JJ Sefton
Live, Laugh, Love
If the problem was simply one of insufficient quality for this level then that situation would improve with relegation, where the quality around us would be lower. But our problem isn’t just insufficient quality for this level, we seem to have had a complete collapse of morale in the side. That won’t improve with relegation: indeed, it might get worse. What on earth do we do about that?.....And would more likely result in back to back relegations, than a relatively sharp return to the top flight.
I'm aware it sounds defeatist, the reality is, it's just realistic. There's not enough goals in this side to win the amount of games required to stay in this league, winning half the remaining games may not even be enough, and that's not going to happen anyway.
Wilder is unfortunate enough to be a victim of his own success. Had this been 12 months ago, it would have been more 'expected', and therefore more accepted. An exceptional league finish, which when examined more closely cannot be considered 'lucky', but certainly an over-achievement, has really damaged Wilder's reputation with Blades fans......But not those outside the club.
Why do fans of a Premier League Club, which fields the likes of Mcgoldrick, Fleck, Stevens, Basham, Norwood etc, expect better than the current league position?
The answer - Chris Wilder.
I did find it astounding time and time again last season when I was told that these Sheffield United players, specifically the likes of Norwood and Fleck, were 'Good Premier League players'.
I also seem to recall someone saying that Lundstrum, as a result of his contract situation, would likely be snapped up by the likes of Everton or West Ham.
I'm sorry, but not 1 player in that squad tonight, "Walks into" any side in this league.....Currently.
There's an argument that some of the better players, like Egan, could maybe get into Fulham's defence for example.....But given the way Parker has been setting them up, i'm not sure he's mobile enough to do so.
Wilder knows these players aren't good enough. Just read his comments again tonight.....
"The same players that played with that momentum and belief from last year are not doing it this year. Nothing has really changed, the league hasn't changed, Everton haven't really changed but our team has in terms of the lack of quality we are showing this year.
Good, experienced players who have played at this level for a season are not sticking their hand up and making my job easier."
The transfer policy is clearly the correct one, long term.
One exceptional season, or you could argue 2 if you include the promotion itself, just shows Wilder is ahead of schedule really.
The Club doesn't have the infrastructure in place to compete at this level currently, that's just the reality.
Assets in Ramsdale, Berge, Brewster, Lowe, Bogle, Mcburnie, Burke and the extra money from these 2 seasons and the club is a million miles ahead of where it was after promotion.
There really does need to be some support for Wilder added very soon though. The club needs to hire people with knowledge of foreign transfer markets, hiring only players from this country doesn't work in the modern game.