Having given the events post Ipswich some thought, I think it is appropriate that attention is constructively aimed at the board and ownership group. It is evident that the summer recruitment was haphazard at best, leaving whoever is the manager to turn up to a gun fight with a knife. More worrying, however, is the influence some members of the ownership and their advisors seem to have had on recruitment, and sacking. Including of a manager, coaches, players leaving and lack of any interview process and due diligence for appointment of new management and coaches. It is important to not underestimate how easy it is to take steps backwards and damage work done. If you listening to or watch any of the two press conferences pre-Charlton, I think some of the not so subtle comments and digs were aimed at the board rather than Selles, with regard to technology, data etc. For perceived successful business men, it has been amateur hour behind the scenes since May. An upturn in performances will merely mask this. Whilst some people may dismiss the ownership under Prince Abdullah, the work done to build an infrastructure of coaches and players at first team and academy level is not to be sniffed at. The club has consistently has players and coaches poached by higher level clubs, and shows somethings were being done right. This can be said for purchasing of land around Bramall Lane, bringing assets into club ownership, purchase of Dore from HSBC, to not betting the house on staying in the Premier League. I think both Bettis and Wilder have previously pulled rabbits out of hats considering who we have been trying to compete against.
I have mixed feelings on the reappointment. I thought it was right when we parted ways after the Wembley debacle. So, in some ways this feels like a regression. Or to be more optimistic, one step back, two steps forward. Whereas I agreed with Wilder's emphasis on results over attacking football I think this negativity or caution is what cost us, ultimately, at Wembley. But for now results are the name of the game.
Not sure who’s written this, but thank you for an excellent summing up.
“And let’s give Wilder credit: in his dealings with two sets of crackpot owners, he has remained on good terms and not left, like I would, kicking the chair over on the way out.”
Which shows even more, I think, that despite the way he’s been treated, he doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardise his association with the Club.
As you say, Sheffield United FC has failed before and will do again, but maybe not as soon as we’d feared.
Having given the events post Ipswich some thought, I think it is appropriate that attention is constructively aimed at the board and ownership group. It is evident that the summer recruitment was haphazard at best, leaving whoever is the manager to turn up to a gun fight with a knife. More worrying, however, is the influence some members of the ownership and their advisors seem to have had on recruitment, and sacking. Including of a manager, coaches, players leaving and lack of any interview process and due diligence for appointment of new management and coaches. It is important to not underestimate how easy it is to take steps backwards and damage work done. If you listening to or watch any of the two press conferences pre-Charlton, I think some of the not so subtle comments and digs were aimed at the board rather than Selles, with regard to technology, data etc. For perceived successful business men, it has been amateur hour behind the scenes since May. An upturn in performances will merely mask this. Whilst some people may dismiss the ownership under Prince Abdullah, the work done to build an infrastructure of coaches and players at first team and academy level is not to be sniffed at. The club has consistently has players and coaches poached by higher level clubs, and shows somethings were being done right. This can be said for purchasing of land around Bramall Lane, bringing assets into club ownership, purchase of Dore from HSBC, to not betting the house on staying in the Premier League. I think both Bettis and Wilder have previously pulled rabbits out of hats considering who we have been trying to compete against.
I have mixed feelings on the reappointment. I thought it was right when we parted ways after the Wembley debacle. So, in some ways this feels like a regression. Or to be more optimistic, one step back, two steps forward. Whereas I agreed with Wilder's emphasis on results over attacking football I think this negativity or caution is what cost us, ultimately, at Wembley. But for now results are the name of the game.
Not sure who’s written this, but thank you for an excellent summing up.
“And let’s give Wilder credit: in his dealings with two sets of crackpot owners, he has remained on good terms and not left, like I would, kicking the chair over on the way out.”
Which shows even more, I think, that despite the way he’s been treated, he doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardise his association with the Club.
As you say, Sheffield United FC has failed before and will do again, but maybe not as soon as we’d feared.
Sue.
Very perceptive piece and an enjoyable read. Very much in agreement. Is the author Anon?
No, he's just forgotten to put his name to it. Now corrected.
Spot on 👍
Enjoyable perspective and parallels.