tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5154874211162489912024-03-18T03:03:02.160+00:00A UNITED VIEW ON FOOTBALLIanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-17792974262797180842018-11-07T22:41:00.002+00:002018-11-08T08:11:07.570+00:00Balls of Steel<br>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't like Derby days. There I've said it. In fact I've said it before. Here's <a href="http://aunitedview.blogspot.com/2011/10/tell-you-why-i-dont-like-derby-day.html" target="_blank">a link back to a piece I wrote 7 years ago</a>. My view hasn't changed since and I doubt it ever will.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this Derby Day is different. Well, maybe not that much different to the home fixture against Wednesday last season, but different from the norm that we have become accustomed to in my lifetime. We are no longer the underdog and, to be frank, I don't like it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been rare in my lifetime that United have been favourites going into a Derby match. Even last season, when we were above Wednesday going into the fixture at Hillsborough, we were still dismissed as cannon fodder by the S6 support. "The bubble will burst", they told us. "You are not good enough", they told us. "We are older, bigger, better", not that it helps much on the pitch. They underestimated the Dog & Duck, both in terms of quality of football and the unity of the team. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever they might say about 4-2 not being a massacre, the home side in a Derby fixture had not conceded 4 goals for the best part of a century. You would need to go back to the Wartime League in 1917 and 1918 when the Blades conceded 4 and 5 at home to Wednesday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suddenly, the claims were about missing players, injuries, ignoring the fact that just one of their team cost as much as our entire eleven. However much they doth protest, it hurt.......a lot. So much so that come the return fixture at Bramall Lane a 0-0 draw was celebrated like a cup final triumph in the away end. They told us how disappointed we should feel, yet for me not losing in a Derby is a victory in itself. We ended the season having taken four points off Wednesday, who wouldn't be delighted with that? And if the boot were on the other foot, I doubt you would find many Wednesdayites who would disagree. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fourteen months on from that game at Hillsborough, the stakes are the same but the feeling is so different. A quick look at the <a href="https://roysviewfrom.com/2018/11/07/pre-match-view-from-wednesday-3/" target="_blank">Roy's Views website</a>, which picks off the highlights and opinions posted on the opposition's internet forums, show us a very different mood across town. One where the psychological games how much greater. A snapshot of their views are below.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“All the pressure is on United. Expected to lose by 3 or 4 goals on Friday. “</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"If they don’t win by at 5 clear goals they’ll be bitterly disappointed."</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Whilst the facts are 3rd versus 17th, an opposition that have shipped 12 goals in 3 games and a fan base that is demanding the manager's removal and the reinstatement of key players. The facts also show a Blades side that I've taken 4 points from the last 12 and despite plenty of good football and strong possession stats, don't always make it count.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a cliche, but it has so often been the case; t</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he form book does go out of the window. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just look at the two matches last season. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday were expected to win at Hillsborough and we were expected to win at Bramall Lane. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neither happened. Going back to 1991-92, we had won two top flight games Wednesday were firm favourites when they visited the Lane and remained so when United visited Hillsborough. It meant nothing in either game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then read a tweet from fellow Blade, Darren Smith;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"If we don't win this by at least three it will be one of the most disappointing results in our recent history. Opportunities like this don't come along very often. We are playing decent stuff they are in disarray"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On first read I winced. I didn't like it. I could never be that bolshy about our chances. How can you be disappointed by a win? When challenged in a subsequent tweet, Darren admitted he could have chosen a better word than disappointed and I think that is right, but the more I thought about it, the more I understood the point he was trying to make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are playing a team that will sit deep and try and contain, as they did at the Lane back in January. For them, it will be all about defend and hit us on the break. That night we failed to find that incisive move to deliver a goal. Find that on Friday</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (and relatively early in the game) and they have to come out. Weaknesses exposed, we could really go for the jugular and a result that puts to bed the day after Christmas thirty nine years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It could happen, but then again plenty of things could happen. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am just not going there expecting it. I doubt any Blades would make such rash predictions. A one goal win, with the ball rebounding of Billy's backside will do me fine I would even take a point and we move on to a less intense, but probably more testing game away at Rotherham. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want me between 7:30 and 9:45 on Friday night, you will find me hunched in my seat in the middle of the Kop. Muscles wound tighter than a watch spring. Tenser than Joey Essex entered in a Spelling Bee. Twitching like the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pitsmoor Owl</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> whenever a blue light passes his living room window. I can't say I will enjoy it, you would need balls of steel to sit/stand there and enjoy it all. Actually.....you know there is one scenario that would enable me to properly enjoy it, well some of it, at least whatever time is left after the fourth goes in. 18-1 with SkyBet, just saying.</span></div>
</span>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com276Unknown location.53.331896050077454 -5.14707438845141533.684018050077455 -46.455665388451415 72.979774050077452 36.161516611548585tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-28709150320777472342018-10-04T23:00:00.000+01:002018-10-04T23:09:22.319+01:00Game by Game - 15<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The A666. The road
of the devil. The road to hell. The road to Blackburn. Driving through Darwen into Blackburn is a bit like passing over and finding yourself in Hades. We were welcomed into Blackburn by the sight of
a young mum in dressing gown pushing a child in her buggy up the street, at
5:45 pm. An interesting sight, yet this wasn't the oddest moment of the night and the welcome was never really warm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A walk down Bolton Road to McDonalds was a
bizarre fusion of sights and sounds. From the gaunt, pasty faced youths guarding the
entrance to Ewood Park WMC (and the membership secretary at a small table inside) with a look that just said, "Don't think about it". To the youths
outside the newsagents, "I'd sooner get beat up than do prison". There was a Blackburn fan whose main form of communication
appeared to be whinnying like a horse.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then to cap it all there was the 10 year old in the McDonalds
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supported Blackburn and JB replying that he didn't, proceeded to tell him to "f@ck off then". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The night soon got better. United started with
a bang. Quite literally, as banger exploded in the away end and 2,000 Blades
fans simultaneously crapped themselves. Once the eggy smell of firework and rectal expulsion had passed, United were on the front foot from the off. Most of the first half saw the Blades camped in the opposition half. I have never seen such an unambitious home side as Blackburn. Once the excellent Egan and Basham isolated Graham and Dack (and subsequently Brereton), any counter attacks were snuffed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I can't imagine watching my team set up like that at home and clearly Rovers fans feel the same way. We have had some low points and rogue owners, but for a team riding high on their return to the Championship, just 12,000 home fans rattling around three sides of the stadium was a poor show. A sign of being careful what you wish for in terms of owners and recognition that the very best of times can soon turn bad. The fact those there were largely silent, apart from the youth sporadically banging his drum (which did more for Blades fans song creativity than theirs), was equally sobering. "Is this a library?" chanted the Blades fans, more like a morgue.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As has been the case recently United didn't convert superior play and possession into goals, although this can be put down to the Blackburn keeper rather than profligate finishing. Whilst there was still a tendency for players to look for a pass when a shot was seemingly on, it was the saves that Raya made from McGoldrick, Duff and Fleck that kept the score 0-0. Well, those saves and a good headed chance put over by O'Connell. At 66-1 for the first goal and 20-1 anytime, it would have been nice if you had got your head over it Jack 😁.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a bright five minutes or so at the start of the second half, when United had a great shout for handball in the box, Blackburn eased there way into the game, switching formation to match us and gaining some territory. For ten minutes or so we were on the back foot and failing to retain possession. Wilder and Knill responded by pushing Basham into midfield and morphing into a 4-3-3 which enabled United to regain control and we finally took the lead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Duffy, cut inside from the right and passed inside to Fleck, who moved the ball out wide left to McGoldrick. Rovers defenders were tracking across but nowhere near the Blades players and McGoldrick crossed for Sharp to bundle home at the second attempt. From thereon, United reverted back to the usual formation and Blackburn never looked like getting back into the game. There lack of creativity and guile exemplified by utilising sub Mulgrew as a quarterback sweeper, firing long diagonals from behind the centre halves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The introduction of Coutts brought one of the biggest cheers of the night and from the minute he stepped on the pitch it was like he had never been away. From the off he was full blooded in the tackle and shirked nothing. Always wanting the ball, his touch was superb. A series of intricate one-twos when he was tight on the touchline showed quick feet and mind. He always seems to create more time and space than you think he has and this was no different. "Coutts's touch is arousing me", said JB.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The second goal again came from an advancing Fleck laying the ball off to his left. This time Stevens hit a wonderful curling cross and Billy somehow had more space around him than a Rovers fan, allowing him to head the ball hard into the ground, bouncing up into the roof of the net from close range. If it wasn't game over before, it was now. Scores of Rovers supporters were streaming out of the ground when sub Washington should have buried a third, but he fired too close to the impressive Raya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Away wins are seldom more emphatic, even if the scoreline doesn't fully reflect the dominance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Three final thoughts:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Billy Reliable:</b> You can score all the spectacular 30 yard goals you like, but a bundled goal from 5 yards counts for as much, if not more. Especially if it gives your team the win that the flashier goals sometimes do not. That is why there will always be a role for Billy in the Blades team and why he is second top scorer in the division. At half time, you could argue he had been our least effective player. As Luke Prest messaged at the time, "Never that arsed with Billy being quiet, he often is before banging one in". Or in this case two. Unless injured or knackered, he is undroppable right now. And with McGoldrick playing so well, it's a nice problem to have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Perspective:</b> Following my piece on <a href="http://aunitedview.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-entitled-fans.html" target="_blank">The Entitled Fans</a>, it is worth reflecting on where we are now: </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joint top, third on goal difference.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coutts is back.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have seen more victories than fans of any other Championship club.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coutts is back.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A point better off than at the same stage last season, when everyone said we had a great start.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coutts is back.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have a stronger matchday squad.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coutts is back.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've got Ollie Norwood....</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coutts is back.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>TalkSport Singles</b>: The journey home was a time of warm reflection on a great away win that dissolved into hysterics, as we turned over the radio to Talksport and
heard them trailing their dating site -Talksport Singles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it a same sex dating site? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do they recruit women from such a male oriented listenership? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Surely,
you wouldn’t find any women registering unless they are a Single White Female
looking for Single White Van Man? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And why, unlike everything else on Talksport,
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>"Tommy from Doncaster. Likes: Benidorm - for holidays and the telly programme. Dislikes: No... proper hates Germans."</b></i></span></span></div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-50825464577604850712018-10-01T19:42:00.003+01:002018-10-01T19:42:48.253+01:00Game by Game - 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s1600/20180127_142709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s640/20180127_142709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Game 14 – Millwall (A), Championship – 2-3</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we welcome back Alan Pickard to A United View, his <a href="https://aunitedview.blogspot.com/2018/08/game-by-game-9.html" target="_blank">Bolton Game by Game report </a>being one of the most read so far. </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An early train to The Smoke, crap beer all day, a good pinch of snuff and a fantastic Blades win are a heady mix. As I flicked between match feeds at home, the fancam view on Facebook was frequently blocked by the back of Alan's head and the match soundtracked by his increasingly hoarse voice telling Millwall that they aren't scary anymore. So when his stream of consciousness (along with the thoughts of fell Blades in Coach C of the 18:34 out of St Pancras) landed in the AUV inbox on Saturday night I anticipated a bit of an editing job would be in order..... </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's started well. Train to Donny and iPhone Dave has
spotted fellow AUV corespondent Tyrone, who is sat behind us. Selfie secured <i>(without Tyrone knowing, ahem....that's Dave - Ed)</i> and Fosters in hand. <i>(Again AUV cannot condone the drinking of Fosters at all, nevermind when Jaipur now comes in cans - Ed)</i>. The day is off. To. A. Flyer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Milwall away, and thoughts are cast back to the Warnock era. "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NCCzGM_af4" target="_blank">SERVES YOU RIGHT FOR FUCKING MUSCAT THAT</a>". Seriously though, I've never seen us win here, not sure that will change today.
Anyway, back on the train and Player of the Season so far is up for debate. Votes, from the committee go to....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McGoldrick x 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there we are. That seems conclusive, the player that half the support turned to social media to bemoan when he joined is the man.<i> (Although, his scoring record is under threat from our mate Ed)</i>. What we all
agreed on is that Norwood coming in has improved us ten-fold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, onto the match. It started with United on the front
foot, trying to force the issue, but with the all too familiar situation of when the Duff Man can't unlock the door, nobody else seems able to step up to the plate. Or at least step up and deliver with any conviction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pressure is rewarded with a corner. A short corner
is played in and back out again, Oli Norwood, he's fucking reyt good, puts one in
the box son. And its a penalty. Phil reckons it was crossed by Stevens <i>(Phil had clearly been on stronger stuff than Fosters - Ed)</i>. Anyway,
Billy missed. Well, Amos saved really, but didn't fancy his run up. Didn't look confident at all. Sake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've walked down the stairs to get a beer, and then hear a cheer. For
fuck's sake we've scored. This happened last year too. I've missed it again. Get in
Billy you beautiful beautiful man. I would have your babies....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second half. The first ten minutes of the second half has
been voted (by the committee) as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stressful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atrocious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abysmal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, somehow we're 2 - 1 down and I'm not really sure
how. I really can't wait to type this next bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once things settled down, we got into a rhythm. Feel the
rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on down, it's McGoldrick time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intricate passing between our midfield maestros, leads to a
push on the Duff man. And it's another penalty. That man McGoldrick has big
balls. Steps up. 2-2. G'wan babbi. The steward, who is an Arsenal fan, appreciated
my turbo snuff post celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's only going to be one winner now. A one two on the
right hand side is cut across the box by the main man Mark Duffy, straight into
the path of that man again. McGoldrick slots home and 1,400 Blades are delirious, maybe nearly as much as Hendo at the other end of the pitch. We've deserved
that. Final whistle and chants of Oohhh David McGoldrick ring around
Bermondsey. Off home we go. iPhone Dave has purchased half of M&S and were all
happy. UTB!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Four final thoughts from Coach C: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kirsti - Deserved victory but we made hard work of it and didn't start
second half well. <i>(Can always rely on Kirsti to list two negatives out of three points on a 3-2 away win! - Ed)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul - McGoldrick is proving a very good purchase. <i>(He cost £19.99 less than <a href="http://mad4jigsaws.co.uk/products/sheffield-wednesday-1000-piece.aspx" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> - Ed)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JB - It is really refreshing for United to dig themselves out
of a hole. Holes that more often than not last season we were unable to get out of.
And we've now done that twice in the last week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AP - Were winning games we'd have lost last season. Keep the
faith. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jd2QV_V4fQo0YkWSHO_Dj1rMt-dkIJF4Gpuo3NAbrHumdt-LA-8_Z1SXN7umzVdHyV5I66jgTX17NcxpUKQ0rBI2VK7H5-XB1NI_uHCqH6q7538Jq81Pz1jsltr2NZlvCstwVkWIPxid/s1600/Screenshot_20181001-193009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1014" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jd2QV_V4fQo0YkWSHO_Dj1rMt-dkIJF4Gpuo3NAbrHumdt-LA-8_Z1SXN7umzVdHyV5I66jgTX17NcxpUKQ0rBI2VK7H5-XB1NI_uHCqH6q7538Jq81Pz1jsltr2NZlvCstwVkWIPxid/s400/Screenshot_20181001-193009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo - Copyright David Kirkham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-55710919414256576502018-09-26T17:53:00.000+01:002018-09-26T17:53:55.635+01:00The Entitled Fans<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMiWYeIdY_LdBeTN35SDwyPNmncwTMaPJ8dxbQeme_mZInswQIpVVhZxL5jsEGpHx6vDtDGUk8dGnANeSJZQz7zWA5TEweEjB7aVh934Dp9-d1rJ3g5FiitCDVDL9JCDp8Bwc33tEIzsx/s1600/GTTM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMiWYeIdY_LdBeTN35SDwyPNmncwTMaPJ8dxbQeme_mZInswQIpVVhZxL5jsEGpHx6vDtDGUk8dGnANeSJZQz7zWA5TEweEjB7aVh934Dp9-d1rJ3g5FiitCDVDL9JCDp8Bwc33tEIzsx/s400/GTTM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
Internet is the centre of so many people’s lives. Anyone, should they wish to,
has a public voice and a means by which to be heard (read) – forums, message
boards, blogs, podcasts, twitter and Facebook. "What do you think? Tell
us!". I know what you are thinking, as a blogger should you really be
going down this path? But stick with me....</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Old media is playing catch up,
the consumers of media now create content. Phone-ins no longer need 90 minutes
of callers when they can read out emails and tweets. The emails and tweets
become a generator of calls and tweets and emails. Local newspapers can write
articles that comprise a couple of lines of often mis-spelt text and a page of
tweets. Our thoughts, hope and dreams, hates and loves shared even wider, to be
rated or slated.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As society is changing, so is
football. An ever expensive business that means clubs increasingly have
customers rather than fans. Whether we like it or not there is an increasing number
of football fans who are as much consumers and customers as supporters and
fans. With ticket prices reaching, what for many people are, unsustainable
levels, an increasing number of people attend expecting some semblance of value
for money – a notion that very few clubs a season will ever deliver on, or on a
consistent basis. Nothing exemplifies this more than the misguided notion that
as a customer you are entitled to a refund if the performance is poor and the
defeat is heavy.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> A sense of fan entitlement
is rising in football and whilst many campaigns are worthy of wider support –
Twenty’s Plenty and challenging the disregard to supporters with TV match
scheduling as examples – there is a much whinier, whinging group who seek
complaint at every opportunity. More prevalent amongst “supporters” of the Big
6, or those who perceive their club should be, these ungrateful, spoilt
children have a sense of entitlement and severe lack of perspective that does
them a bigger disservice than they are willing to acknowledge. These Veruca
Salts or Violet Botts want to "scweam and scweam until they’re sick".</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sadly, you can see this starting
to perpetuate United's fanbase. We all want success, we all yearn for cup runs,
cup finals, promotions and titles, to bring the good times and big games back
to the Lane, but this is more than that. Worse than that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fans sitting back waiting to be entertained -
like the emperors in the Coliseum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There has been comment on social
media and on the phone-ins recently about the atmosphere at the Lane. The fact
is we have gone quiet. People sat waiting for it to happen, with impatient
expectation. And when the goal doesn't come, or a mistake is made, you hear the
muttering and the groans. The second, third, fourth mistakes greeted with ever
louder groans. I wasn't at the Birmingham game, but those who were there
commented it was like a morgue at times. The Preston game on Saturday wasn't helped
by half the crowd being caught up in Freshers gridlock at kick off, but did we
ever really get going once the ground filled? The usual groups at the back of
the Kop made their effort, but it never really reverberated around the ground.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Even when we were all over a team
for 60 minutes it felt quiet. We expect a lot of effort on the pitch and they
(the players) got nothing back when they delivered. The quality of football and
style of play we are trying to deliver deserves it.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Attendances are down on last
season. Matchday pricing and the midweek red button will both have an impact I
am sure, as will the fact that away followings are down as well. Despite these
factors we still have strong numbers, so the volume should still be good.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This entitlement and passive
support - until there is an issue - then breeds on social media. There is a
tendency in some tweets I have seen to focus on the fact we have been on a
"run" of one point from a home and away game. Since when is two games
a run of games? Particularly when it includes one okay performance that we
should have got at least point from - but didn't and another where initial
dominance of possession wasn't translated into goal opportunities, we faded and
found ourselves holding on for a point. The latter one of those games where
everyone has a stinker - rare, but they do happen. But for some people this was
panic stations, this was the start of "the rot". The reality is it was
four wins in six and sixth in the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w0Kvj7K7m6hWp_mWjzl6CrEz6myLvxe8yIqXjd0XuG6z_HI-lwIuN2rWV7PydVcZgft-lWp4V-Ux05haP9hjwwL-HV8LN8-XdoFpl_xxJX50LKZpgTPtPWhBXUdj5HVNuXW5j9jXcHrY/s1600/Screenshot_20180922-195318.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w0Kvj7K7m6hWp_mWjzl6CrEz6myLvxe8yIqXjd0XuG6z_HI-lwIuN2rWV7PydVcZgft-lWp4V-Ux05haP9hjwwL-HV8LN8-XdoFpl_xxJX50LKZpgTPtPWhBXUdj5HVNuXW5j9jXcHrY/s320/Screenshot_20180922-195318.png" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">All sense of perspective is lost.
The need to comment in the immediacy of the final whistle, or in this case
midway through a second half with United 2-0 up, leaves little time for
rationalisation. Comments that were previously kept within the privacy of
friends and family are now out on public display. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There appears to be a reluctance
to pause and think before hitting ‘send’ or ‘tweet’, a pause that might have
more value than the words that have been typed.<o:p></o:p>
If this was the reaction when we went 2-0 up, I can only assume the patchy 3G
coverage in the Lane thankfully deprived us of the thoughts at 2-2.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This is not a call for Ultra
groups, choreographed displays, or singing sections. It isn't necessarily about
singing songs. This is just a call for some perspective, for fans to get behind
the team and encourage them. Bramall Lane rocking is a place few clubs would
want to visit, how many times have opposition managers commented on it? We are
in a much stronger position than many would have expected even after winning the
League One title 16 months ago. Yes, we didn't kick on last season as we might
have hoped, after a great start, but we are putting together a similar platform
this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The table below shows the
position at the same stage last season, there are many similarities with this
in that we are fourth and two points off the lead, but this season is more open
and the gaps are smaller. Just two points separate us in fourth and Blackburn
in twelfth. The margins are small and everything points to a competitive league
with a team that finds consistency pulling away from the rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nieaao2WfFJ270hMpDlhm7183pyii21dNDN9iGbqs4jXG8mxUTcyKYchS94QY_2t4VY9Mv_HK3r-zloHdWLS4pXd68XeT8AR9w3gtZwwlSrPmejM8ckcwtQImsIaG18Z2kEPpIuV7h9f/s1600/table+P9+17-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="782" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nieaao2WfFJ270hMpDlhm7183pyii21dNDN9iGbqs4jXG8mxUTcyKYchS94QY_2t4VY9Mv_HK3r-zloHdWLS4pXd68XeT8AR9w3gtZwwlSrPmejM8ckcwtQImsIaG18Z2kEPpIuV7h9f/s640/table+P9+17-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I recently saw the graph below on
twitter from a Wednesday fan, (stick with me!) Peter Loehmann. It showed that
over the last 14 years the proportion of teams in the Top 6 of the Championship
each week that are still there at season end. Whilst that wasn't the case for
us last season and we were in the other 50%, then there must be a chance this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:387pt;height:239.25pt'>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_gQack7DBQI4pxmFzkyaPzTA336VfFg4vOUrG94OEEYf8BtRqMhTzDJwjAKDMKkYEhFKKkVQDsSwyNblW2MVKR8QRO5WJQQybpcgehtvZ62zF5gMMosFhjwOACansaUeV245pBTQgypn/s1600/IMG_20180925_174115+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_gQack7DBQI4pxmFzkyaPzTA336VfFg4vOUrG94OEEYf8BtRqMhTzDJwjAKDMKkYEhFKKkVQDsSwyNblW2MVKR8QRO5WJQQybpcgehtvZ62zF5gMMosFhjwOACansaUeV245pBTQgypn/s640/IMG_20180925_174115+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let's not take this for granted.
Let's not assume that the players can produce these kinds of performances every
week. They're going to need us to get behind them and they need us to lift them
when energy is flagging. Teams come to Bramall lane to contain us. Be patient,
keep perspective, we can make a difference. You never know we may convert some
of those results we didn't get last season into better ones this and who knows
where that might take us?</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-7930803606426692242018-09-24T19:53:00.000+01:002018-09-24T19:53:47.855+01:00Game by Game - 13<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s1600/20180127_142709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s640/20180127_142709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Game 13 – Preston North End (H), Championship – 3-2</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So we missed a couple of games in Game by Game - whilst our
correspondents were at both Bristol City on Saturday and the Lane on Tuesday,
time and other priorities have limited their writing opportunities.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so on
the back of two results that can be described as disappointing for different
reasons, the Blades went into a game that, based on the season to date form of
both sides, looked imminently winnable. History tells us that is never the case
when we face Preston, either home or away. This was a team that showed more
hunger and fight when the two teams met at the end of last season in a must win
game and their matchday squad was largely unchanged with 14 players named who
were included back in April. Perhaps the biggest losses were the injured
Maguire and Bodin, limiting their attacking options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Wilder made five changes midweek, perhaps too many and
the disruption caused maybe contributed to so many of the team having a stinker
on the same night. He then made four more changes on Saturday, but few would
argue with re-instating the two wing backs and restoring Sharp and McGoldrick
to frontline duties. The starting XI picks itself at present, assuming all are
fit and able.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In front of a relatively sparse looking crowd, the ground
slowly filling up as the traffic chaos around the city impacted so many
journeys to the Lane, United started on the front foot. Plenty of possession
but initially lacking that impetus in the final third, with O'Connell crossing
over everyone's heads and Stevens and Freeman both wasting great crossing
opportunities bursting to the sidelines. McGoldrick had a goal-bound header,
cleared away by a Preston forehead, but for those who had witnessed the
Birmingham game there were similar features. Preston were sat deep and rarely
threatened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We needed to find a way through and needed that bit of
inventiveness that had been lacking for a couple of games. Each attack seemed
to end with a groan from the crowd and sat on the Kop there was a sense of
agitation rather than anticipation building. This cannot help the players. When
on top like this the crowd needs to get behind the team and be the 12th man
forcing the ball home, not sat waiting and then grumbling when it doesn't
happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The goal, when it came arose from end to end football and
one perfectly delivered pass. After a spell of prolonged United possession
Basham tried turning in a tight spot on the right edge of the opposition
penalty area. Robbing the ball from Basham, Preston broke at pace and United
were on the back foot. But a superbly timed challenge, I think from Egan, saw
the ball fall into the path of Freeman who advanced and hit a deliciously
weighted through ball into the path of McGoldrick down the right channel.
McGoldrick's cross shot could only be parried by Maxwell and, after what felt
like an age, Sharp reached the ball to tap into the empty net. No more than
United deserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after McGoldrick stretched for a Stevens cross, but
could only head wide. Just before the half time whistle, Preston had a rare
break stretching the Blades back line and O’Connell and Egan made excellent
blocks at crucial moments. Rarely had we been under pressure, but when we had
been we felt a little panicky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bizarrely Preston didn't start the second half with any
greater ambition and it felt like one way traffic with all the play coming towards
the Kop. United won a free kick on the right-hand side and Norwood drove a
hard, curling ball that only needed a diversion from the head of Basham to send
it into the top corner. I thought no one could top the accuracy and quality of
my childhood performance at Paperboy on the Spectrum, but Norwood's delivery is
the best I have seen for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United were coasting and had a great chance to kill the game
off, McGoldrick dragging it wide from the right side of goal with only the
keeper to beat. This seemed to trigger Preston into action and the introduction
of the tricky Daniel Johnson, just after the hour mark, and Barker ten minutes
later really added some thrust to their attack, but for a lot of effort and
possession the final ball was lacking. United were solid enough but without
ever looking wholly comfortable, mainly due to not retaining possession for any
decent period. Wilder changed formation, Marvin Johnson for Sharp and we
switched to a 4-1-4-1 that also allowed us to go to 4-3-3 when attacking with
Johnson and Duffy either side of McGoldrick, but nothing was sticking when the Blades
were in possession. It felt like wave after wave of Preston pressure and when
the goal came, you could sense the ground as one seemed to mutter, "Well
that's been coming".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a completely preventable goal; as Barker advanced
O'Connell stayed on his heels, Stevens went to close him down leaving Barker to
slip in Fisher overlapping on the right. He laid the perfect ball across to
Robinson who had dropped a couple of yards off Egan, who ended up slipping to a
heap on the floor as the ball was knocked home. Preston now had belief and
their second came down the opposite side. Freeman sucked inside leaving Hughes
alone on the left and his cross was met by the lunging Johnson, whose shot was
probably heading wide until it cannoned off O'Connell and wrong-footed Henderson.
With 8 minutes to go, there was a sense a draw might be a good result right now
as United had offered little for 20 minutes and Preston's dander was up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then out of nothing United had a third. Johnson, who up to
that point had struggled to get into the game, linked up wonderfully with
Stevens. The full back surging to the by-line, leaving a couple of defenders
flat footed, before a perfect pull back that McGoldrick was never going to
spurn. From dejection to joy in minutes and a goal celebration that further secures
Dean Henderson’s place in the hearts of Blades fans. It reminded me of Simon
Tracey’s celebrations against Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There followed a ridiculous 6 minutes of stoppage time that
became even longer with Stearman coming on to shore things up at the back.
Given Maxwell had wasted time from minute one, it was odd that Scott Duncan
loaded the stoppage time to the second half, but thankfully the Blades saw it
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Three final thoughts:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>PNEgative</b> - There was an interesting tweet from
Blades' fan and AUV contributor Phil Ridley post match.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a bizarre tactic from Alex Neill. For large parts of
the first half they were under the cosh and had eleven men behind the ball, but
having said that they rarely broke with any real threat or numbers, despite the
impressive Callum Robinson working hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McGoldrick's missed one on one chance to make it 3-0 seemed
to spur them into life and the period that followed was largely one way
traffic. We seemed to panic under pressure, there was no outlet and as quick as
the ball was cleared, Preston were back on the front foot. We were rocking.
When the first goal came you felt that they could get another and even the most
hopeful Blade must have feared a PNE winner after the equaliser, we were
reeling. Daniel Johnson, a player who impressed in his Oldham days when we
played them in League One, added some real impetus to their play and although Wilder's
subs made sense to try and stabilise defensively and offer an alternative
outlet wide in the pace of Marvin Johnson, we seemed to retreat further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would Preston have stood a better chance starting like this?
That is hard to say, as the shift in gear when we were on top seemed to catch
us out. Doing it from the off and maintaining it is a different issue. We may
well have exploited the space created instead of playing the football equivalent
of Arkanoid against a yellow wall for an hour. Clearly Neill has concerns
about them defensively and their zero away goals before Saturday suggest that
the tactics aren’t allowing their attacking talent to flourish, but neither is
it working defensively. Give me The Wilder Way anytime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A soft underbelly?</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one concern coming out of Saturday is that we are still susceptible
to sloppy play defensively and when we don't get the goals to kill teams off we
have a tendency to panic and concede possession too easily. The goals conceded
were not great goals from an attacking perspective, more the result of
continually knocking on the door until a hinge comes loose. In this case in
both full back positions, although you could argue O'Connell being decisive and
going to meet Barker, would have left Enda less exposed. We were nearly undone
by Birmingham in similar fashion midweek and I am sure it is something the
management team will look to address.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First choice striker</b> - Probably lacking the goals his
performances deserve David McGoldrick has to be topping the strikers’ pecking
order right now. Tireless work rate, good link play and eventually got the goal
on Saturday. A little more consistency in his finishing and staying injury free
could see him up the top end of the Championship Top Scorers list.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-39368694020785380772018-09-02T15:11:00.001+01:002018-09-02T15:11:45.826+01:00Game by Game - 10 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s1600/20180127_142709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s640/20180127_142709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>With the A United View Editor sunning himself overseas, 26,030 fans basked in the sunshine at BDTBL and a majority of those in attendance basked in the glory and unbridled joy of what many have described as the best 45 minutes of football they have seen from a Blades team. Amongst them was <a href="https://twitter.com/tyronej1984" target="_blank">Tyrone Hoyland</a>, who we welcome to AUV with his take on yesterday's game.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Game 10 - Aston Villa (H), Championship - 4-1</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After three successive victories against Steve ‘The Fraud’ McLaren’s QPR, perennial shithouses Norwich City, and hoofball’s finest - Bolton Wanderers, I expected a much tougher test against last season’s Play-Off runners-up, and current under-achievers Aston Villa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> small sense of revenge was in the air too. Last season’s 94th minute winner by Robert Snodgrass ensured United tasted defeat in a home game they really ought to have won. Having thankfully returned back to his parent club this season, there’d hopefully be no repeat of that drama today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United made one change to the starting eleven that had given Bolton a proper footballing lesson last week and the return of Paul Coutts, albeit named on the bench, was a welcome sight. Villa lined up without Bolasie, Abdomah and loan deadline day signing Tammy Abraham, but despite those three absences Steve Bruce named a team loaded with talent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kick-off came and for the second time in a week, United were ahead within the first five minutes. An outstanding ball from Oli Norwood met by the head of Jack O’Connell. For a bloke used to heading bricks left and right, it was a fine finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Norwood could, and should have made it 2-0 five minutes later, hitting the inside of the post after some lovely inter-play between him, Fleck and Duffy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incredibly, it was 2-0 within half an hour. In a game dominated by the Blades, the bounce-killer himself Duffy hit a sweet shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner of the goal. What a start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The referee, not to be outdone, soon decided he needed to be the centre of attention for a while, dishing out a few bizarre decisions both ways, including waving away the assistant’s flag for a foul on McGoldrick that could have ended up being a red card for Villa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m struggling to remember the last time we went into half time 3-0 up <i>(Bradford City at home in the title winning season - Ed)</i>, but we soon were. That man Norwood again involved, but this time on the scoresheet himself. I’m still not quite sure what happened. Another perfect delivery from United’s number 16 somehow nestled in at the near post. Jubilation. Dean Henderson almost in the Kop with us. Chants of “Easy! Easy! Easy!” ringing out from three corners of the ground. Unreal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The remaining minutes of the half took a bit of a backseat as the Villa fans in the away end decided to make themselves the centre of attention this time; by knocking seven shades of shit out of each other. It seemed everyone wanted to take the attention away from just how good we’d been. In truth, it had been a first-half masterclass from United. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An early second-half goal for Villa would’ve made things slightly interesting, but it was game over just minutes after the restart. Fantastic work again for United’s fourth, with star man Norwood winning the ball back brilliantly in the Villa half, giving it to Freeman who slid the ball into Sharp. A smart turn and finish in the area ensured the Blades hero’s fourth goal of the season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United were largely in control for the rest of the match, and we could have, and probably should’ve had a couple more in truth. A consolation goal after an hour for El Ghazi took the gloss off the scoreline a bit, and the relentless baiting by United fans of pantomime villain Jack Grealish was fun to watch, but how Villa fans put up with his antics every week is beyond me. Such a talented player wasting his time falling over and generally making himself look a bit of a tit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4-1. Full time, happy faces and beers all round.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United. Outstanding. The first half blitz of goals was enough. Sweeping aside a fancied Villa team as easy as we did today surely bodes well for the remainder of our season. So much for quietly going about our business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A final word on Aston Villa. Too early to tell if there’s a touch of second-season syndrome about them yet, but they looked a shadow of the team I saw twice last season. Steve ‘Spendalot’ Bruce should be worried. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MOTM: Norwood, obviously. The next time the wife goes bargain hunting she’s taking Chris Wilder with her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three final thoughts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where on my body should I get the tattoo of Oliver Norwood?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How big should the statue of Wilder at the Lane be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is Jack Grealish on medication for the Vertigo he currently suffers with? </span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-30459057942330670492018-08-26T08:50:00.001+01:002018-08-26T10:06:29.864+01:00Game By Game - 9 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>A United View welcomes fellow #runnerblade , director of Pickard Tours and all round bon vivant Alan Pickard to offer up his </i></b><b><i>views</i></b><b><i> on a trip to the Bolton Polytechnic Stadium. Surprisingly </i></b><b><i>less</i></b><b><i> hazy than </i></b><b><i>I</i></b><b><i> expected!</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Game 9 - Bolton (A), Championship - 0-3</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bolton away. Bank Holiday Weekend. Super. That'll be fun then. I'm sure you all thought the same. Aside from the fact it's a ground that has slightly less character than Legoland, it's not even in Bolton. Imagine, building a new ground and forgetting where you're from? Anyway......I digress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trip started well. I forgot my beers. Sake. On the coach at 9 though with emergency Carling (AUV cannot condone drinking Carling, even in an emergency - Ed) purchased, spirits were high. As always when you travel with mates, talk turns to previous away days and mishaps. But I'd not brought my gloves today so enough of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's head to a pub. <br />
It opens at eleven doesn't it Paul? <br />
Oh, turns out it doesn't. <br />
Paul can't read.<br />
Half eleven. <br />
Maths was never his strong point. Luckily another a hundred yards up the road was open so let's have one there instead. Decent. Let's get merry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone back on the coach at 2 and we're off. Good job the driver knows which car park to go to. And we've not toured all the car parks before arriving at the away end! Been here so many times and it's soulless. One thought - let's have these today Blades. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team news filters through. Oooh! That midfield is getting uploaded to Pornhub.....and Coutts ain't back yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game kicks off and United are instantly on the front foot. Get in!!! Or not. Off the bar from Fleck. We were on top here and had to make it count. Another corner cam in looking threatening but it came to nothing. Next attack saw a good little bit of play, the ball fell to Duffy and in it goes to the corner of the onion bag. The tone is set. "We're gonna hammer these". However...my first thought was lets keep a clean sheet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More good play followed. Flowing movement across the park, Norwood and Fleck making the Wanderers look like non-league players at times. Duffy popping up in more places than Peter Sutcliffe. The difference in quality is vast and United are hammering the point home. Bolton have a 5 minute spell. Ameeeobbeee looks like the only half decent player for Bolton but, to be fair, he needs a mate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blades attack. Ball into Freeman 15 yard out, right of goal. A 10 yard ball into Leon's feet who has the vision of Zidane to leave it and let it roll in the corner of the net. Suprise and delirium take over the away end. WE'RE ON THE MARCH WITH WILDERS ARRR-MY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half time. Two nowt. Well on top. Tidy in possession and playing with the kind of thrust that creates WhatsApp groups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Downstairs for a pint and I missed about 8 minutes of the second half due to Ed not being able to navigate a queue properly. Anyway, I've been informed by my footy mum Bridgette that McGoldrick smashed one top bins only for the keeper to rise like Conor Sammon's more agile brother and tip it over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much more flowing football followed. We were very good today and it's such a shame that the following wasn't more, but those in attendance made good noise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a slight lull we did our best Barcelona impression. Wonderful build up from the back. The ball broke on the left to Stevens who's delightful delivery caused pandemonium in the box, Bolton nowhere to be seen, Fleck sweeps home. Be seeing you. Is this a fire drill? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond that, we were in even more control. We could and should have been 4 or 5 up really. Much singing followed and I've got to be honest here, I'm glad it wasn't. Let's not draw attention to how good we can be as early as we did last season. Three nowt. Full time. Off home we go delighted with the performance and result. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stopping off on the way home we bump into Gary Madine in the services. He seemed happy to see us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up the Blades. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Three </i></b><b><i>final</i></b><b><i> thoughts:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Egan. 4 million. Bargain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Norwood. 2 million. Steal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Billy Sharp is as good now as he was in his mid twenties. Captain Marvel. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI2zBEyLjyxKRbUBV2G6uoyYM6Jtm3aYZAzbGhz5KybXt4OsCnJC5YkaeU9JVWMxu5KcxXRF4HiCkBrujI-rRHo2941VQWlLxk6yFsysvwuPndqgVuewM55D9Yr3T4IvkcuFQenB4hcff/s1600/IMG-20180825-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI2zBEyLjyxKRbUBV2G6uoyYM6Jtm3aYZAzbGhz5KybXt4OsCnJC5YkaeU9JVWMxu5KcxXRF4HiCkBrujI-rRHo2941VQWlLxk6yFsysvwuPndqgVuewM55D9Yr3T4IvkcuFQenB4hcff/s640/IMG-20180825-WA0003.jpg" /></span> </a> </div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-71900441121403522512018-08-24T23:12:00.002+01:002018-08-24T23:12:55.658+01:00He's One Of Our Own - The story behind the book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG-mR1OMT50fDDIuVwbFkh0o4z_JRMwY5FTUNxEecGBIhds4gafOX-Y0F7L4rM5ZATxs7RBHV7_17zJ-yWfo4BIbLUnj1kaEfqJwEwCy58G5R-4Ze5hSCMGYVqZicZM_QL0EmA8O_j2cI/s1600/adobe-spark-post_%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="900" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG-mR1OMT50fDDIuVwbFkh0o4z_JRMwY5FTUNxEecGBIhds4gafOX-Y0F7L4rM5ZATxs7RBHV7_17zJ-yWfo4BIbLUnj1kaEfqJwEwCy58G5R-4Ze5hSCMGYVqZicZM_QL0EmA8O_j2cI/s640/adobe-spark-post_%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em>Blades fans have been lucky in recent years, with several books being published with either a strong Blades flavour, or focusing on a former Blades player. Autobiographies of Alan Hodgkinson, Keith Edwards,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Tony Kenworthy and </span></em></strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <strong><em>Bob Booker look firmly to the past (and in most cases to a fondly remembered time). The latest Blades related book has a much more current focus, but the time it covers will still be looked on with great happiness for many years to come.</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Danny Hall, journalist at The Star, has written He's One Of Our Own : The Story of Chris Wilder's Blades Revolution and he too time out to tell A United View about it.</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the book's <a href="https://hesoneofourownbook.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">website</a> you say; "I’ve always had an ambition to write a
book, ever since I picked up a copy of The Star as a kid and realised that
being paid to write about sport was an actual thing."<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it the case that the Wilder story
presented a nice opportunity to achieve that ambition? Have you had any other
opportunities previously?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pitched one book before this one,
but they weren't picked up because they had broad appeal. This one was a little
different, but it wasn't a case of being desperate to write a book. It's always
been something in the back of my mind, because I enjoy the longer-form of
journalism that there isn't always time and space for, but it wasn't like I was
throwing out pitches left, right and centre. So I thought a book, over
60-90,000 words, would give me the chance to get my teeth into something. I
pitched it to the publisher who called me immediately and said he wanted it, so
the journey began there really.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With newspapers focusing online,
increasing numbers of alternative online news outlets and traditional print
media supposedly under threat, is it tough pitching an idea to publishers, or
was this story an easy sell?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As touched on previously, a fairly
easy sell. Newspapers are focusing increasingly online and on social media, but
I still believe there is room for a long read.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a Blades fan and journalist what
are your favourite memories pre-Wilder? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pre-Wilder, there wasn't a great
deal! One of my earliest memories was watching Vas Borbokis v Sunderland... I
loved him from that moment, and got his name on my replica away shirt. It had
to curve around the No.2 because the shirt was so small, and cost more for the
printing than the top! Obviously the highlight was the Warnock promotion season
and then the Premier League campaign, which ended in the most Sheffield United
way possible. The FA Cup semi-final against Hull at Wembley was also brilliant,
if not for the sensation of <i>finally </i>scoring a goal there but for the
spontaneous round of applause that filtered around Wembley after Hull's fifth
goal went in.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are the challenges of writing a
book alongside the day job?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's tough. A lot of people have
assumed that writing the book is a bit of a busman's holiday, as it fits quite
tightly with the day job, but it couldn't be further from the truth! And coming
home at night after a day of writing, to write another 4-5,000 words, or taking
a week off to write was difficult. I reckon over the five-month period of the
book from idea to completion, I had a week off from it - and that was spent on
holiday, reading over the proofs! </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think many fans might assume that
for a man whose job is writing that writing and publishing a book is dead easy,
but how long did it take from the first formulation of an idea to getting a
physical copy of the book in your hand? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The physical copy was delivered
today, August 22, and the idea was formed in the week leading up to the
Leicester FA Cup tie in February.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I imagine the players and management
were more than happy to contribute to the book, how hard was it to edit down
their input?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were, and it was fairly
straightforward. I wanted to get a flavour of the Wilder years from the
perspective of the players, but also their careers - so Jake Wright's time in
the Conference, Mark Duffy almost giving up football, Paul Coutts' difficult
times under Adkins... they all spoke really well, fortunately for me, and I
think the end product works quite well.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Were there any stories that you
couldn't commit to print?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There were - invariably, in this
job, there are! </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fans contributions add colour and
putting the Wilder era into context against the Adkins regime that preceded it
must have made for some challenging edits with emotions still running strong
over his reign?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There were, but I was careful to not
censor them too much. It was an emotive time - football's an emotive game - and
the biggest challenge was editing down a superb piece from one fan, Dan Atkin,
who wrote brilliantly about the effect that season had on him - a few thousand
words too long! So wittling that down, and still keeping the flavour, was a
challenge, but one I enjoyed. What came across was that the players had similar
frustrations to the fans, albeit probably not as strongly. It was a season we'd
probably all rather forget, but one that I felt was so important to the Wilder
story that it had to be included in full, to understand the task that faced
Wilder when he took over.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With contributions from many sources
how hard was it to turn it into a cohesive story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not particularly - although anyone
who reads it may not agree! The book follows a linear format loosely, although
some chapters do jump forwards and backwards slightly. </span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From talking to the players, what do
you think is different about this group and the way they were managed that led
to United finally escaping League 1 and establishing themselves in the
Championship? Are there aspects of their personalities, attitudes etc. that are
different from previous squads?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The main difference that I picked up
on was 'real world' experience - many of the players who form Wilder's side
have experienced rejection or disappointment, which I touch on in the book. As
I say Wright played in the Conference and Mark Duffy gave up football entirely
for a period... Coutts worked on an oil rig in Scotland, Chris Basham worked in
McDonald's. It's also a cliche, but the team spirit up at Shirecliffe is really
good. You can see that the players are teammates and friends too, which perhaps
hasn't been true in the past. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The biggest reason, though, is undoubtedly
Wilder. He has a unique ability of being close to the players one minute,
making them feel a million dollars, and the next totally distancing himself and
working them to within an inch of their lives. I lost count the amount of times
I have sat at Shirecliffe listening to Wilder speak and thought, 'I'd love to
work under him'. And that, in any job, can't be underestimated.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a journalist you have had a level
of access to the club and events that fans can only dream of. What are your top
3 moments of the Wilder reign so far for you personally?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">September 24, 2017. To turn the game
around like that, in those circumstances, with Hillsborough bouncing was
unbelievable. Afterwards, we spoke to Mark Duffy in a small room just off the
Hillsborough tunnel and I don't think he could believe it himself. It was the
day he wrote his name in United folklore forever, and he had no idea what he'd
just done.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The open top bus. We were invited
on, taking turns to go on the top deck as the bus worked its way around
Sheffield town centre. Inside the Town Hall, the walls reverberated to the
sounds of the Jack O'Connell song and to see so many Blades gathered from the
balcony was incredible.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not a top moment per se, but
Millwall away in Wilder's first season. Afterwards a Sky journalist asked him
if he feared for his job, and he wasn't too happy. Getting the beers on the bus
on the way back was credited with the turnaround, but no-one could ever imagine
what would follow in the coming months.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everybody wants things in small,
easy to read form now. Twitter also provides a great platform for promoting
writing in all its forms. If you could sum up the book in 140 characters what
would you say?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tough one! The story of how one
man picked up a club on the floor, told by those involved. This is how Chris
Wilder made Sheffield United united again.</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any further plans for books, United
based or otherwise?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not
just yet! It was an enjoyable experience, but not one I'd rush into repeating. I
owe my fiance more than a bit of my time first, I think!</span></span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em>Thanks to Danny for his time in answering the questions. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of the book (you can get your copy </em></strong><a href="http://bladesbook.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><strong><em> ) and we will post a review of it on here in due course.</em></strong></span></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-30256322205666613112018-08-20T18:21:00.000+01:002018-08-24T23:36:07.992+01:00Game by Game - 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s1600/20180127_142709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s640/20180127_142709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="LrzXr zdqRlf kno-fv"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SkyBet</b><b> Championship, </b><b>Norwich</b><b> (H), 2-1</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the recriminations and frustrations of last season's encounter at the Lane, the visit of Norwich (just like Mel B's dresses) holds a little more spice than it used to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Canaries' time wasting last season was unlike anything I have seen from an opposition side in years and whilst Saturday's game didn't quite reach those levels, it wasn't far off at times. The fact that Darren Bond (whose one-way decision making made me question if he was related to John) only added 3 minutes on as the clock reached 90 astounded many in the ground. The fact that it was sufficient time for United to finally make Norwich pay, meant any of those grumbles and frustrations could be forgotten about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After last week's win at QPR and an improved performance midweek, let down yet again by spurned chances, there was cautious optimism, if a little surprise, at the omission of Stearman in what looked a very positive and attacking Blades line up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the off Norwood was busy, wanting the ball, dictating play and his link up with Fleck was reminiscent of the Coutts/Fleck partnership, with each taking responsibility in turn and prompting, driving United forward. Norwood's set pieces were a joy all game. When Egan met his right wing corner (which Norwood had also won) at the far post his powerful header looked to be cleared off the line from the Kop, but the Blades players were claiming goal and a couple of seconds later the referee got the call and signalled goal. The Lane was rocking and "Take your time, take you time Sheffield United, playing football the Norwich way" rang out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the next 20 minutes United were on top and you thought they were most likely to score, but they suffered a real sucker punch. Basham failed to deal with Hernandez on the left side of the box, being rolled far too easily, and the winger put it on a plate for Wednesday loanee Jordan Rhodes, who doesn't miss a chance like that.......unless he is in a shirt with Chansiri written on it. His celebration right in front of the Kop stirred anger and abuse, but that quickly subsided and the ground felt deflated as the game, from a United view, fizzled out to half time. Despite this I felt optimistic, telling friends at half time we will win this 2-1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second half saw United start the better side. Several crosses into the box came to nothing, Egan saw a hooked effort well saved by Krul on the post and two great Norwood corners ended with Leonard heading over and a late surging Egan could only direct his header inches past the post. Norwich had opportunities too, spurning a great chance from a couple of yards out after the ball came back off the bar. Leitner then received the ball after a deflection off a team mate at least 8 yards offside. With no flag and two team mates in support he hared down on Henderson, only for the keeper to stand tall and make a superb stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The three minutes injury time were going down as quickly as Alex Tettey with "cramp" and even I was doubting my half time optimism, when Basham played a Norwood-esque ball into McGoldrick's path on the left side of the box. He hooked his foot around it, dragging it across goal, where Sharp forced it home. Delirium. Wilder was down one touchline, Henderson ran the length of the other to join in celebrations. A deserved win and whilst there is still work to be done, both defensively and on delivering a full ninety minute performance, there was much to feel optimistic about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Three final thoughts:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Jordan's assets</strong> - Canaries fans could have been excused for
looking like their most famous celebrity <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOad90BvvjM" target="_blank">Alan Partridge</a> at full time. After a salutary
wave to the away end, off Rhodes skulked towards the tunnel, without going over to the fans. You can imagine the plaintive cries of "JorDAN, JorDAN! JorDAN! JorDAN........JorDAAAAAN...........JorDAN!..... oh he's not seen us" coming from the away end. After his goal celebration in
front of the Kop was rendered meaningless he clearly didn't want to be on that
pitch any longer. Having said all that, Rhodes would be an absolute dream to
have at the Lane. With the way we play and the types of goals he scores, he would
finish off plenty of those crosses that pass through the box without that final
touch and would be a great target for Norwood at set pieces. In fact, there is a
good chance he would have walked off that pitch with the match ball on Saturday
if he had worn a red and white shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><strong>"Comes to something"</strong> - My Dad mutters the same thing every week. In
fact he has uttered the six words for the last twenty odd years. As the Kop rises
to its feet in anticipation as the ball is placed for a corner to be taken, he
is in no rush to get up. Partly down to his advancing years and difficulty in
getting up too quickly, but also due to his long held belief that <i>"We
never bloody score from corners"</i>. Sod's Law he wasn't there with me on
Saturday, but I think it will be rare that he mutters that phrase whilst ever Oliver Norwood is a Blade. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The <a href="https://twitter.com/s24su?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@S24SU twitter feed</a> will also have to change as Foxy and Linz have to get used to not clicking
in drafts and selecting the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Comes
to nothing" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after every
"Corner to the Blades" tweet. We have a player who can not only dictate
play in the middle of the park, wanting the ball, making himself available and
then picking a pass, we have a dead ball specialist. From the corner met by
Egan and for the 81 minutes that followed, each corner or free kick was met
with a deep breath and a degree of anticipation from the crowd. There was good
variation; short, long and out to the edge of the penalty area, and each time
you felt something could happen here. Whilst overseas midweek, I caught up with
the Hull Cup game via twitter and saw plenty of mention of Norwood and his
corners, with his performance on Saturday it genuinely excited me…….long may it
continue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Leon's not lazy</strong> - One grumble from Saturday is directed at a section
of our support that seem hell bent on making Leon Clarke the latest target for their
frustrations. At times in the first half it felt much bigger than just a small section
of fans and it seemed like half the Kop sighed "OhhhhhLeon" as he
didn't quite react in time to cut out a loose ball. We are a fan base that
likes to see effort and a trier and often in the past that has more than made
up for any technical limitation a player might have, making certain players
heroes over more skilful team mates who perhaps lacked application. Leon works
hard for the team, but he also uses judgement about when to close down play, when
to challenge for a header, when to stand off play and wait for the break down.
A great example was when two Norwich defenders went up to win the same header.
Fans around me clearly felt Leon should go up in a 2 v 1 challenge, instead he
just pulled into the space left by the defenders, ready to exploit the gaping hole if the second
ball was collected. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">H<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">is work rate certainly upped a notch second half and he
never gave Hanley or Krul a moment to dwell on the ball. At 33, Leon is often the
striker that lasts 90 minutes and to do that you need to use your experience
and know when to chase and when not to. Unfortunately for some, that is seemingly
a sign of laziness. He is just missing a goal and if he had turned in the
chance first half with a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>crisper finish
then who knows what it will do to his confidence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-10074707936814753312018-08-13T21:28:00.001+01:002018-08-24T23:38:21.443+01:00Game by Game - 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SkyBet</b><b> Championship, </b><b>QPR</b><b> (A), 1-2</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>We welcome Jon Bradley back to A </i></b><b><i>United</i></b><b><i> View, for his </i></b><b><i>take</i></b><b><i> on an away day in West London, having </i></b><b><i>taken</i></b><b><i> a slightly different </i></b><b><i>route</i></b><b><i> there than most Blades </i></b><b><i>And</i></b><b><i> a slightly drier one.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A London away day so early in the season was an unexpected bonus when the fixtures were released. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trains were booked, pubs were identified and the inevitable 'my train is earlier than your train' jibes between the drinkers amongst us were exchanged. Not for me though as I was up at 5:00am to drive from St. Ives, following a family holiday, to Bristol where I would get the train in to meet up with my mates in the capital. The train journey was smooth as were the 180 miles from Cornwall to Bristol, the bump in the road arrived when I decided to order some beer on the train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What beers do you have?” I eagerly asked the kind lady pushing the trolley. This was greeted with a sharp draw of breath and a quite abrupt “what would you like? I don’t like to encourage it usually, at this time of the day." It was 10:10am, yes a little early, however, I had every faith my friends from Sheffield had been sipping the amber nectar at much more of a witching hour! “Any lager” was my response, “I will fetch them you soon.” 40 minutes later and my day had really kicked into second gear when 2 cans of Kronenberg turned up. Viva la France.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once in Paddington, I made my way on the tube to Hammersmith and took up position with friends in Wetherspoons. The app took a hammering as I made my way through some beers with mates before descending on Loftus Road. A grand old stadium Loftus Road is and when United took to the field, after an unnecessary argument about someone being sat in my seat, I was genuinely pumped up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Blades started with a degree of energy which had been absent in the previous two outings. Returns of three old favourites and Stearman made us instantly look like a Wilder side. Freeman and Duffy particularly showing things which have been absent prior to this game. Despite all the effort, United found themselves behind after some last-ditch defending. A prolonged spell of QPR dominance and the ball fell on the edge of the box to Eze who smashed it home past Henderson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Groans and infighting filled the upper tier near where we were sat. One gentleman in particular must have had a run in with Leon Clarke because the way he was going on anyone would have thought that poor Leon invaded Poland in 1939! Nevertheless, United made the breakthrough when three of the returning players combined. Duffy to Freeman to Sharp to 1-1. Easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite the equaliser, I went down at halftime pretty angry at my fellow supporters. You pay your money you can shout what you want, but I couldn't help but feel that the atmosphere in the stand was pretty toxic. Considering what has happened in the last few years in and around the club it really shouldn't be. As I exchanged pleasantries with Blades mates it became apparent they shared this view. I mean there are two drivers here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, the digital age allows us all to access information, statistics or footage to inform and base opinions on. I mean I am sat here writing an article, as a fan, for a mate, for other fans to read. Why? Its a bit of fun and someone will enjoy it, I hope. This era though also allows for nonsense throwaway comments to be tweeted or used as fact by fans. My favourite last week was someone kicking off that we hadn't got a Man City striker on loan who had gone to Preston, I can't even remember the loanees' name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, which is almost worse, is the "I am a bigger Blade than you" bollocks which goes on when things aren't going so well. Which in its own twisted way is full of arrogance and entitlement which isn't necessary nor productive. If you've been to every game for 20 years and seen the reserves away at Exeter on a Tuesday, stood on your own, in December, in the rain, then good for you. But it doesn't mean that you know more than @bladex4lyf4eva.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are supporters and we all see the game differently. We should, however, all be able to look at the game differently without throwing vitriolic negativity at our players, who for 24 months have made us as proud as any set fo supporter in the land. Anyway, I had a cider, it was shite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half started as both teams pressed to seek an advantage. It was a nervy affair with a few good Henderson saves being the highlight from a Blades point of view. Then, in the 65th minute, the substitute McGoldrick was flattened by two of the hosts and a penalty was awarded. McGoldrick took it upon himself to rifle the ball home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United introduced Leonard late on for McGoldrick who had a dead leg. They managed to control the game to its conclusion by any means necessary. Leonard went close late on, but the game finished 2-1. Wilder led the players to the away end for an exchange of pleasantries. Dean Henderson looked like a boy on Christmas morning as he joined in the singing with the away following.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wilder pushed Sharp towards the away end for some personal recognition, something echoed in his post-match interview. As we all made our way home, delighted that United had some points on the board, it's fair to say the gaffer was equally pleased. Particularly me, who knew that I could have a beer on the way home without judgement and that sometimes just being a fan is pretty fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Three final thoughts:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dean Henderson - the kid oozes quality and if he continues to behave like that when we win he will become a fan favourite in no time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cautious optimism - United beat a poor QPR team but a little confidence can go a long way with this bunch of players.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's not the messiah... - Duffy did help United towards the victory, however, whether or not we need can pin our hope on him doing it in the remaining 42 games remains to be seen. Along with Freeman and Sharp though on this occasion, they did make the difference.</span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-63552114300344388022018-08-08T21:23:00.003+01:002018-08-08T21:23:46.542+01:00Game by Game - 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s1600/20180127_142709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc1CduJdAqD8pJy7INQSpM1hfh6yoF2kNm3YjUMqO9DPMzfYiZVJDLOU905W6eC4OABXu4tTGkQGLdjaW7G4VhZNpp6MyorgOvRet7QXIdDza4AukS4sfHyqK7JRDXnOTRc2utLmsMnCv/s640/20180127_142709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A United View welcomes <a href="https://twitter.com/pjridders?lang=en" target="_blank">Phil Ridley</a> to its writing ranks with his take on last night's game from the Riverside, whilst I offer three final thoughts from the comfort of my sofa and the red button coverage.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After leaving the rest of the family back in the holiday house we had rented in the Yorkshire Dales for the week, we finally got to Middlesbrough at about 6, only to be directed by a local Bobby to the ‘away boozer’. It turned out, after a 20 minute walk, we had been directed back to the mid-80’s. We stayed for one anyway before heading to the ground. The awful pub experience turned out to be an appropriate metaphor for the night ahead, with a painful first half performance on a par with many you might have seen under the reign of Billy McEwan. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The team selection, even after Saturday, I actually had no problem with. I thought a slightly more cautious approach might suit against a talented Boro side. How wrong could I be. The first 25 minutes were anything but cautious. The warning signs were there when, despite United kicking off, Henderson proved his worth within a minute. Within 10 we were two down. Boro’s first corner was a simple one played to an unmarked Shotton at the near post to flick on to the unmarked Braithwaite to stab home. The second corner was played towards the back post and a similarly unmarked (and scorer of multiple goals from corners last season) Aden Flint. Shocking defending for both.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It wasn’t just at the back we looked shaky, the much maligned midfield three of Fleck, Evans and Lundstram were offering little, as were Stevens and Baldock. McGoldrick was trying in vain to make things happen but it’s tough up top when you’re on your own....<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Boro’s third came in equally frustrating fashion. A cross from deep by Shotton that should really have been closed down and then dealt with by one of the four defenders it went passed on its way to Stuart Downing. The finish was fortuitous, seeming to just hit the former England man before bouncing up and over Henderson, however it could and should have been dealt with. 3-0 down after as bad a 25 minutes I’ve seen since Chris Wilder took our club by the scruff of the neck and gave it a shake. Not even that approach could salvage anything from this. That said, the ironic cheers for Henderson when he caught an aimless ball by a number of Blades behind me was pathetic.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It was at this point the manager changed us to a 4-4-2 and we started looking a little less like conceding every time they attacked. Basham in the middle of the park was flying into tackles and trying to drive forwards, giving Fleck a little more freedom. Half time came and the players left to boos from many of the travelling Blades.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Second half brought Woodburn into the game for Lundstram and United looked the better side from the off, although for Boro the game was already won so who could blame them if they had taken their foot off the pedal. Within a couple of minutes though, Clarke (who I had forgotten was playing) missed a simple chance. A header at the back post that was meat and drink for the player we had pre- Christmas. Whilst we were far from spectacular, we continued to be the side looking more likely to score next. Woodburn looked busy, Fleck more like himself and Evans was getting into advanced positions more regularly.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Duffy coming on for McGoldrick after an hour gave us even more impetus, creating a much needed link between the midfield and attack. The final half hour was a case of what might have been. First Clarke and then Evans, by falling over the ball, both fluffed one on ones that seemed easier to score. Randolph saved well from Stevens and Egan had a chance to open his United account. All in all this just added to the frustration. As I tweeted last night and then echoed by Wilder in his interview, we didn’t do the basics well in enough in either box.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Clearly there are issues at the minute, struggles in the transfer market, not taking chances, conceding soft goals and ‘wags’ sticking their oar in unnecessarily. One thing I’m sure of though, if anyone can sort it, it’s Chris Wilder. Onwards to QPR and what I expect to be a much changed starting eleven.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Three final thoughts (from the comfort of the sofa):</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Perspective is in short supply at the moment. When you have watched United teams under Harry Haslam, (the aforementioned) Billy McEwan, Adrian Heath and Micky Adams you know there has been much worse. However, what alarmed me the most was the lethargy (of body and mind) in that first half. Several players looked like they had won a raffle for a shirt and wandered on to the pitch, dazed and confused. The game was just passing them by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We have generally been spoilt in Chris Wilder's reign and that means when something goes so badly wrong as that first half, on the back of a rocket for the players after Saturday, people are genuinely concerned. But as people who were there commented, to stand there and chant "We're fucking shit" over and over shows a lack of recognition of how far we have come in a short space of time. It isn't "banter", it just makes it harder for the players. It is unhelpful and potentially damaging. To tweet and suggest that Wilder has given up, or that the club should refund fans for last night's game are frankly ridiculous. The latter demonstrating a level of entitlement all too prevalent that doesn't fully comprehend what football support is all about.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Spirit has rarely been questioned under Chris Wilder and he has been careful in his acquisitions and man management to not disrupt the unity and togetherness engendered in that first season. However, it was noticeable on Saturday how heads dropped when Swansea equalised and last night there was lots of finger pointing and debate from players with slumped shoulders, as the game went away from the Blades. I saw someone on the S24SU forum comment on the lack of team spirit being evident in Portugal, I wasn't there and to be fair I haven't seen it mentioned by anyone else, but it was notable last night that we lacked a bit of unity. Clarke as captain doesn't make sense, when last season we signed Stearman (ex-Wolves captain) and now have Egan (former Brentford captain). Where is the man to lift the players on the pitch to dictate, to organise and cajole? We have enough experience for one of them to step up and take up the mantel, rather than point fingers and cast blame.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Talking of casting blame, the poorly masked tweets of Mrs Duffy (post Swansea) and Mrs Sharp (last night), do their other halves few favours. We might agree that both players should have a more prominent role in the team, but indirecting at the manager and his staff via social media demonstrates immaturity and thoughtlessness that at best irritates and at its worst generates ill will. </span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com3Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-15046026454529300352018-08-05T15:21:00.002+01:002018-08-05T15:22:56.962+01:00Game by Game - 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Allerta Stencil";">SkyBet Championship:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "allerta stencil";"> Swansea (H), 1-2</span></div>
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So, where to begin.....yesterday I wrote this tweet post match. </div>
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As a fellow Blade pointed out in response, it's easy to over react in the immediate aftermath of the game and look foolish later. However, I think that misses a point. Frustrations are high (shared by the manager in his post match interview) and better to let off a bit of steam online than take it out in many other ways. </div>
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A critical view doesn't mean that the tweeter has shouted themselves hoarse in encouragement all match. If singling out players is a bad thing then criticise the manager who named several players whose catalogue of mistakes, in his eyes, led to the Swansea goals. One bad result on the opening day doesn't define our season and in the long run it may not be a bad thing. If we had held on to the one goal advantage it would have masked a number of deficiencies that I have no doubt will be addressed. </div>
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The first half was stale fare from two sides finding their feet . Neither goalkeeper was threatened; Henderson comfortably collecting two long range efforts, whilst Nordfelt watched on as United's threat diminished in the final third, as we saw so often in the latter part of last season. Whilst it was frustrating to see United dilly dally out wide before putting over a poor cross, we were hardly flooding the box with options either.</div>
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For all the sharpness and crisp interplay from Celina and Carroll in the Swans' midfield and the bustle of McBurnie up front, the United back line for the large part looked comfortable. At the other end McGoldrick was working hard and trying to create openings, industrious and neat. However, at half time it was difficult to see where a goal was going to come from. A change was needed; United lacked creativity and ideas in the final third and there was just too big a gap between three midfielders sitting deep and McGoldrick and Clarke.</div>
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The second half started a bit more open. End to end with play flowing back and forth, but then there was a 5 minute spell where United were struggling to clear their lines. Lots of last ditch blocks and tackles and with no outlet ball it just kept coming back. Eventually United regained some controlled possession and had three great chances to score, finally taking the third opportunity.</div>
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McGoldrick surged forward in a central position and with space opening in front of him hit it with the side of his right foot. But from such a central position he needed to open his body up further and the ball curled away and past the keeper's right post. He really needed to put his laces through it. </div>
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One player who did when composure was required was Lundstram. Minutes after McGoldrick's chance he was played in on the right side of the box and lashed a wild shot rising high into the Kop. The goal when it can followed neat interplay down United's left involving Baldock. One guy around me said "What's Baldock doing there?" as he laid off to Fleck and arced his run into the box where Lundstram's pull back was met with a calm side foot finish perfectly slotted between keeper' s fingertips and post. You expected United to kick on now, but they didn't.</div>
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Montero had been brought on down the Swansea left for full back Olsson and his pace was causing United problems. More so given we seemed to sit back after scoring. Swansea dominated for the most part from thereon in. We were getting opened up far too easily and the quicker pace and intensity of Swansea was too much, often leading to poor decision making and leaden footedness. Besides their goals, Mackay slammed the bar and Henderson (who saved well in the build up to the equaliser) superbly tipped over a McBurnie header.</div>
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Woodburn, Sharp and Duffy came on but with little effect. Sharp perhaps having most impact but we lacked the ideas to deliver an equaliser, the nearest being a one handed stop by Nordfelt to keep out a cross deflected off Roberts thigh.</div>
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On balance Swansea probably deserved it, despite our superior possession and greater number of shots. Statistics are fine but they don't tell the full story of a disappointing start to the campaign. On the plus side we have plenty of games to show we are better than that.</div>
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Three final thoughts:</div>
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I'm not sure how the shortlist is drawn up for the official Man of the Match, but the fact it had Evans, Baldock and O'Connell on it showed they had limited choice yesterday. Baldock (the vote winner) struggled when Montero came on, not helped by Basham to his left, but goal aside he was poor. At one point trying to shield the ball out off play he was caught out leading to another goalscoring opportunity. O'Connell had quite possibly the worst game I've seen him have in a Blades shirt. He looked off the pace and sleepy. Evans was busy, but as the player to break it up and generally pass sideways he has little impact on the game. Henderson pulled off a couple of good saves, but his kicking and distribution were wayward meaning we surrendered possession too easily. For me McGoldrick was the best of a bad bunch.</div>
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Nearly 24 hours later I stand by my tweet and it was a fear I expressed when the team news came through in the pub beforehand. The three selected in midfield just doesn't work for me. One suggestion in the pub post match was that if this combination was used then Evans and Fleck should be deeper (the former winning the ball, breaking up play and giving it to the latter), with Lundstram more advanced (as he is a more progressive player). I'm not sure, but today they were all too deep, Fleck saw little of the ball and when he did was in wide areas where he is less effective. That's one win in seven games when this midfield combination has been used. If it's to be continued we need to find the right formula and fast. </div>
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For a team that played Premier League last season Swansea were disappointing and eminently were beatable. I guess they are a team in transition with a new manager and many of their better players having left, imminently departing or refusing to play. Bersant Celina (impressive for Ipswich against the Blades last season) and Tom Carroll were excellent in midfield and Ollie McBurnie gave our back three a tough and rough game, as he did to us for Barnsley at Oakwell towards the end of last season. Yet for all this and the impact of pace in Montero, thet felt like a functional team with mistakes in them. Okay, they were away from home, but there was little of the "possession based, attacking football" Potter referred to in his programme interview. Maybe we can blame the first game and early season errors for the many slipshod moments that gave Blades fans belief that three points was achievable and f they put them right I can see them being Top 6 challengers at the end of the season.</div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-67180125485938484622018-08-04T10:43:00.000+01:002018-08-04T11:56:47.495+01:00Countdown to Kick Off<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
Had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO4y3nkJXDA" target="_blank">Meet Her at the Love Parade</a> in my head all week. To most people who know me that aren't Blades fans and know my taste in music, the fact I have a 20 year old electro house track in my head might come as a surprise. But for me the tune can only mean one thing......countdown to kick off.</div>
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There's a sense of anticipation and excitement building, excitement that the extra 145 minutes we have to wait from 3pm might just be able to contain. There is a sense of positivity and confidence about the season ahead. There's a fine line that is often straddled to over confidence, we only have to cast eyes across the city to see past evidence of that. </div>
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I've answered questions for When Saturday Comes and World Soccer's Football 2019 season preview magazines. For the former I had to put all 24 Championship teams in the position I thought they would end up in. I went for 10th, where we ended up last season.</div>
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For me, we have a much stronger squad than 12 months ago. There is competition for places in most positions and the depth of the squad is much better, despite the loss of the most prodigious talent I've seen at the Lane in my lifetime. And we still haven't touched his sale proceeds.</div>
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With Coutts to come back into the reckoning and Leonard only having played a limited role pre-season the selection decisions are only going to get harder as the season progresses. Wilder makes great play on the unity of the squad and management. His recruitment decisions focusing on maintaining that happy equilibrium as much as the player's talents and financial cost. He is also quick to move players on that don't feature or don't work out, ensuring group spirit isn't affected negatively. </div>
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In fact the only negative relates to issues a level above. The boardroom shenanigans are well documented. The only reassuring aspects being that Wilder felt confident in the assurances he received to sign the contract extension and that's evidenced in the quality of transfer dealings to date. In addition, we have garnered a reputation for development of young players that means players like Kean Bryan see us as a club of choice and Mourinho and Klopp trust us to help their best young talent flourish.</div>
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Maybe my mood is enhanced by events across the city. Having had their snipes for several years, you'd have thought last season would have been a timely reminder for them of how quickly the balance shifts in the city of football. I'm too conservative and cautious to get over excited, as I know it can just as easily swing back, often when everything else that's happening suggests otherwise.</div>
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Chris Wilder, in an interview with James Shield of The Star said; </div>
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<b><i>"We're not a boom and bust club. We just want to keep improving and keep knocking on the door. I know our fans don't see it as being 'this is our year or we're doomed.' The big thing is the club keeps developing and that we don't put ourselves in the situation some clubs do. We just want to keep developing."</i></b></div>
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These words strike a chord. We feel like a progressive club, boardroom disagreements aside. So why am I not predicting a higher finish than last season, when I see us as progressive and stronger and with the best manager in the division and our best manager since Dave Bassett? </div>
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One, it feels a tougher division, based on the clubs coming down and a couple of those stepping up. Things can still change and as transfers and loans continue for another week there could be further departures at some of the relegated clubs, but sometimes you have to step up your levels just to maintain a status quo and that is how it feels at present and it is only going to get more difficult with the riches of the Premier League and parachute payments.</div>
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Secondly, I think we are probably a striker short. The contribution of Clarke and Sharp was probably beyond expectations and although the latter ranked high in the leading goalscorer rankings, his goals were in fits and starts and only scored 5 from early December onwards. They're a year older and although David McGoldrick has contributed well in pre-season, we still lack an alternative, sharper option. We know Wilder is trying to address this, with reported interest in Waghorn, but if that falls through you wouldn't put it past him to pull off a surprise coup. </div>
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Get that recruitment right and it could be the difference between a mid-table/top half finish and a push for a play off spot. And if we got there......well our luck is going to have to change at some point.....isn't it?</div>
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I have also answered questions on the season ahead for a Championship preview for Brentford site Beesotted. You can read it <a href="https://beesotted.com/beesotted-championship-predictions-nffc-wba/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Remember, if you are otherwise indisposed on a matchday (working, on holiday, ill, or just have a stadium ban), our short <a href="https://aunitedview.blogspot.com/p/game-by-game-201819.html" target="_blank">Game by Game</a> reports will follow most games. Factual, some opinion and a bit of fun.</div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-3120150160409823992018-08-01T23:58:00.000+01:002018-08-01T23:58:08.299+01:00Game by Game - 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Allerta Stencil"; text-align: start;">Pre-Season Friendly:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Allerta Stencil"; text-align: start;"> Hallam (A), 1-2</span></div>
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A trip to Sandygate on a pleasant Summer evening is never a chore. A fiver in, cheap bar, watching the match with a pint and decent snap from Ann's Tea Bar - tonight it was chilli and rice for £3 - attracted myself , Chris Wilder and 548 others to the oldest football ground in the World.</div>
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Last season saw a few first team fringe players join the Blades development squad up at Hallam. On Tuesday night the only one involved was Caolan Lavery and it was perhaps surprising that Jake Eastwood didn't get game time with Simon Moore and Dean Henderson now jostling for first team action. </div>
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With Regan Slater, Sam Graham, Harvey Gilmour and Calum Semple all out on loan, perhaps the most familiar (least unknown) player to those who aren't regular academy watchers (myself included) was young Welshman Rhys Norrington Davies who has enjoyed a brief cameo at the Keepmoat the previous Friday. Him aside it was a young development side with many stepping up from the u18s squad of last season. After participating in a four team tournament at Whitby ending at the weekend, United named just three subs, it really felt like bare bones.</div>
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With half of the cricket outfield encroaching on to the football pitch, the Sandygate grass had a two tone look. The long hot summer, combined with the infamous Sandygate slope meant that any heavy touch was punished on a hard, bobbly pitch. And in the early stages there were plenty of them from both sides.</div>
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From the first few minutes Norrington-Davies stood out above the rest. Most of United's best play came down the left and they were comfortably on top. Forward David Parkhouse looks a big lad and there was a decent touch amongst the hustle and bustle of his link play. His movement and aerial threat created space that strike partner Lavery never fully exploited. Parkhouse hit a nice curling shot which hit the bar with the keeper Snaith watching on. Then after neat build up his back heel allowed Lavery to hit a curling shot past the keeper.</div>
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Norrington-Davies was influential and popping up on the right, you could hear the Hallam captain shouting "He's all left foot, he's all left foot". Sadly he didn't follow up on our wishes to put over a pearler of a right foot cross. However, it was noteworthy that the mouth was directed at their biggest tormentor. The Blades pressure paid off when Hallam saw his shot parried and Oure tapped in from close range. United were comfortable and Hallam looked ragged, making two early substitutions around half a hour in.</div>
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Whilst I was in a lengthy bar queue there was a substantial delay just before half time when Hallam's captain Reed went down injured. By all accounts there was no challenge but a ruptured achilles saw him eventually leave the pitch on crutches with United medical staff on hand.</div>
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Second half and kicking downhill United lost their way a bit and credit should go to Hallam who were now the better side, despite the upsetting loss of their captain. It'sinteresting how whenever I have been to Hallam, teams seem to benefit kicking up the slope. United's subs made little impact and Silva (a trialist) struggled to get into the game to the extent my friend Al asked if George Weah was his uncle. Aside from a disappointing Lavery effort fired straight at sub keeper Darwent, it was mainly Hallam pressure. </div>
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Their goal came from a corner. A back post header was parried well by Dewhurst but the loose ball was shinned home centre back Griffiths. And it was Dewhurst's goal that was under most threat until the final whistle saw the crowd drift off into the side streets of S10.</div>
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<b>Three final thoughts:</b></div>
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On a night like this you would expect Lavery to stand out, but unfortunately he didn't. Harsh to be singled out as the only senior player involved, but it says much about his future at United that he was. Anyone watching wouldn't have been impressed and an observation was made that he might be a player that drops right down the leagues. When he joined you thought there is something there; pace, aggression and a nuisance for defenders. What he lacked was goals and the loan at Rotherham did little to enhance his prospects. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.</div>
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There were 4 United players who stood out for me. Jordan Hallam looked composed and comfortable on the ball with a decent range of passing, as did Reece York who captained the side. Parkhouse showed promise but I read that he needs to contribute more goals and I can understand that based on what I saw, although he was unlucky when he hit the woodwork. Finally, Norrington-Davies was the stand out. He looked physically stronger than his team mates, had an excellent first touch on a challenging pitch, if anything his final ball could have been better, but he was always offering himself and getting into good attacking positions.</div>
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Finally, in the city of football we need to make sure our local teams are supported. Hallam, Sheffield FC, Handsworth Parramore (stuck out at Worksop) and Stocksbridge all offer affordable football, with a warm welcome. A great alternative when time and money mean a Championship away day isn't feasible. Hallam made the Northern Counties East Division play offs two years ago and just missed out last year as the fixture backlog hit following the harsh winter. It will be harder to gain promotion from Step 6 this season, with no play offs following a pyramid reorganisation, so any extra support will only help. As it will at Handsworth (a league higher) and at Club and Stocksbridge (a further step up).</div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-26073182201564178992018-07-28T20:59:00.000+01:002018-07-28T20:59:17.193+01:00Game by Game - 3<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Allerta Stencil";">A balmy Friday night, lakeside in Doncaster is not on everyone's bucket list, but Jon Bradley was one of nearly 2,000 Blades fans to make the short trip to see the first team's pre-season schedule come to a close. </b></div>
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<b>Pre-Season Friendly:</b> Doncaster Rovers (A), 0-2</div>
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Nothing quite like a local derby, in the loosest of terms,
to end preseason in style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Blades
travelled to Doncaster, it was the supporters last opportunity to see their
beloved Blades before the curtain goes up on the new season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pre-match chat was littered with
suggestions of signings that people thought were the missing piece of the
jigsaw puzzle. Everyone from Josh Windass to Ben Woodburn were mentioned but,
for me, it could be one from leftfield. We all know Wilder may well pull a
proverbial rabbit out of the hat and surprise us all with who comes in before
the window slams shut.<o:p></o:p></div>
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United lined up in usual fashion, but with a midfield of
Lundstram, Duffy and Holmes it was always going to be an interesting game
without our main man Fleck in the middle of the park. He had been the lynchpin
and all that was good in our pre-season to date. The back three also saw a
slight reshuffle, with Egan and O'Connell joined by Stearman, rather than
Basham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was evident Wilder was giving
everyone the chance to stake a claim for a place against Swansea next Saturday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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United stroked it around with purpose in the first half but,
as we have become quite accustomed to seeing in some games in recent memory, we
looked very laboured in the final third.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most noteworthy chance came when O'Connell produced a crunching
challenge on the halfway line which gave Duffy the opportunity to play in
Clarke, which materialised in very little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The most noteworthy mention though has to go to Simon Moore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moore produced four outstanding saves in the
half, including two in quick succession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Proving that there is a lot more he can offer the club this season than
the pleasant way he spoke about us, following the signing of his new contract
on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the second half started Holmes looked full of energy and
purpose yet went down too easily for my liking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it was the introduction of McGoldrick which proved to be the
much-needed spark for United on the hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A neat move saw him jinx in the box before pulling his shot wide. This
was followed by a perfect chance for him at the far post where he couldn't have
hit it truer but, unfortunately for the Blades latest signing, it hit the side
netting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moments later the Blades had the ball in the net as
Norrington-Davies crossed for McGoldrick who slid in to poke the ball
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1-0 Doncaster huffed and puffed,
but to little avail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allowed
McGoldrick and United to break quickly and the scorer turned provider as
McGoldrick weighted a perfect pass for Sharp to do what he does best and double
the Blades lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lavery went close late
on but proved what we all already know, that he just isn't quite good enough
for where we are now as a club.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the heavens opened United finished their preseason
campaign undefeated and any Doncaster based Blades had some very tentative
bragging rights to take to the pub or into work on Monday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Three final thoughts:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dean Henderson had better be ready to fight for the number 1
jersey as Moore certainly showed a desire to push the loanee all the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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McGoldrick is a different striker to what we have had for a
while. He has the ability to link the play and the thought of him and Duffy
striking up a relationship gives me a very warm feeling inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite the ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes, the
supporters played their part and at the end of the game made it clear to the
new signings that there is nothing equivocal about the love between players and
fans in this group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jon Bradley - <a href="https://twitter.com/curlywisejon" target="_blank">Twitter (@curlywisejon)</a></div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com1Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-2505193955559230472018-07-25T14:47:00.000+01:002018-07-25T15:00:23.854+01:00Game by Game - 2<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You
may have noticed that we haven't had a report on the Mansfield friendly. Our
correspondent messaged me during the match to ask how many words I wanted.
Sensing his frustration and boredom I told him single figures weren't
acceptable. A dour game by all accounts and one that we were second best in for
large spells. On the plus side; Wilder recognised this and pulled no punches in
post-match interviews. Some teams celebrate 0-0 away draws, our manager
doesn't. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The other positive is we didn't
go there and lose 2-1, lose all discipline and turn it into a Royal Rumble.
Although there is an argument that did show some team spirit and unity from a
Wednesday team that had shown little of it for the previous 90 minutes, or much
of last season. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That's the thing with pre-season,
you enter it full of hope and one game seems to spell disaster, three days
later and the mood can be quite different. If anything that is exacerbated by
social media (and blogs!) that allows fans to vent publicly and with such
immediacy to a wider audience. It seems that the end of the world is nigh for
football fans with increasing frequency, yet rarely does it come. And so after
the concerns following a 0-0 draw at League 2 Mansfield, the fourth best side
in Italy paid Bramall Lane a visit……………<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pre-Season
Friendly:</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> Inter (H), 1-1</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Inter at home the kind of
friendly you would expect to form part of some major anniversary celebrations,
say your club's 150th, and not just a run-of-the-mill pre-season friendly. 4th
in Serie A and featuring a number of international players, they provided an
enticing prospect for Blades fans, more so than say <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the third best team in a one team league
might. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And for a Friendly fixture it
wasn't a bad game. Reasonably competitive, although some early moments where
you could see players leaving the foot out of tackles were soon forgotten when
Fleck <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flew into a 50:50 in the middle of
the park. A physical challenge you need to time perfectly and as a spectator
you flinch at. Lundstram then clattered into Dalbert, no foul given and after a
lengthy delay the Brazilian was stretchered off. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Blades matched Inter well and
it was an extremely well worked goal down the left side that saw United take
the lead. Stevens and Fleck exchanged passes twice, before Fleck surged towards
the edge of the box and dinked a perfect through ball to McGoldrick, who had
held his line well with one of the Inter centre halves sitting deep.
McGoldrick's finish was calm and assured, lifting it over the advancing
Handanovic. A scoreboard reading Blades 1 Inter 0 is a lovely sight, whatever
the circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fleck then went close
with a dipping half volley from 30 yards that just went wide of the post and the
feeling was the Blades could kick on from here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was then that Inter woke up. Whereas up to
then United had squeezed them back as they steadily played out from the back,
their passing and movement became much sharper and they scored a goal equal in
quality to the Blades' opener. A superbly weighted pass from Lautaro opened up
United down their left side and the cross from Candreva left Icardi with a
simple tap in. Icardi gave Egan a tough game, one the debutant stood up to well
for much of it, but you can see how the Argentine striker bagged 29 Serie A
goals last season. He went close again, after Lautaro back-heeled into his
path, with Henderson making a fine save.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Whilst Inter were technically good, they also
had the cynical side of the game down to a tee; little shirt tugs, trips and a
sneaky raking of studs down the Achilles all stopping United breaks and
disrupting play. A scrappy start to the second half was further disrupted as the
substitutions started, four for the Blades and five for Inter. I was beginning to
wonder if the last excitement of the evening was the scrap that started by the refreshment
bar under the South Stand at half time.</span> </span><span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was hard
for those coming on to make an impression, but the final clear cut chance of the
game fell to one of them. Sharp's shot from just outside the box was parried
away.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">With the scoreboard clock <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yet to click over to 90 minutes the referee's
whistle blew. What with a slightly delayed kick off and only 2 minutes added to
the 1st half, despite the lengthy stoppage, I can only assume the Italians had
a curfew, or a somewhere else to be. </span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So a United team with 6 international caps
between the starting XI performed very well against an Inter side that, even
without the two Croatian World Cup finalists and Nainggolan, started with 9
internationals and 269 caps between them. Yes, it is only pre-season, yes there
were other gears the Inter side could probably have shifted to, but a pleasing
performance all the same, but with work still to be done. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Three final
thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gianni Flecki the midfield maestro. The best
player on the pitch and the source of most of what was good about the Blades
performance, surging runs, excellent passing and creativity. Wouldn’t have
looked out of place in a blue and black striped shirt in their midfield. By
heck, I do wonder how long John Fleck can be ignored by Big Eck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ricky Holmes impressed off the bench. Having
had limited opportunity since joining last January, it was good to see him come
on and give the team added impetus when the performance and the game as a whole
was starting to flag. Just a few moments suggest that we may have a player to
justify the haircut. It will be interesting to see whether he can deliver a top
knot(ch) performance from a starting role.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _MailOriginal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Having arrived in my seat in the South Stand
just before 7:15 I was disappointed to find the inauguration of The Tony Currie
Stand had already happened in front of a quarter full stadium. Why they didn't
wait until nearer kick off to do this, when the ground was fuller I am not
sure. Instead we were "entertained" by some lass who didn't win The
Voice belting out Nessun Dorma, whilst Gary Sinclair was so deferential to our
visitors it felt like it was a pre-requisite of the match fee. I hope they do
something for TC and the fans at the Swansea game with a bigger crowd and TV
cameras present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-26972544793397362922018-07-20T12:31:00.000+01:002018-07-20T12:43:50.630+01:00Game by Game - 1<div dir="ltr">
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<b>A United View is back for the new season, but rather than being mostly the efforts of one man, it is going to be the work of a Blades collective. If you want to get involved in any of the new features as they develop, get in touch.</b></div>
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<b>The first feature is Game by Game which aims to provide a short (no more than 600 words) match report from each game this season and then leave you with three final thoughts from a Blades perspective. </b></div>
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<b>First up, Paul McDonald went to Valley Parade (in old money), no idea what it's called currently, to watch the Blades start their UK based build up to the new season against Bradford City. </b></div>
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<b>Pre-Season Friendly:</b> Bradford City (A), 2-3.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>After being starved of live football
for a full 48 hours after the end of a World Cup that might have just surpassed
my previous favourite, Italia 90, it was back in the car for the relatively
short trip to Bradford to see my first pre-season game of 2018/19. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With twitter doing what twitter does when United take
someone who doesn’t happen to capture the imagination, the main focus was
mainly on former Ipswich man David McGoldrick who did more than enough to
silence the doubters with an assured performance that could easily have been
marked with a goal with just a little bit more luck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was McGoldrick who had the first chance of the evening,
cutting inside and then forcing a stop from O’Donnell from a tight angle.
United didn’t have to wait long to take the lead, however, and it was a goal
that will surely take some beating during the course of the regular season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Bradford striker Charlie Wyke gave the ball away
needlessly near half way to Mark Duffy, there appeared to be little danger.
However just 5 touches later the ball was in the back of the net after a
sublime one touch move involving Duffy, Clarke and Evans led to John Fleck
finishing superbly first time from the edge of the box. Wyke played no further
part, seemingly substituted due to embarrassment before the game restarted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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United’s (unbelievably still uncapped) Scottish midfielder
was looking sharp throughout the half, and one wonderful touch and pass that
found Baldock was worth the admission fee alone, unfortunately the wing back
was adjudged offside despite finding the back of the net. This led to my mate
Al getting paranoid that there were scouts in the crowd who would be more than
willing to take him off our hands, “Stop being so good FFS”, among the many anguished
comments he made. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Blades were in full control and doubled their lead just
after the half hour mark. McGoldrick was again involved, playing a fine through
ball to Lafferty who’s pull back beyond the goalkeeper found Leon Clarke who
stroked home via a slight touch off a Bradford defender. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The hosts had the better of the opening exchanges, and it
didn’t take long for them to find a way back into the game. Jack Payne,
recently signed on loan from Huddersfield Town, cut inside and beat Henderson
low to the keeper’s right from just outside the penalty area. Almost
immediately, the two goal advantage was almost restored as McGoldrick found
himself in a great position 12 yards out but could only find the base of the
post, although from my angle I did wonder if the keeper got the slightest of
touches to prevent a debut goal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The game settled into a typical pre-season affair with a
raft of changes on both sides and United looked to have paid the price for
their over-elaborate play in seeking a third when Jordan Gibson found himself
in acres of space and fired in a close-range equaliser past trialist Luke
Steele. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just like the last time we were at Valley Parade, another
Blades goal quickly followed one from the home side. While last time it was
Bash who sent the away fans into raptures during that thrilling 3-3 draw, this
time Billy Sharp tucked home with the aid of a slight deflection to much less
fanfare from the 500 or so Blades who had made the trip to West Yorkshire. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Three final
thoughts:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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United’s passing and movement was again excellent and typical of what we have now come to expect of what is a very good, very entertaining
side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If I have one slight criticism, again it was the tendency to
over play in and around the opposition penalty area, particularly in the second
half, something that I thought we did too much of in the second half of last
season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I do, however, have no doubt that we will improve in this
area and if the strikers being targeted are of the same quality of defender
that has just been brought into the club to add to the undoubted talent we
possess in the likes of O’Connell and Fleck, then we could be in for another
memorable season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul McDonald -<span style="color: red;"> <a href="https://twitter.com/thecase1907" target="_blank">Twitter - @thecase1907</a></span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0Sheffield, UK53.381128999999987 -1.4700850000000453.078144999999985 -2.11553200000004 53.684112999999989 -0.82463800000004006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-73402495533003809142018-01-11T18:02:00.001+00:002018-01-11T18:03:17.418+00:00The Sheffield Derby - All about not losing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't like Derby Days. There, I have said it. A massive
game, the biggest crowd of the season, a raucous, sometimes volatile atmosphere
and I don't enjoy it one little bit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me Sheffield United v "the team from S6" turns me into an anti-football fan. Derby Day
for me is not necessarily all about winning, although clearly that is what I
really want. The important thing for me is not losing. As long as
"they" don't have the upper hand, the bragging rights, I don't care.
The imperative following the match, is to focus on finishing above them in the
league table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, Sheffield Derby days are special
occasions, something perhaps never properly recognised by the national media;
although Sky Sports seem to be building the hype this time. Maybe as much to do
with the scoreline and ebb and flow of the game at Hillsborough earlier this season as the occasion itself.
The intensity of noise and the atmosphere generated within Bramall Lane (or
even dare I admit, the other place)
could easily be compared with the other derby matches traditionally
viewed as the standard bearers; Merseyside, Manchester, Glasgow. In fact the intensity
is probably up a notch from Manchester and Merseyside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The build-up leaves you twitchy, distracted, running over scenarios
in your head, imagining the joy of victory, fearing the heartache of defeat. You
look forward with a mix of trepidation and excitement that leaves you nauseous.
You cling to the clips of past successes, reliving the joy and the moment, thinking back to wherever you were watching from at the time. The people you hugged the life out of, the people you fell over, the smell of the beer that went flying through the air and soaked into your top. You hope that recent success and league
position count for something, but then the gnawing doubt kicks in and you
remember that this is more of a cup game and it is all up for grabs on the
night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You admire how a fellow fan and now manager has channelled that
adrenaline, that excitement, into something positive with your team. You hope
that they respond in the same way again and thrive in a more positive, but no
less hostile atmosphere at home. With these special occasions being of such
rarefied intensity, just what is my problem?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My negative feelings arise for three reasons. My formative
football watching years saw "them" generally have the upper hand in
terms of league standing. I grew up in an era where United and "the other
lot" were in different divisions, derby games were reserved for a
pre-season friendly, the County Cup, a testimonial match or a Zenith Data Systems
Cup game. Rarely did we win, or so it felt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of my friends were not United fans, they knew how to
gloat, they knew how to belittle. Even then delusions of grandeur were visible;
the first signs of the self-belief that have led to the proclamations of how
massive they are today. But bigger, older, better can just as easily be read as
bloated, decrepit and under-performing. In those days I didn't want to play
"them", I just wanted "them" to fail. I wanted them to swap
divisions with us. To fall away into a long decline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second reason comes from an earlier stages of my life
and my first real Sheffield Derby memory. I was 4, but I wasn't at a match.
United, ahead in the Division 3 table, lost 4-0 at the other place on Boxing
Day 1979. I remember the anguish of my father and grandfather as they arrived
home to continue a family Christmas marred by events on the football pitch. All
that frustration was kept for posterity on an audio cassette by my mum. The
click of play/and record as the front door clicks open and then bangs to. My
running footsteps out of the lounge into the hallway; "4-0 Grandad!"
I say in surprise and slight indignation. "I know….they were
rubbish…." he mutters forlornly. Voices then tail off as both my father
and grandfather head into the kitchen to vent their frustrations, out of view
and out of earshot of the children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the time we looked to gain revenge at Bramall Lane in
April, we had fallen away from the top end of the table, whilst they were
heading for an inevitable promotion. A 1-1 draw was played out, remembered more
for Terry Curran's goal for them, rather than anything the Blades achieved. I
think I was there, I can't say I remember. As a 5 year old, the games I
attended blurred into one a little, even those with 42,000 in the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These initial memories of Sheffield Derby games can scar a
young child; seeing the effect it had on my Grandad, a man not afraid to let
his passions and his hurt show where football was concerned. Defeats like
Boxing Day were taken like a personal affront to his support. The subsequent
relegation to the Fourth Division was something he never really got over, he
passed away a week or so after that game against Walsall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next time we were to play a league derby was some 11
years later. For one season prior we had swapped divisions, but they had come
straight back up to the top division. As a 16 year old I understood more about
football then. I was passionate about football then. That first league derby in 11 years was,
thanks to police advice, played on a misty November Sunday at Bramall Lane. The
other lot were flying on their return to the top flight and expecting a
comfortable win. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember the early tension vividly and then the
outpouring of sheer joy of watching young Blades midfielder Dane Whitehouse
breaking forward, bearing down on goal and slotting home the first goal. Then
in the second half, Brian Deane squeezed the ball between Chris Woods' legs to
send Blades fans into ecstasy and leave Woods facing months of mocking for his
bow-legged keeping. His situation not
helped by United winning the return match across the city 3-1, although he was
less culpable that night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much happier times indeed, although I think I enjoyed post-match
celebrations as much as the day itself.
In the time since we have enjoyed what feels like a slight upper hand in
Steel City encounters. Despite that, I cannot say I have enjoyed the matches
per se.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even being 3-0 up at half time, as it was in 2009 at
Bramall Lane, you can never sit comfortably and enjoy the rest of the game. On
that occasion the Blades were pegged back to 3-2 and clung on. I was the sole
football fan in a Greek hotel bar that
night, a long standing fortnight of family holiday coinciding with just one
home game being played when the fixtures were announced. Yet those who joined
me found it hard to sit with a man who was on holiday to relax and have fun,
yet appeared to be displaying all the signs of a man on the edge of a nervous
breakdown until he exploded in hysteria at the final whistle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That really highlights my
final reason; that even when you are in front, the 90 minutes are
defined by a feeling that can only be described as someone grasping hold of
your guts and twisting them into a tight ball. You stand there, in a pose
resembling Edvard Munch's The Scream. Your legs shake violently, banging
against the people in the adjacent seats. You lean forward, twitching, before
launching out of your seat to roar out your support for your team or hurl
spittle laden invective at the opposition players and the their fans, amongst
whom are many of your friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the end, if you have won, something Blades fans have
experienced more than Owls over the years, you celebrate. Well you try to.
Hoarse from exhortations, legs drained of nervous energy you try to jump up and
down and shout, but it doesn't quite happen. No matter what it looks and sounds
like, it is the fact you are attempting to do it that matters.</span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't really enjoy experiencing such extreme behaviour
and emotion. Not because of being a killjoy, not because I have a lack of
passion, nor from any attempt to keep up appearances, but from seeing the effect
of letting a game consume you and your health as it did my Grandad. Not letting
things go, letting results rule your moods and your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have been fortunate that for most of the last 20 years
we have been above our city rivals; for 12 years we held the upper hand in
terms of final league position until that switch 5 years ago. Despite all the
incredible highs and gut wrenching lows of these matches, I am much happier to
define our success over Wednesday based on the league tables. Give me a season
where we are sat in a division above Wednesday, rather than playing them twice
a season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But if we have to play them, as long as we don't lose that
is all that matters….and then let's set about ensuring we finish above them in
the league, wherever that takes us this season. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MarginText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up the Blades!</span></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-36922467185032271882017-12-19T23:31:00.000+00:002017-12-20T13:13:56.551+00:00Seizing the Moment<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When <a href="http://aunitedview.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/what-we-became.html" target="_blank">I last wrote on A United View</a> I looked forward to the
season with a degree of optimism. Optimism that, as things stand, seems well
placed, notwithstanding the recent run of results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The football, the odd game aside, remains as expansive and
as exciting as that which saw us soar to the League One title. Memorable away
victories at Leeds and Hillsborough, an amazing comeback at home to Hull and
the bizarrely topsy-turvy defeat to Fulham, each showcase what Wilder's Blades
are all about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The injuries to key players, something we were lucky with
last season, and suspensions have hit hard. Yet within that 5 game run without
a win, you could argue we were worthy of 3 points against both Birmingham and
Bristol City and a point against Fulham. In some ways Wilder's pursuit of 3
points at the expense of 1 has gone against us, but the positives of his
approach can be seen in the league table where the other lot across town have
lost fewer games than us but still find themselves 10 points behind in the
table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The challenge of losing key players in Coutts and Fleck has
yet to be overcome and replacements have either not grabbed their opportunity,
or do not fit the system that the Coutts, Fleck, Duffy triumvirate excel in.
Yet still we sit 6th. Our start giving us a tremendous platform to push on for a
chance at promotion that few people would have thought possible back in early
August. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back at that time I posed the question, if we find ourselves
in the Top 6 come January will the board invest? I said yes I believed they
would. Opportunities for promotion are not guaranteed in this division. A
strong finishing position one season does not necessarily lead to a similar
outcome the next. Ask Reading, Derby, Middlesbrough, Norwich or Brentford in
recent years, or look across the city this season. Therefore when you are up
there with a platform to progress why wouldn't you take that gamble? Who knows
when that opportunity presents itself again? When you have caught the division
cold, playing with confidence and a successful system, seeing little to fear in
the opposition we have faced, it is surely the right time to back the manager
with the funds he believes necessary to compete for a Top 6 place to the end of
the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The owners' stated aim is Premier League football. That is
the only realistic way the McCabe family achieves any sort of recompense for
the millions invested and loans written off over a number of years. For the
Prince, his money has been thrown at a football club with no real assets and whose losses he is propping up each season. Top tier football offers his only
realistic means of financial return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's not to say that I am advocating spending big. When I
suggested on Twitter that this is the time for the board to step up, some
responses suggested that we couldn't go spending £10m on a player and that such
statements are easy when it's not your money. The latter is correct, but if you
don't give the manager the tools now, when will you? In 2 or 3 years after
consolidation, but when the financial trickle-down from the Premier League means
the sums required are even more inflated than they are now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQbW0yjiwYJmzez1JI0IwcNmSOa6tvf3WeRGCu1yRqx8zmQSNGdybJ1__EZe-FTHNk_wRVXIGONmGO0AjwQCOOWD38hMeBaflamJg1EX3m7Jqu87gp_wyXzFPor2qev6Hunhtvmzc_44V/s1600/Screenshot_20171219-200501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQbW0yjiwYJmzez1JI0IwcNmSOa6tvf3WeRGCu1yRqx8zmQSNGdybJ1__EZe-FTHNk_wRVXIGONmGO0AjwQCOOWD38hMeBaflamJg1EX3m7Jqu87gp_wyXzFPor2qev6Hunhtvmzc_44V/s320/Screenshot_20171219-200501.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I certainly don't advocate spending silly sums on individual
players. Our success is built on a team spirit and work ethic that I have not
seen at the club since the back to back promotions under Dave Bassett in the
late 80's. Wilder finding players with the hunger to grab the opportunity we
have presented them with. The lower league talent needing a bigger platform, or
those not gambled on by their clubs after injury or loss of form. The Premier
League loanees whose clubs see a way to build their experience playing football
the right way in front of a large and demanding fanbase. Why upset the wage
structure? Why fracture a whole that is arguably greater than the sum of its parts?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead, give the manager enough money to make the signings
he wants to make. Signings that enhance the starting XI, provide alternative
options from the bench, but also fit a style of play that has been hugely
successful but is perhaps lacking the zip of the last 12 months. Whilst there
is an argument that you don’t get best value in January, August means starting
again. It means hoping we get to December with 35/40 points, it means hoping
summer signings gel. Bringing in the players now, gives both impetus to the current
season’s objectives and beds those players into the squad to push again next
season, if we were to fall short this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much is made of Chris Wilder being a Blade. That is great,
many fans would love their manager to have the connection with the fans that we
enjoy. Yet he is human and will surely be ambitious. Clubs will see his success
and he moves on to radars that he was off twelve months ago. If they offer him
resources to achieve further success, resources that don't exist at Bramall
Lane, then I think it is fair to assume that his Blades bonds aren't
unbreakable. Everyone looks for an opportunity to shine; to do the job to the best
of their ability at as high a level as is attainable. If there was a time to
back Wilder it is now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The question is, will he be backed? When Simon and Scott
McCabe resigned from both the SUFC board and the Blades Leisure board (the
entity in which the football club is held) in September, it was said that they
were busy and had their families to focus on, alongside which Prince Abdullah
wanted to be more involved. This followed the appointment of the Prnce to the
board of directors on the 4th August along with Yusuf Giansiracusa, who replaced
Selahattin Baki as one of two representatives of the Prince on the board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In October, Tareq Hawasli (the other representative of Prince
Abdullah) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfslu9VWVPo" target="_blank">appeared on Alan Biggs’ Sheffield Live show</a> and stated that they
“wanted to make a strong push to make the Premier League and that’s the
direction we are heading towards”. He then stressed the importance of supporting
the development of the academy products, securing the star players in the squad
at that “Coach Chris is supported in anything he needs, as long as we can”. Then
re-affirming that the board is active and very supportive of “Coach Chris”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This collegiate working and leadership sounds great and would
be happily accepted, but for an unusual amount of activity on both the SUFC and the Blades
Leisure boards over the last 4 months. Since the 8<sup>th</sup> August there
have been 6 terminations and 7 appointments to the SUFC Limited board, but this
masks multiple ins and outs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Following their departure on 7<sup>th</sup> September, Simon and Scott McCabe
were re-appointed on 13<sup>th</sup> December. Football club Chief Executive
Stephen Bettis has been doing the hokey-cokey; standing down as a director on 4<sup>th</sup>
August, re-appointed on 9<sup>th</sup> September only to stand down again as the
McCabe’s returned on the 13<sup>th</sup> December. In addition Jeremy Tutton was
appointed a director in this period and Martin Green was in, then out, then
back in again. Whilst this might seem like corporate manoeuvring detached from the
football club, it seems to conflict with the words used elsewhere. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What has changed
such that Scott and Simon McCabe need to be back on the board and what has
happened to the trust Kevin McCabe placed in Martin Green, Stephen Bettis and
Jeremy Tutton just three months previously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“They will be dependable representatives for the McCabe Family as
Directors liaising with our now more active partner and his nominated
colleagues in order to ensure the Club continues to progress in a stable
manner.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the recent AGM
Kevin McCabe said the intention was for the Prince to play a bigger role at
United and that he had more time now he was free of government responsibilities.
Yet at the same time he only thought the prince was okay as he hadn’t seen him
for two months. To a fan listening in this is concerning and there is little
evidence to reassure that things are as rosy as was painted just three months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nobody really expected us to be where we are and we should
absolutely enjoy the ride we have been on in the last fifteen months. To
paraphrase what fellow blade @ScholarRob on Twitter said, whatever the result
at Villa, celebrate all we have seen, enjoyed and loved following the Blades in
2017. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But that doesn't mean we shouldn't expect more and it
doesn't mean we should settle for consolidation when a much bigger prize is
potentially within our reach. If we were mid-table then this clamour would not be there. Even in the position we are in some may say it is a gamble, but if the board don’t
seize the moment now, when will they? We can keep holding on for tomorrow, but
what if tomorrow never comes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up the Blades!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-4693813888079085762017-11-27T23:26:00.000+00:002017-11-27T23:31:02.607+00:00The Art of the Nutmeg - Competition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Football artists The Art of Football are building up a nice portfolio of football's classic moments, with their designs gracing a range of prints, t shirts and sweatshirts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have one of their t shirts with the iconic image of Deano hanging in the air, scoring that first Premier League goal against Manchester United. The design is striking and the quality of the garment is fab</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their full range of Blades related designs can be found here: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>https://art-of-football.com/collections/sheffield-united</b></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The latest addition "Megs" features David Brooks' wonderful nutmeg of Jack Hunt at Hillsborough. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8k6MdITJD8F5IvyEjvTLHLNPb1R1B4VlUgYwDt23rZA7kTpUeVTnDYEiNgC1sta5f57c8fKrZ90IkiYlMKQDyhjrulkXoC2Al4b7_ENELFS0NRPEWPyJVqUpj5UiAwfFeSr9L52r8Ky/s1600/brooks_print_2048x2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCV8k6MdITJD8F5IvyEjvTLHLNPb1R1B4VlUgYwDt23rZA7kTpUeVTnDYEiNgC1sta5f57c8fKrZ90IkiYlMKQDyhjrulkXoC2Al4b7_ENELFS0NRPEWPyJVqUpj5UiAwfFeSr9L52r8Ky/s400/brooks_print_2048x2048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now you can win a print of Megs (the print, not the Ginger Pig) by answering a simple question. As well as football, A United View loves good music so to be in the Magic Hat to win the print answer the following question:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blades fans sing about Brooks tearing apart the opposition. Which band wrote and performed the song on which the chant is based?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Answers to unitedview@gmail.com by next <u>Monday</u> 4th December.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good Luck.</span></div>
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-36957726404609990642017-08-04T00:49:00.005+01:002017-08-04T00:58:08.991+01:00What we became.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been 17 months since the last A United View post and whilst this might not be the start of more regular posts, it seemed as good a time as any to reflect on what has been an interesting time to be a Blade and probably one of the (If not the) most enjoyable seasons in 40+ years of being a Blade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last post <a href="http://aunitedview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/what-have-we-become.html?m=0" target="_blank">"What have we become?"</a> was a paean to the songwriting skills of Paul Heaton and condemnation of what United had become under Nigel Adkins, a man whose appointment pleased many Blades fans, me included, at the time. Turgid football, lifeless performances, off field issues and the complete blind faith and positivity of a manager seemingly out of his depth and stuck in his ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I missed the final game of that season, Scunthorpe at home. I had entered the Leeds Half Marathon forgetting the final fixtures moved to a Sunday, but had few regrets. The purgatory of 13.1 miles, post illness, in unseasonably warm temperatures was in some ways a more enjoyable option. Defeat, an embarrassing lap of honour/thanks and Adkins tenure was seen off in a flurry of two finger salutes and a chorus of boos and abuse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The appointment of Chris Wilder seemed to get a mixed response. Those close to him had unshakeable faith in his ability to sort the mess out. Others, me included, were impressed with success against a backdrop of a boardroom shambles at Northampton, but equally questioned the lack of success prior to that at Oxford and a lengthier spell in non-league.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most agreed he would time to sort the mess out and the financial costs of settling contracts and getting players out would place further limitations on him. Outgoing Chairman Jim Phipps had even commented that it would need 2 or 3 transfer windows for the club to fully right itself following the profligacy of Clough and Adkins' reigns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The early signs under Wilder raised further questions. Incoming signings struggled to find their feet. The team still looked lacklustre, lacking in confidence. Most agreed he needed time to work this through and jumping down his throat, as some did just four games in, was embarrassing. It just reflects the instantaneous demand for results and change from certain quarters fuelled by a media needing creative content and social media frenzy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Admittedly things were not great. By all accounts unlucky to lose at Bolton on the opening day, a late equaliser rescued a point at home to Rochdale, and a heavy defeat at home to Southend and a limp extra time defeat to Crewe in the EFL Cup was hard to take. I will be honest, at that cup game I did what I haven't done in my recent memory, I left before the end of the game. When Crewe scored I just didn't see us scoring again, we looked devoid of ideas and heart. But I did believe that Wilder needed the time to sort it out. As a Blade he would be hurting, he wouldn't try soft-soaping the fans like Adkins did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">turning point of last season came four games in, after defeat at Millwall thanks to a last minute penalty. Sensing the players were down, after what he considered a positive performance, Wilder got the coach driver to pull over at an off licence, bought £100 of beer for the players and left it at the front for the players to come and take. Cue a few uplifting words from his skipper Billy Sharp and the players responded. An old school approach, but it showed it can still paid dividends in the modern game.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In an interview Wilder once referred to "not fannying around" and he lived up to these words. The formation was tweaked, players whose United careers looked limited came off the transfer list and into the squad. A couple of his summer signings were sidelined and were rarely seen again, the keeper was changed. A ballsy move, but one in keeping with Wilder's forthright and honest approach</span>. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The arrival of Simon Moore and Ethan Ebanks-Landell before the August window closed strengthened the spine of the team and, although blighted by injury and fitness issues, Caolan Lavery added pace and a directness we lacked up top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A fifteen game unbeaten run in the league followed, but it wasn't just a change in results or style of play, it was a complete change in mentality. We looked like a team that was unwilling to lie down and roll over like we had too many times in the previous twelve months. Late winners and equalisers were frequent, a sign of a team with huge self belief and although we rode our luck defensively at times, few would claim we hadn't earned that luck. Bodies were put on the line, blocks were made and the timing of some last ditch tackling was to the millisecond perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaders came to the fore in Jake Wright, Chris Basham and Billy Sharp, others were displaying the ability Wilder had clearly identified when signing them; Fleck, O'Connell, Duffy. Whilst others being given a last chance grasped the opportunity and made themselves irreplaceable; Freeman and Coutts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As understanding between players developed in a settled line-up, confidence grew and the quality of football was high. In some cases the only fault that could be found was a tendency to over-play it around the box, or that after some wonderful build up play the final ball was lacking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The unity of the team was clear to see and a passion from the bench that warmed the heart. There was first pumping, clenched teeth and kissing and patting of the badge sat over the heart. But this wasn't the panto teasing of a Warnock playing to the cameras. This was a manager turning around a troubled club, his club and this is what it meant to him. He was, he is one of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Defeat at home to Walsall was seemingly just a blip with the team showing real mettle by responding with a six game unbeaten run in the league over Christmas and the New Year, before Walsall completed a three game sweep of league and cup victories over the Blades. This time there wasn't the immediate response with a home draw against Gillingham followed by the team being outplayed at home by an impressive Fleetwood team. The fans were nervous, having taken over at the top of the league at the start of the year a win would have left us comfortably clear, but now Bolton were seven points behind in 3rd and now with three games in hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wilder recognised<span style="background-color: white;"> that it was not the disaster that the fans were perceiving it to be. He was confident </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that small changes were required. The focus was on cutting out the silly mistakes and being a bit cuter in advanced areas, but first he had to lift players he said were hurting and that he did. From a manager in Adkins who focused on the psychological aspects of man-management, we now had a manager who didn't constantly talk theory, he delivered positive results. He didn't gloss over the problems to focus on the positives, he recognised the problems ad we had a manager we could relate to on so many levels. From February on-wards we didn't lose another match.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The run in was superb and provided many iconic images and moments that will live long in the memory. For those who were not around in 1990 for promotion to Division 1, or in 1982 for the Division 4 title, they now have their Leicester, their Darlington moments, in fact several of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The away day at Northampton will live long in the memory. The expectation, the tension, then the joyous, unbridled relief as the goals went in, particularly Fleck's late winner that seemed to take an age to roll into the empty net. The massed ranks of Blades fans teetering on the advertisement hoardings, nearly on the pitch before it crossed the white line. The outpouring of emotion at the final whistle as the realisation sunk in and we had finally escaped the purgatory of League One. Billy Sharp chaired off the pitch, head thrown back, arms aloft clutching a red and white scarf, with a grip so tight the whites of his knuckles glimmered in the sunshine. Fans wandering the pitch in a daze suffering a heady mix of sunshine, beer and promotion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back at the Lane many waited for the team coach to return with Wilder and Sharp conductors in chief, orchestrating proceedings and starting the songs with obligatory Peroni in hand, supplementing the more traditional fizz. Scenes to be repeated on the Town Hall balcony post-season end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The away games that followed at Port Vale and MK were pure celebrations. Partying unburdened of expectation or worry over results, but it didn't matter, this team was relentless in their pursuit of success. 100 points was the aim and that was what was achieved. Taking apart a strong and play off bound Bradford when the title was assured showed both the quality of the squad and the winning mentality that had been engendered over the previous seven months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Much of last season had a similar feel to the back to back promotions achieved by the Dave Bassett era Blades. A manager who numbered a young Chris Wilder amongst his squad. The team spirit, the relationship between players and fans, the spirit(s) and beer are all considered key facets in the success of that Bassett team; lifting players to over achieve and exceed expectations. With Wilder and Sharp conducting proceedings this has a similar feel, with Alan Knill providing the more level headed and grounded support like Geoff Taylor did for Bassett.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The celebrations post-Chesterfield game could have carried on forever. No-one wanted to leave the Lane. You would think there is a limit to how many times you can watch a player thrust a trophy joyously sky-wards, but there genuinely isn't.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a difference a year makes....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now Wilder faces a new challenge. Operating at a level he hasn't managed at before he is level headed enough to know tough tests await. A team not used to losing will have to get used to it happening more frequently. That is not negativity, just realism. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Our spirit and momentum from last season will carry us so far and that is one of the first tasks for the management team. Pre-season would suggest that the signs are good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wilder has shown he is not afraid to make changes and admit he has got things wrong. Although on paper it looked hard to let players go after a title winning season, Wilder’s ruthless streak was straight to the fore. Several of the successful squad were made available for transfer including some of his signings from the previous summer who had not made the grade.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Wilder himself has said “you don’t get medals for spunking money”. Incoming the targets are talented players from the lower league, sometimes former Premier League academy products, but those with a point to prove. Whilst this approach disappoints some fans who want to see money splashed out on proven Championship players, Wilder’s approach has proved fruitful so far and not upsetting the collective spirit and close bond of the existing squad is key to his decision making on any signing. For me this is vital, we cannot risk breaking something that underpinned our whole success last season.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fans have a huge role to play this season. Whilst crowds were impressive for League One, very few games saw significant away support and, celebrations aside we were often quiet. Now with success comes bigger home sides, opposition with larger away followings and a need to make the Lane that cauldron we know it can be. The noise and intimidation that many visiting managers have previously commented on needs to come to the fore, as does patience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is the squad we have now as strong as we want it to be? Honestly, no. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is this squad capable of staying up? Yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do I think we will strengthen before the end of August? Yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we surprise people and are close to the play offs in January will decent money be released by the board? I believe it will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst many clubs throw around silly money on players on their way down, or who have never quite established themselves at the top level, there is a lot be said for United's approach. Successes like Huddersfield's promotion last season are few and far between, but show what is possible. At this stage the most sensible ambition at Bramall Lane is consolidation and in doing that you incrementally build on what got you up there in the first place. Consolidation this season puts in place the foundations for progression and that is when the investment is best spent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have a fanbase excited about the present and the future. We have a team that represents the best attributes of successful Blades teams of the past, a group of players that the fans can relate to. I think we have a level headed manager, with a great coaching team around him, who will see us safe into mid-table and if we defy expectations he might just take us that bit further. That's what we've become and few of us expected this 18 months ago. </span><a class="OYKEW4D-ic-a" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" kind="click" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: justify;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up the Blades!</span><br />
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Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-71769930009856594072016-03-03T20:43:00.000+00:002016-03-03T20:43:22.943+00:00What Have We Become?<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With huge and humble apologies to fellow Blade PD Heaton and J Abbott.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">What have we become?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Trips to Fleetwood but not Leeds Scum,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Five dire seasons stuck in League One</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">That's what we've become</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">What have we become?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Still there in numbers, but a disgruntled hum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Apart from when there's a song to be sung</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Or players' egos stung</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Strategies change, so many bad decisions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">You have to question if there is a long term vision</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Managers depart, the poor players stay</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 18.9333px;">Just what is The Blades Way?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And it's awful after awful after awful, there's no great</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">We're stuck in a rut and we've forgotten to hate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Lacking heart, no shape to our play</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Permanently in a malaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">What have we become?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Rivals retain their stars, but ours have gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">A squad too large for the club to fund</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Some should be long gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">What have we become?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Money spurned, investment long gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Bad decisions from everyone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">No more spin to be spun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And it's awful after awful after awful, there's no great</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Our dugouts are nice and out pitch looks oreyt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And we have to look back to admire the greats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Stranded in a malaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;"><br style="line-height: 18.9333px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And you'll actually love our club less</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">As they stumble from one disaster to a complete mess</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">A future that feels like it's laden with doom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">The tide has got to turn soon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And it's awful after awful after awful, there's no great</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Players do drugs, they assault and they rape</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">No new heroes for young fans to praise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Discipline long gone away</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Stuck in malaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Stuck in malaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">Stuck in malaise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 18.9333px;">And here's the original to enjoy, or sing along to.</span></div>
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<b>What Have We Become - Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott</b></div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-18450665657448977572016-01-25T21:24:00.001+00:002016-01-25T21:51:30.654+00:00#TheBladesBigSkyBill - Time to pay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Tuesday (19th January) Sky Sports announced that the Southend United v Sheffield United game was being moved for television coverage; from a much anticipated Easter Monday 3:00 kick off to two days later and a 7:45 kick off on the Wednesday.</div>
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In one fail swoop hundreds of fans were inconvenienced and many were left out of pocket. An Easter Bank Holiday Weekend date had meant that many fans had planned weekend trips or family breaks incorporating the match. 9/10 weeks notice might seem acceptable, in a world where the television companies attempt to work to 6 weeks notice (still inadequate and sometimes they can't even manage to that, ask Leicester or Arsenal fans) and as has been pointed out "Fixtures are subject to change". In this instance it is worth noting a few other factors:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">A Bank Holiday weekend encourages many fans to travel who wouldn't normally travel such a distance. The extra time off work allowing family meet-ups and a journey back that doesn't end in the early hours of the morning and another day/morning off work out of annual leave entitlements. We have received an email from a German Blade who was planning a trip over with his family, combining it with an opportunity to meet up with friends in the South, those plans now abandoned.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The distance involved. This is not some hour long drive away. Fans will struggle to make a rearranged date as it will necessitate at the very least a half day off work on the Wednesday and probably the same on the Thursday. More if you are reliant on the train as there is no way of returning on the Wednesday evening. The additional expense, employer negotiation and hassle will deter many.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222;">We wonder whether Sky Sports don't mind their televised spectacles played out in front of half empty stadiums, or with minimal away support, meaning games have little atmosphere. Southend can probably expect away ticket sales to be more than halved by the game being televised. This is just one of many examples of football fans being inconvenienced that have seen clubs, fans and supporter organisations speak out. In relative terms some commentators have suggested we have it easy, maybe so, but it doesn't make it right. </span><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://aunitedview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/the-blades-big-sky-bill.html" target="_blank">#TheBladesBigSkyBill</a> </span><span style="color: #222222;">idea has gained momentum in recent days, with social media trending, coverage in the local paper, radio and national press.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Star</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> - <a href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-fans-to-bill-sky-for-charity-over-match-switch-1-7687541">http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-fans-to-bill-sky-for-charity-over-match-switch-1-7687541</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Star</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> - <a href="http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-adkins-anger-at-tv-switch-1-7689719">http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-adkins-anger-at-tv-switch-1-7689719</a></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: red;">Radio Sheffield</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> - </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03dwnf5">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03dwnf5</a></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The News Hub (Martin Cloake)</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> - <a href="https://www.the-newshub.com/football/tensions-rise-in-footballs-tv-times">https://www.the-newshub.com/football/tensions-rise-in-footballs-tv-times</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">The Fiver (The Guardian) </span></b><span style="color: #222222;">- <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/22/the-fiver-arsenal-chelsea-and-fixture-shamblings">http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/22/the-fiver-arsenal-chelsea-and-fixture-shamblings</a></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: red;">Sheffield Live TV</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> - </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttlBt4Bq1Y4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttlBt4Bq1Y4</a></span></span></div>
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Others are awaiting issue of the bill today. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Supporters organisations, former players and sports journalists have openly supported the principle of our claim. Blades manager Nigel Adkins has openly criticised the switch and sympathised with the fans. So today we issue the bill to Sky comprising the irrecoverable costs of Blades fans who planned to attend the game. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">The bill totals </span><b><span style="color: red;"><u>£7,271.50</u></span></b><span style="color: #222222;">, representing committed rail fares, hotels, flights, additional time off work, taxi fares (in the absence of a </span>pre<span style="color: #222222;">-arranged lift agreed for the original fixture) and concert tickets bought for the Paul </span>Heaton<span style="color: #222222;"> & Jacqui Abbott gig at </span>Southend<span style="color: #222222;"> Pavilion on the Sunday night (not a concert anyone in Sheffield would think about popping to, unless there was another reason to be 200 miles away - we are sure fellow Blades fan Paul will not be offended by that!). We have names and in most cases addresses of people making the claim and can produce this if required.We are also aware that many other Blades fans have been more fortunate with their bookings, but have received support in our campaign all the same. This amount is less than £3,000 below the fee Sheffield United receive as the away team for this fixture, an important point of note and hopefully helps shatter the misconception that football clubs make handsomely from television coverage.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">We publicly issue this bill and in doing so ask Sky not to recompense the fans affected but, as a goodwill gesture, donate the equivalent amount to a local charity that will be selected by United supporters' choice in the coming days. Blades fans can vote for a local charity by clicking on the link </span><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G7CDPRY"><span style="color: red;">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G7CDPRY</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> . </span></div>
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We do this asking Sky to consider more fully the views and commitments of, and the impact on supporters when they make such a fixture switch: </div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">To look at the timing of the original game and the distances away fans are travelling before rescheduling.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">To consider that in order to obtain the best rail and (for longer trips) hotel prices, fans are having to commit to tickets far in advance of the fixture, particularly when travel is on bank holiday weekends when services may be limited. A six week window is insufficient and inadequate.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">To consider the frequency and regularity of a club's fixtures are selected. Leeds matches being selected 13 times is massively inconvenient for Leeds fans and it can't be viewed as encouraging an upturn in Sky Sports subscriptions.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">To consider a fund being provided to clubs outside the Premier League which enables them to fund/support away fans travel in these circumstances or subsidise travel on rearranged dates midweek when the cost of attending is more than just the travel, it is time off work.</span></li>
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As Jock Stein said "Football without fans is nothing", a statement that seems to be lost in the current footballing world where ticket prices rise, fixture changes and a lack of care or thought for fan welfare permeate the decisions of administrators and television companies. There is real and present danger that fans will increasingly become emotionally and financially disenfranchised from the game. This cannot be helpful for clubs, leagues or media rights holders and it needs to change.</div>
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Many Thanks and Up the Blades!</div>
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<br />Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-62432241972088503412016-01-19T21:33:00.001+00:002016-01-20T08:49:12.965+00:00The Blades' Big Sky Bill<br>
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">So it started with a tweet </b></div>
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">and with the added thoughts and support of fellow Blade Luke Prest the idea has germinated to this......</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">As you have no doubt seen, Sky TV have chosen our trip to Southend to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">be televised. This has resulted in a change of date and kick off from 3:00 pm </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">on the Easter Bank Holiday</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Monday - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">a traditional footballing date </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">- to 7:45 pm </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">on the following Wednesday.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Time and time again, Sky do this to clubs across the land. The </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">feelings, finances and desires of supporters are never once considered </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">when these decisions are made by TV companies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheffield to Southend is no short trip. With it being the Bank </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Holiday, large numbers of United will have booked hotels, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">travel, match tickets etc. well in advance in anticipation of a long </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">weekend or just a good day out by the Essex seaside. These plans and not so insignificant financial </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">commitments are now ruined or increased further by the decision of Sky to </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">change the day and time of the fixture at just 8 weeks notice. Some may say 8 weeks is plenty of notice, but it is not just that, moving the match from a Bank Holiday - which makes it much easier for fans to attend - to a midweek night suddenly affects more people. What was a planned weekend away is no more. The need to book trains in advance to get the best prices, to line up accommodation around a Bank Holiday weekend means that action has already taken place and finances committed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">So what can we, as fans, do about this? The idea we are mooting is </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">that the cost of Sky's action is calculated as a whole on behalf of all Blades and issued by </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">way of an open letter/invoice to Sky. Seeking recompense for individual fans is probably stretching it, but instead we propose the total cost incurred by fans is settled by way of a </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">donation to a nominated Sheffield charity</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">. We can set up a vote so Blades fans can choose the recipients, assuming Sky see fit to pay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">So we ask that if you had made arrangements for the Southend match </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">prior to Sky's rearranging of the fixture, you detail them by replying </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">to this post, completing the Contact Form in the sidebar to the right of this post or by emailing </span><a href="mailto:email@lukeprest.com" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12.8px;">email@lukeprest.com</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> where they will be </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">collated. We will then issue a total 'invoice' from us, the supporters of </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sheffield United.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Please include your name, address, and details of any costs you have </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">incurred as a result of the change in fixture - these could be lost </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">wages, cancelled hotels, re-booking of train tickets etc. If you haven't already booked, don't feel left out. Can you demonstrate that the cost of travel have changed to your financial detriment? The key factor is that whatever we include has to be credible and real.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Please try and email/reply by Sunday 24th January and assuming we have a good response we will issue the bill early next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Just think what a small but ultimately powerful message this could provide. The Star have expressed interest in the idea, there were plenty of calls to Football Heaven tonight so we will make sure Radio Sheffield are aware of the plan and we will be letting the Football Supporters Federation know as well. For a small amount of your time in sending us the details you can demonstrate your anger and frustration at the contempt and ignorance shown to you, whilst hopefully helping a local charity benefit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">#TheBladesBigSkyBill</span></div>
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We are not the only fans to suffer from late notice fixture changes, with the cost implications and inconvenience that they cause. Hopefully other clubs' fans might see this and follow suit, or find their own ways to challenge the status quo. Football without fans is nothing. Football matches without away fans are sterile, muted, dispassionate events. It shouldn't have to be that way.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Thanks and </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Up The Blades.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq8j3fLA8qdwKHlcNA66SDHcj8_zIqmpYRfFxuImexUb25tOS0IZDHu1bTjJzVp1-6htohjWQVc6mPC6E6NWlkuAnQCCqC6Li-dyBGiCrQorPv9shRyc3O-6Tvp8QiCcgU9vkEN0e-zhyphenhyphen/s1600/s-l225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq8j3fLA8qdwKHlcNA66SDHcj8_zIqmpYRfFxuImexUb25tOS0IZDHu1bTjJzVp1-6htohjWQVc6mPC6E6NWlkuAnQCCqC6Li-dyBGiCrQorPv9shRyc3O-6Tvp8QiCcgU9vkEN0e-zhyphenhyphen/s1600/s-l225.jpg"></a></div>
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</span>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-515487421116248991.post-5994680157481265622015-09-22T22:13:00.002+01:002015-09-22T22:13:55.593+01:00For Now........<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having thought long and hard about this in recent weeks, I have realised I can't commit the time required to keep A United View going. I really enjoy writing, but increasing work commitments and family priorities means that thought of posts and ideas haven't made it to screen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have really enjoyed the interaction that blogging has brought. It has introduced me to several Blades I am glad to now call friends and introduced me to several other writers some of whom I have shared a pint with. It has enabled opportunities to appear in print and contribute to an anthology of football writing. I have written for other websites, in several matchday programmes and even made an appearance on local television. It has had negatives as well, putting yourself in the public domain can attract negative comments (which I can take) but also abuse (there are block buttons, but I would be lying if I said it was easy to ignore).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now though I have other things I want and need to do. A United View maybe resurrected at some point in the future, but it seems best to put some closure on the site. Thank you for reading, sharing, retweeting, +1ing and interacting over the last 5 years, it has been a good run. And............</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18280910572977143351noreply@blogger.com2