Captain Not So Fantastic

Its no secret to Blades fans that we have a problem in Michael Doyle, his shortcomings in his ability to pass and his tackles making little or no impact leave many frustrated.  And despite his winner against Port Vale, his notion to shoot from long range and often miss by a country mile does little more than leave fans furious.  On one occasion he actually cleared the roof of the Kop from twenty yards outside the box, to do this on purpose is no easy achievement so to do it accidentally from a shot highlights why many get wound up about it.

But its not just his technical ability many fans who travelled to Crewe last season witnessed him argue with a fan, clearly hearing him use obscenities towards the spectator. Whilst Doyle was being heckled by many of the crowd after a poor pass he chose to aim his tirade at an adolescent who was stating he made a poor decision in passing the ball out wide to a marked player, one of the few fans who didn't use any obscene language, this not only caused outrage but did not set a good example to younger players, and certainly showed his merits to be captain were questionable.  To the Skippers credit after the final whistle instead of heading down the tunnel he headed to the Blades following and apologised to the fan he had verbally attacked, but by then the damage had been done and the crowd was against him.  Whether as a midfielder or as a Captain the question remains does Michael Doyle merit his place in the team, the armband and his earnings, or is it time he was moved on?

Whilst Doyle does put in a shift each game he does a lot to actually hinder the team, this is not an attitude issue it stems more that Doyle is more the calibre of player to be a first team regular in League Two.

Midfield Replacement

To succeed in this division The Blades are going to need a Midfielder who not only gives one hundred percent each game, but also has the technical ability to give us the edge in games. So who are our options?

Antoni Sarcevic is a young man with lots of potential, this youngster worked under Dario Gradi at Crewe and has been touted to be a success. Technically gifted and strong on the ball, this young man could link up nicely with the team both going forward and helping out in defence. He has scored goals everywhere he has been and also bagged a lot of assists.

At his young age it could be the right time to bring the lad up a level to League One and let him be Doyle's replacement. Currently playing for Fleetwood he is a realistic target, his wage would be considerably less than Doyle, and of course the Transfer fee would not take a huge chunk of Prince Abdullah's investment.

Salva Rivas is a former Spanish Under Nineteens International currently playing for Real Oviedo, a team famously saved from ceasing to exist by investors worldwide, investors who were ordinary people, saved by the public, but not saved from playing in the Spanish equivalent of League Two. The young defensive midfielder has expressed his desire to move away from Real Oviedo and now could be a great time to convince him to come to England. Like many Spanish youngsters he is no stranger to stroking the ball around the pitch and dictating tempo, but many feel the reason he never progressed to higher levels in Spain was his inability to stop making crunching 'British' style tackles and going against the Spanish philosophy and breaking their ranks by taking the fight to the opposition, rather than awaiting the chance to counter attack. To me he sounds like the perfect midfielder and could be the ideal replacement.

The Blades are no stranger to Michael Tongue, we all know what he can and can not do. In League One Michael Tongue despite being no spring chicken could be a vital part of pushing on, he has the ability to be a playmaker and the ability to dig in. Whilst he has soiled his good name by playing for our enemy up the M1 he thrilled us by showing his disdain for our city rivals scoring against them last season.

I think this may be the least popular of my picks but I for one think its time to bring Michael Tongue home.

Captain Replacement

Whilst the above are more than able to replace Doyle as a midfielder, with the exception of Michael Tongue they aren't the type of players who have the experience and ability to lead our dressing room.  This would leave us with the predicament of who should get the armband?

The first and most obvious choice would be the experienced centre back. Neil Collins has worn the armband before, he knows the team, his attitude is without question that of a modern professional, but would we have the same problems we have with Doyle? Whilst he has the experience some fans claim he is now in a position where we need a better option and Neil should become back up. Whether you agree with this or not whilst he is in the first team I believe he is a better option for the captaincy than Michael Doyle.

Whilst already a fan favourite and showing why he is so highly thought of is Harry Maguire ready to be our leader? A tall strong yet technically sound centre half surely the perfect candidate for captaincy, but we all forget that Harry is only twenty years of age. Harry still sometimes makes those mistakes that come with being a youngster, and its good he has the experience of Collins next to him, some may argue that while ever Harry is making these errors its not the time to make him captain, but is that missing the point? Harry is at an age where he needs to keep his head on his shoulders, he is still in danger of going of the rails as all young players who earn a large wage are. The added responsibility of being a leader and setting an example could actually help keep Harry's feet on the ground and improve him even more as a footballer. Is it time we gave Harry the armband and let him run with it. Its a risk but is it one worth taking?

Looking elsewhere is not always the solution, but in this case is it a vein effort looking for a new captain amongst the current crop? Would it make more sense to purposely go out looking for a proven leader whilst looking to strengthen another position. Much like the Harry option its a risk, but like all risks they have to be calculated, and looking elsewhere would involve a lot of research and scouting.

Jonathan Gascoigne

The Gaffer

After a few weeks wait the bookies were proven right again as Nigel Clough became our new manager on a two year deal, also bringing his own staff into the fold, Gary Crosby and Andy Garner who will join Clough at Bramall Lane. It was a quick appointment and one it was clear the club was very pleased to make.  I like many Blades watched the interview on Sky Sports news when the announcement was made and despite some previous reservations on Clough I was satisfied with his answers.  
He seems down to earth, the claims of getting back to the Premier League soon by the chairman did not faze him and remained rooted to his position, first things first we have to turn around the embarrassing start to the season and salvage some self respect, I as a fan know this to be true and its refreshing to finally have a manager who shares my opinion.  Below are some of the comments made in the Press conference.

"We'll try and build a team, a squad here that's capable of challenging for promotion. We're not miracle workers - it takes time to mould and recruit a team and to get them to play in the way you want them to play." This is more realistic than Weirs approach of I will make you play my way despite your inability to do so, whilst I am not expecting us to start reverting to sunday league tactics it is clear we are not ready to stroke the ball around playing tika taka. "To be realistic - let's get out of the bottom four. Let's get some stability this season and we'll take it from there. We'll assess the squad and see what we need.", I am fifty

fifty on this comment, I do agree stability and points on the board are what we need right now, but also there are certain players and positions that in my opinion need short term fixes before January where we can fully resolve them.  On leaving Derby - "I was disappointed (to leave Derby). There was an element of anger there as well. I thought we had a very good four-and-a-half years there. I tried to turn the club's fortunes around and I've left them in a very good position.", as he was a lad who grew up there and of course has his fathers legacy beginning there I can understand his frustration and sorrow at how things turned out. "The potential attracted me to Sheffield United. My feeling of this place is that it is a proper football club and anyone in the game will know what I mean by that." I agree the club has limitless potential, its just we have not been able to unlock it. I think its now just a case of waiting, we can all speculate on the new gaffers approach, his team selection and his tactics, I myself did so in my potential candidates review (Plan B) but until the whistle blows at three on Saturday afternoon all will remain a mystery.

But I think it is safe to say we all have the same thing on our minds, Welcome to Bramall Lane Nigel and show us what you can do, lets hope by the end of the season we are calling you Cloughy.

Jonathan Gascoigne

Video from SheffieldUTube on YouTube

Image Copyrighted to Blades Sports Photography 

The Best Foot Forward

People can say what they want about Chris Morgan, I myself do not believe he is ready for full time management yet, but despite starting with a loss the Blades no nonsense caretaker has sparked life back into the season.  He learnt his lesson from the first half of the Coventry game and learned whilst playing football does not mean hitting the ball down the pitch as high and hard as possible, he also realised it also does not involve holding it and passing sideways for ninety minuets without attacking.

The Blades controlled the early goings of the game, getting the ball forward nicely and testing the waters in and around the Vale goal.  It was obvious early on that the Port Vale keeper was going to have a shaky afternoon, flapping around and spilling easy catches and saves.
The first goal of the game came from defender Neil Collins, the centre half putting his header in from an early Blades corner.  Things got worse for Vale after a former player for our city rivals (Danny Jones) was sent off for his second bookable offence, the red card came early in the game and left the Vale team in chaos.

It did not surprise many Blades fans to see ex manager Adams in a touchline row with Jennison Myrie-Williams, after substituting the forward in order to stabilise the team after Jones was dismissed. Many remember Adams was a Marmite character at Bramall Lane even with players.  Whilst we again took control of the game the fans were stunned and the mood was deflated by a freak goal from Port Vale, Adam Yates crossed the ball and a freak bend in movement helped it fortuitously nestle into The Blades goal.  Even Yates himself did not realise he had scored until he was surrounded by his team mates congratulating him on grabbing the equaliser, the shocked look on his face said it all "How has that gone in?"

Half Time came and went, and as the referee blew the whistle it became clear that Vale had a swift kick from boss Adams as they showed a lot more energy right from the start, whilst we again looked the better team they came at us more, the goal giving them new belief, and against a team that had not won since game day one, why not. Michael Doyle again was not impressing the Sheffield United faithful, playing many passes astray, one ball in particular a player five yards in front showed to much for Doyle who passed the ball three yards sideways straight for a vale throw in, one must think the linesman was in space and screaming for it, it would explain a lot.  Tony McMahon and Ryan Flynn were also showing signs that their positions may need

looking at by our future manager, both not really doing enough to warrant a first team place, but when they are the best available you work with what you have.  Doyle did however repay his mistakes when on seventy five minuets he placed a mid paced effort from outside the box past a very inconsistent Neal in the Vale goal.  The Lane, the Kop especially erupted in a wave of relief and noise, this game was now ours to lose and we were back in control, we of course repaid the favour chanting who are you to the Vale fans who had taken a break from their vow of silence to chant it to us upon equalising.  The biggest cheer of the game came as Shaun Miller was introduced to the game coming on as a substitute, his first appearance since rupturing his cruciate ligaments last boxing day.  The reception left Miller 'humbled' in his own words, but we were all glad to see him back and he repaid us by throwing himself straight into the action.  He almost fired in a third after getting on the end of a threw ball but fired his one on one chance straight at Neal, rustiness in front of goal cost him a comeback goal, but he should be encouraged he was able to find the space in the first place.  The final whistle went and again the cheers shook the Lanes foundation, finally three points and at last the pressure of being without a win since game one gone.

A daunting away trip to second in the division Peterborough, a risk of Saturdays hard work being undermined by a swift return to losing ways.  But that was never the case in the mind of the players and staff, testing the high flyers by hitting the woodwork courtesy of a Lyle Taylor twenty yard strike.  A good save from George Long denied Tommy Rowe, the match along with it's forgettable action ended in a goaless draw.  The first away point of the season and now it seems the team is ready and prepared to push on, the new Manager will still have a lot of hard work to do but thanks to Chris Morgan and a new attitude at least now he has the basis to start building the revival of the season.

Jonathan Gascoigne

Plan B

WHO WILL BE NEXT TO TAKE THE HELM AT THE LANE?

With Weir gone and speculation high the next Blade's manager is as much a mystery to the press as it is the fans waiting patiently. The bookies change the odds-on favourite daily and the fans each have their own personal opinion on who can guide us to salvaging the season, what I aim to look at is some of the names and possibilities mentioned by the fans and press.

Money Talks
Whenever a club with a few penny's to spend is managerless the same name crops up in the press time and time again. And now with Prince Abdullah's money it comes as no surprise that Sven Goran Eriksson is being mentioned as The Next Blades manager.

9/1
Likely Tactics-
4-1-3-2
Wing Play
My Opinion - Not going to happen

At 9/1 odds the bookies are taking this seriously, but in my opinion not only would Sven not be interested with dropping to League One, but I also doubt that the board despite its new wealth would want to offer the wages this man would request.
This may end up being good for us if we do not approach Mr Eriksson, his proven continental style of build up and wing play did not do any great favours for England, neither has it proven to be a huge success in English League football. The transfer policy would focus on well known journey men and not on producing a young progressive team, which at this point is what the club needs.

Forgetful

Whilst many realise that this man gave us some unforgetable moments whilst in charge, some who are calling for his return seem to either forget or live in a bubble of ignorant bliss as to some of the tripe and nonsense we had to endure under him. True, Neil Warnock knows how to inspire a team, knows how to perform at this level, but I would see this as two steps backwards.

40/1
Likely Tactics-
4-4-1-1
Long Ball from back
Aggressive Defence and
Counter attacking
My Opinion - He knows better

Bookmakers see this as less likely than some of the fans placing him at 40/1, I think Warnock has the intelligence to know if he ever did return to The Lane now would not be the right time and rightly so.

Whilst his tactics and approach have matured and evolved slightly as seen with his time at QPR and Crystal Palace, his fundamentals remain the same. A strong aggressive back four who are capable of hitting it towards the forwards. An all out target man with a more technical forward playing just behind him. Two holding midfielders who aren't scared to go forward and two quick wingers.  No doubt this splits opinion, some find it medieval and backwards, some find it effective and necessary Personally I think we have gone in a different direction to Mr Warnock and his return would be of no benefit.

The Favourite

It seems that this particular candidate was pre determined to be the next Blades boss. Jobless almost in sync with Weir. And with his dad's grand name the live up to Nigel Clough quickly became the odds on favourite to take charge. 

2/7
Likely Tactics-
4-3-1-2
Progressive attack
Deep defence
My Opinion - Odds aren't usually wrong

When your dad is a legend and you know you have yet to break from his shadow the prospect and challenge of bringing success to Sheffield United is one almost to good to be true. And with your name being mentioned from day one with the odds in your favour one would believe he is our next manager.

Is this good for United, I am 50/50 on this one, whilst he could be just what we need going forward do we really need a manager who does not allow much attack from the back. Harry Maguire has goals under his belt already this season, and he looks a threat when forward for set pieces, but could Cloughs conservative views on defence hinder Harry's game?

Who Says Romance Is Dead?

We have all thought about it, we are football fans, we all have that old romantic in us, that belief that fairy tales can come true. Yes Brian Deane is in management, yes he isn't doing a bad job in Norway, but is he our next manager?

40/1
Likely Tactics-
4-3-3
Attack from the start
My Opinion - Don't ruin your legacy

Brian Deane is a legend at The Lane, the man is an all time favourite and lives in our folklore. With odds against him at 40/1 it would seem it is an unlikely appointment but one being talked about, even if by a minority.  I for one would like Deano to refrain from being our manager, he is doing a good job abroad, his attacking tactics would be a breath of fresh air, but I for one would not like to see Deano ruin his legacy by becoming a failure in our hot seat.

The Dark Horse

When his name is mentioned I think people take it with a pinch of salt, but never the less it is being mentioned, and it is not an impossibility. Tony Pulis not only got Stoke to the Premier League but kept them there for a long period of time.

60/1
Likely Tactics-
4-4-2
Long Ball
My Opinion- Please No

Many aren't very happy with the fact this man's name is being mentioned, some think he would be a great choice, but at 60/1 either way it seems unlikely. But should Tony Pulis take charge at Bramall Lane I would recommend you get used to looking in the air. 

I can see it now, King and Ironside upfront whilst those behind them kick the ball as hard as humanly possible in their general direction. This would alienate players who against Coventry proved they are up for the fight, players like Taylor, Brandy, Coady and so on. I think this would if anything bring darker times to Bramall Lane.

We Can Dream

Many of the fans would like to see us appoint him, and with good reason, the man won the Champions League as a caretaker manager. But lets all face reality, Roberto Di Matteo, it is not happening.

80/1
Likely Tactics-
4-2-2-1-1
Continental progressive attack
My Opinion- We aren't this lucky

We could have endless money and offer Roberto a seven figure a year sum and I personally still think he would laugh in our faces. Not out of disrespect for us but because it makes no sense, The man who won Chelsea the biggest prize in club football, why would he come here, and with odds of 80/1 the Bookmakers seem to agree.

We can all fantasize about the beautiful progressive football he would demand. The gifted coaching staff he would bring and the players who would be lining up to sign for us, but lets get real we have more chance of enticing Fergie out of retirement.

Other Names and odds

Karl Robinson 4/1

Dean Saunders 20/1

Richie Barker 20/1

Chris Morgan 25/1

Greg Abott 33/1

David O'Leary 33/1

Russell Slade 33/1

Steve Evans 40/1

Paul Jewell 40/1

Avram grant 80/1

Who I Want

I want a manager who I think can bring some stability to the management position and make the job his own. Pre season he was my second choice after Kenny Jackett, but still despite the odds not suggesting he is in the running I want Alan Curbishley to be our next manager.

80/1
Likely Tactics-
4-1-3-2
Balanced passing and
ruthless attack

With him being 80/1 it seems unlikely, but if we stumped up some decent wages, gave him the control he needed and the funds to sign players with our new owners backing this could be the first steps to success. The man has brought through many young players who have gone on to play at a high standard. Many may not want him because of his West Ham days, but look how and why he left there, look at his record with Charlton. His style of play could guide us up, it could certainly save us from our current predicament. The man knows how to inspire goals and how to keep it tight knit at the back, could we possibly ask for anything more? But as said earlier the odds usually do not lie and my wish looks like being just that, a wish.

Jonathan Gascoigne

Odds from SKYBET & Odds Checker

Breaking Point

It was a Friday, The Blades were on television, The oldest Football League Club Notts County our opponent, playing at the worlds oldest Professional football ground in the year The Football League had begun celebrations of their one hundred and twenty fifth birthday, SKY had rubbed there hands together at how well timed the fixture was on a marketing front. But to the fans of the Blades the only important thing in their mind was the new manager, David Weir, a man with a long successful career in his past, a man well respected throughout the footballing community, a man taking his first job in first team management, a man now in charge of leading my team to a successful campaign.

The football we played that day left the fans salivating, we were dominating, few of us could believe that this was real, the passing, the patient breakdown of our opponents, the chances (be them all squandered) we genuinely thought what we were seeing was the team that would be setting the pace in this division.

After the visitors had a man sent off we continued to apply pressure, and Kevin McDonald opened the scoring making it 1-0 to The Blades. After the break The visitors did hit back Showunmi getting a goal just before the hour mark. We didn't falter, Porter and Brandy both missing what many may describe as easy chances. But the game was won as Harry Maguire one of the jewels of the Blades first team popped up to grab the winner. As the final whistle went, the ground erupted in applause and jubilation. The fans, myself included, had seen how football should be played, and this season we will have plenty of reasons to cheer, or so we thought.

Harry Maguire celebrating his first and The Blades second

Like many of the fans, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone came knocking for Kevin McDonald. The man had been a maestro for us and our team looked to rely on him to create our chances and dictate the pace of the game, when Kenny Jackett and Wolves began their approach it seemed to wash away the euphoria of the Notts County game. And sure enough, when we travelled to Brentford there was no Kevin Mac on the team sheet. We went on to lose 3-1, we were discouraged, but he hadn't gone yet, and even if he did surely we could replace him. Loosing to Brentford away wasn't the end of the world, but four days later when McDonald signed for our division rivals the end of the world seemed in reach. 

McDonald at his new club

The Blades went on to draw 1-1 with Colchester and cracks began to form in the style of play we had adopted.  The first game of the season seemed a million miles away, but we still had faith, faith that Weir would adapt his tactics, make a signing, change things to play to our strengths. We were expecting an injection of passion and a new game plan, what we actually received were the same tactics leading to an away loss at Yorkshire rivals Bradford, a game where it looked as though we hadn't even turned up, and a home loss to the MK Dons, the tactics hadn't changed, but still we had faith that Mr Weir knew what he was doing.

The Prince Arrives

When it was revealed His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah had become part owner of Sheffield United a wave of optimism had swept over most of Sheffield. We had a man of incredible wealth now here to take us to the next level, the main issue with this was that the transfer window was shut. We went on to play against Rotherham, The Prince was there to see new man Jose Baxter open the scoring and put us into the lead.  But despite the goal, our tactics were leaving us open to counter attack, we were not creating scoring chances. We were keeping hold of the ball but not really doing anything productive with it. At half time the Blades fans (still in good cheer and being loud and proud) expected Mr Weir to change the shape and give us more attacking options but also give the midfield more chance to block a fast paced counter attack.  Possibly playing two upfront and playing with two deeper midfielders whilst two men out wide cut in and dictate the attacking tempo.  But instead we came out in the same shape and went on to suffer a 3-1 defeat. We would go on to lose our next three games, making it six defeats in a row, it was now clear Mr Weir was out of his depth and a change had to made.

Weir contemplates the repercussions of his approach

Also by now Weir had began to alienate those who were supporting him, speaking nonsense in post game interviews, claiming we had a great deal of chances when in reality we had one maybe two.  Passionless statements, avoiding hard questions from the press.  But most if all the main point of aggravation between Weir and the fans was his stubborn, some may even say arrogant refusal to change a system that was not working.  The final straw for many, including Radio Sheffield pundit Keith Edwards, having eleven men back defending set pieces, this meant if we got the ball we had no one available to play the ball to leaving no option for a quick counter attack.  Some noticed that players were not getting into attacking or useful positions, giving the impression they were scared to lose their place in the team if they deviated away from Mr Weirs master plan.  It was clear to many that Mr Weir had to leave, but some fans,had different opinions, this lead to many arguments. When the Crawly game came around many fans continued their arguments in the stands.  The game ended 1-1 The Blades having to come from a goal behind.
United had not won in the League since the opening game of the season and after losing 1-0 at home to Hartlepool in The Johnstone's Paint Trophy Mr Weir was given his marching orders, the experiment had failed and The Blades were yet again without a manager.

Chrissy Morgan's Red 'n' White Army

Like the back end of last season the reigns fell to Chris Morgan to be the caretaker manager of the first team.  Morgan is a man of passion and fight and no doubt the team needed this, also the players needed a leader, something Chris Morgan is no stranger to being.  But Chris in my opinion is not ready for management, whilst obviously this is only temporary, for the team to recover from this dreadful start and to start putting things together a new manager needs to be found soon.

Coventry away, and just like David Weirs first game in charge Chris Morgan's first game as temporary manager is being televised. The team started out in the same shape as under Weir, the tactics and focus all the same, so it came as no surprise that we were quickly a goal down, Leon Clarke grabbing the goal. The game had it's controversial moments, Mike Dean making questionable decisions, players remaining on the pitch when they should have been sent off. But no excuses could be found, in this shape and with this approach we conceded again.

Fight Back

Half time came and went, and shortly after the restart we went 3-0 down, Leon Clarke grabbing his second. Something then changed, substitutions were made, the shape and philosophy, we were no longer the team trying and failing to play pretty football, neither were we the team playing 'hoof ball' like in previous campaigns, we were a team playing the ball forward, not perfectly, but we were attacking.  Fighting for our lives and that spark and passion we had been missing was suddenly on show.  We grabbed a goal from a Lyle Taylor free kick, and that belief and perseverance kept going, Ryan Flynn who had not had a particularly impressive game was replaced by Ryan Hall. Hall placed a cross into the box which was converted by Taylor grabbing his second.  Suddenly we were only one goal down with ten minuets to go, and if not for two outstanding saves from Joe Murphy in the Coventry goal and the same man wasting a great deal of time when taking goal kicks one would think we could have grabbed a point.

Taylor celebrates his goal and demonstrates his
passion and willingness to battle for The Blades

We had lost again, and unfortunately we now sat at the bottom of the league, but we had proven, that when we change, in attitude, our tactics and determination, it was almost a defining moment, once Weir's legacy was put behind us we showed we can fight, we can take the game to teams and we can get out of this slump we are in.  But this fightback, this change in direction all now depends on one man,  a man who hasn't even been appointed yet, whilst he does not yet know it, the next Sheffield United manager has to be ready for the fight of his life.

Jonathan Gascoigne