Wilder, Brayford, Madine

[AWetFlannel]

Nigel Clough who set up to try to get a nil nil away at Gillingham, lost two nil and then hit back at fans who wanted to know why he didn’t set up to try to win the game saying “ the fans can’t expect us to go to difficult places like this and risk losing the point we start with”

At Gillingham....

Odd that people don’t like him.

I disagree with many of our managers tactics, but you say that like you think Clough was trying to keep us in league 1.

We were a league 1 team with league 1 players, to have an attitude of superiority over the likes of the Gills may be justified in regard to our fans, stadium and history, but not the players on the pitch.

We are talking about a man who worked for our club, tried the best he could, had some success (great form 1st season, two incredible cup runs) but ultimatley failed to get us up and was sacked. It's as if you've never seen negative tactics work before (Mourinho, Karanka, Pulis).

 

[Ricky]

Clough wasn't only negative, he was downright disrespectful to our fans and had no ambition whatsoever. Telling us we'd had a successful season after that farcical game at Swindon being a prime example. He was a horrendous fit for a club that was a heavyweight in its division.

 

[FlamingLip]

I'm generally a clapper and since the 70s have supported the team through thin and thin, but Madine is a twat. It's not the pig thing, which I can put to one side, but the fact he is a serial violent offender and has done time for this. Think Marlon King, but prepared to hit members of his own sex.

Of course I don't want to destabilise the team, but I don't want that twat in a red and white shirt either. You have to draw a line somehwere and Madine is the wrong side of it for me. I do not need my team to prosper at all costs, if the price is employing nasty thugs.

Haven't a problem with fans displaying principles but have you always been so vehemently against acquiring services from players who have a shady off-field track record....? Since the 70's we've had our share!

 

[Harry's Game]

I disagree with many of our managers tactics, but you say that like you think Clough was trying to keep us in league 1.

We were a league 1 team with league 1 players, to have an attitude of superiority over the likes of the Gills may be justified in regard to our fans, stadium and history, but not the players on the pitch.

We are talking about a man who worked for our club, tried the best he could, had some success (great form 1st season, two incredible cup runs) but ultimatley failed to get us up and was sacked. It's as if you've never seen negative tactics work before (Mourinho, Karanka, Pulis).

What happend two seasons later in the same league with arguably a smaller budget?

It’s a mentality thing, I’m no lover of any form of negative mind set, always look to play your best attack minded line up.

If you have time try to read Simon Kuppers brilliant book “Football against the enemy” particularly the chapter on Argentinian football about Menottism vs Bilardoism, I think all managers can be described Menottist or Bilardoist.

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

Clough wasn't only negative, he was downright disrespectful to our fans and had no ambition whatsoever. Telling us we'd had a successful season after that farcical game at Swindon being a prime example. He was a horrendous fit for a club that was a heavyweight in its division.

His success could be judged on his teamsheet that day. 20odd transfers and we had Alcock and McEveley playing centre half!!!

 

[Ricky]

His success could be judged on his teamsheet that day. 20odd transfers and we had Alcock and McEveley playing centre half!!!

Indeed. That was the 'Clough game'.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Indeed. That was the 'Clough game'.

Leave it Ricky.........

 

[AWetFlannel]

What happend two seasons later in the same league with arguably a smaller budget?

It’s a mentality thing, I’m no lover of any form of negative mind set, always look to play your best attack minded line up.

If you have time try to read Simon Kuppers brilliant book “Football against the enemy” particularly the chapter on Argentinian football about Menottism vs Bilardoism, I think all managers can be described Menottist or Bilardoist.

Two seasons later we appointed a brilliant manager who got us promoted comfortably, playing attacking football.

That sounds an interesting read, and if you prefer attack minded football then fair play. I prefer straight talking managers so hated the way Adkins spoke, but don't hate the bloke himself as I'm sure he did his best to get us promoted.

 

[I should coco]

Haven't a problem with fans displaying principles but have you always been so vehemently against acquiring services from players who have a shady off-field track record....? Since the 70's we've had our share!

There is 'shady' and out and out scumbag. I've vehemently objected to King and Madine.

I had a meeting with Julian Winter about King explaining that a serial woman beater and general scumbag wasn't a good signing. Winter told me how the club had done their research and he'd been unlucky in the past by associating with some wrong 'uns. They were sure the pending charge would be dismisssed and everyone would live happily ever after. It wasn't and he got another 18 month stretch.

It might be lovely to think that cuddly Gary is going to fire us to promotion and has turned over a new leaf. In the real world however, serial offenders generally stick with what they do best. Sadly, I'm pretty sure this one will end in tears too and I don't mean from a few snowflakes.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Critisise yes but the vitriol that seem to come his way I think it’s unacceptable.
Yes he’s was good on loan and not so after , but I honestly thought he was trying his best injury loss of form can happen to any player .
Some fans seem to over inflate a players worth and then seem to enjoy running them down at the slightest loss of form.

I don't get the vitriol but I also don't get the pedestal that he was put upon during his loan spell. The line 'he took a paycut', is popular amongst his apologists, he probably went from 20k a week to 10k a week, hardly bankruptcy inducing.

 

[davidblade]

I don't get the vitriol but I also don't get the pedestal that he was put upon during his loan spell. The line 'he took a paycut', is popular amongst his apologists, he probably went from 20k a week to 10k a week, hardly bankruptcy inducing.

Not many players would take a pay cut without it being forced on them

 

[Chali 2na]

I'm generally a clapper and since the 70s have supported the team through thin and thin, but Madine is a twat. It's not the pig thing, which I can put to one side, but the fact he is a serial violent offender and has done time for this. Think Marlon King, but prepared to hit members of his own sex.

Of course I don't want to destabilise the team, but I don't want that twat in a red and white shirt either. You have to draw a line somehwere and Madine is the wrong side of it for me. I do not need my team to prosper at all costs, if the price is employing nasty thugs.

There is 'shady' and out and out scumbag. I've vehemently objected to King and Madine.

I had a meeting with Julian Winter about King explaining that a serial woman beater and general scumbag wasn't a good signing. Winter told me how the club had done their research and he'd been unlucky in the past by associating with some wrong 'uns. They were sure the pending charge would be dismisssed and everyone would live happily ever after. It wasn't and he got another 18 month stretch.

It might be lovely to think that cuddly Gary is going to fire us to promotion and has turned over a new leaf. In the real world however, serial offenders generally stick with what they do best. Sadly, I'm pretty sure this one will end in tears too and I don't mean from a few snowflakes.

Interesting posts, I somewhat agree but also have some conflicting opinions too.

I have a few questions for you:

• Will the signing of Madine change the way you support the club (beyond not cheering his name when Gary Sinclair reads out the teams)?
• Do you believe either King/Madine are beyond redemption?
  
• If so, what would Madine have to do (if anything) to prove he's a changed man?
• How would you react to close members being charged with simalar crimes?

 

[boo radley]

My say is ,we all say we support Sheffield United. Gary Madine is now part of the team called Sheffield United so I know its a bit radical to some but why not support Sheffield United. Personally I cant stand a couple of players in our squad purely for football reasons but would never let it be known at a match and do my best to get behind them when they play. Gary madine seems like a good excuse for some who try and find something bad about Utd all the time. I simply don't understand why they do it.

Be careful. You'll unleash the wrath of the
"Only in S2" mob. No wait it is not a mob, it is one self proclaimed super fan.

 

[I should coco]

I have a few questions for you:

• Will the signing of Madine change the way you support the club (beyond not cheering his name when Gary Sinclair reads out the teams)?

Your views are similar to mine on many things Blade, so I'm happy to respond.

-I will do a bit more than not just cheering his name, but it's my club and I'm in for the long haul. No wanker ex pig is taking my club from me and as far as I know, you don't yet get a banning order for having an opinion.

Do you believe either King/Madine are beyond redemption?

-King got another 18 months after he left us and presumably will offend again.
Madine seems to like hitting people and drinking, never a good combination.

In theory no-one is beyond redemption but then again leopards generally don't change their spots, so I expect both to continue with the patterns of behaviour they have followed in the past.

If so, what would Madine have to do (if anything) to prove he's a changed man?

Seek out the Blade he hit and make a proper apology and then prove his sincerity by not hitting anyone else.
Scoring at the Stadium of Rust wouldn't do any harm either as long as it is for us and not some spectacular 'own goal of the season'.

How would you react to close members being charged with simalar crimes?

My family aren't scumbags so it's irrelevant, but I'd be horrified.

I guess I'd try to support them and help them turn their lives around, but then they have earned that from me over the years so that's where things differ.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Not many players would take a pay cut without it being forced on them

It was, he wasn’t getting a game at Cardiff and realised he was overpaid. He came to Bramall Lane and earned far more than anyone else so was still overpaid.

 

[davidblade]

It was, he wasn’t getting a game at Cardiff and realised he was overpaid. He came to Bramall Lane and earned far more than anyone else so was still overpaid.

Who honestly believes they are overpaid get real are you on drugs.

 

[BushBlade]

It was, he wasn’t getting a game at Cardiff and realised he was overpaid. He came to Bramall Lane and earned far more than anyone else so was still overpaid.

He was fantastic on loan, gave everything and a bit more. It should have been left there so we had nothing but good memories. Spending a large proportion of our budget on him was a stupid decision. I suspect Clough didn’t realise it was a shit or bust gamble to go up that season, hence the fall-out after the playoffs.

 

[Chali 2na]

Your views are similar to mine on many things Blade, so I'm happy to respond.

Likewise, I think this is the first time I've noticed we haven't shared a simalar view, hence why I was tempted to ask.

-I will do a bit more than not just cheering his name, but it's my club and I'm in for the long haul. No wanker ex pig is taking my club from me and as far as I know, you don't yet get a banning order for having an opinion.

What more can you do other than not cheer him, while still supporting the rest of the team?

-King got another 18 months after he left us and presumably will offend again.
Madine seems to like hitting people and drinking, never a good combination.

In theory no-one is beyond redemption but then again leopards generally don't change their spots, so I expect both to continue with the patterns of behaviour they have followed in the past.

I tend to agree that leopards don't change their spots, though I'm glad to see you haven't completely written Madine (and I suppose King) off.

Seek out the Blade he hit and make a proper apology and then prove his sincerity by not hitting anyone else.
Scoring at the Stadium of Rust wouldn't do any harm either as long as it is for us and not some spectacular 'own goal of the season'.

I think apologising to said blade (assuming that hasn't already happened) would be a great idea.

My family aren't scumbags so it's irrelevant, but I'd be horrified.

I guess I'd try to support them and help them turn their lives around, but then they have earned that from me over the years so that's where things differ.

That's fair enough, obviously it's far different to the relationship you have with a family member but hopefully Madine earns some of that support too, eventually.

 

[FlamingLip]

There is 'shady' and out and out scumbag. I've vehemently objected to King and Madine.

I had a meeting with Julian Winter about King explaining that a serial woman beater and general scumbag wasn't a good signing. Winter told me how the club had done their research and he'd been unlucky in the past by associating with some wrong 'uns. They were sure the pending charge would be dismisssed and everyone would live happily ever after. It wasn't and he got another 18 month stretch.

It might be lovely to think that cuddly Gary is going to fire us to promotion and has turned over a new leaf. In the real world however, serial offenders generally stick with what they do best. Sadly, I'm pretty sure this one will end in tears too and I don't mean from a few snowflakes.

I could be completely wrong but I think a lot of this is down to our limited funds and options for supporting current front two. As far as fan opinion goes, either side of fence is justified - whether you clap for whomever dons the stripes or sticks by strict recruitment principles.

Regarding repeat offending, how was his record with Bolton and Cardiff? Anyone know if he got into much bother?

 

[Beans]

I don't get the vitriol but I also don't get the pedestal that he was put upon during his loan spell. The line 'he took a paycut', is popular amongst his apologists, he probably went from 20k a week to 10k a week, hardly bankruptcy inducing.

Obviously I can only speak for myself but Brayford was one shining light in a truly crappy time to be a Blade (2013-14 was the season of Weir and we were in the relegation zone when Brayford signed on loan I think - coming off the back of the 2011-12 season falling apart and then losing to YEOVIL in the playoffs in 2012-13).

It also felt like the first time I'd seen a new player properly go out of his way to engage with fans on social media, act like he loved it here, and generally go on a charm offensive.

In hindsight it doesn't sound like anything special at all but at the time I was honestly grateful to have someone in the team who acted like they cared (and was pretty good, to boot). Stupid little things like him winning the last-minute corner in that cup game with Fulham, going down with cramp but then waving off the physio and limping into the box. It was an actual shock to see someone trying hard!

Edit: you can see it at the start of this clip. Full disclosure, this is just an excuse to post the goal again

 

[Sean Thornton]

Obviously I can only speak for myself but Brayford was one shining light in a truly crappy time to be a Blade (2013-14 was the season of Weir and we were in the relegation zone when Brayford signed on loan I think - coming off the back of the 2011-12 season falling apart and then losing to YEOVIL in the playoffs in 2012-13).

It also felt like the first time I'd seen a new player properly go out of his way to engage with fans on social media, act like he loved it here, and generally go on a charm offensive.

In hindsight it doesn't sound like anything special at all but at the time I was honestly grateful to have someone in the team who acted like they cared (and was pretty good, to boot). Stupid little things like him winning the last-minute corner in that cup game with Fulham, going down with cramp but then waving off the physio and limping into the box. It was an actual shock to see someone trying hard!

Edit: you can see it at the start of this clip. Full disclosure, this is just an excuse to post the goal again

Came to watch us at QPR in the Cup, mixing with the fans.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Obviously I can only speak for myself but Brayford was one shining light in a truly crappy time to be a Blade (2013-14 was the season of Weir and we were in the relegation zone when Brayford signed on loan I think - coming off the back of the 2011-12 season falling apart and then losing to YEOVIL in the playoffs in 2012-13).

It also felt like the first time I'd seen a new player properly go out of his way to engage with fans on social media, act like he loved it here, and generally go on a charm offensive.

In hindsight it doesn't sound like anything special at all but at the time I was honestly grateful to have someone in the team who acted like they cared (and was pretty good, to boot). Stupid little things like him winning the last-minute corner in that cup game with Fulham, going down with cramp but then waving off the physio and limping into the box. It was an actual shock to see someone trying hard!

Edit: you can see it at the start of this clip. Full disclosure, this is just an excuse to post the goal again

I liked him, I just don’t see where the godlike status comes from.

 

[Houston_Blade]

Who honestly believes they are overpaid get real are you on drugs.

Are there two questions in that sentence? Yes I believe he was overpaid, he’s a league 1 player as he was when we signed him (albeit a decent league 1 player). No I’m not on drugs.

 

[davidblade]

Are there two questions in that sentence? Yes I believe he was overpaid, he’s a league 1 player as he was when we signed him (albeit a decent league 1 player). No I’m not on drugs.

Yes there is two questions in there , you stated that he realised he was being overpaid , unlikely.
As regards to the drugs question, you’ve removed one of your defences. I would of admitted to be on LSD if I were you !

 

[Houston_Blade]

Yes there is two questions in there , you stated that he realised he was being overpaid , unlikely.
As regards to the drugs question, you’ve removed one of your defences. I would of admitted to be on LSD if I were you !

I apologise I was making light of the fact that he’d moved to a PL club and not had a game. I don’t have actual insight into his though process when he joined us.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

We were all scratching our heads and possibly questioning CW.

Sorry, not in the slightest.

Best if I stop at that.

UTB

 

[The Crab]

I liked him, I just don’t see where the godlike status comes from.

We needed someone to cling onto, Driftwood in the Adkins Sea. Also it was Peak Beard * so the look helped.

* more than a little jealous because everyone looks better with a beard than i do, i just look like i've been on Spice.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Yes there is two questions in there , you stated that he realised he was being overpaid , unlikely.
As regards to the drugs question, you’ve removed one of your defences. I would of admitted to be on LSD if I were you !

Have. It’s fucking have, not of.

Now I need drugs - enalapril.

 

[davidblade]

Have. It’s fucking have, not of.

Now I need drugs - enalapril.

Drama queens often do !

 

[Houston_Blade]

We needed someone to cling onto, Driftwood in the Adkins Sea. Also it was Peak Beard * so the look helped.

* more than a little jealous because everyone looks better with a beard than i do, i just look like i've been on Spice.

I couldn't even grow one if I tried.