retired_eneko5613

Warnock had failed. The fans had finally got to him. Despite a play-off final and cup runs galore, he hadn't managed to return his Blades to the promised land of the Premiership. Strikers, so many strikers, had come and gone, but Neil had stayed. But last season was too much. Nothing to show from it but a few more wrinkles and a growing hole in the clubs finances.

"We were once great!" ranted a (probably delusional) Blades fan on Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven phone in, "and now we're in the same division as them Wendy b*stards again. It's time Warnock walked!" Not unusual in itself, as this could be heard week in, week out on South Yorkshire's finest broadcast medium.

The fans had clearly had enough, and this time Neil had too. He had cleared his desk, and left knowing that he'd tried his best. But he left with a wry smile; if the fans were angry now, they'd be livid in the morning.

This is the story of what happens when a Football Club gives the fans exactly what they ask for, even when they don't know what they want, and it starts on that very next morning...

retired_eneko5613

That very next morning:

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After an announcement like that, pre-season at Sheffield's bigger club was going to be, well, rather interesting. The fans were incensed and flooded Radio Sheffield at every opportunity, and when a pause appeared in the flow of abuse, up would pop a Wednesday fan to take the p*ss. Things weren't exactly helped when an anonymous tip-off revealed the new manager to be a big Rotherham United fan. Internet messageboards were full of keyboard warriors suggesting pickets and boycotts, and a handful of season tickets arrived back at the club in various torn up/burnt states. According to phone ins, these had been sent in by apporximately 200 fans.

But gradually, as July progressed, the storm seemed to ease. The club still had a good back room structure, the fans told themselves and each other, and so far none of the coaching team had upped and left. The team for the following season had already been built, thanks to £1.3m investment in Paul Ifill and Danny Webber, as well as some eminently sensible free signings of experienced players such as Leicester's Nalis and Gillespie, Neil Shipperley of Palace and David Unsworth of Portsmouth. Even Craig Short, one of Warnock's oldest chums in the game, and signed just a week before the shenanigans began, was still around. So it didn't really matter that the new manager wasn't out splashing the cash in the transfer market. Although, of course, a new striker wouldn't hurt.

Plus, it always helps when results go well, even if it is only meaningless pre-season. The first time the Blades fans saw their new manager in the dugout was against Liverpool Reserves, and although Stuart McCall was doing a lot of the arm-waving, Jordan surely couldn't be criticised too much for walking out with a 3-1 victory? Perhaps even more promising was a televised 0-0 draw against a strong Juventus side. Bury were seen off by the reserves, and run of the mill victories away from home at MK Dons and Brentford closed out the friendly programme.

By the first week of August, fans had forgotten about the management situation, and were purring at every opportunity over the attacking style the team were adopting. Going forward, especially down the right through either Ifill or Gillespie, was bringing rich reward. Kabba was on fire, and the defence looked solid seemingly regardless of whether Bromby, Kozluk, Short, Jagielka, Unsworth, Morgan or Geary were playing. There were some questions about the left side of midfield, though, and typically the fans concentrated on this in their more depressive moments.

A handful of youngsters snuck out of the club on 6 month loans, Ian Ross to Bury, Evan Horwood to Southport and Simon Francis to Oldham. Now it was time to get on with the real stuff. Sky had decided to televise the first match of the season, against Ipswich, on Saturday evening, so at least the fans would get to see what everyone else in the division was capable of first. An away tie at Macclesfield in the first round of the Carling Cup didn't even raise a mention. Taken for granted, as they say.

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So how would the Blades fair in the 2nd flight of English football with a novice in charge. There was an upbeat atmosphere at Bramall Lane as the Blades faced Ipswich live on TV. The match itself petered out into a drab 0-0 draw, the sending off of Richard Naylor for the Tractor Boys coming too late for United to take advantage. Not unusual for a first game of the season, though. Three days later, another draw came at Millwall, but this one gave the fans a bit more to worry about. Two up entering the last ten minutes through goals from the on-fire Kabba and the soon-to-be-on-fire Webber, only for Don Hutchison to get a brace on his home debut. Fortunately not many fans travelled, but that didn't stop them making their feelings known:
This last point, at least, was conceded by the manager. Attempts were made to lure away at least three players away from Premiership sides, but all approaches were rebuffed. So the side travelled to Coventry, and boy did that get the fans' attention. A 4-0 stuffing, and the loss of Steve Kabba to an Ankle injury which would keep him out for over a month, certainly made the phones hot on Praise or Grumble, and with a full week until the next game the grumbles rumbled on each night. The Owls fans joined in, relatively happy with their 0-0 draw against Millwall, and more than happy to stick the knife in on their city rivals.

Nowhere to hide for the new manager, and no bolstering of the squad either, as despite interest in Shaw from Forest and Wright from Cardiff, deals to bring in replacements couldn't be struck so nothing happened. Rumours are that the players being chased were Kris Commons and Alan Lee, the latter adding the wrath of Rotherham fans to the general phone-in banter. Stephen Quinn headed off to Accrington until Christmas, and Kyle Nix did likewise to York. Danny Webber scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at home to Luton, which saw Shipperley helped off in the last minute with what was later confirmed as a broken arm. The striking problems were certainly mounting up for the Blades boss!

United progressed through to the 2nd round of the Carling Cup thanks to a Danny Webber hattrick, as the manager put out a strong side against League 2 Macclesfield. But it wasn't as simple as it sounded. 2-0 up, United again conceded two late goals, and had to rely on the winner coming in extra time. The August Bank Holiday saw two games in three days, and, sadly, as many defeats, but not before Manager Jordan made his first signing - Gavin McCann from Southampton for £150k. "Not the ultimate solution to the left wing problem, but also adds depth up front, which we desparately need." was the slightly nervous statement from a manager still learning his trade. So, those defeats. Cardiff, at Ninian Park, with their aging forward line of ex Blade Brian Deane and Dean Windass, didn't look to be any trouble as United cruised through the game thanks to another Webber goal. Once again two late goals killed them off, and Webber reported a knock at the end of the game, but at least Brian Deane didn't score. Wednesday were winning their first game of the season at the same time. That made everyone sooo much happier.

The makeshift forward line of McCann and Ifill started against QPR, and Gillespie's first goal for the club gave the Blades the lead. They still went in 2-1 down though. Things seemed to be looking up when QPR had a man sent off straight after half time, and when Jagielka forced an equaliser with just under quarter of an hour to spare things looked even better. Somehow, these hapless Blades still contrived to lose. So they ended August in 22nd place on 3 points.

Not the best month.

retired_blondie_524

KUTGW :thup:

retired_eneko5613

thanks, mavericktango.

September 2005

Clearly, September would have to be an improvement. The fans were starting to lose patience again. Preseason was a distant memory, replaced by a series of humiliating results. With an International weekend to start the month, there was plenty of time for discussions to turn to the subject of what was wrong. Three main points were being made by most callers to Football Heaven:
Of course, the negative comments outweighed the optimistic by about ten to one, as you would expect of football fans up and down the country. But there were some shreds of truth in the cynicism that the rookie manager could take away, and over the next week or so changes were noticed on the training ground by those hardy (sad) souls who went to watch. Sure, the staff were the same, but they seemed to have different roles and responsibilities.

There wasn't much of an improvement in levels of optimism as the Blades fans travelled south to Derby, although reports suggested Webber and Shaw would return, meaning there would something approaching a sensible attacking line on display. Badness arose when Derby took the lead early on, and worse followed. Webber was struggling with a knock, and when Shaw went down and was unable to continue, the manager pulled them both off. It was back to Ifill and McCann up front. All was not lost, however, as a man of the match performance from Leigh Bromby, and goals from Ifill and Gillespie both of which were set up by Quinn claimed United's first three points of the season. At last the fans had something to cheer about.

Danny Webber made it back to fitness in time to pop up with a last minute winner at home to Hull three days later, a match which saw United's incredibly bad luck with injuries continue as they lost Gillespie inside the first quarter of an hour. The day was significant to Blades around the world as this win, combined with a 2-1 defeat for the Owls at Burnley, moved them back to their rightful place above their Sheffield rivals, even if it was only to 16th. Youngster Dominic Roma departed for a 3 month stint at Darlington in the week, before the Blades made it three from three at Preston, thanks to another brace from the flying Danny Webber. The 2-1 victory, in which Leigh Bromby was again voted man of the match, moved the Blades up to 13th, but saw Paul Ifill pick up an injury which would keep him out for the rest of the month.

The manager rang the changes for the Carling Cup local derby against Chesterfield, but the Blades still ran out 2-0 winners, and it was still thanks to two Danny Webber goals. The game saw home debuts for 20 year olds Korean striker Lee San, and home-born midfielder Colin Marrison. The draw gave United a home tie against Liverpool, and that definitely got the fans excited.
And after all that, a 1-0 defeat at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium was a bit of an anti-climax. It could have been worse, as the Saints' new signing Pascal Cygan saw his penalty well saved by Kenny. Kabba's substitute appearance with half an hour to go was fairly uneventful. Returning home, the Blades faced Yorkshire rivals Leeds three days later. This was always one of Warnock's biggest battles, against his former assistant Kevin Blackwell, and at least United still had a local manager to maintain the intensity of the clash. More than 30000 packed into Bramall Lane, easily the biggest crowd of the season, and they watched as Webber gave the Blades the lead just before half time. McCann was replaced by Kabba on the hour, and within 5 minutes this gave the crowd what they wanted - a Steve Kabba goal, created by Webber. Nalis made it three as the game wound down, coming off the bench to replace Quinn, and the fans had their bragging rights over one of their Yorkshire neighbours. of course, they'd swap it straight away for a similar result in Octobers Steel City Derby.

Inevitably there was trouble in the streets around Bramall Lane after the match, and just as inevitably the Blades fans were crowing on Praise and Grumble, as Wednesday had lost 3-2 at Plymouth and were flirting dangerously with the drop zone. Bromby picked up another Man of the Match award, and made himself the undisputed player of the month, with the new gaffer getting an honourable mention in the manager of the month rundown.

Even Shipperley resumed training at the end of the month. Things were looking up.

retired_eneko5613

Editorial comment: For those of you who were wondering, or who care, the McCann signed from Southampton was, of course, Neil McCann, not Gavin McCann.
Running England only on 6.0.2 (Conf N/S and above)

retired_eneko5613

October 2006

It seemed like the new manager was getting the hang of this. The months started with yet another United win / Wednesday lose scenario. With one difference - Webber didn't get on the scoresheet. Quinn and Geary got the goals that beat Brighton 2-0, and moved the Blades up to 11th. Meanwhile, the Owls were losing 4-0 at Stoke. Shame. Bad news invariably follows good, however. Just as he was getting back to full fitness, and after another promising substitute appearance, Steve Kabba pulled up in training with what would turn out to be a torn groin muscle. At least two months out for the clubs unluckiest player.

The unbeaten run was extended to three games with a drab 0-0 draw at Carrow Road, where attention seemed to have drifted from the matter at hand. Kenny took the Man of the Match, saying a lot, and Webber and McCann both suffered knocks - for a change. Only Webber had to come off though. The sounds of the final whistle blowing were still echoing through the night air when the war of words started ahead of the Steel City derby. Sturrock started it, at least publically. In an interview for Radio Sheffield, he said:
United's new manager couldn't let that lie. Although he probably let his obvious hatred for all things blue and white show a little too much.
So, there was a few days of all out warfare on the airwaves in Sheffield whilst, mercifully, both managers retreated to consider their team selection. Jordan elected to bring back Shipperley to play alongside Webber, and this turned out to be the masterstroke that gave him the upper hand over his rival Sturrock. Shipperley headed home his first ever goal for the Blades with 20 minutes gone. More tactically mastery followed, as Nalis was brought off the bench at the interval and scored (at the second attempt) less than ten minutes into the second half. Jagielka won the Man of the Match, whilst Jordan finally secured the adoration of the United fans - until the next game at least.
The Sheffield Wednesday fans were remarkably quiet, as was Sturrock.

Jordan had 4 days to feel the love from the United faithful. Then he saw his team lose 1-0 to bottom club Watford at home. Ouch.

Faith was about to be restored. Liverpool were coming to town. There was a crisis in the striking department at Bramall Lane, though, with Webber out. The Blades manager turned to 35 year old player/coach Hao Haidong to partner hero Shipperley. Could the 31 year old striker do the business twice in a row? You bet he could. He fired United in to an unexpected lead, assisted by Haidong, only to see Luis GarcÃ*a equalise on the stroke of halftime. The second half passed with no more goals, but continuing pressure from the European Champions. Paddy Kenny was mostly responsible for United having the chance to play extra time. The first period passed without incident, the difference between the teams diminishing as fatigue took hold. The turning point seemed to have come when Hyppiä had to leave the field injured, taking subbed-out Liverpool down to ten men just before the end change. Straight from the restart, up popped Nick Montgomery to slot home his 1st goal of the season at the near post. The Blades tried to reorganise, take advantage of their substitutes, and defend the lead, but up popped Sinama Pongolle five minutes later to level things up again. It was going to be penalties!

Captain Unsworth took the first penalty for the home side, slotting it calmly in the bottom right hand corner. Up stepped Luis GarcÃ*a, but Kenny saves it! Shipperley, and scored past the keeper without hiim moving. Dietmar Hamman gave Liverpool hope, more so when Nalis had his attempt saved. Forward came extra time hero Sinama-Pongolle, and Kenny got his revenge! Ifill scored, as did Zenden, and it was down to Warnock's old pal Craig Short to take the decisive kick. He shot, scored, and that was that. Liverpool had been put to the sword. Was this to be another of United's famous cup runs?

Chances of further cup glory, lets say a tie against Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea, were dashed when United were rewarded with a trip to Preston. Smashing.

Webber returned for trip to leaders Wolves in a televised match. In a game remarkable for the contribution of Nick Montgomery, who was awarded the man of the match award, Webber scored two, separated by a first goal for Hao Haidong, as the Blades came from 1-0 down to knock the Wanderers off their perch. The Chinese international was only on the pitch after Shipperley departed with an injured heel.

So the Blades finished October in 9th place, the highest point of the season so far. Would they continue their rise to the top, or would they be made to pay for that poor start?

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Figured you wouldn't be stupid enough to put Gav McCann up front

Good to see results picking up after a dreadful first month, less happy to see Liverpool dumped out of the cup

retired_eneko5613

Awwww poor Liverpool

November 2005

With only four league games and a Carling Cup game on the calendar, November was not going to answer many of the questions posed by the season, but consolidation was the name of the game. Which is exactly what a tired looking Blades side didn't manage on the 1st of the month away at Leicester. An early dismisal of Jagielka wasn't punished until the last ten minutes. The result was one thing, but losing Jags for the visit of league leaders Crystal Palace was something else entirely.

News leaked out of Bramall Lane during the week that the new manager had again failed in his attempts to secure any loan signings to strenghten his squad. Not only that, but their had apparently been bids turned down by two League One clubs, one described as derisory. So there was more than one topic for the Blades faithful to discuss on the way to the ground: Who were these players that Jordan was trying to sign? Was the club showing the right amount of ambition by chasing lower league players? Was the lack of signings linked to the managers lack of reputation? It could prove an intersting phone-in after the game.

The performance on the pitch soon put most of those questions to the back of the fans minds though. Craig Short replaced Jags in defence, and captained the side to one of their best results of the season. Quick fire goals from Nalis and Hao Haidong midway through the half gave United a comfortable cushion, and the game was put beyond the visitors by a Webber penalty in the last minute of the half. Haidong added a 4th in the second half, and Bramall Lane was rocking. Odd choice for Man of the Match was Neil McCann, as most fans couldn't decide on a single hero.
Radio Sheffield hadn't heard anything at that point, but it was the breaking news story on Monday. Pawel Abbott to sign for the Blades in January for a fee that would eventually reach £725k.

The caller with that news wasn't the only one to have an insight into the future. The following Saturday the Blades travelled to Burnley and came away on the wrong side of a 5-1 defeat. Ade Akinbad-buy scored a hattrick. Any other player and the Blades wfans would have been on the backs of the club asking why they'd signed Abbott instead of the hattrick hero, but not Akinbiyi. No-one dared to tempt fate that much. Excuses? An injury to Bromby, a missed penalty and a mid-game injury for McCann.

Still, the last league game of the month was a great opportunity to demonstrate bouncebackability. At home to bottom of the table Crewe. Surely the strikers would gain some confidence from this? One did, but it wasn't until the 90th minute, By that time the tension levels inside Bramall Lane were pretty high, and the relief from the Shipperley header was all that saved the side from being booed off. Still, three points is three points, and the team would finish the month in 10th place. Not that business for the month was quite finished.

Preston, at Deepdale, for a place in the Carling Cup Quarter Final. After Liverpool, it should be a breeze. Shouldn't it? The Blades strongest side just weren't at the races, and were 2-0 down by half time. Danny Webber got one back, but then got himself injured before Preston topped off the 3-1 scoreline with a last minute penalty. Arse.
Too right.