Farewell Cresswell

Richard Cresswell's arrival at Bramall Lane was not universally welcomed by Blades fans, but manager Kevin Blackwell considered it an important move in forming his squad at the start of the 2009/10 season. Blackwell had previously signed him whilst in charge at Leeds, pipping United to his signature.

 

He signed on loan from Stoke City in September 2009 and was welcomed by booing from some of the Bramall Lane crowd as he came on as a substitute in a 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town. His Wednesday past, albeit a brief and largely unsuccessful spell 10 years earlier, was a bone of contention with some of the Blades support. But like Derek Geary, Leigh Bromby and others before him, he won over the majority of the Lane faithful. After his second appearance for the Blades, the following weekend Cresswell talked of the need to

 

"show them that I'll give 110% every time I pull on a shirt".

 

He more than backed up those words with his actions.

 

Doing his best was something you never doubted with Cresswell. He would have played wherever he was asked with no lack of effort and commitment and at times with great physical sacrifice. In what turned into a disastrous home game versus Oldham Athletic in 2012, an injury to Lecsinel Jean-Francois and the sending off of both Harry Maguire and Matt Lowton saw him play at emergency full back.

 

Scoring on his first start for the Blades in a 1-1 draw at home to Doncaster Rovers, Cresswell crashed into the post, damaging ribs in the process, but played on through the pain barrier. 

 

"I've got bruised ribs, but you take that for a goal don't you?"

 

There was also the time he was bloodied and bandaged, like a modern day Terry Butcher, in the Sheffield Derby or when he was playing with broken nose, broken toe and damaged shoulder when we were suffering a shortage of striking options. He played in a manner and with a commitment that the youngsters coming through would do well to note.

 

 

 

Coming into the Blades side he was often deployed wide, much to the frustration of many fans who preferred to see a trickier and pacier wide man than the workman like Yorkshireman. Blackwell argued that Cresswell was used to playing out wide, he had been deployed wide at Stoke, but many Blades fans believed he was a striker and should be utilised as a target man. Blackwell persisted with Darius Henderson.  

 

The frustration at what was a square-ish peg in a round hole was more directed at the manager rather than the player. It was hard to criticise when a player was seemingly not in his best position. When at Stoke, commenting on being played wide left, Cresswell said;

 

 "I do my best, and I am quite a fit lad so I get through quite a bit of mileage".

 

He continued in that manner in the red and white stripes of United.

 

After initially signing on loan he then signed a 1.5 year contract in the January and ended the 2009/10 season as United's top scorer, scoring 14 goals in 34 appearances. This was encouragement enough for the club to offer him a longer contract and that summer signed a deal that gave him a further 3 years.

 

In a disrupted season with managerial changes and huge turnover in playing personnel, United stumbled to relegation in 2010/11; Creswell contributing 5 goals in 36 games. But it was the arrival of Danny Wilson and a fluid style of play that enabled Cresswell to shine, as the perfect foil for Ched Evans. As United just failed to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt, 10 goals in 51 appearances does little justice to the effort and work rate of Cresswell's contribution; running the channels, holding up the ball to bring Evans and United's free running wide players into the game.

 

Some will still argue that he wasn't good enough, both at time and I have read comments on twitter since his departure was announced, but to that I would say they are judging him unfairly and reflecting factors largely out of his control. Firstly, where he was deployed for some of his time at United, secondly his rumoured salary.

 

His wages caused some resentment from Blades fans who used this as a basis to judge his contribution and the contribution of many of a highly paid squad who were struggling on the pitch in his first couple of seasons. In a side many would consider overpaid for what they achieved, the judgement of Cresswell has worsened, with the decline of the club's league status. His portrayal as a problem (one of several) for a club trying to reduce a wage bill and meet Financial Fair Play limits could have seen him scapegoated. Thankfully, I think he escaped in the end.

 

 

Last summer, it appeared both Cresswell and Nick Montgomery were not being played due to their high wages. Still under contract and with significant salaries that other clubs would be reluctant to pay, options were limited for player and club. Whilst the club facilitated a move to Australia for Montgomery, Cresswell was appointed player-coach allowing the club to apply only half of his (reportedly five figure weekly) wage to the salary cap. Allowing United more leeway in the newly applied FFP rules. How much coaching he did, only those at Shirecliffe know?

 

Last season saw his opportunities limited by injuries and better options being available and whilst you could never fault his effort, it was becoming increasingly clear that the mind was willing, but the body wasn't able. He still tried to run the channels, he was still a willing worker and put his body on the line, but he had lost what pace he had. A loan spell at the end of season saw 2 goals in 5 appearances, before caretaker manager Chris Morgan called for all hands on deck at Bramall Lane. Not that he was needed on the pitch.

 

A permanent return to Bootham Crescent to end a career that has gone full circle appears a good move for all parties. A step down in level might prolong his playing career as his brain might carry him through when his legs cannot. It would also be sensible for Nigel Worthington to utilise him on the training ground and with younger players.

 

Cresswell personifies a time when United thought throwing big (for Championship) wages at players signed from Premier League clubs was a route out of the Championship. In the end it was a route out the way they never anticipated and the inability to sell such players has crippled the club in the years that have followed. He was part of that downturn in fortunes, but I can't help feeling that with a few more Richard Cresswells in the team United wouldn't find itself in the position it does now.

 

All the best Cressy and thank you.

 

 

Wilson, Woe and Watching The Blades

When I walked out of Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, annoyed, frustrated and angry I never expected the events of the next 24 hours to unfold as they have.

 

I had intended writing something about the disappointment of yet another gutless, pedestrian and goal-less home performance. Of how a majority of the players, displayed an apparent lack of commitment, care and a will to win. Of how only one could face clapping the crowd at the end, Matt Hill; the rest of the team shamefully scuttling off down the tunnel. And of how, yet again, our manager had displayed a lack of initiative in getting the best out of his squad.

 

I was growing sick and tired of teams coming to Bramall Lane and passing the ball better than we can with pace and incisiveness, opposition teams winning second balls when we are off the pace and then being told that we were playing well by our manager. That the opposition had come to stop us playing.

 

As Danny Wilson made changes with half an hour or so to go, I actually felt pleased with the action he was taking. At last we were going with two wingers playing on their natural sides and although the introduction of Chris Porter left us lacking pace up front, both he and Dave Kitson would give the wingers a target to hit from the by-line.

 

What followed was one of the most depressing half hours of football I have witnessed at the Lane, as the team proceeded to aim long to two big, immobile strikers, whose sole objective appeared to be winning free kicks on the edge of the box. When the free kicks were won, they were thumped at the wall or tamely at the keeper.

 

When a chance fell to Porter he put it high and wide and was publicly castigated by his captain Michael Doyle in an embarrassing act from a supposed leader, who ought to take a long hard look at his contribution before criticising others. Although we had hit the woodwork twice before this point, it soon became apparent that we were never going to score if we played until midnight.

 

If this was the way our manager wanted us to play it was terrible. If it wasn't, then why was he standing there impassively on the touchline? Fans were castigated on the local radio phone-in afterwards, for criticising a lack of passion from Wilson, a lack of demonstrable frustration at what his players were doing.

 

"You didn't complain about him not waving his arms about earlier in the season when you were winning."

 

"You are talking rubbish."

 

Callers were rudely cut off as the presenter, Paul Walker, dismissed the possibility of the issue being discussed. But surely they had a valid point?

 

If Wilson considered that performance acceptable, thus standing there seemingly reluctant to direct or encourage change, then, to my mind, that was unacceptable. As the game went on, mistakes were made and the match slipped away. The crowd's passion and support turned to frustration and most drifted out.

 

We were getting nothing from most of the players and seeing nothing from manager to suggest he knew what to do to change it. His final substitution, bringing on Barry Robson in the midfield felt like a token gesture of a man who had run out of ideas.

 

Despite keeping the players in the dressing room for over an hour afterwards, his post-match comments suggested it was bad luck that cost us the game; two defensive mistakes and hitting the woodwork twice. He completely ignored the paucity of other chances created, the better football from Crawley, a magnificent point blank save from George Long to keep it 0-0 at the break.

 

 

So to Wednesday night's announcement and with the briefest of statement from the club, the twitter rumours were confirmed and many questions raised. Did he realise he wasn't up to the job and walk? That would have been as gutless an act as that displayed by a majority of those in red and white stripes on Tuesday night. Or, more likely, was politely suggested he stand down?

 

The latter was confirmed today and to many, me included, is a strange decision at this stage of the season. Or is it? Let's not forget we have an owner who could be classed as the King of impetuous decisions.

 

Sack Neil Warnock after Premier league relegation when he was probably best qualified to take us up?

 

Tick!

 

Replace him with Bryan Robson, a man who struggled to cope with the Boro job and enlisted the help of Terry Venables?

 

Tick!

 

Wait 3 games into a season before sacking Kevin Blackwell - a decision best made in the summer?

 

Tick!

 

I am not sure if Danny Wilson could have got much more out of that team, only Danny and the players can comment on that. However, the pedestrian and lacklustre performances of recent weeks have offered little opportunity to think otherwise. Wilson was seemingly unable to find the right formula at home, whilst scraping results away from Bramall Lane. Yet, as I have previously said on this site, he was a jailed striker and injured/suspended replacements from taking us up last season, playing great football along the way.

 

Do I think a manager leaving now is good for the club or their promotion hopes? No. Would it have improved under Wilson in the last few games? I doubt it. Should Wilson have been allowed to see the job through? He probably should. It is a difficult situation and a massive gamble by Kevin McCabe.

 

The fact he thinks an unproven manager can do a better job than Wilson (his friend) suggests one of two things. Player power of some sort has won out, or McCabe is taking a massive risk with the future of the club and based on what? Fan disgruntlement? Home results? Observations on games (must be of others, as he isn't often there)? Is it McCabe's call or is he letting other's play with his money?

 

The club statement on the appointment reads; "Getting promotion to the Championship is at the heart of the decision for a change." What do they see changing to achieve this? Sadly as much passion and hunger Morgan has got, that alone will not get us there. He can change formation and tactics, but can he make them pass and move with fluidity and pace? Can he install a passion and hunger that should be there? And if he can, can he do it in five games?

 

It smacks of a panic measure to please fans ahead of the season ticket renewal deadline at the end of next week. Get the fans gee'd up by the appointment of a former captain and club hero. Make them feel all warm about the club - Then if it all goes wrong Morgan stays at club, drifts back into the background coaching. There is less of a fans backlash because the fans won't hate "Morgs". If it goes well, it is a win-win situation

 

I loved Chris Morgan as a player and a captain. He handles himself well with the media and fans. He is forceful, focused and determined. But is he ready for club management? I could have seen him managing the club at some point down the line. Just not in five games that will not just define our immediate future, but where we find ourselves both financially and in terms of league position for the next few years to come.

 

Results haven't been great, particularly at home. Previously raised concerns I mentioned on here haven't gone away. But let us not forget here has been a manager, the one with the best win percentage of any United manager (albeit based on third division games), and has operated with both hands tied behind his back, whilst someone stole his wallet….and his watch…and his rings. Yet you could argue he still had more assets left than any of his other peers. Maybe Danny's days were numbered, especially if he couldn't sort out the players, but the timing is yet again poor from a board that blunder from one bad decision to another

 

"We are confident we will not fail, we are not planning to fail in our drive for promotion," says Kevin McCabe. I am reminded of the phrase "failing to plan is planning to fail"; from the outside looking in we have appeared to be a club without a coherent, plan or strategy for quite some time. Therefore I think I know what follows. I hope they can prove me wrong this time.

 

Good luck to Chris and David. It is a big ask.

Wilson's 100

 

 

 

With Saturday's 2-0 victory at Boundary Park, Danny Wilson reached a milestone many would have assumed he wouldn't reach; 100 games in charge of Sheffield United. Even after the spittle-flecked vitriol of the car park protest that greeted his appointment had passed, you felt that he was always one bad run from the fans turning on him; forcing the board into another managerial appointment after four different managers had taken the hot seat in the previous twelve months.

 

His first season, like many Blades campaigns, saw United reach the brink of success only for the fates to conspire against them. That may seem clichéd, but anyone looking back at the club's capitulation at the final hurdle surely could not judge it any other way. What has followed over the Summer was the ripping out of the heart of the playing squad; removing most of the creativity and a large proportion of the goal getting capability that took the club so close to a Championship return last season.

 

Much has been made of Wilson's second season syndrome, often highlighted by fans of his previous clubs. Yet second place, one point off the top suggests that this is not a season of failure. Yet frustrations are bubbling underneath the surface.

 

Other feedback received on Wilson's previous managerial posts point to a man who struggles to have a Plan B in place and an inability to make changes when required. The club's home form this season would point to a man who has struggled to find the right formula for success, whilst away from home it works a treat.

 

The pitch has been blamed for a reduction in the quality of passing and style of play, but really it is a lack of quality in the squad compared to last year. Kevin McDonald continues to pull the strings, but is increasingly crowded out by the opposition, without the movement around him to free up the play. How often do we see the full backs pushing on like last season? Shoring up the defence has in many ways weakened our attack.

 

Injuries have further hampered the team. In a team shorn of what little pace it had with Miller's long term injury, the sale of Blackman and shorter term absences for replacements Forte and Murphy we have appeared increasingly pedestrian and lacking guile. Too often we have resorted to aimless long ball from the back when ideas have been exhausted.

 

Whilst I don't necessarily agree with the boos that have greeted half time and full time in the recent 0-0 draw versus Leyton Orient, I can see why they happened. Much has been said about how much better our away support is and in terms of numbers, volume and positivity. Very few will come close to United on any of those scores outside of the Premier League. However, you are always going to get a more vocal negative minority at home.

 

The frustrated and angry may well travel away, but are such small in relative number to be drowned out and not acknowledged. Mere mutterings amongst a largely positive and raucous din. Take that similar percentage to a crowd anything up to ten times as big at Bramall Lane, where that positive noise isn't maintained for 90 minutes, the negativity is always going to appear louder, more vociferous and more widespread. A home record of W7 D7 L3 is always going to disappoint some of those who cannot travel away and can place a grey, negative veil over the overall position. It is all they have seen after all and they have seen few ideas from the manager as to how to change it in those matches.

 

To criticise elements of Wilson's managerial capabilities may seem churlish, given the unprecedented events of last season, the departure of 4 key players and the club's position of second in the league. After all he is, in effect, operating with one hand tied behind his back and the other let nowhere near the club wallet.

 

Other League 1 clubs might not see it that way, the relative size of the club and its attendances compared with those they are competing against, would suggest a wage bill that most other clubs in the division would dream about. And one or two Championship clubs as well. But that belies the real issues with the club's financial situation, one that a salary cap, however big, hides.

 

What has seemed odd at times are the contradictions in statements made by chairman and manager; especially with regards to comments regarding transfer funds. These perhaps show a manager willing to state his understanding of a situation even though the club might want to portray a rosier picture. It certainly contradicts those who suggest that McCabe's friendship with Wilson means the manager is a stooge for the owner.

 

Looking at the bigger picture we have to recognise that we are a League One team with a combination of League One players and a sprinkling of promising youth, whatever the size of our wage bill. There's a reason that the players in red and white stripes are playing for Sheffield United in League One, is that they have found their level. Although when we struggle to break down teams at home, or get out-passed by lower salaried opposition, at times playing neater football, it is too easy to forget that.

 

Fans and media alike point to 16 points picked up out of the last 18. In response others have pointed to 18 in the last 33. Statistics can generally prove whatever you want them to with a bit of manipulation. Wilson's overall record of W54  D28  L18  seems excellent on first look, but then there will always be those who point to the Draw column and say "that's too many" whilst ignoring a 54% win percentage.

 

That's the thing about being a Blade, you come to expect the worst. Over the years you play down your hopes, preparing to manage the disappointment, knowing it is inevitable. "They always let you down" - is the mantra for many Blades of  a certain age. Many see one bad performance as putting the promotion push at the brink of implosion. In tight games, a misplaced pass in a bright opening is "a rare opportunity to score gone". The negatives outweigh the positives, clouding your thinking, altering your perception.

 

In amongst the polarised opinion between the masses and minority, there is one thing we can say for certain. Danny Wilson will be judged on one fact and that will be achieving promotion at the end of the season. Anything else and the record that goes before it will be meaningless, rather like the 90 points we picked up last season. There will be some nice memories; of games both home and away, of goals and those moments you only get going to the match, but the end goal remains unattained.

 

Not gaining promotion this season cannot be contemplated; the impact would set the club and its finances back for years. At present, Danny Wilson has put the club in an excellent position to deliver on this, in testing circumstances. But, with a tightly packed group at the top of the division, it will be a test of nerve and know-how for manager, players and fans alike. I only hope that the previous experience holds us all  in good stead. And as fans, we need to forget the past. The past is meaningless. We just need a bit of belief. You never know they might go and surprise us for a change.

Danny Wilson's Half Term Report - Year 2

 

 

Twelve months ago, I posted a Half Term Review of Danny Wilson's initial spell in charge. In what was a tense time, with supporter opinion divided on the new man in charge, United were hitting a bit of a blip in terms of results and were struggling for form against those clubs around them. Rolling  forward 12 months and some of the comparisons are interesting and common themes emerge.

 

Transfers (B-)

 

United started last season with much of the previous season's squad intact and that certainly played a key part in the relative success we enjoyed last season. This season it is very much different. With the departure of four key players, three of which were wholly necessary to enable the club to comply with the SMCP (salary cap) rules and another at Her Majesty's Pleasure, Danny was always going to need to work miracles in the transfer market. At the same time, the onus was on blooding young players.

 

Of those coming in, three have settled into first team action. Tony McMahon was seen as a great signing by many and has taken up the right back slot vacated by the departing Matt Lowton. And therein lays the problem. As steady as McMahon has been, he is not Lowton and the absence of marauding runs forward like Lowton offered, probably tars opinion of the new man.

 

Nick Blackman is the Blades top scorer and certainly possesses more than enough talent to be a success in League One. But as Irecently suggested to the Football League site The Two Unfortunates, you can't help feeling he could be achieving so much more if he applied himself and his energies better.

 

Dave Kitson was an unusual signing and one that the manager seems to have had little influence in. After all, we had five strikers on the books when he signed his short term deal until January and at the time fans wanted the diminishing salary pot used elsewhere. Also a friendship with the McCabe family seemingly had a defining impact on his decision to join. Until his injury he has looked the pick of our strikers. Whilst the legs have not always been able, he has still worked incredibly hard, across the front line and tracking back, offering an outlet ball and someone to hold the ball whilst others joined in support. His footballing brain has set him apart as a class above from many of those around him.

 

John Cofie started the season with plenty of energy, but has lost his way and his place in the team, displaying a disappointing level of physical strength on the ball and a naiveté when taking up positions and running at opposition defences. His lack of senior football clearly playing a part and whilst all players have to make that step up somewhere, I don't feel that we have the time and can be patient enough this season.

 

Shaun Miller has demonstrated a striker's intuition when making rare forays from the bench and took two magnificently finished goals at Notts County in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. His chance must come, sooner rather than later. Whilst Darryl Westlake has had rare opportunities, playing out of position in midfield to plug gaps, but may now have a run in his natural right back position following McMahon's injury at MK.

 

Overall, Danny has done okay with his signings, but the failure to address clear deficiencies in wide areas, aside from the short term loan signing of Paul Gallagher, are my main criticism.

 

 

Faith in Youth (C+)

 

One of the most exciting factors of our pre-season was seeing the opportunities being given to graduates from our FA Youth Cup final squad of 18 months ago. Tenacious and attack minded midfielder Elliot Whitehouse impressed until a broken foot ruled him out of the start of the season. Whilst he was unlikely to have dislodged Doyle and McDonald from the first XI, he would have been a natural fit when Doyle suffered a three game suspension and may have offered impetus off the bench late in games.

 

Callum McFadzean would add something badly missing out wide and I fail to see how he could not improve our play in that area. Not least because he would be a round peg in a round hole! George Long has taken his opportunity magnificently following Mark Howard's injury, keeping clean sheets in 5 out of 9 games and pulling off some saves that bely his age and experience. Yet you get the feeling that this has surprised Wilson who would have been just as happy bringing in a loan player, only for the youngsters form to negate the need.

 

Over the last couple of years much has been made of our "Development Squad", but many of these players are not given a chance, even in cup games. There also appears reluctance from other clubs to take them on loan and when they have it has hardly been a measured success. Some are now approaching an age where if they are going to forge a career they ought to be pushing for the matchday squad.

 

For many you don't sense that is the case and if so it is questionable why some have deals to the end of the season and beyond. Whilst they will be on relatively low salaries and take up little of our budget, you can't help feeling that this money could be better used on a loan winger. Their movement onwards would also free up opportunities for younger academy players to join the Under 21 squad.

 

Style of Play (C)

 

If you lose quality players and have little funds to replace there will clearly be a deterioration both in terms of style of play. You can try to do the same, but when you lack players like Ched Evans, Stephen Quinn and Lee Williamson, you also lack the creativity and imagination that these players brought to our play last season and not least their goals.

 

Whilst United went goal crazy last season, there is a relative dearth of goals and chances this season. Of the 92 goals last season, 52 were scored by the now departed quartet of Evans, Williams, Lowton and Quinn. Together these four players set up 35 of them. Take them away and it places a huge onus on the shoulders of Kevin McDonald as our chief creator and Ryan Flynn on the wing.

 

There has been mumbled criticism of McDonald this season, his influence not as noticeable as last season. This is down to a number of factors including the deterioration in quality and movement around him and the tighter marking he now receives as the single focal point of our team. 

 

 

Tactics and Substitutions (C)

 

Having already touched upon Danny Wilson's reluctance to play youth, what makes it all the more frustrating is his insistence in playing square pegs in round holes to plug the gaps. This has seen Marcus Williams deployed in a left wing position, Darryl Westlake played in central midfield and David McAllister played wide. Whilst not wanting to decry their effort, which cannot be faulted, they are not natural fits and the team play suffers as a result.

 

A major frustration last season was the use of substitutions late on in games and our tendency to sit back on leads. I described it as thus;

 

"At times they have removed the impetus we had when taking the lead, probably causing us to sit deeper, invite teams on and anxiety spreads from stands to pitch."

 

Sadly we are seeing it again this season and when the margins are so tight it makes it all the more annoying. Whilst defensively we appear more solid this season it only takes one lapse in the final seconds for 3 points to become 1 and 1 to become 0. The focus on strengthening the backline has left fans feeling that we have set up in a much more negative manner this season. I suspect there is an element of being more defensively minded, combined with the lack of creativity that we had last season.

 

The stats back this up. Relatively shot shy at home and the least attacking side away from home, it is our defensive stability and fortitude that leaves us where we are.

 

	Home	Divisional Rank	Away	Divisional Rank	Overall	Divisional Rank
Ave. Shots For	11.6	9	7.1	24	9.2	17
Ave. Shots Against	9.4	11	8.3	2	8.8	3

 

	Defence	Attack
Overall League Ranking	1	17

 

* Figures taken from PA data as published on BBC Sport and kindly compiled by Ron of the Swindon Town site The Washbag

 

Top 8 clashes (C+)

 

Last year our record against the teams around us was patchy and poor. This season, in what many agree is a weaker division; it is much harder to judge. Of those in the Top 8 United have faced just four; disappointing home draws with Notts County and Doncaster and away draw and a defeat at Swindon and MK respectively. Further tests come in the next month or so, starting with a home game against Stevenage on Saturday. Games against Tranmere and Crawley follow in December. Where United find themselves mid-December could well set the standard for what we can expect this season. The one positive is that only one team has gained on us from these games so far.

 

Dealing with the media (B+)

 

I have only really disagreed with Danny once this season. On the whole his dealings with the media have demonstrated a level of pragmatism and an acknowledgment of the grim reality of managing a club with financial issues to address.

 

That pragmatism, although not widely shared amongst the fan base, sees Wilson taking the positives from a grim 1-0 win, i.e. it is a win, rather than being bogged down in public debate over what could be improved. We all know money is not available to fix some of the frustrating things we have seen on the pitch this season; it will require continued hard work on the training ground.

 

My disagreement came in the wake of a particularly sterile 0-0 home draw with Doncaster. Having watched United pump long diagonal balls on to the heads of defensive giants Jones and McCombe all evening, I failed to see how he could say that was our best tactic, given we rarely tried to take the ball wide past their full back and hit a low cross from a more difficult position for the defenders to deal with. We had just played into an average side's hands for 90 minutes.

 

Overall (B-)

 

I have said it on twitter a few times in recent weeks, but United really remind me of Charlton Athletic last season. Didn't overly impress when I saw them, but efficiently did the job. There was little between the two sides at Bramall Lane, but a couple of defensive lapses cost us. Away, we probably deserved a draw and should have had one but for a goal ruled out for offside. What Charlton did to us and others last season, we are doing to teams in this division. If anything we lack the ruthlessness up front that Charlton displayed.

 

It is true we have dropped points particularly at home, but our away record more than compensates and all this without ever feeling like we have hit top gear. This could be United's season; automatic promotion is in our own hands. Playing the way we are few teams will beat us, the important factor will be converting tight games into victories. Teams miss out on promotion and some are relegated, by drawing too many games. Throughout Huddersfield’s long “unbeaten run” they were drawing lots of games; in the end it cost them.

 

It is a fine line we are treading. As the match at MK showed on Saturday, you can be seconds away from a good away draw and one mistake, be it from an official or player, can cost you. There is an argument that says one point from Swindon and MK away might have been three with a more positive game plan.

 

Having said all that, we have 32 points after 17 games and sit 2^nd; 3 points and 3 places better off than we were at the same stage last season. 32 points last season would have placed us 4^th, still a point behind Wednesday in 3rd. These facts lend credence to the argument that the division is weaker this season. Sadly, so are the Blades.

 

Last November, I suggested the following:

 

"The drop in standard from the Championship has been notable and it is only our own failings that have stopped us achieving a higher position. There is still plenty for Wilson to work on and where we end up this season will largely depend on what he has to work with in terms of a squad come the end of January and an ability to wheel and deal in the loan market to provide adequate cover when required.

 

Wilson's time at Swindon turned sour when some of his better players were sold on. He needs to ensure the same doesn't happen at Bramall Lane"

 

I think the same applies this time. We are reportedly at 60% of turnover in terms of wages, against a limit of 65%. The board are saying that, although there is little we can do now, there may well be movement in January. There needs to be movement for United to progress, however that movement shouldn’t mean losing our best young players.

 

I fully back Wilson to deliver promotion this season. I have seen nothing so far to suggest we cannot achieve it, but we need to do more to ensure that we tip the scales slightly more in our favour. Fortune favours the brave and so far we have been more than a little timid.