One manager gone, Sheff Utd finally showing signs of life - Interview Saturday, 11th Dec 2021 10:15 by Clive Whittingham Slavisa Jokanovic didn't make Christmas at Sheffield United, but three wins from three coming into Monday's game with QPR suggests there may yet be life in a Blades' promotion push this year. I had Sheff Utd down for the title this year - why has it been such a poor start for the season? An unfortunate mismanagement of the club has unfortunately taken place, getting in a manager who looked good on paper and was a good appointment simply for ticket sales then failing to back him with players capable of playing in his desired system. A lack of trust/respect between the current players and that manager all mixed together to form another payoff just to sneak in your desired appointment in the first place in after the fact. It’s a mess and it has cost us greatly. Sheff Utd league results so far… Slavisa Jokanovic did well at Watford and Fulham, though his teams did always start slowly. Why didn't it work at Sheff Utd? Should he have had more time? I wasn’t sad to see him go. Some managers suit certain clubs, no disrespect to Watford or Fulham but their fans are hardly boisterous or known for a defined work ethic and grit. Nor under SJ were they known for producing wave after wave of young player and not giving the management a penny to get on his desired players. He was never going to work out here especially without funds so I think giving him more time would have just delayed the inevitable. Paul Heckingbottom seems a pretty underwhelming choice, what do you make of that one? PH is likeable, honest and a great coach. Is he a manager that can take us back to the heights we previously had? On paper it’s not likely, but the players seem happier and the football has been improved since SJ so I am more than willing to give him a chance. I’m not sure I’m thrilled about the length of his (four year) contract though. Good results so far though, what's he changed? The atmosphere improvement can’t be ignored. A team that once again looks more together and showing more fight and drive will always work better than unhappy players shoehorned into systems and formations that do not suit their strengths. Any January rumours doing the rounds? What does the team need? The team needs improvement, at centre half and some older players need more competition. As for rumours no there aren’t any for incomings, as Prince Pr**k wants to make money not spend it so I expect zero incomes and a delayed fire sale. Ins >>> Morgan Gibbs-White, 21, AM, Wolves, Loan >>> Conor Hourihane, 30, CM, Villa, Loan >>> Robin Olsen, 31, GK, Roma, Loan >>> Ben Davies, 26, CB, Liverpool, Loan >>> Adlene Guedioura, 35, AM, Unattached, Free Outs >>> Aaron Ramsdale, 23, GK, Arsenal, £25m >>> Simon Moore, 31, GK, Coventry, Free >>> John Lundstram, 27, CM, Rangers, Free >>> Phil Jagielka, 38, CB, Derby, Free >>> Jack Rodwell, 30, CM, Western Sydney Wanderers, Free >>> Kean Bryan, 24, CB, Released >>> Jake Eastwood, 24, GK, Portsmouth, Loan >>> Max Lowe, 24, LB, Forest, Loan >>> Daniel Jebbison, 18, CF, Burton, Loan Stand out players and weak links so far? Revised expectations for the season? Links >>> Sheffield United official website >>> Bramall Lane ground guide >>> The Shoreham View — Contributor’s YouTube channel >>> S2 4SU — Message Board >>> Sheffield Star — Local Press The Twitter @TheShorehamView, @loftforwords If you enjoy LoftforWords, please consider supporting the site through a subscription to our Patreon or tip us via our PayPal account loftforwords@yahoo.co.uk. Pictures — Action Images The Twitter @loftforwords Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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