What a fantastic interview from Wilder!

[GrayBlade]

Chris I take my hat off to you sir and I back you 100%

“I won’t be a patsy and will day it as it is”. TOP Man!

It’s from the horses mouth, we could lost him if the owners don’t get their act together.

[JJBlade]

If Wilder staying is dependent on a Sheffield United boardroom being supportive and getting its act together it's bye bye Chris

[paddy56]

Very worrying comments from Chris.

Sheffield United always find a way to screw things up.

Chris Wilder is the best manager we have had for years, he is now frustrated by things that are happening behind the scenes at BDTBL , and is contemplating walking away. This cannot be allowed to happen, so I say to the people behind the scene at the Lane, SORT IT OUT AND LET MR WILDER TAKE THIS CLUB FORWARD.

UTB ⚽️⚽️⚽️

[Twirlo70]

the bog roll phoney prince can phuck off,mcabe then you phuck of wi ya penny pinching, back wilder you cu...nts. if wilder goes then so will me an mi two sons. totally had enough of this phuckin let down phuckin board.

[shorehamoldboy]

the pair of them should hold their heads in shame best manager weve had in 40 years and you just know their not going to back him would certainly not hold it against him if he walked

[tomytony]

Just listened to the full interview. He's not happy is he?

Sounded proud, emotional, frustrated, resigned, hacked off and extremely honest and open as always.

It those in power don't realise what he's saying, and do something about it, then they are dafter than I give them credit for.

[shorehamoldboy]

weve been here before havent we ???

[GrayBlade]

Well anybody who was ever in doubt about the situation behind the scenes can’t be now.

It’s pointless having a pop at the Prince. He’s been in the back seat from the off and let’s not forget who brought him onboard. It’s McCabe who needs to get his act together. That fact that tiny Burton and almost bankrupt Bolton with their player ban were the only teams with smaller budgets than us is scandalous. I suppose McCabe would point out that we did ok, but what this proves is that he was prepared to gamble on Wilder pulling out a few rabbits, he didn’t even give him low to medium backing, it was dire.

Just look at where Burton and Bolton are with 1 game to go, second and third from bottom. McCabe yet again was prepared to suck it and see DESPITE having the windfall of the Walker and McGuire sell on money and risk us falling straight back down to League One. If that had happened who knows how far we could have sunk.

He really has outstayed his welcome IMO. If Wilder goes it could knock the club right back to the Adkins days and most fans will completely lose faith again. I know some will immediately jump to McCabe’s defence but I think that he’s absolutely no idea how to build a successful football club on the pitch, with him it’s all about the real estate and always will be. I don’t trust him and I never will.

McCabe needs to do what’s right, find a buyer with substance and then GO and take his ex mate with him. Change is needed at SUFC and it’s obvious that he’s not got the wherewithal to even sustain the club at this level. If he must have a new toy to play with, he’d be better off nipping across to Chesterfield, they’re more his league nowadays and he could make himself a real hero if he gets them back into the league.

[tomytony]

Well anybody who was ever in doubt about the situation behind the scenes can’t be now.

It’s pointless having a pop at the Prince. He’s been in the back seat from the off and let’s not forget who brought him onboard. It’s McCabe who needs to get his act together. That fact that tiny Burton and almost bankrupt Bolton with their player ban were the only teams with smaller budgets than us is scandalous. I suppose McCabe would point out that we did ok, but what this proves is that he was prepared to gamble on Wilder pulling out a few rabbits, he didn’t even give him low to medium backing, it was dire.

Just look at where Burton and Bolton are with 1 game to go, second and third from bottom. McCabe yet again was prepared to suck it and see DESPITE having the windfall of the Walker and McGuire sell on money and risk us falling straight back down to League One. If that had happened who knows how far we could have sunk.

He really has outstayed his welcome IMO. If Wilder goes it could knock the club right back to the Adkins days and most fans will completely lose faith again. I know some will immediately jump to McCabe’s defence but I think that he’s absolutely no idea how to build a successful football club on the pitch, with him it’s all about the real estate and always will be. I don’t trust him and I never will.

McCabe needs to do what’s right, find a buyer with substance and then GO and take his ex mate with him. Change is needed at SUFC and it’s obvious that he’s not got the wherewithal to even sustain the club at this level. If he must have a new toy to play with, he’d be better off nipping across to Chesterfield, they’re more his league nowadays and he could make himself a real hero if he gets them back into the league.

Well put and well said Gray..

The abridged, vernacular version reads " either sh1t or get off the pot" :)

[FatherKnowsBest]

Well anybody who was ever in doubt about the situation behind the scenes can’t be now.


Well, I'm sorry Gray, but I think what is happening in the background with Kev, HRH and CW is as much in doubt as it always has been. CW has stated he's no-ones patsy, and that's fair enough. He has done wonderfully well, and his stock is high. The rest we are still guessing at, or imagining consequences of things that haven't happened and may not happen, (all doom, naturally...).

Does Kev have access to big funds from USA or China? Does HRH have access to big Saudi funds? Are their funds subject to the other owner being out of the business? Are either of them going to give in and go, are they able to agree to disagree and push the club onwards? None of this makes any sense yet and won't until the deal is done. Then we'll all just have to get on with it.

[tomytony]

What is certain is that it puts to an end speculation as to whether or not the situation is affecting the football side.

[boltonblade]

The very thought of it upsets me. If we lose this man as our manager then we lose everything. He is creating an identity. I’ve never felt so safe with a manager in all my years as a Blade. Proper deflated after today. Don’t know if anyone is. I don’t feel upbeat about us having an alright season. Feels weird.

[blades58]

Not that I want to, but if I had to lay money on it, the top table battle will drag on and CW will walk

[shorehamoldboy]

maybe chris walking is what the prince is after ???

[CHIPBUTTYBLADE]

9327

[rodcurrie]

The very thought of it upsets me. If we lose this man as our manager then we lose everything. He is creating an identity. I’ve never felt so safe with a manager in all my years as a Blade. Proper deflated after today. Don’t know if anyone is. I don’t feel upbeat about us having an alright season. Feels weird.I was deflated comin home from BDBL yesdi mate,i agree we shud feel more upbeat after this season but the prospect of the MESSIAH walkin is worryin to say the least.UTCB

[bulmer1889]

No point worrying about it pal if it happens there's nowt you can do to stop it,just worry about things you can change. I hope they can sort their differences out but I doubt it,it's almost as if it's part of the plastic princes plan so he can get his man in,I really hope they both see sense and get behind chris he's as good a manager as I've seen down here,but I ain't gonna worry about it,too many things in life to worry about without another one

[rodcurrie]

No point worrying about it pal if it happens there's nowt you can do to stop it,just worry about things you can change. I hope they can sort their differences out but I doubt it,it's almost as if it's part of the plastic princes plan so he can get his man in,I really hope they both see sense and get behind chris he's as good a manager as I've seen down here,but I ain't gonna worry about it,too many things in life to worry about without another oneYes you're r8 Bully,i said in a post yesdi i wern't gunna wittle over what may or not happen in't Boardroom cos thiz nowt i can do abart it, TUFTY leavin tho would be terrible but bein the clapper i get accused of bein, it still wunt stop me goin to BDBL but i hope TUFTY's here for decade at least.How's your lass mate? UTCB

[bulmer1889]

No change pal she's not goin to get any better than she is I don't think,really disappointing but again nowt I can do only try and make her as comfortable as possible and try and make life a bit more interesting for her,just got too much to do with trying to get this place ship shape and empty the other house to get rid of it,when that's done we should get more time together. Thanks for asking pal sorry I can't give better news

[rodcurrie]

No change pal she's not goin to get any better than she is I don't think,really disappointing but again nowt I can do only try and make her as comfortable as possible and try and make life a bit more interesting for her,just got too much to do with trying to get this place ship shape and empty the other house to get rid of it,when that's done we should get more time together. Thanks for asking pal sorry I can't give better newsI send ya both my best wishes mi owd pal.It certainly puts Football in it's place,family first every day of the week. UTCB

[tomytony]

No change pal she's not goin to get any better than she is I don't think,really disappointing but again nowt I can do only try and make her as comfortable as possible and try and make life a bit more interesting for her,just got too much to do with trying to get this place ship shape and empty the other house to get rid of it,when that's done we should get more time together. Thanks for asking pal sorry I can't give better news

Sorry to hear that Bully. The best of best wishes to you and yours

[Ayamonteblade]

No change pal she's not goin to get any better than she is I don't think,really disappointing but again nowt I can do only try and make her as comfortable as possible and try and make life a bit more interesting for her,just got too much to do with trying to get this place ship shape and empty the other house to get rid of it,when that's done we should get more time together. Thanks for asking pal sorry I can't give better news

sorry to hear that bully- but sounds like she is very lucky to have you :)

[GrayBlade]

No change pal she's not goin to get any better than she is I don't think,really disappointing but again nowt I can do only try and make her as comfortable as possible and try and make life a bit more interesting for her,just got too much to do with trying to get this place ship shape and empty the other house to get rid of it,when that's done we should get more time together. Thanks for asking pal sorry I can't give better news

Don’t give up hope Bully. Two years ago my sister was so poorly and we were all called by the hospital to say our goodbye’s, but she came through it over time and she’s in her mid 70’s. I feared she’d be bed-bound at best back then, but she’s just come back from a caravan holiday and reguarly goes out for meals etc. The human body is a wonderful thing, it can often surprise us and regenerate. I really hope better times are ahead for you both mate.

[jcunited]

can anyone put up a link for wilder interview?
ta

[FatherKnowsBest]

can anyone put up a link for wilder interview?
ta

Try this JC...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p065m6bx

[tomytony]

https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/i-stayed-too-long-at-a-club-before-i-won-t-do-it-again-a-frustrated-chris-wilder-as-boardroom-battle-threatens-sheffield-united-future-1-9140735

An article from the Stir today.

CW just wants it sorted. Don't we all?

[RonnieWaldock]

Of course, Bully and Rod are both right. It’s pointless worrying about things that may never happen, or that you can’t affect.
Football is only a game (unless it’s your job) and is not THAT important in the great scheme of things.
I’d much rather be young, healthy and prosperous, and support (say) Chesterfield, than be old and decrepit supporting Man City.
As it is, I’m old and decrepit supporting Sheffield United, so not sure whether to rejoice or despair!

To Bully and his lady - best wishes to you both - keep battling away mate, you never know.........

[blades58]

https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/i-stayed-too-long-at-a-club-before-i-won-t-do-it-again-a-frustrated-chris-wilder-as-boardroom-battle-threatens-sheffield-united-future-1-9140735

An article from the Stir today.

CW just wants it sorted. Don't we all?


"‘I stayed too long at a club before, I won’t do it again’ "

Gerrit sorted board

[rodcurrie]

Of course, Bully and Rod are both right. It’s pointless worrying about things that may never happen, or that you can’t affect.
Football is only a game (unless it’s your job) and is not THAT important in the great scheme of things.
I’d much rather be young, healthy and prosperous, and support (say) Chesterfield, than be old and decrepit supporting Man City.
As it is, I’m old and decrepit supporting Sheffield United, so not sure whether to rejoice or despair!

To Bully and his lady - best wishes to you both - keep battling away mate, you never know.........Behave thissen Ronaldo,nowt decrepit abart thee mi owd pal,soz i have to agree ya are a little on't owd side of life tho.;)I hope to see ya at Stocky midweek.Did ya see any of the U/23 cup game at Swansea? UTCB

[RonnieWaldock]

Behave thissen Ronaldo,nowt decrepit abart thee mi owd pal,soz i have to agree ya are a little on't owd side of life tho.;)I hope to see ya at Stocky midweek.Did ya see any of the U/23 cup game at Swansea? UTCB

No, didn’t bother Rod. I expected the result. Swansea won it last year and we are not as good this year as last. To be honest, we did very well to reach the stage we did.

Stocky on Wednesday is now doubtful - I may be out of town - but I’ll get there if I can.
The Summer break always seems a long time, but at least this year we have the World Cup to watch (as well as the Giro and the Tour O:)

[rodcurrie]

No, didn’t bother Rod. I expected the result. Swansea won it last year and we are not as good this year as last. To be honest, we did very well to reach the stage we did.

Stocky on Wednesday is now doubtful - I may be out of town - but I’ll get there if I can.
The Summer break always seems a long time, but at least this year we have the World Cup to watch (as well as the Giro and the Tour O:)Ok mi owd.if i dunt see thi at Stocky,tek care and have a good summer.UTCB

[charliejoejohn2]

I have enjoyed the last couple of seasons under Wilders management. Even taking the 1971 side I think this team have played the most consistent enjoyable football I’ve seen United play. Although I’ve renewed my ST after I’d heard Chris’s interview and what he seemed to imply I was a tad disheartened. Wilders management has been a breathe of fresh air over the club and I Have to say if he’s forced out I would have to think very carefully about my future regards my beloved Blades!!:s

[BlairBlade]

Why has this problem arisen between McCabe and the Prince?
What, actually, is the problem?
Is it the fact the Prince can buy McCabe's share or the price he has to pay to do it or is it something else?
If it is the third one - ie something else - what is that something else?
I am sure we would all like to know, as it is rather important, particularly if it is going affect Wilder's recruitment and even more importantly Wilder's future at the Lane.
McCabe wasn't forced to sign an Agreement with the Prince.
McCabe wasn't forced to agree to a provision in that Agreement allowing the Prince to buy McCabe's share.
If there was any possibility, at all, that he might be unhappy at such a thing arising in the future, why provide the opportunity in the first place?
If the Prince has the right to buy McCabe's share, the extent of what that share comprises will be detailed exactly down to the last nut and bolt, training cone and hotel tissue. The same goes for how the valuation of that share will be arrived at.
Neither party would have signed such an Agreement if they were not happy with all those terms and how any differences (whether to the extent of what was being bought and sold, valuation, price, method of payment, etc.) would be resolved in a case of dipute.
So why did McCabe enter in to the Agreement if the provisions agreed are now causing him serious concerns.
What on earth was he doing?
He is a businessman, a man of the world, of lawyers and complicated agreements.
Did he know what he was doing? Yes, of course he did!
So what is going on and why!

[Carpe_diem]

The short answer, Blair, is that he's not as smart as he'd have you believe.

[FatherKnowsBest]

The short answer, Blair, is that he's not as smart as he'd have you believe.

People do things in all good faith, with the very best of intentions. Then things change, people get different ideas, or stop sharing the same dream, and it bites them in the ass, and sometimes makes them look really stupid for believing it would all work in the first place.

That's why there are divorce lawyers

[tomytony]

People do things in all good faith, with the very best of intentions. Then things change, people get different ideas, or stop sharing the same dream, and it bites them in the ass, and sometimes makes them look really stupid for believing it would all work in the first place.

That's why there are divorce lawyers

And arranged marriages- and they go wrong too no matter what was promised, & by who, in the dowry.

[Carpe_diem]

People do things in all good faith, with the very best of intentions. Then things change, people get different ideas, or stop sharing the same dream, and it bites them in the ass, and sometimes makes them look really stupid for believing it would all work in the first place.

That's why there are divorce lawyers

Two words: due diligence. Most marriages aren't based around millions of pounds in assets and liabilities, and if they are you can be damn sure that the paperwork is watertight before they walk down the aisle.

[GrayBlade]

I’m waiting for the day Kev has one too many and gets on the Karaoke.


https://youtu.be/YYTFY6c9AcI

[jcunited]

thanks pal

[FatherKnowsBest]

Two words: due diligence. Most marriages aren't based around millions of pounds in assets and liabilities, and if they are you can be damn sure that the paperwork is watertight before they walk down the aisle.

You can due diligence the hell out of it. It wont stop anyone from changing their mind and wanting to do something different at some point in the future. That's what we're talking about here isn't it. Two partners who have decided they want to do something different?

[Carpe_diem]

You can due diligence the hell out of it. It wont stop anyone from changing their mind and wanting to do something different at some point in the future. That's what we're talking about here isn't it. Two partners who have decided they want to do something different?

Don't be naive. If McCabe expected the Prince to put a certain amount of money in, he should have made it a contractual obligation. If the Prince didn't do so, McCabe should have been able to break the arrangement. Doing anything with a business partner based on trust - especially when there are millions of pounds involved - is misguided at best.

If he'd suggested it and the Prince had said no, he could have taken that as evidence of the latter's lack of serious interest and told him to jog on.

[GrayBlade]

Not much about McCabe bringing the Prince on board filled me with confidence once it had sunk in. It wasn’t something that had been planned, he hadn’t been selected out of a group of potential buyers or partners as the best man for the job, it was a chance meeting in an airport lounge.

Let’s not forget that at the time McCabe had pulled the shutters down was pleading poverty, I think all he wanted was for somebody to share the financial load, not necessarily take the the club forward. The Prince himself in an early interview told us that his fortune was ‘only’ measured in $millions rather than $billions which would probably put him in the same financial bracket as McCabe, and Baki stressed time and again that the Prince would not be like other foreign owners and throw money at it to buy promotion out of L1. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I never ever thought that there was any master plan to take us forward, we just seemed to be strolling along to the tune of Phipps’s ‘right on, high five!’ drum until they fell lucky and Wilder arrived.

We knew pretty early on that the ‘think Liverpool’ comment (whoever said it) was basically way off the mark, but I personally drew a bit of hope when the Prince said that he would bring serious investors onboard once we were in the Championship. Maybe this what he wanted to do and McCabe vetoed it and that started the fall out?

Either way, I can’t say that I trust the Prince to do right by the club or us fans because let’s be right, he’s hardly been around in the near 5 years he’s been involved with the club and has had very little to say of interest. The problem is that I do not trust McCabe or his family either, and I never will now. Others can buy into the ‘no bigger Blade’ and ‘where would we be without Kev?’ guff as is their right, but I’ll go with my own gut feeling which is that I don’t think McCabe has ever really tried or even wanted to find new owners for the club for his own personal reasons, not because it’s the right thing to do for SUFC.

It needs to be sorted and quickly and I’d be relaxed enough if both our current owners get on their bikes and disappear into history. We can’t keep living in fear of change and what-ifs. This club needs to move on and McCabe’s best legacy (apart from the ground) would be that he helped the club find new and worthy owners, not some guy he bumped into while having a Costa.

[FatherKnowsBest]

We knew pretty early on that the ‘think Liverpool’ comment (whoever said it) was basically way off the mark,

It was an off the cuff remark from Big Jim to stop us getting giddy about Man City levels of investment. It was never an indication of how much money would be put into the club. It has now been accepted by the Guiness Book Of Records as the 'Most misinterpretted quote'.

However, I get what you're saying about investment. Kev has made it clear all along that hes looking for investors, not a sale. In the end that means that the pool of interested parties is going to be small. What he's basically had to say is 'look, be my mate, I'll give you a chunk of football club and all you've got to do is pony up half the losses ad infinitum'. Its a cracking offer, isn't it?

I think the club could have easily have been sold during the last 15 years if it were just a straight cash sale, but who's wallet is it coming out of? Venkeys, Tan, Tunaman, Allam, Cellino? You're going to have to give me a tighter definition of 'new and worthy'. In the end, apart from the big money machines like Man Utd, Real Madrid, all football clubs are vanity projects that rely on the owner being happy to lose money so he can show us all what big balls he has. I've no doubt that Kev feels the weight of 'handing it on' to the right guys, but he's not getting younger and the time to let the club move on is approaching fast.

[FatherKnowsBest]

Don't be naive. If McCabe expected the Prince to put a certain amount of money in, he should have made it a contractual obligation. If the Prince didn't do so, McCabe should have been able to break the arrangement. Doing anything with a business partner based on trust - especially when there are millions of pounds involved - is misguided at best.

If he'd suggested it and the Prince had said no, he could have taken that as evidence of the latter's lack of serious interest and told him to jog on.

I'm not suggesting anything is done entirely on trust (although if you have to keep going back to the contract, its not a great relationship...) I'm guessing, in my naivity, that the contract clause might have said that the two of them must equally fund the club (cover the losses), and that additional speculative investment must be on a matched basis. You surely wouldn't put any nunbers on that, neither would you have a clause that one partner automatically has to match the higher offer investment with the other partner. I'm guessing it has to be by agreement and negotiation.

However, heres a scenario. HRH is sitting in his office in Saudi, he can see were doing well, January is coming. He has a top Belgian football guy in his set-up, maybe they talk, maybe some players are suggested, HRH thinks 'I know we'll pass these on for evaluation'. So word comes back, thanks but no thanks, we don't want them, and we don't want Rip van Winckley sticking his oar in either thanks. We know what we want and its not that. Oh by the way, I know we just slapped you down, and cold shouldered your boy, but we want to spend £5m on some L1 British players, so if you could pop a cheque for £2.5m in the post...

[GrayBlade]

It was an off the cuff remark from Big Jim to stop us getting giddy about Man City levels of investment. It was never an indication of how much money would be put into the club. It has now been accepted by the Guiness Book Of Records as the 'Most misinterpretted quote'.

However, I get what you're saying about investment. Kev has made it clear all along that hes looking for investors, not a sale. In the end that means that the pool of interested parties is going to be small. What he's basically had to say is 'look, be my mate, I'll give you a chunk of football club and all you've got to do is pony up half the losses ad infinitum'. Its a cracking offer, isn't it?

I think the club could have easily have been sold during the last 15 years if it were just a straight cash sale, but who's wallet is it coming out of? Venkeys, Tan, Tunaman, Allam, Cellino? You're going to have to give me a tighter definition of 'new and worthy'. In the end, apart from the big money machines like Man Utd, Real Madrid, all football clubs are vanity projects that rely on the owner being happy to lose money so he can show us all what big balls he has. I've no doubt that Kev feels the weight of 'handing it on' to the right guys, but he's not getting younger and the time to let the club move on is approaching fast.

I know it proved to be off the cuff FKB, but at the time nobody thought it was did they? It was a while after when the realisation set in which is the what I’ve just said. Maybe if he’d said ‘think Barnsley’ he wouldn’t have built up such unrealistic hopes.

I’m not going to try and convince you or anybody else to share my personal views on the subject mate, just like like nobody will change mine. I long since made my mind up on McCabe and he’d have to do something pretty outstanding now for me to soften my stance.

I see where everybody comes from on McCabe though and respect their individual views even if I don’t agree with some of them. Just like with the Ched Evans saga, I prefer to make my points and move on without joining any factions because I’ve been on forums long enough to know that it’s pointless wasted energy trying to change the minds of people who you don’t really know and who’s reactions you can’t even see.

Face to face in a pub it can be different, maybe we should do what we did on my old forum, all meet up and feight it ahht over a pint or 4. ;)

[tomytony]

As it seems to be generally accepted that McC is, and has been for a while, looking for investors rather than an outright sale ( for whatever motives, which we can all speculate on) what do forum members think?

Has it benefitted SUFC?

Has it held SUFC back?

[GrayBlade]

As it seems to be generally accepted that McC is, and has been for a while, looking for investors rather than an outright sale ( for whatever motives, which we can all speculate on) what do forum members think?

Has it benefitted SUFC?

Has it held SUFC back?

Nobody really knows the answer TT, it’s all about individuals speculating for or against. We could have done a Portsmouth if he’d gone or we could have done a Leicester. I’ve just spent far more than I planned to on a (nearly) new car when deep down I really wanted to play it safe and spend a few £thou sorting out the old XJ, it still looked good was reliable and had zero depreciation, what’s not to like? But I bowed to family pressure and I’m happy that I made the change at least for now.

Now whether I’ll say the same in a few years time when the warrenty runs out who knows, and it’s the same with replacing McCabe. Some can’t wait for him to go, others seem nervous about losing him, but it’s about opinions. Just like my new motor it could be a total disaster or the best car I’ve ever had, but family were right, it was time for a change.

And I think it’s time for a change at the top at SUFC. I think that from the stadium’s perspective, he’s been the best owner we’ve ever had by a mile because property is in his comfort zone, but as for getting the best out of United’s potential Meh! He’s not consistent enough and has never stuck to a long term game plan. We set off in one direction then be panics and pulls down the shutters and off we go with new priorities. He’ll always grab while the grabbing’s good for a short term fix rather than try and build something, that’s his nature and of course he set on and backed Robson. That in itself should be enough grounds for divorce.

I think that we’d be in a better place if he’d left us a decade ago, I don’t think that he’s a good owner and I’d like him to go, but I do t know for sure, just like those who back him don’t.

[FatherKnowsBest]

For me, I think that Kevs stewardship of the club is defined by three events.

1. The reaction to relegation.

The relegation was unfair, and he did well to push the whole sorry mess past the FA to the European Court, and get a result of sorts. What came next was the mess. The hatchet could have been buried with Warnock. He was capable of getting us up again (I know there were lots of problems, but they could have be managed out...). With good funds available, we bungled it with Robson. Then when we got rid of him, we appointed Blackwell.

2. The timing of getting shut of Blackwell.

Blackie had done well for us, without a lot of style and enjoyments agreed, but he kept us in the top end of the Championship, BUT, he looked broken after the Wembley defeat. He should have had Kev's arm round him, and walked outside to have his brains blown out, not given a full summer and three games, by which time the advantage of a new manager had been totally lost. Gone by Tuesday after Wembley defeat, or backed for the season. This was the moment when we were heading for a long stay in L1.

3. Ched.

My take on the case, the retrial etc are well known, but this was about the clubs reaction. So the folklore goes, Kev asked Ched if he was guilty, Ched said no, Kev said 'thats good enough for me' or something similar. OMG, so who did we get in January as possible cover if it all went boobs skyward but a striker who had both hamstrings gone. On the day of the guilty verdict, we were totally screwed. Letting our neighbours get up instead was grossly negligent. Then when Ched was getting ready for release, Kev appeared to imagine that the whole circus would just blow over in a day, and that Ched would walk back into training on Monday and start scoring hat-tricks immediately. I am still convinced that we failed to buy strikers that summer because we thought we already had one star striker 'awaiting release' from prison. Failing to appreciate the outcry of the Evans release and the dirt that the clubs name would get dragged through was unbelievable for an experienced businessman.


Other than that and a bunch of other stuff, the lads done okay.

XD UTCB

[Blade for Life]

Club for Sale £80 million plus major renovations needed.to the squad, and a £20 million good riddance payment to the promising man. There will be a queue of Billionaires snaking round the car park tomorrow morning. Unfortunately we are left with a lesser of 2 evils. McCabe, who on the face of it is the better bet but none of us know that for sure.?Alternatively the mirage Prince who’s Championship investment never materialised or it was diverted to Belgium when the feud kicked off. Now is he the villain that many of us believe he is, again none of us know. Maybe we should circulate a for sale advert and see if we get a miracle ?. Questions questions they give us no answers to cut a long story short they f....Ed this season up.

[Ayamonteblade]

Get all of the above...........but sometimes there are more important things in life that put all this into perspective.

[GrayBlade]

Get all of the above...........but sometimes there are more important things in life that put all this into perspective.

Of course there is Aya. That’s not even up for debate is it?

[Ayamonteblade]

Of course there is Aya. That’s not even up for debate is it?

Sorry Gray - was feeling sorry for myself.......back on track today tho :)

[shorehamoldboy]

looks like were 3rd favs for chris's services next season behind mackems and baggies 😩

[tomytony]

Of course there are more important things in life but, on a SUFC forum, the ownershio, the running of the club, the effect on the manager and the fans is the grist to the mill.

Looking at the responses to my question I , as no one will be surprised, side with Gray and his analysis but do see the points of view of others.and there will always be a range of views.

If it were a school report I think we would all agree on the 'could do better' classification thought he reasons as to why he hasn't would be disputed. His concern for the future of the club can be viewed two ways- can't/won't let go/ scared of missing out or caring man with deep regard and concern for the club.

Whichever way you see as his reasons I think his caution ( is it caring, is it dog in a manger?) has held us back.Had he not put such strictures on what had to happen if he sold the club we may well have new owners by now and who knows where we could be?

When you want someone else to share the ingredient cost, bake the cake and allow you to eat it with whoever you choose then the recipe is flawed and the result falls flat..

What is critical is what happens next, we can't alter the past but something has to alter for the future.

[GrayBlade]

Sorry Gray - was feeling sorry for myself.......back on track today tho :)

Whatever it was I hope everything’s ok now love. UTB