Post by fred emney on Apr 30, 2011 22:54:56 GMT
Sheffield United Statement
Posted on: Sat 30 Apr 2011
Sheffield United has issued the following statement following the Club's relegation from the Championship to League One.
The three most senior figures at the club - principal owner and chairman of Sheffield United's parent company Kevin McCabe, football club chairman Chris Steer and chief executive Trevor Birch - have reviewed events that have led to the Blades fall from the top tier.
First and foremost the board acknowledges the amazing backing by the supporters at today's game and Chris Steer said:
"The response by the crowd at the end of the game was phenomenal and very moving. What a shining illustration that this club has a massive heart which should give everyone hope and confidence that we will recover from this blow and come back even stronger.
In a frank summary to fans they also:
- Apologise for the relegation of the club
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- Acknowledge mistakes have been made since relegation from the Premier League, and that the number of personnel changes has negatively impacted on performance
- Recognise that managers have been allowed to place too great a reliance on expensive loan signings and players on short term contracts
- Admit that the club has been relegated with one of the highest Championship salary levels
- Anticipate the future of the club lies in the hands of youth supported by experience
A root and branch review will now be undertaken regarding all aspects of the Club's operations, both on and off the field of play, to prepare for re-building success.
At the heart will be:
- A strong Academy focused on delivering the future generation of United starlets
- A robust scouting structure that will be smarter and more productive
- The continued development and introduction of the talented youngsters from the Club's highly successful F.A. Youth Cup finalist team
- The careful mix of the young players and those in the development squad alongside more experienced ones already at the club or to be recruited
"This season and last have been painful and there's no avoiding the reality of failure," said chief executive Trevor Birch.
"The Club has to hold its hands up and acknowledge that we got it wrong. We apologise to the fans that have so steadfastly stood by the club. They deserve success and we will work like hell to build a solid foundation on which we can base a team capable of, not only promotion back to the Championship, but also to the Premier League.
"Realistically we understand we are a distance from the top flight and it may take some time to get back, there but this is the beginning of that exciting journey"
"Even though we have run with a higher than average wage bill for players since relegation, and certainly one that was clearly sufficient for us not to expect to find ourselves relegated from the Championship, we have made mistakes and ultimately the board has to accept responsibility."
"We are all devastated at being relegated but we have to rule a line under that chapter in the Club's history learn from our mistakes and move forward with confidence and optimism every day from here on in. We will undertake a root and branch review of all our operations.
"It is time for change and those changes will happen on many fronts as we build solid foundations across all aspects of the club. We aim to provide the best possible basis for Sheffield United to move forward as quickly as possible to be competitive again on and off the pitch.
"Relegation means a significant drop in TV revenues and commercial hospitality and sponsorships. Quite clearly costs will need to be reduced significantly with player wages facing the brunt of those cuts. It won't be easy but we have to re-balance the squad budget which will inevitably mean a number of our higher earners moving on.
"It will be a journey for the fans, staff and players alike. We have renewed 10,000 season tickets which is a fantastic expression of support for Sheffield United FC and those supporters, together with our regular match attendees, will be at the core of the rejuvenation of this great club." added Mr. Birch.
During the last couple of seasons the Blades loan commitments have totalled in excess of a staggering £6m - funded by the McCabe family as part of their extensive ongoing support for the Club. Additionally, the McCabes have financed one of the highest player wage bills in the championship.
Scott McCabe, director of the PLC board and son of Kevin McCabe, said:
"We have relied too heavily on attempting short term solutions and, if anything, indulging managers with too many quick fixes and short term signings.
"In hindsight, it is a factor that has contributed to the demise of United - the over reliance and use of the loan market has had a debilitating rather than strengthening effect on the first team.
"The family has continued to provide significant funds for managers to recruit to the team. We have been too willing to financially support this policy and are adamant that this will change.
"Let me be very clear in explaining that success is now to be built on the firmest of foundations, which facilitates the long term strengthening of all aspects of the football club.
"At the core of this re-building will be our Academy and development players, supported by our own experienced players and new signings who will have the success of the club in their hearts.
"Throwing money at the problem has not brought us success. We have to try something different. I would also emphasise our desire to secure new investors for SUFC in order to bring in further funds and new ideas to boost the Club's revenues."
Football club chairman Chris Steer, who has been overwhelmed by the loyalty of the Blades dedicated supporters, wants to see their support rewarded.
"It hurts to be relegated and, as a lifelong Blade, I fully understand just how much our present position pains everyone.
"However long it may take, we have to build with a strong and coordinated structure. It must be underpinned with an unwavering, robust belief that we can take this historic club forward with renewed vigour and enthusiasm - and get back to winning ways."
So they are in the main apologising for all the mistakes we actually saw in action LAST season, too many loans, a w**k style of football & a club receding. We all saw it, all knew it had to change big time this season, all apart from the incompetents in charge.
One year too late
