushBlade]

I think we'll only save about £3m per year by releasing the out of contract players which is less than we're apparently losing.
Is anyone at the club prepared to continue to fund big losses?

 

[SK10Blade]

I'm going to get some stick for this but here we go....

Firstly, I still don't think play off's are out of the question.

Secondly, if we do make them it will need a good run of results, hence putting us in a confident position.

Thirdly, if we don't make it then I really thing Adkins is the man to turn it round (eventually)

Lastly, if things really do go tits up then we have loads of players shortly out of contract, surely it's time to start afresh with a bit of optimism.

Oh, and as a postscript, I have had half a bottle of whisky tonight, I hope I still feel the same tomorrow morning.

Night boys!

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Don't hold your breath, I reckon we are five years minimum away from an automatic promotion team.

Don't want to disappoint you but next season is the season.

 

[pommpey]

Why are people still assuming that there will be a mass exodus of duffers and a matching input of better players?

Phrases like 'start afresh' amuse me. With what, exactly?

Consider this:

a. Players at other clubs at this level who are out of contract. Don't you think they are out of contract for a reason? Possibly because they are shit? So why sign someone shit for another team? Oh, hang on. We do that, right now.

b. 'Young, eager players'. So you reckon these players will not be signed on by their current club? What makes people so sure that signing for Sheffield United, five years in Div One and perennially beset with a conveyer belt of managers, druggy players, rapists and fans who get quickly pissed off will be an ace career move?

These are the only two opportunities available to us, aren't they? Face it, the Murphy money is gone, we aren't getting anything from cup runs this year and an ignominious finish in the mid table will attract fuck all in cash rewards.

We need external financial investment in bucketloads. We need to fuck ten to twelve players off and have at least ten million poured in to recruit players at Championship level. And McCabe needs to keep his schneb out of the recruiting and stop putting the brakes on each deal. For us to have any chance of us challenging for the top six, we need to be looking at a central defence pairing overhaul, a midfield which dominates, someone for Billy to play off and a goalkeeper of worth. And we need strength in depth.

Anyone got any warm feeling McCabe acknowledges this and will act in some manner to get the club there? We need to win six or seven of the first ten games losing just the one to stand any chance of making oppositions fear Sheffield United and it's inbound players and maintain some semblance of serious challenge.

pommpey

 

[Dkc]

I could see a promotion-winning side featuring Adams, Sharp, Brayford, DCL, Long, Done, possibly Reed, Flynn, Whiteman and maybe Baptiste too if possible. We don't need a completely new squad - we need at least four quality signings to toughen the defence and improve pace / creativity in midfield.

 

[Jostein's Bandage]

True, we only need a few quality players. Not sure where we get em from though. Plus it means keeping them if we get them.

We're only in this mess, because the board sell off anybody that's any good. Why is that suddenly going to change? As soon as we plug holes, the board sell someone and we're back to square one again. We had a decent team, so the board sold Blackman, the only player we had who could actually score goals. Then we had another decent team, the board sold Maguire. We have no good strikers, we go out and get Sharp, then the board sell Murphy the only player we had who could create anything. If we go out and find some creative players, the board will sell Sharp. The board have shown time and time again that they don't care less about the club getting promoted. Actions speak louder than words.

 

[The Crab]

I agree with Pommpey in some ways. Yes it would be desirable to get rid of the flotsam & jersam when their contracts run out. But replacements will need to be brought in. Transfer fees, signing on fees, etc. A big chunk of change is needed. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try though.

The bit I somewhat disagree on is players from above. Whilst that would be great, I think it would also be costly, in an ideal world it SHOULD be where we are aiming. I just wonder whether we are the "draw" for players like that, that we would have been a few years ago?

 

[blade too long]

Money is a great aide , but what Leicester have proved this season is its more about good application , a good manager and a group of players of an ambitious nature , can overcome not being over blessed with funds, that good planning and engendering a good spirit is paramount. Man City should by logic be miles ahead of Leicester, but football defies logic .

 

[SUFC Guy]

Surely the money for recruitment will come from having a squad half the size of what it is now. Keep Done, Sharp, Adams, Long, Bash, Edgar, Baptiste, Beard, Flynn and the kids. Even keep J mac and Hammond as squad players and build from that. Squad that is no more than 25 will release MEGA funds for recruitment

Still think there will be cash invested over the summer as I think it will be Shit or bust for NA next season. He needs the backing financially.

UTMB

 

[wizadry]

Money is a great aide , but what Leicester have proved this season is its more about good application , a good manager and a group of players of an ambitious nature , can overcome not being over blessed with funds, that good planning and engendering a good spirit is paramount. Man City should by logic be miles ahead of Leicester, but football defies logic .

The only flaw in that, btl, that concerns us is that Leicester kept their best players and improved on their squad without getting rid of their best players at the start of the season or in January. They didn't spend huge amounts but they have kept hold of their main talents in Vardy, Mahrez and Kante to sustain the challenge whereas we on the other hand.......

 

[bornablade]

The only flaw in that, btl, that concerns us is that Leicester kept their best players and improved on their squad without getting rid of their best players at the start of the season or in January. They didn't spend huge amounts but they have kept hold of their main talents in Vardy, Mahrez and Kante to sustain the challenge whereas we on the other hand.......

..........take on one of their players that they don't want.

 

[The Crab]

Surely the money for recruitment will come from having a squad half the size of what it is now. Keep Done, Sharp, Adams, Long, Bash, Edgar, Baptiste, Beard, Flynn and the kids. Even keep J mac and Hammond as squad players and build from that. Squad that is no more than 25 will release MEGA funds for recruitment

Still think there will be cash invested over the summer as I think it will be Shit or bust for NA next season. He needs the backing financially.

UTMB

I would think in terms of turning off the salary tap it would work. But in terms of releasing cash for transfer and/or signing fees for free signings, not so much. That would be where your point about making funds (not sure it would be "mega") comes into play.

 

[BushBlade]

I would think in terms of turning off the salary tap it would work. But in terms of releasing cash for transfer and/or signing fees for free signings, not so much. That would be where your point about making funds (not sure it would be "mega") comes into play.

It won't even save what we're apparently losing per season. Unless someone is prepared to chuck another few million at us we won't be making many signings.

 

[Dkc]

Agreed. We need to raid the lower leagues, even the Conference. Adams came from Ilkeston, and there will be more decent players down there who are looking for their big chance.

 

[blade too long]

The only flaw in that, btl, that concerns us is that Leicester kept their best players and improved on their squad without getting rid of their best players at the start of the season or in January. They didn't spend huge amounts but they have kept hold of their main talents in Vardy, Mahrez and Kante to sustain the challenge whereas we on the other hand.......

I wasnt basing it on us , just making the point passion and drive are the winning factors no matter what the level , Fergie at man utd bought expensive players but the passion and drive the young players brought to the table was immense and made them a class above everyone else . The comparison in our case is we like bassett and warnock both did need someone who can impart the desire , and never say die attitude, and Ive not witnessed one iota of it under Adkins which worries me. Ranieri has brought belief more than any other ingredient to Leicester , The sum of the squad is greater than the individuals in it, and you can carry ordinary players up to greater levels.
When weve been promoted before our team wasnt 11 great players ,some were very ordinary getting swept up in a belief they could achieve something
Warnock has 10 points from 12 at rotherham now , just by instilling belief, it can be done because unlike leicester there werent too many class players

 

[Bladesince59]

I could see a promotion-winning side featuring Adams, Sharp, Brayford, DCL, Long, Done, possibly Reed, Flynn, Whiteman and maybe Baptiste too if possible. We don't need a completely new squad - we need at least four quality signings to toughen the defence and improve pace / creativity in midfield.

Like we did 8 months' ago.
UTB

 

[Dkc]

Plus four quality signings, the maturing of a couple of academy lads and the release of 5/6 former first teamers on big wages

 

[The Crab]

It won't even save what we're apparently losing per season. Unless someone is prepared to chuck another few million at us we won't be making many signings.

I'd agree with that. Getting rid of the dross is a necessary part of what needs to be done. But the next part is getting players in who are going to help us go forward. Transfer fees, signing fees, all the other financials that go with it, will all have to be funded.

 

[wizadry]

I wasnt basing it on us , just making the point passion and drive are the winning factors no matter what the level , Fergie at man utd bought expensive players but the passion and drive the young players brought to the table was immense and made them a class above everyone else . The comparison in our case is we like bassett and warnock both did need someone who can impart the desire , and never say die attitude, and Ive not witnessed one iota of it under Adkins which worries me. Ranieri has brought belief more than any other ingredient to Leicester , The sum of the squad is greater than the individuals in it, and you can carry ordinary players up to greater levels.
When weve been promoted before our team wasnt 11 great players ,some were very ordinary getting swept up in a belief they could achieve something
Warnock has 10 points from 12 at rotherham now , just by instilling belief, it can be done because unlike leicester there werent too many class players

Good post. I don't see passion and drive as the winning factors but they do go a long way to helping us achieve our objective.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I think we'll only save about £3m per year by releasing the out of contract players which is less than we're apparently losing.
Is anyone at the club prepared to continue to fund big losses?

We don’t know the terms of the Prince’s agreement and whether more investment is coming in the coming year. Also, the £3million quoted, would that include those that we have already moved on (Alcock, Higdon, Dimaio, Collins etc.)? If we can also move on Scougall, Freeman and McNulty, surely our wage bill will be looking quite modest. If we keep Long, Basham, Brayford, Sharp, Done, Adams etc. that’s half a team. Realistically to go for it, the other half need to be real first team quality with the likes of Reed, Whiteman, DCL, Coutts, Woolford, Wallace, Kelly etc. as back up/ squad players. If we could move Coutts on, even better as I’m sure he’ll be on a decent wage.


Will the club have to stand on it’s own two feet? If so, promotion probably won’t happen as there will be a few teams where the chairman is prepared to fund losses for them to have a go. If there’s more investment to come and we don’t make an absolute arse of it again, there’s every chance.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

True, we only need a few quality players. Not sure where we get em from though. Plus it means keeping them if we get them.

We're only in this mess, because the board sell off anybody that's any good. Why is that suddenly going to change? As soon as we plug holes, the board sell someone and we're back to square one again. We had a decent team, so the board sold Blackman, the only player we had who could actually score goals. Then we had another decent team, the board sold Maguire. We have no good strikers, we go out and get Sharp, then the board sell Murphy the only player we had who could create anything. If we go out and find some creative players, the board will sell Sharp. The board have shown time and time again that they don't care less about the club getting promoted. Actions speak louder than words.

I think the difference is that this time, there is nobody who has performed well enough this season to attract interest from higher. Brayford might tempt Burton and possibly a couple of other championship teams. Someone could take a punt on Adams for the future but Sharp is 30 and won’t go anywhere. Basham is unlikely to go. I think Long is also unlikely to move on. Nobody else would really be missed. Possibly Done but championship clubs wouldn’t want him. He’s a decent league 1 player. No more, no less. The sliver lining of us being so poor is that people from above don’t want to nick our players. If we bring in a good recruit I suppose they could attract interest but usually, players have to have a good season or 2 before getting snapped up by someone higher up the ladder. Blackman was an exception to that rule.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I agree with Pommpey in some ways. Yes it would be desirable to get rid of the flotsam & jersam when their contracts run out. But replacements will need to be brought in. Transfer fees, signing on fees, etc. A big chunk of change is needed. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try though.

The bit I somewhat disagree on is players from above. Whilst that would be great, I think it would also be costly, in an ideal world it SHOULD be where we are aiming. I just wonder whether we are the "draw" for players like that, that we would have been a few years ago?

I think we need a mix. Perhaps a couple from above (maybe Hammond and Baptiste), along with a couple from our league (say Nathan Cameron and Jermaine Anderson) and then look for some cheap non-league young diamonds like Che who demonstrate potential. And who knows, maybe a certain Welsh international free agent depending on the outcome of next week’s hearing.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Agreed. We need to raid the lower leagues, even the Conference. Adams came from Ilkeston, and there will be more decent players down there who are looking for their big chance.

Maybe we should just have someone stalk Peterborough’s scouts and nip in before them? They always seem to land value from non-league clubs. Mackail Smith, Gayle, McClean, Boyd, Washington, Oztumer, Maddison etc.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I wasnt basing it on us , just making the point passion and drive are the winning factors no matter what the level , Fergie at man utd bought expensive players but the passion and drive the young players brought to the table was immense and made them a class above everyone else . The comparison in our case is we like bassett and warnock both did need someone who can impart the desire , and never say die attitude, and Ive not witnessed one iota of it under Adkins which worries me. Ranieri has brought belief more than any other ingredient to Leicester , The sum of the squad is greater than the individuals in it, and you can carry ordinary players up to greater levels.
When weve been promoted before our team wasnt 11 great players ,some were very ordinary getting swept up in a belief they could achieve something
Warnock has 10 points from 12 at rotherham now , just by instilling belief, it can be done because unlike leicester there werent too many class players

I agree to an extent but quality and in particular firepower is also needed to sustain it over the course of the season. Bassett and Warnock did achieve great things and their teams were more than the sum of their parts BUT, when Bassett had his star striker sold from under him, the miracles ended. Warnock got us up at about the 5th attempt. By no coincident, it was the first season he was given the financial backing and hadn’t just lost a Bent, Devlin, Brown etc. He went out and signed a couple of the divisions better attacking, pacey players in Ifill and Webber, added some experience with the likes of Shipperly, Gillespie, Short and Unsworth, picked up some freebie bargains from our porky neighbours and saw some younger players really come of age. That was also the season we turned down serious money for Jagielka. It’s no coincidence that keeping your better players together and keeping a manager in place allows those managers to achieve success.

 

[Bladesince59]

Who's coming to join us next year with cash? Bolton Charlton, MKD?

 

[The Crab]

I think we need a mix. Perhaps a couple from above (maybe Hammond and Baptiste), along with a couple from our league (say Nathan Cameron and Jermaine Anderson) and then look for some cheap non-league young diamonds like Che who demonstrate potential. And who knows, maybe a certain Welsh international free agent depending on the outcome of next week’s hearing.

Not so sure about Hammond, although in that position a decent experienced player would be desirable. Baptiste would be nice but if Boro go up I'd think some Championship teams might have a look at him.

I have quite strong feelings about the "welsh international". Not a case of guilty or not, more a case (for me) that if he'd kept his dick in his trousers we wouldn't have been scapegoating Steve Simonsen and we'd have been celebrating a promotion. So with that in mind, he'd be about as welcomed by me as a nosh job from Dracula. But then it's not about me, it's about the greater good.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I have quite strong feelings about the "welsh international". Not a case of guilty or not, more a case (for me) that if he'd kept his dick in his trousers we wouldn't have been scapegoating Steve Simonsen and we'd have been celebrating a promotion. good.

Been done to death but if he'd kept his dick in his trousers, he almost certainly would have been sold long before promotion was on the horizon and we'd have been battling for 6th spot with Hoskins and Porter up top.