What a fucking mess.

[Revolution]

Bergen, all the things you list are merely what Speed would like Cresswell to do. The problem is he isn't doing them.

Headers is a good example. Simonsen played every goal kick to him on Saturday. How many did he win? One?

 

[Micalijo]

Donny season ticket holder at work here said Martis at the back is an accident waiting to happen but he has never seen him have such an easy game. Two up front, press em high up to stop the ball out and take it from there. Cresswell and ward up front could have led from the front.

Mind you, they have better footballers so result probably the same. I thought Sharp was excellent in first half, made room for himself, held it up, kept possession, scored his goal

 

[super_pig]

brownie.. i'm not going to make some sarcastic comment.. that is one of the best posts i've ever seen mate.. well done..
one thing though.. ebrell played quite well before he got injured (40 mins).. the worst signing ever was chris guthrie.. ched is the new chris guthrie.. sorry mate.. prove me wrong.

 

[norfolkblade]

Brownie I must salute you, that post has summed of the feeling of a hell of a lot of fans, definitely inclusive of me.

Even I am now losing patience with Ched, he has really not shown a lot of late, and when I think about your points regarding his bravery, I can not help but agree, which is incredibly annoying when you know what he is capable of (reference to his spell at Norwich) and I would much rather we have kept Billy and sold him to be honest, well, I wanted us to keep Billy anyway.

I am disgusted with our performance Saturday, I almost had to beg the landlord to put it on one of the pub tv's rather than having to watch Wet Sham, and he did. Needless to say I apologised to him at half time and fucked off for a curry - far more enjoyable.

Speed has barked on about changing things, but I'm not seeing much evidence. He still plays 4-5-1 for a start which hasn't really suited us for a long while, yea admittedly we get some cracking results, like at Hull midweek, but to then let all the hard work go up in smoke like that was just embarassing, if my team played like that on Saturday we would have been fucking horse whipped.

Things need to change, and I know that it won't happen overnight, because it can't, so I will judge Speed on any dealing he can do in January which we all know will be difficult and see if we then change from there. First things first though which won't cost anything, FOUR FOUR FUCKING TWO!!!

UTB

 

[Sothall_Blade]

Speed correctly identified early on that our biggest problem was a lack of pace and skill up front. 2 months, 11 matches and 8 goals later he still hasn't managed to sign anyone to try and address his BIGGEST problem. One of the reasons given to justify his appointment was his wide network of good contacts in the game. None of them are apparently willing to lend him a good striker for a few months.

It's not like he can trot out the old "there's nobody out there better than what we've already got". We simply don't have a pacy, skilful striker on the books, so any new signing would be give us a better option than those that we've already got. We're told there's no money available to allow him to add to the wage bill. Why can't he wheel and deal like a "proper", experienced manager would? He's clearly, finally realised that Evans isn't what we require (preferring Boggy then Creswell then Slew ahead of him against Donny). So why not get Evans loaned out and free up at least part of his wages for a different striking option.

If he's not been able to acquire a solitary striker in the last two months, what makes people believe that he'll be able to completely transform the team and our style of play within a one month transfer window? Judging by the teams and formations he's selected so far his preferred style of play is ultra-negative, safety-first, try and sneak a draw or a 1-0 win. What have people seen to suggest he's desperate to play "attractive" football? Is it "attractive" football if you pass the ball around midfield without creating chances or scoring goals? Is that we're all wishing, hoping and waiting for? Gary Speed is, to date, by far the most negative manager we've ever had at The Lane and that includes Blackwell whose teams did at least create some chances and average more than goal a game.

I know people will immediately jump on my back and say "give him time", "they're not his players", "wait and see" etc... but he's not making the best use of the players he currently has and he's failing to juggle his resources to play the style of football he allegedly prefers. An honest, sober assessment of Speed's first 11 matches in charge is that with the same players, Blackwell would have picked more attacking teams, created more chances, scored more goals and earned more points. And that is a manager widely and sometimes correctly derided for his negativity and lack of exciting performances.

Do I think Speed should be sacked now? Of course not, because United gave him a bloody THREE year contract and it would cost us a fortune to pay him off. Why, oh why, oh why, couldn't McCabe just make him the caretaker manager until Xmas and see how he went!? If he had done that and based on what we've seen so far, how many Blades fans would be happily looking forward to Speed being given free rein to rebuild the team in his image come January?

 

[JohnDenver]

I don't see that Speed is doing any better or worse than (I expected of) Blackwell. But I do see him changing our style of play, which will be a long and often painful process.

I'm behind Speed for the long haul because I see a job that could take three years to bear fruit.

Who's with me then?

 

[lenners]

I don't see that Speed is doing any better or worse than (I expected of) Blackwell. But I do see him changing our style of play, which will be a long and often painful process.

I'm behind Speed for the long haul because I see a job that could take three years to bear fruit.

Who's with me then?

I very much doubt McCabe will wait three years, never mind the fans.

 

[JohnDenver]

I very much doubt McCabe will wait three years, never mind the fans.

We waited that long for Warnock to build something, and we're in a similar position now. I don't see a realistic alternative.

 

[alcoblade]

I don't see that Speed is doing any better or worse than (I expected of) Blackwell. But I do see him changing our style of play, which will be a long and often painful process.

I'm behind Speed for the long haul because I see a job that could take three years to bear fruit.

Who's with me then?

I'd back that. But (there has to be one) it is about seeing progress. So far, you'd have to be a tad disappointed. Our formation seems to fail is week after week, yet we stick with it. I'd love to see 442 now and again.

But let's be fair, it is far to early to judge. I think impatience is the weakness of the football world and I include myself, as a fan, in that. What we can't do is let the club off the hook in terms of further weakening the squad (that would be difficult now) because it's clear for all to see, Speed doesn't have the tools for the job at his disposal. I've argued against further debt, heaven knows we've got enough. But right now we're desperate for pace and flair - just a little. How Speed spends any resource will be incredibly important to us. Hopefully this is why he's being so slow off the mark.

UTB

---------- Post added at 02:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:57 PM ----------

I very much doubt McCabe will wait three years, never mind the fans.

The problems are just about all of his making. He hasn't got much choice than to show extended faith in a manager.

UTB

 

[bartman]

Brownie I must salute you, that post has summed of the feeling of a hell of a lot of fans, definitely inclusive of me.

Even I am now losing patience with Ched, he has really not shown a lot of late, and when I think about your points regarding his bravery, I can not help but agree, which is incredibly annoying when you know what he is capable of (reference to his spell at Norwich) and I would much rather we have kept Billy and sold him to be honest, well, I wanted us to keep Billy anyway.

I am disgusted with our performance Saturday, I almost had to beg the landlord to put it on one of the pub tv's rather than having to watch Wet Sham, and he did. Needless to say I apologised to him at half time and fucked off for a curry - far more enjoyable.

Speed has barked on about changing things, but I'm not seeing much evidence. He still plays 4-5-1 for a start which hasn't really suited us for a long while, yea admittedly we get some cracking results, like at Hull midweek, but to then let all the hard work go up in smoke like that was just embarassing, if my team played like that on Saturday we would have been fucking horse whipped.

Things need to change, and I know that it won't happen overnight, because it can't, so I will judge Speed on any dealing he can do in January which we all know will be difficult and see if we then change from there. First things first though which won't cost anything, FOUR FOUR FUCKING TWO!!!UTB

Have we got the players good enough to play 4-4-2 ? For me the existing system will work with players who have pace and can 'pass and move'...traits many of them haven't got. 4-4-2 works with two good wide men able to cross the ball accuratly to a target man. At the momnet we haven't got that. for me,Ward and Yeates playing off Cresswell with Britton Lowton and Quinn/Monty in midfield is the only way we can go(and drop Calve). 4-4-2 would leave possibly Yeates and Ward wide with Boggy and Cresswell down the middle which will mean we will find it difficult to get behind the centre halves.

Personally,I blame McCabe for not sacking Blackwell In May

There has been critisism of the defence which i can understand but the pressure on them is enormous as they know if they concede,we won't we as we can't score.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

The person who mentioned the 3 year contract was bang on the money why didn't we give Speed the caretaker role instead of a knee jerk 3 year deal. Come to think of it why do we never interview people or welcome applications for the managers job.

Massive bastard job now for Speed and maybe it will take relegation for the board to realise that constantly selling your best players and replacing them with mediocre (and that's being polite!) players will ultimately get you relegated.

 

[Ollessendro]

It's interesting how one post will get messages of support, even from those who might not be expected to agree and I'd like to add mine.

I'm not suggesting you would, but now you've done it, there's no need to keep posting the same thing several times a day for the next few months, as other, less visionary posters do.

PS Morgs looks about 50, how about you ;-)

Credit to Brownie. He posts exactly what he thinks and isn't working on a contrived message board persona by inciting people or re-posting the same thing over and over.

When someone like that posts, I read it with interest.

My my, the claws are out. I wonder which poster(s) they are talking about.

Deary, deary me there were some hacked off Blades at the weekend. Even a lot of the milder, more positive members have been letting Speed and his boys have it

 

[silverfox]

Deary, deary me there were some hacked off Blades at the weekend. Even a lot of the milder, more positive members have been letting Speed and his boys have it

I'd have thought that would be ok with you?

Are you suggesting otherwise?

 

[Ollessendro]

I'd have thought that would be ok with you?

Are you suggesting otherwise?

far from it SF. I've nothing to moan about with all these part time moaners grumbling away. I feel like meatloaf

 

[silverfox]

far from it SF. I've nothing to moan about with all these part time moaners grumbling away. I feel like meatloaf

Calling people part time moaners is very patronising in my opinion.

Surely people are allowed to moan when they want?

If not why not?

 

[JohnDenver]

My my, the claws are out. I wonder which poster(s) they are talking about.

Deary, deary me there were some hacked off Blades at the weekend. Even a lot of the milder, more positive members have been letting Speed and his boys have it

Claws? Nah... Just making the point that less can be more.

I don't know a soul on here, but I like to read the posts of those folk who come across in the same way you imagine someone would be in everyday conversation.

Just my preference for how I like message boards to read.

 

[Kopped]

Top Post Brownie,

Epitomised what a lot of people are actually thinking tbh.

Personally, I'm pinning my hopes on something happening very soon.

If there isn't something done soon, the Apathy around the club will take hold and the Fans will Revolt and protest against the board.

Not something I want to see or want my children to see

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Top Post Brownie,

Epitomised what a lot of people are actually thinking tbh.

Personally, I'm pinning my hopes on something happening very soon.

If there isn't something done soon, the Apathy around the club will take hold and the Fans will Revolt and protest against the board.
Not something I want to see or want my children to see

No they won't - they'll just stay away

 

[Ollessendro]

Calling people part time moaners is very patronising in my opinion.

Surely people are allowed to moan when they want?

If not why not?

(as with the 'sunshine band' statement) it was a tongue in cheek comment. I get a lot of stick for being critical all the time and hence thought I'd try and lighten up the general mood with an attempt at humour.

 

[SESKU Blade]

Calling people part time moaners is very patronising in my opinion.

Surely people are allowed to moan when they want?

If not why not?

To be fair to Ollie, I think that's a tongue in cheek dig at people who criticise Ollie & the sunshine band (not got the same ring as KC!) for the the negative posts and moaning they do (Ollie, it is an lot!), but to be honest there's not an awful lot to be positive about at the minute.

Excellent post Brownie, agree 100%

UTB

Distracted by work and Ollie beat me to it!

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I don't see that Speed is doing any better or worse than Blackwell

I'm not sure how you can justify that statement based on the facts. We finished 8th under Blackwell last season with pretty much the same squad of players. Some would argue that we're stronger this season with a regular keeper in Simonsen and Britten. We've only lost Kenny and Sharp from last season and neither played. An Away draw with ten man at Cardiff was a very good result as it happens and better teams than us will lose at home to QPR.

But I do see him changing our style of play, which will be a long and often painful process. I'm behind Speed for the long haul because I see a job that could take three years to bear fruit. Who's with me then?

Has our style of play really changed that much under Speed? If there has been a change it's to become even more defensive. I really wish the debate would switch from "good football v bad football" to "attacking football v defensive football". We haven't had an attacking team since our promotion side under Warnock and it's that lack of goals, entertainment and excitement that was the main problem with Blackwell's reign.

I really hoped that we would see a more attacking, entertaining approach from Speed but instead he has consistently played one up front and three defensive midfielders. That seems to be his preferred style of play based on all the evidence. On what basis do people think he'll suddenly switch to playing entertaining and attacking football if nobody complains for three years? He already has options available to play more attacking football and he must add an attacking player before January. Why isn't he changing it round now if that's the long-term plan?

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I'm not sure how you can justify that statement based on the facts. We finished 8th under Blackwell last season with pretty much the same squad of players.

Really?..........

Mark Bunn
Kyle Walker (for half a season)
Matt Kilgallon (for half a season)
Marcel Seip (for a number of months)
James Harper
Lee Williamson (injured since Speed took over)
Keith Treacy (for half a season)
Darius Henderson (injured since Speed took over)
Henri Camara

Thats just off the top of my head.

Has our style of play really changed that much under Speed?

Yes and although its no more effective at the moment its clearly visible.

 

[Micalijo]

Really?..........

Mark Bunn
Kyle Walker (for half a season)
Matt Kilgallon (for half a season)
Marcel Seip (for a number of months)
James Harper
Lee Williamson (injured since Speed took over)
Keith Treacy (for half a season)
Darius Henderson (injured since Speed took over)
Henri Camara

Thats just off the top of my head.



Yes and although its no more effective at the moment its clearly visible.

You've changed your tune since the Watford game.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

You've changed your tune since the Watford game.

Have I?

Come on mic give me another one of your gems of wisdom by explaining how. My comments above weren't even loosely relevant to anything I said following the Watford game.

 

[Micalijo]

Have I?

Come on mic give me another one of your gems of wisdom by explaining how. My comments above weren't even loosely relevant to anything I said following the Watford game.

Yes.

You said above improvements are visible yet 2 weeks ago the Watford game was worst game ever/zero chances etc or words to that effect.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Yes.

You said above improvements are visible yet 2 weeks ago the Watford game was worst game ever/zero chances etc or words to that effect.

read more carefully before you start spouting.

The question posed by Sothall was "Has our style of play really changed that much under Speed?" which I quoted and replied "Yes and although its no more effective at the moment its clearly visible.

Who said anything about improvements? I'm still singing the same tune mic and my views on all things United are very clear. Nice try.

 

[Micalijo]

I read it very carefully - you are a very slippery customer Steel.

You said the Watford game was shocking etc which I assume amongst other things means that you thought the style of play was awful. Is that a fair assumption? I think so - otherwise how could it be the worst game ever seen etc?

You have then said above that the style has clearly changed.

It therefore very fair to assume you mean it has improved - it cannot get any worse than Blackwell and I believe it is very clear you meant the style is more pleasing on the eye etc yet only 2 weeks ago it produced on of the worst games ever.

Make your mind up Steel.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Ha! Oh mic you are some wordsmith I'll give you that. You can twist almost anything. Ive translated the first line for your benefit

I read it very carefully - you are a very slippery customer Steel.

Translates to "you're a very straight forward fella Steel and after taking a swipe at you, you've made me look a tit."

You said the Watford game was shocking etc which I assume amongst other things means that you thought the style of play was awful. Is that a fair assumption? I think so - otherwise how could it be the worst game ever seen etc? / The Watford game was IMO a poor performance yes. The style of play didnt work in that game and hasnt in others. What does that have to do with my earlier comment? The approach is entirely different to the Blackwell way.....its just not working either. Very simple mic, no grey areas.

You have then said above that the style has clearly changed. / Yes, moving on.

It therefore very fair to assume you mean it has improved - it cannot get any worse than Blackwell and I believe it is very clear you meant the style is more pleasing on the eye etc yet only 2 weeks ago it produced on of the worst games ever. / No thats the way youve chosen to interpret it in your own mind. I believe Speed's ideas are better but I have never said they are producing better performances. Ive said in other threads that I believe our poor playing staff is the reason for that.

Make your mind up Steel. / Go play with someone else mic.

Like I said, nice try.

 

[JohnDenver]

I'm not sure how you can justify that statement based on the facts.

Has our style of play really changed that much under Speed?

Why isn't he changing it round now if that's the long-term plan?

I'm purely comparing Blackwell's few games in charge this season with Speed's. Given how we started, if we'd not sacked Blackwell I think we'd be in a similar league position. It's just my opinion.

Our change in style is a work in progress. The first 45 mins versus Scunny was the best passing display I've seen from us for years. But in other games our own lack of ability (allied with the opposition's tactics) has caused us to play a few square passes before hoofing it it long.

I've no doubt the long term aim is to succeed with a passing style, but we're 1 or two years away from that (again that's purely my opinion).