jono_t2000
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I asked AI, and here is what it said:
Sheffield United's failure to get promoted after losing the playoff final to Sunderland is a significant setback, especially given the financial and emotional toll of missing out on Premier League revenue for another year. Here's a breakdown of key points and some tailored suggestions for the club's future:
1. Managerial Direction: Stick or Twist on Chris Wilder?
Pros of Keeping Wilder:
• Deep emotional and historical connection to the club.
• Excellent man-manager and motivator.
• Understands the DNA and limitations of the club.
Cons:
• Tactically rigid at times
• Hesitant to engage the foreign market, which limits scouting efficiency and value.
• Past success might overshadow the need for evolution.
Verdict:
Wilder can stay if he is willing to evolve tactically and accept a broader recruitment model. If not, the club may benefit from moving toward a younger, progressive manager (e.g. someone from the Kieran McKenna or Liam Rosenior type school) who is more data-driven and global in outlook.
2. Venture Capital/Community Investment Model: Inspired by the Packers
Why It Works:
• Financial Fair Play and the parachute payments limit external spending; a self-sustaining model can create longer-term stability.
• The Packers’ venture capital fund 'TitleTechTown' invests in local startups and provides long term recurring passive income.
Implementation Ideas:
• Launch a "Sheffield United Investment Fund" where the club invest in startups, real estate and other equity.
• Invest in UK based tech, green energy, or manufacturing startups as equity stakeholders in early seeding rounds pre-IPO
• Use American owners and their experience in investment funds to push for startups to be listed on American exchanges after going public on UK exchange.
3. Squad Planning: Marquee Replacements or Long-Term Build?
With the likely exit of Gustavo Hamer, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Vinícius Souza, there are two directions:
Short-Term:
• Replace with proven Championship stars, but costs are high.
• Could result in another playoff push, but risk repeating the cycle.
Long-Term:
• Develop a recruitment strategy around undervalued foreign markets (e.g. Scandinavia, Africa, and South America).
• Invest more in the academy (a Cat A academy is a must) and U21 development—focusing on technical, fast, and tactically flexible players.
• Set a clear identity: e.g. high press, fluid attack, or possession-based system that flows from the academy into the same style as the first team.
Recommended Verdict:
Focus on long-term squad development using smart data-led recruitment. Replace outgoing stars with younger, high-potential players and reinvest into scouting.
4. Other Suggestions for the Club and Owners:
a. Appoint a Sporting Director (if one doesn’t already have sufficient power):
Let them drive recruitment, analytics, and youth development — someone like Brentford’s Lee Dykes or a Dan Ashworth-type.
b. Develop a Club Philosophy:
From U18s to the first team, a cohesive footballing identity (like Brighton, Brentford, or Girona) allows smoother transitions and clearer recruitment filters.
c. Partnerships:
Form official club partnerships with teams in South America or Eastern Europe. These can act as feeder clubs and help United tap into affordable talent pools.
d. Fan Experience & Engagement:
Use tech to increase match-day experience (interactive apps, digital memberships, AR/VR content). Build out the global fanbase — capitalize on the club’s gritty, underdog identity.
e. Upgrade Infrastructure:
Invest in training facilities, analytics departments, and youth systems. Sheffield United is already a prodigious development hub in England that can be leant on further.
Final Thought:
Sheffield United’s next move determines whether they become a yo-yo club or fade into Championship mediocrity.
Sheffield United's failure to get promoted after losing the playoff final to Sunderland is a significant setback, especially given the financial and emotional toll of missing out on Premier League revenue for another year. Here's a breakdown of key points and some tailored suggestions for the club's future:
1. Managerial Direction: Stick or Twist on Chris Wilder?
Pros of Keeping Wilder:
• Deep emotional and historical connection to the club.
• Excellent man-manager and motivator.
• Understands the DNA and limitations of the club.
Cons:
• Tactically rigid at times
• Hesitant to engage the foreign market, which limits scouting efficiency and value.
• Past success might overshadow the need for evolution.
Verdict:
Wilder can stay if he is willing to evolve tactically and accept a broader recruitment model. If not, the club may benefit from moving toward a younger, progressive manager (e.g. someone from the Kieran McKenna or Liam Rosenior type school) who is more data-driven and global in outlook.
2. Venture Capital/Community Investment Model: Inspired by the Packers
Why It Works:
• Financial Fair Play and the parachute payments limit external spending; a self-sustaining model can create longer-term stability.
• The Packers’ venture capital fund 'TitleTechTown' invests in local startups and provides long term recurring passive income.
Implementation Ideas:
• Launch a "Sheffield United Investment Fund" where the club invest in startups, real estate and other equity.
• Invest in UK based tech, green energy, or manufacturing startups as equity stakeholders in early seeding rounds pre-IPO
• Use American owners and their experience in investment funds to push for startups to be listed on American exchanges after going public on UK exchange.
3. Squad Planning: Marquee Replacements or Long-Term Build?
With the likely exit of Gustavo Hamer, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Vinícius Souza, there are two directions:
Short-Term:
• Replace with proven Championship stars, but costs are high.
• Could result in another playoff push, but risk repeating the cycle.
Long-Term:
• Develop a recruitment strategy around undervalued foreign markets (e.g. Scandinavia, Africa, and South America).
• Invest more in the academy (a Cat A academy is a must) and U21 development—focusing on technical, fast, and tactically flexible players.
• Set a clear identity: e.g. high press, fluid attack, or possession-based system that flows from the academy into the same style as the first team.
Recommended Verdict:
Focus on long-term squad development using smart data-led recruitment. Replace outgoing stars with younger, high-potential players and reinvest into scouting.
4. Other Suggestions for the Club and Owners:
a. Appoint a Sporting Director (if one doesn’t already have sufficient power):
Let them drive recruitment, analytics, and youth development — someone like Brentford’s Lee Dykes or a Dan Ashworth-type.
b. Develop a Club Philosophy:
From U18s to the first team, a cohesive footballing identity (like Brighton, Brentford, or Girona) allows smoother transitions and clearer recruitment filters.
c. Partnerships:
Form official club partnerships with teams in South America or Eastern Europe. These can act as feeder clubs and help United tap into affordable talent pools.
d. Fan Experience & Engagement:
Use tech to increase match-day experience (interactive apps, digital memberships, AR/VR content). Build out the global fanbase — capitalize on the club’s gritty, underdog identity.
e. Upgrade Infrastructure:
Invest in training facilities, analytics departments, and youth systems. Sheffield United is already a prodigious development hub in England that can be leant on further.
Final Thought:
Sheffield United’s next move determines whether they become a yo-yo club or fade into Championship mediocrity.
