Bladexit & Reasons To Be Cheerful

Monday the 4th of July and almost five months have past since I last put my fingers to keys with regard to United, with any real purpose that is anyway.  Last season was truly a forgettable one.  I couldn't write about the football as it honestly got me too irate and angry.  Thankfully, I sit here at the cusp of summer once again full of hope about our chances this season.

So we have a new manager who has gone about his own revolutionary change, which pardon the pun could be described as ‘Bladexit’ if you will.  Rightly or wrongly people have demanded a change to the playing staff at United and when Chris Wilder drew up his retained list, along with those who he was placing on the transfer list, nobody whatsoever was complaining.  This sadly is where the parallel with the euro-sceptics ends, as it was almost as if we as supporters voted for ‘Bladexit’ were fully aware of what we were voting for, that being anything other than last season.

Despite it being no article 50, it's fair to say Wilder hasn't been able to simply invoke the change we all, himself included, wants to see to the playing staff.  Unfortunately, some commodities are simply too costly to entertain parting with no matter how much he wants to.  At least he has managed to come to some sort of arrangement with Dean Hammond.  The mass flood of immigration if you will that hardworking Britain’s have no say on signing a contract extension for a reported 18,000 pounds a week.  What that arrangement is however remains to be seen.

Blame seems to be commonplace at the moment and personally I feel this is no more apparent than with regard to Mr Hammond's contract.  It's almost as if the issue of immigration, Hammond, has taken the headlines with him being called everything from a dog to a pig.  When the real cause of the problem, if you believe it be a problem that is, was the former manager (the EU) and the board (the previous Prime Ministers of this country).

Blast Hammond all you want but it is the fact somebody suggested he should be given the option for a deal when signing his loan and the fact that nobody argued against this to make sure it was best for all parties concerned.  Ineptitude at its finest.  Very similar to the perceived relationship Britain has had with Europe leading to last Thursday’s outcome.  Is this a pro ‘Brexit’ article?  No.  But it does illustrate a point perfectly that without any clarity about what is occurring in any institution there will be potential problems.

So why be cheerful?  Well since the national team displayed the same characteristics of a Nigel Adkins team recently it’s been easy to focus back to the Blades and how we will line up at the Macron in early August.  Despite the revolutionary calls for change and the unveiling of a superbly smart new kit for this new era at the lane, very little has happen in the way of transfer activity in or out.  The two that have signed are in my opinion quality additions.  Unfortunately, we need more than those two to get where we want to be come early May.

Wilder and Knill have laid down their cards on the table.  Pace, positivity, aggression, commitment and a feeling of pride when wearing the shirt.  Wilder talks like he watched enough of us last season and will know the extent of his task.  Unfortunately, his hands are somewhat tied financially but that's not to say that when the ‘Bladexit’ is complete we won’t be in a much better position despite a rocky start.

If you read twitter you would think we are starting the season with about 6 players and have no chance whatsoever.  I strongly believe that good things come to those who wait and given the time Wilder will deliver his promises and steer us through these uncertain times.  Despite his inevitable frustration, unlike Boris and Farage, Wilder has initiated change and is the man to steer us through it.  Maybe this is a real case of short term pain for long term gain?  Who knows.  Roll on August. 

UTB

The Disappointment Of Monday Night

But that joke isn't funny anymore 

It's too close to home, 
And it's too near the bone, 
It's too close to home, 
And it's too near the bone, 
More than you'll ever know ...

Well it isn’t is it?

For the past ten years we have watched our beloved Sheffield United fall deeper and deeper into oblivion.  Time and time again we are promised by those in charge or even encourage by the successes on the field of play that the times they are a changing.  I could riddle this piece with other reference to my musical heroes but if you pardon me one last time.  I no longer hear the music…

If you refreshed #twitterblades last night you would have seen some extreme views from all sections of our support.  Sarcasm which is something I often use to deal with the football which debits my bank account so readily each month was commonplace.  Sadly, this was imbedded within unnecessary aggression and hysteria.

The board and management choose to be active on twitter but that is the very reason tweeting them saying “get out of my club you spineless cunts” is so far removed from reality and the point it’s not even funny.  You’re not much of a fan in my opinion if your passion extends to verbally abusing the board and manager merely because we haven’t signed anyone.

If you wish to boycott the game on Saturday and go to the car park then so be it.  I really wish you all the luck in the world in what you are trying to achieve because I to want change.  Oh do I want it so bad.  So bad that to even write it down on paper is quite distressing.  But rather than #BoycottTheLane or whatever other nonsense people are going to do which will really show the board what they have done wrong, I am going to the pub.  Pub with my blades mates like I do every Saturday, probably to whinge about the board, but also to enjoy a day at the football.

Don’t let the football spoil a good day at the football.

Although the corny line from the nation’s leading sports radio station could appear contrived.  I have enough stress at work; to get so angry about the match that I will not go doesn’t come into my thoughts. 

I have seen all but two games this year in all competitions.  What do I deserve for that?  Nothing.  I choose to go.  Does that mean I know more, or care more or am entitled to more than anyone else?  No.

I simply love football and Sheffield United more than I care to mention.

This is not to say that it isn't bad.  It’s atrocious.  Like most people my love of football is almost hereditary and came from my old man.  As cynical a blade as you would meet, but someone who supported the club home and away before raising a family which then allowed him to return to the lane with me and our kid.

Dad due to circumstances beyond his control, mainly illness in the family and sending us to University kitted out with everything we could possibly ever want neglected to renew his season ticket after our relegation to league 1.  I think this was done with heavy heart but I think Kevin Blackwell’s phone message banging on about the blades way the previous pre season combined with the signing of Marcus Bent probably suggested his decision was an informed one.

Dad still loves the blades and has been loads over the last few years if at a bit of an intermittent rate than even he would like.  So it was much to my surprise that when I offered him my mates season ticket for the Swindon game the other week his answers was as blunt as a Sammon shot.  “No I don’t want to, were fucking shit.”  Dad likes to swear but not usually when being offered something for free.  In those simple words he managed to sum up what many of us have rejected for so long.  We aren't very good.

Over  9 days past and as I found myself reading all the massive blades getting angry on twitter before the windows slams shut.  Not one fan summed it up quite as well as a 62 year old who has a short temper, thinks a hash tag is a haircut and has a strong appetite for Guinness.  He also has a ferocious love of Sheffield United but ultimately feels that the emotion the club evokes in him now is not one he needs in his life.

Enough of the mushy family stuff.  Let’s talk facts and clear a few things up about the transfer window.

Deadline day is a load of capitalist Murdoch bullshit which was only funny when someone shoved a dildo in someone’s face unexpectedly.  There have been some interesting signings and departures at Bramall Lane over the years to boot.  But it is crap and something like most bad things in football they used to manage just fine without before.

If you like Harry Redknapp leaning out of a car and a news reporter in a yellow tie you are more than entitled to but the sheer notion of the thing was the sole reason for people getting in such a strop in first place.  “It’s the same every year” they typed.

Well it isn't is it?  Last January we signed John Brayford, Paul Coutts, Matt Done and Kieron Freeman.  Three of those are amongst our best players by a country mile and the other according to the #twitterblades was like losing a leg when he departed last week ON LOAN.

The same unambitious board who broke the wage structure to sign Billy Sharp who people desperately wanted.  The same with Dean Hammond who was craved by the same folk who week in week out take to their smart phones to type 140 characteristics about how they can’t believe he is a premiership player.  Yes a premiership player  that unambitious Sheffield United have signed.

Why have we not got Dan Burn?  Well I don’t know.  But I do know those who are craving he arrival at the lane are the same who craved Hammond and previously Sharp.  How many games have they all seen him play?  Where are these players we should be signing?  Who are they?

Don’t get me wrong the lack of signings and recruitment decisions are not fantastic over the last however many years but the comments towards the club yesterday were nothing short of disgusting.  What could people possibly be so angry about?

Then it came…a tweet from our chairman.  Followed by a poll which could only be compared to something a teenager would have written for a blog.  A series of statements laying the blame at our previous managerial team and referring to the current period as the JTW16.  Dear me.

Mr Phipps strikes me as a very nice man who wants the best by Sheffield United and us as fans.  Unfortunately through his actions, remarks and the way he carries himself do not sit very well with me.

When I was a young chap I wanted an air rifle.  I really wanted one.  If I got one I said I would behave really well and try really hard at school.  I wanted one so bad.  I also wanted a quad bike.  I also wanted to stay out past 7 on school nights.  It would have been amazing.  Riding around the hills of Birley shooting at windows on my quad bike well into the early evening.  However, someone in my life had a responsibility to say NO.  Where has that got me?  Well everywhere really.

This abstract example serves a simple purpose.  If Mr Clough comes and asks for something he shouldn't necessarily get it.  You might fall out like me and my parents did, but in the end a resolution about why it is the right thing to do is achieved and you all move forward.  United together in your decision if you will.

This man did take us to two semi-finals and two top 7 finishes.  We tasted the big time and had a sniff of success.  So why shouldn’t he get what he wished for?  The answers simple – he doesn’t run the football club.  As manager why shouldn’t he strive for the best players available?  Why wouldn’t he want Brayford, O’Grady and any other ambitious target he requested and often got.

The entire statement cluttered with stupid rhetoric such as keeping top talent, inward transfers, right sizing, promotion imperative and a claim that it will take 3 transfer windows to address is bizarre.

Sadly we don’t have much in the wave of top talent to keep.  The shift to a rigid formation due to the obvious lack of funds for a quality addition to defence and to replace the midfield gap left by our departing captain has meant players such as Adams and Reed have been sacrificed.  The other ‘talent’ we have will not earn the money they do with us to even be tempted to move away.  That in itself is a total load of management speak and would happily argue to any member of the boards face that is the case.

Don’t call a signing an inward transfer.  Its weird.

Right sizing.  Getting rid of deadwood.  Deadwood the board allowed the previous manager to sign.  Allowed him to offer certain contracts to.  Allowed him to retain certain players before sacking him.  You don’t have to offer league 1 players long term deals because in theory if we are a sleeping giant we can have the pick of those available when clubs on vastly smaller budgets who operate on the year to year model haven’t tied their assets down.

Why should it take 3 transfer windows to do anything?  If in 12 months we are not in the division above or top of this league the whole appointment of Adkins has been a complete joke.  The goal posts have changed from “automatic promotion” to “achieving something.”

I don’t want to make this about the specifics of what’s going right or wrong on the pitch but this must be said.  There is no point in sacking Adkins as the poor sod who gets the job next will end up with have to wait until JTW19 before he can be judged.  The change in style due to our defensive frailties has improved us and is necessary but I thought it was leading to a defender coming in on January the 1^st.  If you found a lump on your privates you wouldn’t wait until the last doctors in Sheffield closed for 5 months before going and getting it sorted would you?

On the whole Adkins has recruited poorly but judging by the confused messages form the boardroom and this apparent 18 months correction project he has undertaken its hard to point the finger.  The money Clough received in compensation ironically would have paid for someone such as Sharp and more besides.  Who knows the development of Reed, Socugall etc. may not of stagnated in such a manner.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing though.

The disappointment of yesterday will not go away.  The atmosphere on Saturday could turn poisonous.  But despite being in a circus of fools.  We need to stand together as fans.

Look at how Villa responded in their recent cup game with Wycombe.  Get behind the team during the game and air your grievances afterwards.

If you don’t want to pay into an unambitious club then don’t.  But please don’t spoil other Blades days out at the football.  Because before too long we could all be like my Dad and who could blame us.

This Is A Low

I have to say that I have never been this angry with my football club.  It's gone too far now.  The situation is upsetting and people need to step up to change our fortunes.  Last night was pathetic from back to front.  The ineptitude of the inexperienced goalkeeper through to the lethargy of our attacks was a shambles.




The substitutions, although bold, made no sense.  Going 4-2-4 removing our creative players in Baxter and Reed was always going to make the task second half impossible.  At 3-1 a game is not lost and we would have created chances.  Patience and balance was required.  Not a strange gung ho approach which left us unbalanced.




It must also be said that it is not Dean Hammond's fault alone.  Our keeper was a joke.  People on Saturday claimed he had become our number 1.  I like a pint at an away game as much as the next bloke but how many had they had?  What on earth had Long done in the two games prior to deserve a recall to the starting 11?  Our more consistent players such as Basham and Freeman have been absolutely woeful at moment.  Collins is not good enough.  Baxter is being played out of position.  There is still no consistency to the selection of the side.



What does Adkins do?  His clean slate policy in the summer could end up costing him his job. 
However, how else was he to go about dealing with what he was left to deal with?


If Adkins makes wholesale changes on Saturday what really will it achieve?  Who comes in?




I am sure that people will be delighted to see McNulty and Higdon bagging goals last night.  Stating how they are much better than Sammon et al.  But are they the answer?  The players who failed to get us up last season?  I don't think so.  The fans gave Sammon an absolute slating last night.  Was he worse than anyone else?




These rhetorical questions are worth asking but I do have my theory as to what the real issues at the club are.  Recruitment, the board and the tactics.


Firstly, we have once again had a shocking transfer window in which we sold our best player.  Jamie Murphy played in 95% of Clough's games and came off of the bench in those he did not start.  He is irreplaceable particularly with someone like Woolford.  That money hasn't been sufficiently invested or if it has incorrectly.  None of Adkins signings have done it yet.  Even if they are consummate, the adjective not the verb, professionals on and off of the pitch.  The book with regards to that stops at Adkins.




 In this division it doesn't take much to unlock a back four.  Look at ours.  We should be looking closer to home with our recruitment.  George Graham once said never buy a player who thinks he is doing you a favour buy one who thinks you are doing him one!  If that is the basis for good recruitment we have seriously missed the boat.  When we have followed that policy in recent times Done, Adams and Wallace have come in.  The current crop have not met the mark whatsoever.




Secondly, the board and their approach needs a drastic change.  Where is Kevin McCabe?  He has vanished off of the face of the earth.  We simply are fed up of empty promises.  None football people making the decisions.

Thirdly.  Tactically.  We cannot keep playing 442 with no wingers at the club.  Adkins needs to adapt to what he has rather than playing square pegs in round holes.  If he doesn’t change this rightly or wrongly he will be sacked.

I am getting too upset and angry writing this so will stop.  We simply have to win on Saturday.  I would say that I am looking forward to it.  But that’d be a lie.

UTB

Fleetwood Reaction

Unfortunately, we are out of the prestigious competition which is the Johnstone Paint Trophy.  As I drove back the 120 miles to my bed last night I found myself pondering a number of questions two which seemed at the time to be hard to answer.  Firstly, is it good enough and secondly, is it really any better than last season.


Following a good nights sleep, the answer to both is a resounding no; which I will do into more detail about in due course.


United last night lined up in a simple 442 with an all too familiar square pegs in round holes approach to the selection.  Woolford on the right hand side of midfield and young Harrison was at right back.  With this in mind United faced a degree of early pressure down that flank without Fleetwood ever really threatening to break the deadlock.


As the game progressed Kennedy, J. Wallace, Long and Scougall made positive contributions to an absolutely dire game of football.  The only shining light was Jimmy Ryan who for whatever reason United didn't make any attempt to sign in the summer.  Ryan was everywhere and distributed the ball backwards, sideways and forwards with speed.  Imagine that.


Adkins threw the dice in the final stages of the game introducing Baxter, Hammond and Sharp in attempt to turn the fate of the blades.  It was a game of few chances as Fleetwood counter attacked in the closing minutes.  United were caught and Fleetwood rattled the bar before the referee blew the whistle.


Penalties in front of the United faithful had a predictable outcome as we lost 4 - 1 with only Jose converting his spot kick.


Is it good enough?  Quite simply no.  Last night was a winnable game.  Why didn't we win?  Well Adkins can quote goalkeepers and luck until the cows come home but he didn't have a game plan for the game.  We don't have wingers so why play 442?


The game plan appeared to be to simply play through the thirds and hope for the best.  Luckily we have some good footballers to make things happen such as J. Wallace and a slightly resurgent Scougall (he must've read what I said about him after the Crewe game) to create some chances.


Now don't get me wrong if Kennedy's effort early in the second half had gone the correct side of the post or Wallace had won a penalty we may have been in a more positive position this morning.  But and its a big but at that.  Is it good enough?  No.


If you train even with a weight session players probably are at work for around four hours max with breaks and lunch involved.  Why is it so abundantly clear that we have no real game plan for the various opposition we play?  What do they do all day?


Short free kicks?  Why the hell have they come back?


So no.  It is not good enough from management to playing staff.  Something is seriously the matter.


More alarmingly.  It is not better than last season.  The effort.  the desire.  The football.


Something needs to change sooner or later but regardless we go on to Saturday.




Fleetwood Town: Maxwell, Jonsson, Pond, Bell, Ryan, Matt (Ball 58), Forbes (Grant 83), McManus (Hunter 72), Haughton, Teixeira, Davis. Not used: Sowerby, Gogic.
 
Sheffield United: Long, J Wallace (Hammond 72), Done, Scougall, Woolford, Sammon (Sharp 72), McEveley, Reed (Baxter 81), Kennedy, KWallace, McGahey. Not used: Howard, Freeman

I Just Have To Go

"You must be fucking bonkers you mate."  "I can't fucking stand watching them at home let alone in that joke of a competition."




The thing is I am fully sane.  Or at least I hope that I am.  In a galaxy far, far away when we are going to Florence, not Fleetwood for a European rather than JPT fixture I think I will miss the niche nature of fixtures like this.




What is there to get excited about?  Well nothing on paper apart from seeing those boys in red and white turn out.  Even though they will be wearing bright green this evening. 




Saturday was a useful exercise in many ways.  Hammond, Harris, Coutts (until he took a knock) and Sammon got some much needed minutes in their legs.  We won.  We kept a clean sheet.  We created chances.  Although the opposition was questionable the performance was alright all things considered.  Unfortunately if we do not build upon it tonight Saturday once again becomes problematic.




The team selection needs to reflect our needs in the league.  Harris should again play even if it's only for an hour.  Hammond and Sammon should also get 90 minutes.  It will be no surprise if Louis Reed is included in the selection after being in the local press this morning but also being short on first team action as of late.  I would also stick with Long as my thoughts on Howard are no secret.  If people are to make mistakes I would rather they be young players than journeymen.




Due to Adams and Basham getting a knock on Saturday, players such as Kennedy and Done should start at contrasting areas of the pitch providing an interesting but exciting selection.  Sammon and Done have not played together much if at all nor have Collins and Kennedy.  I would however not be surprised to see Harrison return to partner the one with the dodgy knees.


Either way I am looking forward to this evening and have high hopes to return from the North West looking forward to a semi final.


UTB

Sheffield United After 16 Games - The State Of Play

So I have had to do a little annoying thing called work but after yesterday I have lots to get off of my chest.  Like at work I feel I need to write a report and highlight how everyone is doing but also what they need to do in order to improve.  So if you're sitting comfortably then I will begin.

Nigel Adkins - Grade D - The return of points against some of the opposition we have had, particularly at home, is not good enough.  Do I want him sacked?  Of course not.  He does have to improve.  His signings haven't done it for him yet.  He doesn't know his best 11.  He appointed a clown as captain.  Acknowledges problems in interviews and then doesn't address them.  He simply must do better.

Mark Howard - Grade E - A completely useless goalkeeper who inspires nothing but fear and complacency in his back four.  Never wins us any points.  Get rid.

Kieron Freeman - Grade B - One of the best performers this year by some distance.  Needs to get his defensive positioning refine.  Didn't deserve to be dropped yesterday.  Offers energy and enthusiasm to a side with none.

Bob Harris - Grade C - Injured until yesterday.  Some fantastic passing on his return to action.  Very confused how you can be out for as long as he was then play a full 90 minutes?  In my opinion he is still one of our best and most important players.

James Wallace - Grade D - Injured.  Back.  Injured.  Spoke to the man last season and seemed a stand up bloke as he passed me a Christmas Card at Fleetwood away.  Great talent.  Sadly we will never see it.  Will have to leave as soon as possible.  Unfortunately.  I would love to be proved wrong here but I am a realist.

John Brayford - Absent - Get well soon.  Take the armband.  Invigorate the side.  Inspire the fans.  Not much on you shoulders eh John?

Chris Basham - Grade B - Commitment, effort and superb tackles.  Needs to play as a centre back as doesn't have the technique or ability to play in midfield.  Is he a captain?  Always struck me as a quiet reserved sort.

Ryan Flynn - Grade C - Played well yesterday.  Very worried about his injuries.  He's been in and out for so long.  If he gets a string of performances together he should start on the right hand side week in week out.  If he doesn't he should be released in the summer.

Paul Coutts - Grade D - Fantastic passer of the ball.  Unfortunately not always in the correct direction.  Much improvement needed.  He is ours for the next 18 months so we need to accept he is here to stay.  Cheers Clough.

Billy Sharp - Grade C - Effort is there for all to see.  Has had a decent return of goals.  Needs to stop slapping the floor and screaming when things do not work out.  As a senior players needs to be more vocal on the pitch.  If he is the big blade he claims he will be hurting.  Needs to show it.

Joe Baxter - Grade C - If Baxter plays well, United play well.  Would be a grade higher if not for the GBH tackle away at Fulham.  Needs to play centrally with two others or up front with someone.  I would keep him around as he is still by some way our best player.

Marc McNulty - Grade D - I'm sure he is great fun to go for a pint with as many 'twitterblades' like to say but he simply isn't good enough.  A good finisher.  His performance at Bradford was terrible.  Hasn't been on the bench in a good while.  I would imagine he will be going out on loan or leaving in January.

George Willis - Absent - I haven't the foggiest what George is like.

Matt Done - Grade B - A quality player who at times is starting to look frustrated.  Has been given next to no service from the strange midfield combinations he plays in front of.  Keep running Matty we love you.

Neil Collins - Grade C - Player lots of games and been very simply ok.  Has cost us at times with his naive play.  Needs consistency next to him and a better keeper behind him.  Should score more goals as he rises like a fish at corners.

Stefan Scougall - Grade E - Ironic it was a Halloween yesterday as he looked like a ghost throughout his cameo.  Has been very poor apart from the Johnstone Paint trophy game.  A loan would do him good.  He needs to gain confidence if he is ever going to play for us.

Martyn Woolford - Grade D - Feel for him as if the 3 chances he missed against Newcastle had gone in I feel we would have a different player on our hands.  Not been given enough game time to get any consistency.  Playing at full back.  Needs to stop drifting inside when he has the ball.

Connor Sammon - Grade C - Showed some great early season form.  Dropped then placed on the left wing via the bench.  United look a better team when Sammon plays.  Needs like so many others some consistency.  Unfortunately I doubt he will be a cheap asset either!

Jay McEveley - Grade F - Sorry Jay.  You need to go.  I haven't forgiven you for the handball at Spurs.  You don't deserve to be the captain of Sheffield United.  Cost us points already this year.  if all the fans dislike you it isn't personal we just think you're shit at your job.

Jamal Campbell - Ryce - Grade C - Offers us a genuine threat at times and can be a fantastic impact player.  Needs to play in around the first team every week and would help us.  Needs to stop trying to beat men numerous times.  Also with us for another 18 months when he will be 35!

Craig Alcock - Grade C - A great performance at Bradford to get us a point.  Injured again.  Do we need an injured 4th choice right back at the club?  Probably not.  Sorry Craig.

Louis Reed - Grade C - Some great aspects of his game; lots to work on.  Would play him every single week.  If he isn't going to play he needs to be loaned out somewhere.  Why have journeymen like Hammond rather than academy players making mistakes in your side?

Diego De Girolamo - Grade C - Seems to be getting on with it and trying to impress.  Met his Dad in Einstiens in Chesterfield last month who was a smashing bloke who said.  "arrrr Diego loves Adkins."  How nice.  Needs a loan to get more league games under his belt.

George Long - Grade E - Messed up his big chance.  Has cost us too many points over the years.  Sorry George.  Off you go.

Terry Kennedy - Grade C - Played a half at Port Vale then not since.  In my opinion our best defender.  Who knows what will happen.  Bets case scenario comes into the side and the defence improves.  Could so easily get injured again though.

Callum McFadzen - Grade E - Terrible performance at Gillingham.  Why is he still at the club and not out on loan?

Che Adams - Grade B - Goals and pace.  Two of my favourite things.  Needs to play ever game and keep running at people.  Would imagine he would be a nightmare to mark.  Will hopefully continue to develop.

Kieran Wallace - Grade A - Why was he dropped?  The most impressive player this season.  Developed into a solid performer in a brand new position.  Has been MOM on around 4 occasions.  Bravo young man!

Connor Dimaio - Absent - Needs a loan desperately.

Harrison McGahey - Grade B - Has looked assured when he has played.  Similar to Reed in my opinion.  Has to play or needs to be loaned out.

Florent Cuvelier - Absent - A talented boy who is clearly a crock.  A shame.

David Edgar - Grade C - Started well and then faded dramatically.  Suffering the same problems as the other defenders.  Needs consistency behind and next to him.  We have shipped more goals now he has gone out of the side.

Dean Hammond - Grade F - Shocking first three games.  Looks uninterested and unfit.  If he is the sort of player we are courting in January I might go and start watching Sheffield FC.

The Board - Grade E - Mission statements and an open policy with supporters on twitter is all very nice but we are not nice.  We are Sheffield United.  People don't like us.  I don't care and neither should the board.  Selling Murphy and not investing heavily was a joke.  Need to do business quietly and reward the fans with something not give them a call to arms like last week.  We all laughed when Mr Chansiri turned up at S6 but he is doing what he said.  Also where is Kevin McCabe?

The Supporters - Grade F - Last season at Spurs we nearly sang White Hart Lane into the ground.  The previous year we created an amazing atmosphere at Wembley.  Bramall Lane is a graveyard.  The away games are aggressive and spiteful.  The atmosphere at the end of the Oldham game and yesterday was vile.  We are supporters.  We choose to go.  We are owed very little.  Lets get behind the team.

Do I have answers?  No.  But I would love some of you to discuss these opinions with me.

August Review For SUSC Newsletter

Patience, frustration, excitement, disappointment, optimism, regret and nerves are emotions football fans experience on their way through the summer months.  When the season starts, the often new manager, has to deal with the uncertainties from the terraces whilst meshing together new recruits and the existing squad in an aim to meet the expectations which surrounds the entire football club.  Throw into the mix the various media predictions made by those informed in the local press and those often uninformed in the nationals.  Whilst finally having to wait until all the fun of the transfer window ‘slams shut’ and you have quite a daunting task, being a successful football manager.

Step forward Mr Adkins.  Most blades were impressed with the appointment and rightfully so.  Adkins has a proven track record and many of the daunting tasks outlined before seem to have been taken in the stride of the new man in charge.  His positivity has resounded around the club and despite the very typical blades performance on the opening day of the season this continues to be the case.

So what has Adkins actually done?  It’s quite simple really he has addressed the frailties of last term which were so painfully obvious to everyone apart from the one man that mattered.  Sharp and Sammon, the former particularly are excellent acquisitions for this level.  At the time of writing they both have two goals each.  Throw into the mix a solid squad player in Woolford and the aerial steel of Canadian international David Edgar and you are onto a winner.  Strength, height, work rate and genuine quality at both ends of the pitch.

It’s not been all plain sailing for ‘Positive Nigel’ having his best player sold, his captain appointment being largely criticised by everyone involved with the club externally and having to deal with a list of injuries any physiotherapist would lose sleep over.  But as the weeks go by it hasn’t really mattered who wore the captain’s armband.  We haven’t missed the best right back and one of the best strikers in the league.  All whilst Jamie Murphy gets splinters in his backside on the south coast.

The home wins against Chesterfield and Blackpool were comfortable despite being somewhat laboured at times.  The Morecambe game proved to be particularly laboured and the spirited performance at Fulham ultimately disappointing for a long midweek trip.  Winning matches though is a favourable and good habit for every football team.  The Swindon and Peterborough victories however were pleasing for other reasons mainly the empathic nature of both.

At Peterborough the blades controlled the game and despite the hosts levelling never looked rushed.  The wave and wave of attacks delighted the travelling fans who had not seen positive football played like that away from home in far too long.  This made the Swindon victory even more pleasing to watch as United picked off their more talented opposition executing a masterful game plan to near perfection.

During August Sharp, Sammon, Edgar, Basham and Freeman have all been outstanding.  People will poke fun at Baxter and our captain because we apparently have to get on someone’s case but the squad as a whole have all done well.

Yes, we would have loved some more ammunition adding on deadline day.  But the loan window is a safer less risky option for an already huge squad.  As players come back, particularly Flynn and Kennedy we should see the bench gain strength and the competition for places having a positive effect on the first eleven on the field.  We sit in second place with some very ‘winnable’ games ahead.

As envious as Adkins task may have seemed on paper he is going about it the correct way.  Cynics rightfully would ask for us to remain calm and not get carried away but I haven’t been this pleased with a start to a season in a long time.  Simply if we perform in a similar manner for the rest of the campaign we will get promoted.  I guess that is the positivity winning football matches brings.  A much more welcome emotion than was running through our minds in early August.

Enjoy the season Blades; as it is going to be a good one.

Peterborough United (A) Sky Bet League 1 Tuesday 18th August 2015

I love being proved wrong.

Well it depends who is doing the wrong-proving really doesn't it, but as Connor Sammon smashed home his second goal on Tuesday night my good friend Lew took great delighted in telling me that "and you said he would only score 5 all season!'  He still might.  But Connor Sammon and the other 14 players who played for United contributed to the most convincing away victory since Barnsley last season.

When we arrived in Peterborough we had little opportunity to do anything but head towards the ground.  Finding out that the Blades were unchanged I was very pleased and couldn't remember the last time this had been the case?  Any statisticians out there care to inform me that would be brilliant.

We took our seats on row E which is always a treat especially when you are on the side and United kicked right to left first half.  Peterborough appeared to be playing with 3 at the back and following some detective work on twitter that proved to be the case.  This allowed Sharp and Scougall in particular to find plenty of space and begin to make their mark on the game.  United made a couple of good moves which broke down with the usual suspects of the SAS attack looking dangerous.

A good passage of passing play resulted in Sammon receiving the ball when he took on his man an emphatically smashed it beyond the keeper at around the 20 minute mark to put the Blades ahead.  His celebration was that of a man who was delighted to get a goal for his new club.  The intelligent play of Sharp in the build up was a massive contributing factor in creating him the space.

Injuries to Sougall, gashed ankled and Collins, thigh, blighted an otherwise exceptional first period of play.  K. Wallace and Campbell Ryce were introduced in their place.  

In fairness Peterborough also contributed to an exciting first half by putting the Blades under pressure and if not for an outstanding challenge by Kieron Freeman they could have made a dangerous entry into the box.  Meaning that at half time we were one nil up and I was very content indeed.

Unfortunately, the second half didn't begin as promisingly and United conceded early in the second half but luckily for us anxious supporters the team displayed a resolute confidence.  Within a few short attacks United were back in the lead after excellent work by Adams who cut the ball back for Sammon to smash home with his left foot.  

Chants of "feed the fish and he will score" rung out around the away end as the players celebrated in front of the 1,600+ travelling away fans.  I was definitely being proved wrong. Sammon was showing his ability to finish, one with each foot, could he get a hat trick?

United consolidated by replacing the far from nomadic Sharp with James Wallace and placing Baxter behind Sammon.  We held onto the ball fantastically.  Baxter dictated the tempo and despite the claims of many was fantastic like most of this seasons performances.  Baxter often receives criticism for misplacing passes, these passes tend to be forward and when they work devastate defences at this level.  His all action performance was rewarded late in the second period.

Wallace received the ball in midfield and drove forward with the ball and played a one two with Baxter.  He then played the Ball to Jose on the edge of the box who took one touch and smashed it home off of the underside of the crossbar.  Baxter's celebration spoke volumes about his somewhat troubled summer.

United finished up winning 3-1 and the performance of the team was fantastic.  Edgar was amazing in the air, Campbell - Ryce stretched play, both Wallace's made great contributions from the bench and Baxter was exceptional.  Lets hope he provides this with consistency for the remainder of the season.  I certainly hope so, but as Sammon proved what do I know?

RQQS91 Man Of The Match - Jose Baxter

Peterborough United: Alnwick, Ntlhe (Brisley 14), Zakuani, Bostwick, Maddison, Santos, Washington, Davey (Payne 73), Gormley (Coulibaly 54), H Anderson, Collison. Not used: Henry, Taylor, Vassell, J Anderson.

Att: 6,526

Sheffield United: Howard, Freeman, Basham, Sharp (J Wallace 75), Baxter, Collins (K Wallace 25), Scougall (Campbell-Ryce 20), Sammon, McEveley, Adams, Edgar. Not used: Long, McNulty, Woolford, Reed.

Credit to Sheffield Star for the photographs.

A Posh Day Out

A fantastic club only slightly tarnished in my eyes by the opinion of Durham on my drive home from work during the week, I really like Peterborough and would be happy to see them have a good season, starting of course, on Saturday.  A very pissed Sunday at V festival watching Noel Gallagher and the Stone Roses with some of their supporters the other year, one of whom looks like George Boyd, had a major effect on my affiliation towards them.  Yatesy, Dan and Bodle are the sort of lower league fans which this amazing game is built on and I look forward to hopefully bumping into them this evening for a quick scoop.

Why?  I cried when the fixtures were released do we have Peterborough on a Tuesday, tonight is my fourth trip in the last 6 seasons to Posh and once more it is on a Tuesday.  A good mate of mine Alan Wilson once said, buy his fantastic book on Liverpool here Great Read, "Peterborough is a funny place but its most distinct feature is that it stinks of piss."  Very unfair comparison in my opinion mainly because of the excellent Charters.  A dry docked Dutch boat which has 10 cask ales on offer.  I have only ever managed 2 (honest Mum) when visiting midweek.  A great boozer with a Chinese upstairs - how good would that be to bookend a game one Saturday?  Well there is always next season or the FA Cup.

So why Posh?  Well since everyday is a school day I managed to extract this nugget of information from the Official Peterborough United website:

"Peterborough United are known throughout the world of football as 'The Posh' and the nickname was almost certainly inherited from earlier, unconnected professional clubs in their home city. 

Although the present club did not come into being until 1934, the 'Posh' name first came to the fore a decade earlier, almost certainly stemming from Pat Tirrel, player manager of Fletton United, a previous user of the present club's London Road ground, who announced in close season of 1921 that he was looking for 'Posh players for a Posh team' to compete in the Northamptonshire League (later the United Counties League). 

Fletton, previously known as the 'Brickies,' re-formed as Peterborough and Fletton United in 1923 and both nicknames were in use through the 1920s, although supporters complained that 'Posh' references were sometimes used by newspapers in a derisory manner. 

Peterborough and Fletton United folded in 1932, the present club was formed two years later and a Midland League debut against Gainsborough Trinity on 1st September 1934 was greeted with cries of 'Up The Posh' from the crowd."

So there.

Right, Blades.

What can we expect tonight, very hard to say as away games are always more tricky than home ones regardless of having SAS in attack.  Without drowning myself in football puns I would expect a hard fought narrow victory for the away side.

Why?  Well I would hope that there is a little momentum after the weekend going into tonights game.  Adkins will probably name the same side with the only question mark around Baxter, however, Adkins seems to back him to play in a two and personally I feel he can offers us lots at this level, he just needs to do it more often.

Billy Sharp was unlucky not to score on Saturday and I would expect that luck to change this evening and open his third Blades account.  If the scoreline was to be any more I would be very surpised but would love to see Sammon also open his account.

On Saturday we rode our luck somewhat allowing Chesterfield to have lots of the ball.  Although we restricted shots that amount of possession was not comfortable to watch and would be a very foolish approach against a talented Peterborough side.

So I am going for a narrow 1-0 victory for the Blades.  We tend to always play well at Peterborough in my experience and lets hope that continues tonight.

UTB

Chesterfield Football Club (H) Sky Bet League 1 Saturday 15th Of August 2015

Get in the back of the net!

I am not going to get carried away after Saturday.  I promise.  I mean we played well and some players played very well but one result doesn't make a season.  But since you all asked, the pint tasted very nice at 5:00pm especially since it was purchased by a Chesterfield fan.

He has taken all the headlines and rightfully so.  Che Adams is a young footballer of drastic talent and ability.  Both goals were taken very well and it was a pleasure to see us score so early on in both halves.  Adams has pace and can finish.  These two qualities are very rare at this level and I unfortunately feel we wont be able to watch this exciting talent for a long time to come as he has the attributes to go very far in the game.  Some lazy comparisons to Jordan Slew have been made and I don't think they could be further from the mark.  Regardless Adams was unplayable at times and will have a fantastic season with the blades.


However much credit has to go to his partners in crime Sammon and Sharp.  

Sammon was instrumental in both goals with his intelligent play and looked a real danger.  I described him as a much better Porter in terms of physicality and movement.  As lazy as that comparison may appear it was proved to be right.  If Sammon gets past 5 goals this season I will be shocked but his all round game will be vital to what we are trying to achieve.

Many people had reservations about Billy Sharp.  How wrong will they prove to be.  Billy worked his balls off for the team and his all round play deserved a goal.  We are very lucky to have a player of his quality at this level.

Chesterfield it has to be said payed well.  Sam Morsy was outstanding and we should consider a bid in my opinion as he dominated the midfield.  The midfield was very much patched up and I was surprised to see Baxter play considering he couldn't walk 5 days previously.  Scougall although not sparkling was busy and involved in some good passages of play.


I felt the back four didn't have much to contend with and what was thrown their way they dealt with very well indeed.  The captain was more comfortable at left back and Collins was strong in the air and very vocal.  The fact we faced a total of 15 corners would also give you confidence that we are improving in that area.

Although they had lots of the play we dealt with them and I always thought we would go another gear if needs be.  Onwards and upwards it seems starting at Peterborugh on Tuesday.

UTB  

RQQS91MOM: Che Adams

Attendance: 23,031

Sheffield United: Howard, Freeman, Basham, Sharp, Baxter (J Wallace 59), Collins, Scougall (Reed 68), Sammon McEveley, Adams (Woolford 64), Edgar. Not used: McNulty, Campbell-Ryce, Long, K Wallace.

Chesterfield: Lee, Jones, Hird, Morsy, Evatt, Gardner (Gnaduillet 81), Ebanks-Blake, O’Shea, Novak, Banks (Ariyibi 68), Talbot (Raglan 81). Not used: Humphreys, Onovwigun, Orrell, Cairns.

'Tahn' Are Coming To Town Duck

A local derby to welcome the new manager officially in at Bramall Lane, marvellous.

Many people will have been grinning ear to ear when this fixture came out as the first home game, particularly those who booked their holidays in the off season.  So when Dean Saunders brings his fresh Chesterfield side into the 'fortress' tomorrow the atmosphere should be fantastic and make for an entertaining afternoon, hopefully ending with a better feeling than we all had last Saturday at 5:00pm.

Do you want the good news or the bad news?  Lets start with a negative.  Like any blade I am devastated to see Jamie Murphy go.  At best he is a pacy goal getting winger who can cause problems for any side.  At worst he goes missing in games and in my opinion gave Bob Harris far too many headaches last season.  If the fee is in the region reported then he has to be moved on for better or worse.  No player is bigger than Sheffield United and I do believe the money will be reinvested.

That aside we should be optimistic about tomorrows game.

Chesterfield are a lot weaker despite turning Barnsley over last week at home.  They have lost many players to the division above and although still have some quality we should be in with a chance of the three points.  Saunders in my opinion is a shocking manager but I will always remember his time with us fondly.  The throw in goal anyone?  But his managerial credentials are not as sparkling.  My Chesterfield supporting mate has been depressed all Summer!

Firstly, Billy Sharp at home for the third first team home debut, on the front of the programme has to be favourite to score for the Blades.  I agree with Alan Biggs in that alongside Sammon we could have a real strike partnership on our hands.  Billy will have a big year in white and red, how weird does that sound,  starting tomorrow afternoon.

Secondly, the captain.  Lets get behind him until he makes a mistake.  He is not the answer in my opinion but we have to trust the gaffer 100% until there is sufficient evidence to suggest that a change is needed.  Yes last season he wasn't very good in spells but last weeks debacle rests at the feet of the collective as I have mentioned previously.

Thirdly, the fans.  I pray to god, despite not being religious, the positivity the gaffer shows is reflected in the stands.  If we are not winning by two goals to nil inside 20 minutes I hope we stay with the team.  I love a good moan and whinge as much as the next one but I tell you what I don't love.  Being bottom of the league.  So lets sing loud and proud.

United should line up in my opinion 442 right to left as follows: Howard, Freeman, Edgar, Collins, McEveley, Adams, Wallace, Basham, Woolford, Sharp and Sammon.

I wouldn't be surprised if Scougall and/or K. Wallace was also involved.

I expect the Blades to win by a narrow margin and can see Chesterfield scoring.  I will go for an optimistic 3-1 home victory.  Whatever happens lets hope by the time I get my pint of farmers blonde in The Crown after the game tomorrow I feel a lot better about life than I did 7 days ago.  Enjoy the first home game boys and girls, I can't wait.

UTB

Morecambe Football Club (A) Tuesday 11th August 2015

A win as they say is most certainly, a win.

United as many, including myself, predicted lined up with many changes on Tuesday night.  The back five received wholesale changes apart from the captain.  A fresh midfield apart from Mr Woolford.  Whilst McNulty and Sammon played together for the first time up front.

The game started in suitably scrappy fashion.  Morecambe tried to play in spells as did the Blades but it was not one for the neutrals.  Most of United's positive play came from a combination of Wallace, Scougall and Freeman.  Despite Scougall having a complete lack of ability to control a ball with his first touch, "he has been so bad for so long" quipped Lew, his energy alone was a major positive.  As for most weeks it goes without saying Basham was his assured self in the midfield, however, this energy and effort did not stop Morecambe hitting the post in the opening period.  His box to box style isn't suited to a 442 in my opinion.

United broke on occasion but it was never particularly decisive.  The best move ended in Freeman firing one past the post.  After great endeavour and work from Socugall.  McNulty always creates himself half a chance and on one occasion really should have found the back of the net.  My good mate Josh stated that his movement just isn't good enough when you compare it to someone like Sharp; even against Gillingham this was evident.

So as the teams headed in at half time I was left thinking.  Is this better?  Yes.  Is it good enough?  No.  Sammon worked his socks off without ever looking dangerous and in the back four defensively McEveley actually looked the most assured.  Howard spilled one easy ball but luckily it wasn't destined for the back of the net, take notes George.

The second half continued in a similar fashion and like many grounds at this level it is hard to judge incidents at the other end as it is next to impossible to see what is happening.  Adams was introduced for Woolford and showed signs he can offer us an option from wide positions.  David Edgar, who had a quiet game and one very hard to comment upon, was later withdrawn for Neil Collins.

United seemed to have wave after wave of attack without really testing the goalkeeper.  People screaming "shooooooooooot" and singing, what in my opinion is the worse chant in football, "attack, attack, attack" surely didn't help the cause.  The only thing worse than playing in tin pot stadiums watching sub standard football is the moronic nature of many of the fellow Unitedites.  I believed throughout we would win the other night and the performance needed to be better but the important thing was getting into the hat.  Which in a strange manner we did.


So as extra time loomed United managed to grab a winner through many peoples nemesis Neil Collins.  His celebration spoke volumes about his frustrations over the last year.  Collins cares about the club, he is by no means a perfect player but defensively it is not his fault for some of the issues, defending starts from the front and is a team ethic.  The experts in the twitterverse banging on about 'he will cost us in't league' and 'don't be fooled by what he has said he is shit' need to seriously look at themselves.  What fan doesn't love a bit of passion?

So United had won and we are in the next round with lots of exciting potential ties in front of us.  Happy days as a late legend would say.  We got the business done.

So who else is worth a mention?  Basham was his assured self, Scougall was energetic as was Freeman, K. Wallace had a solid outing and I hate to say it but McEveley defended very well.  But the stand out performer was J. Wallace with responsibility in abundance he is often 5 or 6 steps ahead of his teammates in his thinking.  With Jose unfortunately injured this could, touch wood, be his chance.

On Saturday lets hope the momentum continues.

RQQS91 MOM - James Wallace

MORECAMBE: Roche , Beeley , Edwards , Devitt, Molyneux (Miller 79), Mullin, Goodall, Wildig (Kenyon 57), Fleming (Ellison 70), Wilson, Parrish. Not used: Thompson, McGowan, Ryan, Doyle.

SHEFFIELD UNITED: Howard, Freeman, McEveley, Edgar (Collins 83) K Wallace, Scougall, J Wallace (Reed 90), Basham , Woolford (Adams 46) , McNulty, Sammon. Not used: Long, McFadzean, Higdon, Sharp.

Images credit to sufc.co.uk and the Sheffield Star.