What do you expect of the Blades?

[LouTheBlade]

Well here it is, the long boring summer before the football season starts again. Fortunately we have the World Cup to keep us occupied for a month or so (let’s hope England make a decent fist of it). I usually find the holiday months as a good time to reflect on United’s season and form some realistic expectations for the one ahead but this time I’m really not sure. With the steady exodus of players and reported arrivals on the horizon I really can’t see what the future holds for us.

I think we can all safely expect Kevin Blackwell to be in charge at the beginning of the season despite concerns about his relationship with the directors (related to transfer speculation). I like many think that the directors are very happy with KB (rightly or wrongly) and the man himself accepts the situation we are in at the moment – which is arguably one of transition. There will be people on here coming up with all sorts of stories about KB isn’t happy with this and that player doesn’t like the manager etc. etc. but most of it is probably rumour mongering. As touched on in other threads though, that’s all part of being on a forum........

But what are we to make of things so far? Some of our better players have been linked with moves away such as Wardy, Paddy and Hendo to name but a few. Whilst we have been linked with the likes of Paddy McCarthy, Paul Connolly and Bogdanovic. We probably don’t know a lot about some of those players but my general feeling is that our budget constraints are forcing us to consider the release/sale of players before we can even contemplate bringing new ones in. Is that strengthening???? I would suggest it is more a case of trying to perform a balancing act. Whilst that doesn’t fill me with a great level of optimism it does intrigue me to consider what our squad might look like come August........

I feel judging from the responses of people I know and posters on here, that United fans are generally not captivated by the players we’ve been linked with (on the whole). They’re not the sort of targets that are going to sell season tickets but most of us probably accept that this is the level we are at now. My question is, can the Blades do better this time around with these sorts of players???? I am not so sure. It almost reminds me of those two or three barren seasons under Warnock before we got promoted (the ones that the Neil lovers conveniently forget about). It’s like a carbon copy of those times – treading water with the sort of signings that will make you competitive but not quite good enough........I suppose a lot of clubs would profess to be in that situation right now though. Maybe a lack of quality throughout the league will mean we don’t need very much to succeed. We’ll see.

I get the impression that with where we are at the moment and with the way KM and TB talk about the club, they are happy to be nothing more than competitors (in the sense of chasing the playoffs or maintaining stability). That’s fine, perhaps they’re being realistic but we know there will be supporters that don’t accept that. It is always made more difficult by the fact that we have to watch the likes of Blackpool getting promoted, which is great and best of luck to them but it starts to make you ask questions of your own club.

I await the inevitable posts from people blaming KB’s approach or the pointing fingers at the directors because he was sold or he has this clause in his contract – which is fine, again it’s all about opinion on here. What I really want to hear though (as these are the sort of posts I look for) is views on;

Whether KB will still be manager at the end of next season?

Do we think United can realistically challenge at the top end of the Championship?

Do the people who think they will struggle, genuinely think they will? Or is this just a means of venting anger and frustration at things?

Are fans content at simply being a league above the pigs?

Would it make a big difference to our side if a certain player/players were sold? - After all we played most of the season without our best 11!!!!

All responses will be viewed as I don’t have anyone on ignore

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Hard to form any sort of opinion at the moment as to how things will pan out. I've a feeling there will be a few out-goings and a good amount of in-comings between now and the start of the season, so at this time it's difficult to decide whether we will be struggling, middling or challenging. Which one of those we are come 2011 will decide the fate of Blackwell. Hopefully the injury thing will be much better this next season and that at least will allow for a bit of stability.

Ask me the same questions come mid-August and I might be giving a very different set of answers.

 

[Come from away]

Whether KB will still be manager at the end of next season?
Unless the team blows up, which I doubt, he will likely be there. If we make the play-offs he will survive again. If we do slip out of the top ten, then I expect a change. It will be needed to bring back the fans who do not want us out of contention.

Do we think United can realistically challenge at the top end of the Championship?
If we can add to what we have under contract, no super stars but another Williamson quality, then we should be in line for the play-offs. I expect no less given our strong finances and consistent support.

Do the people who think they will struggle, genuinely think they will? Or is this just a means of venting anger and frustration at things?
This is just unrealistic, any manager putting us in this position should be fired.

Are fans content at simply being a league above the pigs?
Doesn't hurt but it is a side issue vs our club doing well.

 

[beightonblade]

misery and heartache ................................

 

[Revolution]

Whether KB will still be manager at the end of next season?

Yes, unless we are in the bottom 6 for any length of time. If we are in the bottom 3 at the turn of the year, he'll be fired.

If we don't get in the top 6 I will be surprised if he's in charge for 2011/12, though.

Do we think United can realistically challenge at the top end of the Championship?

Not for automatic promotion - the squad isn't good enough now and isn't likely to be appreciably stronger in August, the way the club is talking, and some of our better players are injury prone.

They might make the playoffs if everything breaks right, ie they use the loan and free trnasfer market well, there are a lot less injuries, and Kenny stays or we get a very good replacement.

Do the people who think they will struggle, genuinely think they will? Or is this just a means of venting anger and frustration at things?

Last season I said mid table - they did a bit better than that in the end, and a lot went wrong. I think mid table again because I don't think we'll have players the calibre of Kilgallon and Walker for half a year, which is one reason why we were in the hunt as long as we were.

I genuinely thought they might go down after the Newcastle game, but things got on a more even keel. I don't see a relegation struggle barring a big fire sale or more horrendous injuries, which would be very unlucky. There are a quite a few poor/broke sides likely to keep us out of the bootm six unless we collapse completely.

Are fans content at simply being a league above the pigs?

It is important to the club for various reasons to be a division above them, and it's important and amusing to me. A Two division gap would be nice, but I'm still smiling about them going down.

Would it make a big difference to our side if a certain player/players were sold? - After all we played most of the season without our best 11!!!!

The sale of Kenny would be foolish and a retrograde step
The sale of Morgan would be stupid and likely even more disastrous than Kilgallon's was
I would be disappointed if Williamson and Ward were sold but given their injury records I could live with it if the money were right. Both sales might hurt us a bit.
I could live with the sale of one out of Evans, Cresswell, Hendo and Sharp if the money was right. Would love to get shot of Evans. We might miss Hendo and Cresswell. we'd think we were missing Sharp as he'll score elsewhere but I remain of the view he'll never do it at the Lane and not for Blackwell. The sale of 2 of these forwards would, again, be dumb unless we get at least one back.
Many will cry when Monty goes but the team will not miss him.

 

[Tizertrance]

I don't particularly expect anything. We don't have any control over goings on at BDTBL, so just take the ride and enjoy the crack. If good things happen, outstanding. If they don't, well, there's always going to be another season to follow. Personally I love the pre season optimism and when it doesn't quite pan out, well, I also quite enjoy moaning

 

[davidpinder]

First of all like pointed out above its difficult at the moment with possible players leaving and players arriving and I think it all depends on that. I really think the championship is there for the taking next season there isn't an outstanding premier league side come down (like newcastle) and 2 out of the 3 could very well start on minus 10 points. Unfortunately the boys in the boardroom at BDTBL have lost there passion a bit and i don't care what anybody says Mr McCabe wants out and Mr Birch was brought in to balance the books for a sale. As for transfers in and out my opinion is we will be disappointed with who comes in and equally disappointed with who goes out. We are offering small wages now so we will not be able to attract much quality. As for Mr Blackwell i think he may jump ship at xmas when we are mid-lower table and the crowd on his back. All in all i don't like to sound all doom and gloom but i can't see many good times ahead of us unless we get a cup run.

As for my expectations as a blade. I'd like to see us give it one good go again but can't see our current manager being good enough for that anyway.

 

[TopBoy]

Hmmm, a little too early to form an opinion with any real substance as at this stage all we've done is release players. Saying that I expect us to replace the released with equivalent players as despite what a number of people think on here we're still one of the most attractive propositions outside the top flight. We're a well run club with a progressive chairman at the helm who does what he thinks is right for Sheffield United's long term prospects with each and every decision.

If Kenny wants to go, let him go. Same with Monty. Sheffield United will be around long after they've finished.

Blackwell will be in charge and I have to say, is proven at this level, remember he got us within a whisker of automatic promotion and then to a play off final just 12 months ago. There are not many managers around that have sort of pedigree. He's not my cup of tea at all and I'm not really sure why, possibly a lack of charisma but I'm willing to get behind him for another season in the hope that we get a fair run with injuries. A fit Ward, Evans and Wilko able to play 30 games plus would be a great start.

My expectation is to be at least in the playoffs and a decent cup run, anything less than playoffs and it will have been a failure and Blackwell should walk.

 

[Ollessendro]

Interesting thoughts (as ever) Lou. Here is my 2 penneth.

Whether KB will still be manager at the end of next season?

Difficult to say, but I think it's probably yes. He is still contracted for another 2 years and the board (wrongly imo) like him. He is a yes man and whilst we have the recession, property problems and are seeking investment etc he'll do. He won't walk when we further decrease the wage bill etc.

I think as long as we are not flirting with the bottom 6 (as Rev says) then he'll stay. I expect us to finish in the bottom half next year and think that there'll be a mutual walking away at some point next summer. After 3 years in charge and progress not being made (in fact quite the opposite) I expect KB to be out of excuses.

Do we think United can realistically challenge at the top end of the Championship?

Can yes, will no. Again it is early to say but we have some quality already and with some good additions we could be up there. The League is a poor one next year and I don't hink there'll be a big difference (in terms of quality) between 10th and 2nd. A few quality players could swing it in one teams way. The problem is that our best players struggle with fitness. Williamson (and secondary Ward) could propel United towards the top if he (they) could stay fit all season.

I don't expect us to attract players of the right quality though. Addditionally I expect us to carry on playing the same negative boring football we have done under Blackwell and hence not play to our strengths by attacking teams.

One thing that I have stated time and time again is that if we get the defence right we could make the play offs/flirt with automatic. KB did well in his first full season because of a back line of Naughton, Morgs, Kill and Naymsith. It meant that we could win games by playing negative hoofball becasue teams rarely scored against us. The best defensive record in the league ensured we finished 3rd in 2008/2009. We have 2 of those 4 defenders and with good additions, e.g. Bartley and Connoley were are somewhat there.

Do the people who think they will struggle, genuinely think they will? Or is this just a means of venting anger and frustration at things?

At the moment it is hard to see us do well (although this could change) but I think struggling might be a bit over the top. Also it would be difficult to see us suffering from as many injuries again this time around. Still injuries to players might be an issue because if Cresswell, Willo, Ward and/or Morgs get injured then we are massively weakened.

Are fans content at simply being a league above the pigs?

I can only speak for myself, but I am not. Sure it is nice we are a league above them but I feel we could be doing better. I'm not unrealistic, but I think with our wage bill, fan base (attendences), recent history and (recent) playing staff then we could be doing more. I've been criticised for being unrealistic before but I don't see any reason why Sheffield United should not be in the top 6 year after year.

I also believe that there is an opportunity this year. The division is poor. The relegated teams are gash and there is no one standing out from the teams who stayed down. Boro, Reading, Ipswich and QPR will do well (imo) but none of them are that good. It's nothing like last year where West Brom and Newcastle were easily the best 2 teams in the league.

Would it make a big difference to our side if a certain player/players were sold? - After all we played most of the season without our best 11!!!!

Obviosuly Morgs would be a massive blow. That is unthinkable. However it simply will not happen.
Selling Paddy would also be a blow. It seems highly unrealistic that we'd be able to bring in a replacement of the same quality.
I could cope with the sale of Sharp (in fact I expect it) and would condone the sale of Henderson (I think the team would play better without him). I think it would be a mistake to sell Cresswell and Evans. I'm sure Evans will come good and I think him and (the fantastic) Cresswell have the potential of being a very good partnership.
I'd be disappointed if we sold Ward as he is very dangerous. However his injury record is poor and if a decent bid came in I'd maybe understand. Again it depends on circumstances (how much, who to, does the money disappear or get spend strengthening somewhere else).
I think it is important that we keep Naysmith and Monty.
I'd happily watch Quinn go, providing we have signed a few players before hand.
The majority of the rest are deadwood.

 

[Grecian2000]

I don't know, or even care to think about, the answers to the questions listed.

I can answer the question laid out in the title of the thread.

I expect Sheffield United to go out, every game, with a positive intent. No hoping for a draw bollocks, but a "go for it" attitude that will excite fans home and away. Simple as that and the same expectation I've carried with me since the John Harris era.
Losing isn't a problem for me, but not trying to win is unforgivable (especially in this tier).

 

[super_pig]

>Interesting thoughts (as ever) Lou. Here is my 2 penneth.
amen olle.. agree with everthing that you've said although ah wahnt be rurin' if monty guz

 

[LouTheBlade]

Some great posts guys. This is what I was hoping for, some reasoned opinions. You dont always get that 100% of the time on here but these are the kinds of threads I like.

Olle:- Agree with you on Morgs and Paddy, it would be a real body blow to lose them. We have 3 or 4 other good players as you say but I dont feel that losing them would impact as significantly as the first two. We certainly do have a lot of deadwood thats for sure.

When you stated that United are capable of competing up the top end but wont.....is that purely because you dont envisage the likes of Ward and Willo staying fit? What if their fitness improved and they played regularly? Would you fancy the Blades then?????

Rev:- On the point you made about seeing KB gone if we dont make the top 6.....do you think that the directors are expecting that as a minimum from him? I dont get that impression to be honest, I think they're happy with us being playoff contenders (i.e. in with a shout) at the moment. Is a change of manager in such circumstances what you would expect as a supporter? Or what you honestly think will happen if it transpires?

 

[SotonBlade]

This is turning out to be the best thread in a while. Great post in the first instance Lou, and I think that's the first post from Olle that have entirely agreed with. Nice one pal.

**EDIT** Is it worth turning this thread into a blog??

 

[lenners]

More departures, a few crap players coming in, more cobblers from the club to its supporters and another massive missed opportunity.

 

[Ollessendro]

Some great posts guys. This is what I was hoping for, some reasoned opinions. You dont always get that 100% of the time on here but these are the kinds of threads I like.

Olle:- Agree with you on Morgs and Paddy, it would be a real body blow to lose them. We have 3 or 4 other good players as you say but I dont feel that losing them would impact as significantly as the first two. We certainly do have a lot of deadwood thats for sure.

When you stated that United are capable of competing up the top end but wont.....is that purely because you dont envisage the likes of Ward and Willo staying fit? What if their fitness improved and they played regularly? Would you fancy the Blades then?????

Having a team with Morgs, Williamson, Ward and Cresswell starting every week would be a massive boost. It wouldn't neccessarily guarantee success. The defence would be a major issue (for reasons I have pointed out). The main isssue issue is Blackwell style of play. Even if we have these guys fit and bring in the right players (which is a big IF) we still might not be challenging for promotion because of the negativity. Grecian really hits the nail on the head with his expectations of wanting to see United winning. I genuinly think that United would have done better under KB if he had taken a chance and tried to win games. Our best spells under him (end of 07/08 and 08/09) were when we played free and attacking football. I'll give you an example of why I don't think we'll achieve anything under Blackwell's negativity.

I was in the away end at Loftus Road in December of this year with my old man watching United play a very average QPR side. They scored early on and we were deflated. In the second half we battered them. We were all over them and we scored around the hour mark. They we there for the taking and suddenly we stepped back. We took our foot off the gas and clearly played for the draw. There was Evans and Camara on the bench and KB didn't have a sub warm up the whole game. We almost lost the game when QPR hot the bar in the last minute. Blackwell celebrated after the game like we'd won (and I was fucking furious at his reaction). I'm sure we would have gone onto win the game had we attacked. If we'd have lost trying I wouldn't have cared but the whole thing left a bitter taste in my mouth. A few weeks later we played QPR in the cup, again at Loftus Road. It was a replay and hence we had to try to win. We came out and played to win. We tore QPR apart and the 3-2 scoreline flattered them. Evans and Cresswell were fantastic up top together and it was the best United performance I saw last season. This just sums Blackwell up. I know that it is one example, but it's an illustrative one.

and I think that's the first post from Olle that have entirely agreed with.

Wll blow me down!?

 

[SheepdipBlade]

Some good thoughts on here lads and lasses.

I've posted on here before saying that (like Tizertrance) I feel I have next to zero influence on what happens at BDTBL, and that therefore I don't allow myself to get drawn into situations where I'm wasting my emotional energy on things I can't affect.

However - I can see the possibility of fans being more influential next season.

I think KB is probably a lame duck manager and that this previous season has destroyed the faith in him for so many fans that (short of promotion this coming season) he will never regain enough goodwill and trust to have a secure future with the Blades.

Unless the board support KB in building a very competitive side this summer, I expect the fans to get on KBs back before the first month is out - and that the attrition of so many months of hostility will eventually tell on KMcC and the board, and cost KB his job.

I would also expect the board will try to appease the fans by putting as much info into the public domain as they feel prudent - but this won't be enough for many fans, who will continue to make strident claims based upon limited information.

KB will be fired sooner or later. I'd guess that bottom 6 by Christmas, or outside the playoffs by May would be enough for fans to wind up the anti sufficiently - and even promotion would only delay the axe falling by a season or two at the most.

The question is - when are fans (with limited access to info) right to force a manager out of his job?

I struggle with this one. I was in the car park to get Robson removed - but feel that the circumstances surrounding KB/SUFC are a great deal more complex - and we need to be careful that (in our frustration and ignorance) we don't force the club into an even weaker position by forcing the manager out.

However - short of promotion - what I expect from us Blades, is another frustrating season of more partly informed vitriol that will force KB out within 12 months - And only after that will we be able to tell whether removing KB has enabled the club to become stronger, or whether it's compounded a difficult situation even further.

 

[Grecian2000]

I was in the away end at Loftus Road in December of this year with my old man watching United play a very average QPR side. They scored early on and we were deflated. In the second half we battered them. We were all over them and we scored around the hour mark. They we there for the taking and suddenly we stepped back. We took our foot off the gas and clearly played for the draw. There was Evans and Camara on the bench and KB didn't have a sub warm up the whole game. We almost lost the game when QPR hot the bar in the last minute. Blackwell celebrated after the game like we'd won (and I was fucking furious at his reaction). I'm sure we would have gone onto win the game had we attacked. If we'd have lost trying I wouldn't have cared but the whole thing left a bitter taste in my mouth. A few weeks later we played QPR in the cup, again at Loftus Road. It was a replay and hence we had to try to win. We came out and played to win. We tore QPR apart and the 3-2 scoreline flattered them. Evans and Cresswell were fantastic up top together and it was the best United performance I saw last season. This just sums Blackwell up. I know that it is one example, but it's an illustrative one.

As an example it is pretty much spot on for me.

We CAN play reasonable stuff and we ARE capable of going after teams. It is the fact we don't do it often enough that has completely alienated me from the Manager and the Board.
As pointed out, when he didn't think his head was on the block (after Robson) we were fine and it was great to see. As soon as he thought it was his team then his complete lack of gonads has stifled us completely, right from St Andrews at the start of last season.

Our end of season result at Ipswich was something we are well capable of repeating on a regular basis BUT was a "nothing to play for" jaunt and so I doubt it will be repeated when the chips are down for real again at the start of next season.
Regardless of who we bring in or let go, it is the complete change in attitude that we need to prosper and entertain.

 

[Jostein Flo]

Good posts guys, and a good read...

I'm pretty positive about next season, we finished 8th this season with the worst injury run I can ever remember us ever having. If we can keep players fit then I think we're play off material. With Morgan signing the new contract the only player I'm really worried about losing now is Kenny (although I'd be gutted if Monty left I don't see him as irreplaceable)

On the Blackwell front it's more or less nailed on that he'll be boss at the start of the season (unless Inter don't get Capello, in which case I hear he's next on the list). One thing I would say though is that the often quoted theory that he's the board's "Yes" man is looking a bit wrong in my eyes. Blackwell's constant moans and groans to the press about lack of funds, over-reliance on loan market etc would wind up any chairman at any club... and McCabe's rather reluctant, and apparently unwilling backing of Blackwell at the fans forum just makes it appear that for the moment the board don't want to sack him and pay up his contract and he doesn't want to walk away. Hopefully both parties are looking at last season for what it was... a freak injury crisis which happened when the chairman found himself in no position to offer the support expected by the manager or fans.

Oh... and I have an all encompassing and powerful belief that Ched Evans will be an absolue powerhouse next season! You heard it here first folks, the age of Ched had begun. Bring it on!