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
UTB
