Sheffield United: Six Years, Eight Managers: Another Fresh Start.

Article by Sheffield United Correspondent Sam Attrap

The Blades were relegated in 2007, Neil Warnock departed and the decisions over the coming months and years told a story of short-termism and a drop through the leagues.

Skip forward to now, Nigel Clough has been appointed as the man to rediscover stability; to implement long-term objectives, according to Chairman Kevin McCabe, of getting “back to the Premier League within a sensible period of time.” But how did the Blades land in this position and is Nigel Clough the right man or the next shocking managerial statistic?

Upon relegation from the Premier League there was numerous changes at boardroom level that saw Chairman Kevin McCabe take something of a back seat. The appointment of Bryan Robson was quickly confirmed, marquee signings arrived in the form of James Beattie, Gary Naysmith and Lee Hendrie – the wage bill soared and the doomsday bells began to toll.

Robson, who delivered bad results, worse performance, was quickly sacked. Kevin Blackwell, much criticised for his style of play, ultimately papered over the cracks over the next season and a half, with good results culminating in the disappointment of losing the play-off final to Burnley in 2010. 

Blackwell was sacked after a 0-3 loss against QPR, managed by former boss Neil Warnock, and was replaced by Gary Speed. There was a terrible imbalance in the team, a clear lack of motivation and, most worryingly, a huge wage bill. No wonder Gary Speed took the Wales job at the first opportunity.

For me, relegation was confirmed with the appointment of Micky Adams – no disrespect to him – it was clearly a job he would never turn down as a boyhood supporter. However it was clear that the board were scrambling for a Warnock-esque saviour. But they did not appreciate the size of the club and fans expectations. Large attendances; a high wage bill and a large squad amplified by numerous loan players, meant the Blades were an altogether more complex project than when Warnock took the reigns in 1997. The club was just too big and the board wanted too much in too short a space of time.

Relegation to League One was the marker of a need for change. Despite his links to the other side of the city, Danny Wilson replaced the sacked Micky Adams. The following season showcased a Blades squad, arguably the most watchable team in some years. The promise of players like Matt Lowton, Ched Evans and Harry Maguire mixed well with the experience of Stephen Quinn, Michael Doyle and Lee Williamson…..we all know what happened and the protagonist is still in jail.

Another sad trip to Wembley came and went, followed by a season of consistently dull performances, leading to Danny Wilson being removed. Another play-off campaign ended in disappointment, however I believe the appointment of Danny Wilson reflected a change in the outlook of the Blades – there was a clear need for a long-term plan.

Whilst David Weir talked a very good game, it was belied by terrible performances on the pitch and similarly, terrible results. Although the players should shoulder much of the blame; after crossing the white line their desire was clearly lacking. Whatever the rights or wrongs, Weir’s short spell saw a shift in ideology – for me, that has been missing since our relegation from the Premiership.

New investment from a Saudi Prince had stirred hope of promotion, but with the Blades’ league position worrying and Weir, like his predecessors, was unable to cope with the pressure of expectation. Since his departure thought, the Blades have discovered something of a new lease of life. With Chris Morgan again in caretaker charge, the Blades picked up four points in two fixtures, conceding only a single goal. And after the new man, Nigel Clough, led the Blades to victory over Crewe, there is still a possibility or promotion – but have the board made the right choice?

Experience of maintaining stability in the lower leagues with Burton, proficiency at gaining the support and trust of a huge fan base at Derby, were surely the traits earmarked by the board when picking out Nigel Clough. He certainly wasn’t my first choice – I actually thought Weir to be a potentially very good manager – but here is why I am quickly coming around to the idea.

I would point to Swansea to look at how they developed into a Premier League team – their manager in League One? Kenny Jackett. It’s clear the Blades, to implement their long-term objectives, must not adopt a style of football that stops the team getting 3 points, something I am sure Nigel Clough is more equip to do than David Weir.

On top of this, Clough has a track record of utilising youth players – and just look at the youth United has produced in the last decade; Michael Tongue, Phil Jagielka, Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, Matthew Lowton – with the likes of George Long, Harry Maguire, Callum MacFadzean and highly rated Diego De Girolomo in the ranks, the future is bright. Clough should have the understanding of the expectations of a big club but unfortunately, expectations are so high that any major blip could undermine his position – I only hope that Nigel Clough is intelligent enough to not only learn from his own mistakes, but learn from the mistakes of previous Sheffield United managers.

Clough is the eighth manger in six years, this is a fresh start and one, I believe gives the club a real opportunity to build on their academy.

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