Seizing the Moment

When I last wrote on A United View 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

In October, Tareq Hawasli (the other representative of Prince Abdullah) appeared on Alan Biggs’ Sheffield Live show 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”.

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^th August there have been 6 terminations and 7 appointments to the SUFC Limited board, but this masks multiple ins and outs.

Following their departure on  7^th September, Simon and Scott McCabe were re-appointed on 13^th December. Football club Chief Executive Stephen Bettis has been doing the hokey-cokey; standing down as a director on 4^th August, re-appointed on 9^th September only to stand down again as the McCabe’s returned on the 13^th 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. 

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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?

Up the Blades!

Sheffield - A Footballing City Better Divided

They say that politicians are out of touch with society and their constituents. Many of those MPs profess to be football fans often have a view of the game that demonstrates an even greater distance between them and the man in the street. So what chance have we got when an octogenarian ex-MP starts talking of the need for merger in Sheffield?

The former Bassetlaw MP was once a board member at Hillsborough, a man never short of a loudly voiced opinion and a man ever keen to demonstrate his man of the terraces credentials. Speaking back in 1990 he said; “I saw my first game in 1942, I’ve had a season ticket since 1962 and I’ve been a shareholder since 1974. If I don’t know about Wednesday, who does?”

That was then. Today he demonstrated he knows little about his club or their fans - you only have to view the forum thread on Owlstalk to see that. He demonstrated that he knows little about Sheffield United, modern day football and the fans of this city. Joe Ashton is an old-school former MP of the ilk that thinks he who shouts loudest, clearly wins the argument.

Like the senile old uncle at a family reunion Joe spouted his views to The Star, supported by factual inaccuracies and huge misconceptions. None of which the paper saw fit to pick him up on.

“The fans are sick of it now, both sets."

“We’ve had to put up with rubbish for years (AUV - I'll give him that!) and I think the majority of Sheffielders would get behind one team. (AUV - Really? That is not the impression I get) People realise that we’re never going to get anywhere with two teams (AUV -we have both been in the Premier league before, where is anywhere?) and that Sheffield is missing out on the big time. If you want to be in the Premier League you have to get a city behind the team (AUV - What? Like in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham? And it has worked so well in Leeds, even Newcastle have suffered Premier league relegation). Wait until both teams are out of the FA Cup and then ask the fans when they’ve nowt to play for except survival. (AUV - Let's do that Joe - I doubt you will see a different response)

“I also think a combined team could play at Bramall Lane or Hillsborough - not the Hillsborough ground as it is now, that will always be associated with the disaster that claimed 96 lives. They should knock it down and build a new, modern ground with a suitable memorial.

“Kevin McCabe has been trying to sell United for years and Mandaric is the same at Wednesday. If the two clubs were to combine, get the city right behind them then they could attract some big money from overseas investors, I’m sure of it.”(AUV - Correct me if I am wrong Joe isn't that what has just happened at Bramall Lane? And there are many examples of where money doesn't guarantee you success and doesn't guarantee you getting out of League 1, never mind the Championship)

 

This is not new talk from Ashton. Back in 2000 he spoke of his feelings on a Steel City football merger in a less expectant manner and less positive terms, yet Mickey Mouse talk of a South Yorkshire team in 20 years still passed his lips.

“There was some talk of a merger from Mike McDonald (AUV - then chairman) at Sheffield United, but the fans of both clubs would never accept it. The problem with mergers and so on so far has been that it is small businessmen have tried them. If big companies like Disney and Warner Bros get involved, then it might happen.

“Bayern Munich and Barcelona represent their regions, not just their cities (AUV - Espanol and 1860 Munich would have a view on that and they are just for starters). South Yorkshire has a catchment area of 1.25 million, with about 60,000 people paying to watch football. There could be a South Yorkshire team in ten or 20 years.”

Sheffield, a city of so many football firsts - the first football club (as recognised by FIFA), the oldest professional football ground in the world, the venue of the first game played under floodlights - is suffering another season without first division football, without a realistic hope of reaching a major final and there is little sign of the situation changing soon, despite the arrival of Saudi investment at Bramall Lane. While ever that is the case "know-nowts" like Ashton will still talk of this supposed panacea.

Twenty years on from the all-Sheffield FA Cup semi-final, between what were then two Premier League clubs, the city has watched Wednesday struggle to retain the Championship status gained 12 months previously and remain rooted in the bottom three this season. Whilst across the city United stumbled towards seemingly inevitable play-off failure and are just starting to recover from the disastrous start under the short-lived reign of David Weir.

Wednesday reached both cup finals back in 1993, losing out to Arsenal each time. Two years earlier they enjoyed cup success in the Rumbelows Cup Final, beating Manchester United. Prior to that you have to look back 56 years for Sheffield's last major trophy - Wednesday's cup win and even further for Wednesday's two titles and the Blades beating Cardiff City in the 1925 FA Cup final (their 4th cup success). United's only league title coming before the turn of the 20th century.

In a way, the football clubs are representative of the city they call home. Sheffield is a city in stagnation, stifled by the poor decisions of those who run it, at odds with the national rulers and always placing barriers in front of potential investment and development from outside parties. Ashton's peers and followers have put roadblocks in front of a city that could have been on the move.

The leaders of Sheffield City Council have perfected the art of portraying themselves as the victims, suffering misfortune and bad luck without recognising their own failings. Never seeing the positive opportunities that are there, like finding a home within the city boundaries for the World's Oldest Club or by leveraging the marketing opportunities given by the city's place in football history. Talk of a World Football Museum was just that and it is probably wise it was when the National Centre for Popular Music was as big a white elephant as Sheffield Airport. This negative and corrosive mentality of failure and insularity had started to pervade both the city's football clubs and their supporters.

 
Listening to the phone-ins, reading the internet forums and you can see that within Sheffield there is a feeling that football needs strong Sheffield clubs, but does that feeling exist outside of the city? Despite the positivity towards the great atmosphere and large crowds when the Sky cameras visit, I don't believe that clamour exists. The game has moved on without a concern as to who is and isn't at the top table, leaving the Sheffield clubs lagging behind, increasingly forgotten.
 

In a similar vein, the city stumbles along, whilst Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle and many others attract money and investment. Regeneration after the loss of major industry has not happened in the Steel City to the same extent as elsewhere. Sheffield as a city is an unattractive prospect for the money men and that has been replicated in football. The failure of the city to develop left few local people with the wealth to effect significant change at either club. 

United were lucky. Somewhat unexpectedly Kevin McCabe leveraged a deal which brought significant money into the club, at a cost to himself and his family companies, but with the long term interests of the club at heart. Milan Mandaric hasn't got that same attachment to Wednesday and as the club regresses on the pitch he will become increasingly desperate to get out at a profit. Who he sells to and the custodianship of the club will be potentially at risk. Let's not forget that he sold Portsmouth to the Gaydamaks.

Some, like Joe Ashton, may say that the only way to make Sheffield football an attractive prospect is a merged club, capitalising on the potential combined fan base and utilising a single city stadium, a thought that would be heresy to most fans of the Blades and Owls and would most probably lead to new United and Wednesday clubs dividing the city's support further and more local interest in Sheffield FC. But as each year passes without success, and a generation of fans fail to see Premier League football return to the city, might that defiance start to crumble?

Possibly, but that assumes everyone is desperate to reach the Promised Land of the Premier League, which seems to become increasingly tarnished year after year. The only feasible way that it could happen is if you have two owners interested in a merger for profit making purposes.

 

The uncertainty over Wednesday's future ownership puts the club at risk of such a benefactor taking over, with little local interest in history or the city. However, whilst ever one of the two clubs has a supporter involved in its guardianship - Kevin McCabe's controlling interest at United - then the wider risk is minimised. Maybe both halves of Sheffield have something to be thankful to the McCabe family for at present?

Prince and The (Sheffield) Revolution

The several hundred Blades fans at Scunthorpe for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie were still in dreamland. "We're so rich it's unbelievable!"…"Shall we buy a ground for you?" The announcement that morning of the purchase of 50% of the football club by Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had left most fans slightly shell-shocked, as the media bandied around million/billion pound figures of the Prince's net worth. Yet underlying the braggadocio of the chants was an inherent nervousness; a feeling of disbelief, that this cannot really be happening at Bramall Lane.

 

 

 

 

To those surprised by this edginess you only have to look back at a list of United's previous chairmen and some of the potential owners who, thankfully, never got their hands on the club. From the country's biggest white collar fraudster, to an Iraqi businessman later to undergo gender realignment - before a subsequent reversal. From a chairman subject to an international arrest warrant to a fugitive still on the run from Interpol and a London socialite known as "The Count" who had indirect connections to Libyan arms dealers. Then throw in the tempestuous time when Charles Green acted as Mike McDonald's axe-man.

 

During Kevin McCabe's reign as chairman and owner there has been the rebuffed interest of Singaporean businessman Joe Sim, as revealed in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation, the interest from Malaysian Vinod Sekhar (who survived a bankruptcy claim in his own country) and the recent revelation from Kevin McCabe that he turned down an offer to buy the club from Carson Yeung back in 2007. Who can blame fans for being a little cautious?

 

You only have to look elsewhere to see the case for caution strengthened; Venky's at Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff losing their identity and history, Hull City Tigers, the problems caused by consecutive owners at Portsmouth, both Liverpool and Villa finding that big money US takeovers are no guarantee of success.

 

I think in the case of United the retained interest of the McCabe family, owning the other 50%,  should give us comfort; acting as custodians of the club's past present and future. For the deal that has been done, Kevin McCabe and his family deserve credit. Both he and the Prince have been quick to reassure us that the focus on the club as part of the community and its rich history is, and will continue to be, respected.

 

But despite the seemingly beneficial nature of the deal and an outcome most fans would seem happy with, it doesn't mean to say that we (as fans) didn't have the right to question what had gone before. Many fans (and this blog) have questioned the true motives regarding the transfer of theground and other assets into the Scarborough owned plc. and the losses incurred in acquiring and running overseas clubs in geographies seemingly motivated by real estate opportunities than burgeoning football interest.

 

The separation of stadium/hotel/academy from the football club remains a risk, although there is less talk of an exit plan from the McCabe family which gives some comfort. His stated motives at the time of the asset transfer; of creating an easy investment in a "clean" football club, free of debt and other costs appears to have worked. Whether you see that as clever move that has paid off or someone that has struck lucky is up to you.

 

At the time I struggled to see the desirability of such a deal for an investor and any return for the Prince can only really be realised by two promotions. It may be that he believes this is achievable and for a £1 up front cost that may be a risk worth taking for a man who professes to love football so much. For the McCabe family they retain their sole interest in the fixed assets of the club, a significant amount by which to secure and recover some of the multi- million pound investment over their tenure.

 

Too many times in the past, fans have sat back and accepted that people are acting in the best interests of their club without questioning the true motives. That lack of curiosity, the absence of a questioning approach, the willingness to take everything at face value has left some clubs in dire straits. Yes it was Kevin McCabe's money that was used to plug the holes left by poor decision making; yes he funded the follies and legacies of apparently trusted lieutenants in Terry Robinson and Trevor Birch, but over that time considerable finance was provided by the supporters. There needs to be acknowledgement that fans are stakeholders (both financial and emotional), something that fans' pressure groups are ensuring that clubs recognise, particularly outside the Premier League and at those clubs where the parachute payments have expired and times are leaner.

 

If you doubt this, consider the amount of turnover generated, both directly and indirectly by supporters of Sheffield United. In the financial statements to 30 June 2012 gate receipts accounted for £4.5m of United's turnover of £10.3m. Sponsorship, royalties, merchandise and advertising (much of it funded by fans as well) accounted for a further £3.6m of the £10.3m. The fact this barely covered half the costs is due to decisions made by the owners and board of directors. The club kept a Premier league infrastructure for too long and gambled heavily in the wrong areas. The McCabe family got in too deep and have fought to extricate themselves from it, at great cost.

 

Never underestimate the fans' input into the financial well-being of a football club; whether it has a benefactor or is run as a fans' trust or community club. Football without fans is nothing. Yes McCabe has put in close to £90m during his reign a large proportion of his wealth, but what about the fan that spends upwards of £2,000 a year following his team home and away? That could be up to a quarter of some fans' net annual earnings. A not inconsiderable amount, unconditionally spent and often in blind faith.

 

So how will the injection of Saudi millions affect United going forward? The answer is that it is difficult to predict. Getting out of League 1 this season is far from certain. In David Weir we have a manager trying to impose his ideas on a squad of players that is gradually evolving into his team and he has lost the key player that his pre-season preparation and 4-2-3-1 formation was built around - Kevin McDonald.

 

On his appointment in the summer I stated he would need time and that promotion may have to wait for a season, whilst the squad is over-hauled and he builds a strong team with the work ethic and style he demands. Even with an injection of money I don't see that changing. It still looks like we have square pegs in round holes and although you can see what Weir is trying to achieve, the pretty passing is only getting us so far down the pitch and a lack of goal threat, never mind goals, is a concern.

 

Sadly fans are getting impatient already and defeat at Rotherham on Saturday could leave United in the bottom four. If the fans get twitchy, will the new joint owner exercise restraint? Interestingly, in an interview with Radio Sheffield Kevin McCabe referred to the Saudi money being used on improving the playing side "and better management staff, perhaps".

 

Another factor in limiting the impact of any cash injection is the Financial Fair Play rules. While ever United are in League 1, salaries will be limited to 60% of turnover. This means that any money will be used on transfer fees for players that will still need to fit in with the existing wage structure that will not take the wage bill over the cap.

 

I have seen some Blades criticising the timing of the announcement, just after the transfer window closes, but I suspect with the limitations on wages we were limited in what we could achieve with the cash anyway. It is also worth bearing in mind we have paid fees for Lyle Taylor, Jose Baxter and Florent Cuvelier, which could well be a sign of monies being advanced ahead of the official announcement.   

 

Yes there are ways around the rules, through creative sponsorship and advertising deals, but the need for a financially sustainable club has been emphasised as an objective in the past and certainly appears to be something the Prince is keen on in initial statements. That money is not frittered away without good reason and having a club that balances its books will be important if promotion is achieved. 

 

The differing FFP rules will have a different impact if and when United achieve reach the Championship. From this season clubs must restrict their losses to a maximum of £3m, however if an owner is willing to convert the losses to equity (without funding this via borrowing) the limit increases to £8m; in effect costing the owner up to £5m. The limits reduce year on year and by 2015-16 will be £2m or £5m if the difference is converted to equity.

 

This could be a reason for the lack of funding across the city where Wednesday (reportedly making losses of £5m a year) spent little in the transfer window. At a time when he is actively trying to sell the club, Milan Mandaric would risk increasing his asking price considerably or being required to invest money he may never recover. Let's not forget in the last financial statements United were making a loss of £13m and whilst this year's results are yet to be announced they will do well to have halved that deficit.

 

Concerns have been expressed that the Prince is not as loaded as the inflated figures first reported, personally worth £93m according to Forbes, yet the reality is that it may not need a significant amount of that wealth invested in United over the next couple of years. In an interview, post announcement, Simon McCabe said the expectation and objective was that it would take £20m and three years to get back to the Premier League. My fear is that is asking too much too soon; at the very least a promotion this season, or back to back promotions from League 1 to the Premier League. Oh for the heady, pre-Premier League, days of 1988-1990 when we achieved this under Dave Bassett.

 

Significant overseas money is no guarantee of success or a return to the Premier League; just ask Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, but I guess there is little harm in setting targets and showing some ambition. The club may need to carefully manage expectations though, especially when the initial buzz of the investment has died down.

 

The Prince is reportedly a big fan of Fantasy Football. Most people I know who play Fantasy Football  lose interest part way through a season, when the transfers haven't paid off  and they are too far adrift of the prize money in their local league. Let's hope that he doesn't lose interest if the three year plan is delayed and that he is in this for the longer term as promised. This isn't fantasy football; it is real life, with real people, real employees and real stakeholders.

EPPP - If it ain't broke don't break it!

 

 

Back in July 2012, the Premier League launched EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) a structured plan to supposedly raise standards in youth development. The six fundamental principles that were highlighted as key to the success of the EPPP were:

 

- Increase the number and quality of home grown players gaining professional contracts in the clubs and playing first team football at the highest level

 

- Create more time for players to play and be coached

 

- Improve coaching provision

 

- Implement a system of effective measurement and quality assurance

 

- Positively influence strategic investment into the Academy System demonstrating value for money

 

- Seek to implement significant gains in every aspect of player development

 

The previous system for determining compensation for players was reviewed with the Football League, along with the restrictions on player recruitment. This now gives clubs with higher graded academies free reign on other clubs' young talent and compensation schemes with much reduced, fixed fees replaced tribunals; meaning that those clubs losing players were likely to be much worse off.

 

In order to force through the proposals the Premier league forcibly coerced the football league clubs down a route many didn't want to pursue, under the threat of withdrawal of some of their TV money. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish described it as:

 

"A brazen attempt by the Premier League's wealthy elite to cherry pick the best youngsters from the Football League clubs."

 

Yet Premier League clubs are now starting to see EPPP as having a potentially detrimental impact on their clubs as well. Jeremy Peace chairman of West Bromwich Albion said recently;

 

“The way it is for us in the short term isn’t working. And I’m not convinced it’ll work medium term. The way it’s structured these lads are going to go to the big clubs - that’s the seduction. Why are we spending £2.5 million (on infrastructure improvements and a similar amount each year in running costs) to be another club’s academy?" 

 

"We’ve invested in the infrastructure and we’ll see what happens over the next year. But from what we’re seeing so far it’s very disappointing".

 

“We’ve brought in a whole load of staff, all these facilities and then a club can come along with £200k and say ‘here you go, thank you very much".

 

Free movement amongst Category 1 clubs with a derisory compensation scheme, progressively getting worse the lower down the grading scale. Where is the benefit, for anyone outside the powerful ten or so teams, free of the threat of relegation, the powerhouses of the Premier League?

 

Some clubs have given up on their academies all together - Wycombe and Yeovil Town being two of the higher profile examples. Others have weighed up a decision with a significant number of pros and cons. A decision regarding which category to apply for was not a simple task.

 

Part of the process was to re-categorise Academies from one to four; one being the highest standard. Now, one year on, clubs have found out the results of the independent audit programme which saw Double Pass, a Belgian company, assess all academies against 10 Key Performance Indicators that assessed how each club scored against the criteria for their chosen grade. Pleasingly United's Academy has officially been categorised by the Professional Game Board (PGB) as a Category Two Academy under the new youth development system. A positive news story on the face of it.

 

Despite the success of the Blades' academy down the years the club admitted that it "had some work to do" to improve and meet the necessary criteria of a Category Two Academy. This involved investing heavily in coaching staff across all age groups.

 

The benefits of this investment are clear; guaranteeing a prestigious fixtures programme against the best teams in the area, added financial protection against losing players to predatory clubs and a seal of approval from an independent organisation that says the club delivers a high quality programme. That could be the key to attracting the right players in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

 

But this is where the EPPP plan actually contradicts what it is trying to achieve. Our academy has not been ranked outside the top 20 in the last 12 years; a stand out achievement for a club that has only had one season in the Premier League in that time.  Academy manager Nick Cox also pointed out:

 

"The auditors gave us special praise for our player productivity over the years. The Premier League's scoring system sees us ranked as the eighth best producer of talent in the last three years."

 

Consistently in the Top 20 academies, eighth best producer of talent, it is hardly broke, so why fix it? Or in this case, break it. With the success that United has had, investing heavily in youth development, producing two full England internationals and numerous age group internationals in that time, it seems a ridiculous scenario that they have chosen not to apply for Category 1 status. Whilst I don't disagree with the need to improve, surely that should be as much about raising standards of the many academies not the few.

 

Cox said that:

 

"Category One does not fit with the strategy of the club. Chasing Category One status would have been to massage our own ego rather than a common sense decision……Many of the benefits of a higher category do not fit with what we are trying to achieve, for example it would have allowed us to scout nationally from the age of 12 when what we really want is for our Academy to be developers of the best local players as a priority."

 

It is easy to read between the lines and see a financial cost as one of the major factors. A £2.3m annual budget is a considerable amount for a club outside of the Premier League without a benefactor, TV money/parachute payments and on annual turnover of less than £10m.

 

Category 1 status is about throwing money and resources at a perceived problem and we are all aware of examples where that has not worked well in football. Category 1 is not about player development or playing first team football at the highest level, it is certainly not about value for money. It is about creating a barrier to entry, for those clubs outside of the elite. Regardless of the initiative, investment and credibility previously demonstrated in player development, no cash and you are not in.

 

Club representatives have spoken of the need to recruit, develop and nurture the best young talent in the region, with the ultimate aim of continuing to graduate our youngsters into our first-team squad at Bramall Lane in the years ahead. In reality we all know that will subsequently mean player sales, to allow further investment in young talent. That is, unless a Premier league return can be achieved.

 

Our reputation for player development will hold the club in good stead and the salutary tale of Jordan Slew, whose career has stalled after leaving United after making just 11 first team appearances, may encourage a longer term commitment from academy graduates. Staying at Bramall Lane has had clear longer term benefits for Matt Lowton.

 

When, not if, player such as George Long and Harry Maguire move on they will have tremendous playing experience under their belts, that may not have been gained with premature moves to a higher level. Behind them their fellow graduates, such as Elliott Whitehouse and Callum McFadzean, will be forging similar careers and the next generation will be establishing themselves - see (England U17 goalkeeper) George Willis and (Italy Under 18 striker - from Chesterfield) Diego De Girolamo amongst others.

 

Another key factor could be the capture of the aforementioned Cox, who oversaw the graduation to first team football of 52 players in 12 years at Watford. He clearly has a keen eye. His arrival at Bramall Lane was greeted with congratulatory tweets from Watford fans I know, saying what a great capture he will be. Let's hope so.

 

United might survive the EPPP era better than most. Credit for that must go to Kevin McCabe who invested heavily in tremendous facilities at Shirecliffe at a time when few other clubs were following suit. This has given United a significant base to launch the careers of several promising starlets over the last few years. Encouraging the next batch to see Bramall Lane as a place to develop and grow as a player will be the key. Promotion to the Championship will also help.

 

But let's not pretend EPPP that this is helping arrest the slide of age group national teams in international competition so clearly demonstrated this summer. Let's not pretend that this is to benefit the national team - since when do the Premier League clubs care about that? This is about clubs stockpiling players that will no doubt end up back at their original clubs on loan, or on the scrapheap at 19 and 20; when chances are so few and far between and their development is stunted through a lack of first team football.

 

In some ways that may work in United's favour and also that of other Championship and League One clubs. If that happens, the best will still move to Premier League clubs and hopefully move on to international recognition. The wiser members of the remaining group will maybe resist the lure of sitting in the stands and develop their careers in surroundings and with coaches who have developed so many talented players to date.

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.