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.
