Welcome to the bleak years.

[travellingblade]

For all of you that witnessed us get mullered 6-0 at Maine road under Adrian Heaths management then get ready for more similar results.

If you think that the reign of Adrian Heath was the "Bleak Years", then you'll not have experienced the delights of the decade in the 3rd & 4th Division, which really were Bleak.

Like most other posters on here I believe the big mistake was not accepting Blackwell's resignation after the play-off final defeat, but even today, we are in a stronger position than when Blackwell took over the reigns from Robson.

Giving the job to Gary Speed puts me in mind of the old Liverpool way of doing things, i.e. having successor planning which is employed by all good corporations.

As far as this season is concerned we are just 2 games in, so we are 5 points behind the leaders, and with plenty of spare "slots" in our squad, and the transfer window is still open.

Let's see what happens between now and 31st August 2010, shall we?

 

[Worksop II]

but i think it should stop a lot more jumping ship

I think that is a considered and accurate assessment of the appointment of Speed.

Be nice if he made a decent fist of it ....... then if Everton, Bolton, Newcastle or Leeds need a new manager sometime in the future we will have found their man.

 

[alcoblade]

So what do you think encouraged McCabe to give Speed the job, if by his coaching he wasn`t influencing 1st Team affairs, just wondering like ?

That he carried out his coaching role as specified by the manager
That he's played at the highest level for all his career
That he's young and available witour compensation
That he's worked with top managers
That he has his coaching badges
That he hasn't failed elsewhere in management
That he's popular and likeable
That he's media savvy

Did you need to ask, like?

I'm aware the lack of experience is a biggy. But given other candidates and the points above, we've got it about right - length of contract not being known yet.

UTB

 

[alcoblade]

I would take the money offered to Speed as well if I was him but what puzzles me is this love-in with Speed.

Didn't people notice how he was a yard short as a player.

What influence has he had whilst coaching?

Why over look seasoned managers like Mowbray?

As I've said elsewhere good luck to Speed and even if it starts off poorly we all need to keep stum about it. We've had our say whilst he was been choosen but now it's onwards and upwards [hopefully]. Last thing I want to do is say is 'I told you all'

No love in, just the best available option.

I don't know how you can possibly assess a coach from the kop. It's always the manager who gives the orders and takes responsibility. You've created a new spec here. It does seem that those who worked with him respected him highly as a coach.

I noticed he was short as a player for us, in fact I thought at 39 years old he was pretty crap. I don't understand the relevance of it.

UTB

 

[Eckingtonian]

Im with you there Travelling,i remember standing bare foot in snowstorm at Wrexham and getting battered 4-0.Bleak times indeed.

If you think that the reign of Adrian Heath was the "Bleak Years", then you'll not have experienced the delights of the decade in the 3rd & 4th Division, which really were Bleak.

Like most other posters on here I believe the big mistake was not accepting Blackwell's resignation after the play-off final defeat, but even today, we are in a stronger position than when Blackwell took over the reigns from Robson.

Giving the job to Gary Speed puts me in mind of the old Liverpool way of doing things, i.e. having successor planning which is employed by all good corporations.

As far as this season is concerned we are just 2 games in, so we are 5 points behind the leaders, and with plenty of spare "slots" in our squad, and the transfer window is still open.

Let's see what happens between now and 31st August 2010, shall we?

 

[Worksop II]

That he's played at the highest level for all his career
That he's young and available witour compensation
That he's worked with top managers
That he has his coaching badges
That he hasn't failed elsewhere in management
That he's popular and likeable
That he's media savvy

Nice list, and I like it.

Now use the same list and how it applies to Blackwell, its a pity Kev didn`t use sumat like that last time around - like

 

[marshy]

With regards to anyone saying that GS hasn't shown much of an influence on the pitch - do you really think that thick skinned tit who has just been shown the door would actually listen to anyone apart from himself?

 

[bladesadviser]

Good luck to Gary Speed, however lets not be too hard on the fans who are a bit underwhelmed. If he was on the coaching staff of another championship side would we all be saying "lets get that Gary Speed in". This is a big moment for the Blades and I personally would have liked to have seen a bit more reflection time and testing the water to see who would come before making an appointment. Also it still seems bizzarre that Blackwell was allowed to assemble a squad over the summer if the board thought the successor was already here.

As I say good luck and I will be delighted if it all works out but lets not be harsh on those who may look it at as a cheap and easy option

 

[Rattly Noise]

Why does anyone think we've got him because he's a cheap option? What evidence do you have that he's any cheaper than some of the experienced managers whose names have been mentioned? Anyway we've only got a finite amount of money and so it's a balance between a good manager and one we can afford. No matter how much you stamp your feet them's the facts.

 

[Compound_Legend]

The bleak years?

Christ,man,have you forgotten Martin Peters, Billy McEwan,Adrian Heath or Bryan Robson? Dropping 3 divisions in 5 years? Playing at shithouses like the Shay? Watching tossers like Duggie Brown & Tony Moore?

Now that's bleak.

I know our nickname is the Blades, but FFS ,give Speedo a chance before you stick the knife in.

 

[Kev Gee]

Come on Blades.

Give the man our backing. Dont slate the man until he's been given a chance.

TBH i think its a good appointment, and i think we will see a rise in performance & morale straight away.

 

[Come from away]

In the current circumstances I think this was a smart appointment. We have got somebody who is, apparently, well-respected by the players and regarded as a good coach. If he can get the best out of the current squad I have no doubt we will challenge for the play-offs, if he can't and we scrape just above relegation then we will be in the search for a new manager at the end of the year. With the club in the hands of Birch rather than Robinson, I am willing to bet that the odds of success are reasonably good - nothing is assured in this game. If he can add a couple of quality bodies, change the style of play, I could also get quite excited. For now I will watch and hope and continue to support my team. UTB!

 

[Ballinpigpubs13]

Would love to say GS was proving me wrong, but oh dear. McCabe needs to give GS cash to splash or this is going to turn from mid-table mediocrity to a disaster.