View From The John Street - A Sheffield United podcast for Blades

John Osborne
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  • Soccer

Sheffield United without the rose-tinted glasses, presented by a professional journalist and Blades season ticket holder for the last 55 years. No nonsense, no adverts, but hopefully a balanced and fact-based take on all things Blades. You can listen to all episodes by going to our website viewfromthejohnstreet.com There you can also read all the latest written posts.

  1. Jul 2

    CLEAR AS MUD: Confusing signals from Bramall Lane

    Nothing is ever straight forward when it comes to Sheffield United and this summer's much advertised rebuild isn't looking any different. Manager Chris Wilder says that talent must not be allowed to leave cheaply, particularly that which has been developed within the club. Andre Brooks, Players' Player of the Year, has just left for just £8million to Championship rivals Norwich City. A lifelong Blade, the 22-year-old had been at the club since he was eight. His form last season suggests Norwich have got themselves a bargain. Assistant manager Alan Knill has been replaced in a coaching reshuffle and midfielder Jairo Riedewald, a fans' favourite and someone who won high praise from the manager, was let go. Now the club is reported to be doing a U-turn in the hope that they can persuade him to return. Then there is a fixation on re-signing Kalvin Phillips on loan. A player with fitness issues and whose underwhelming loan spell last season was something of a disaster and lasted less than three matches before her returned to Manchester City for more surgery. Summary: Sheffield United supporters are receiving mixed messages as the club embarks on a major rebuilding process.Significant alterations to the squad are anticipated.The handling of assistant manager Alan Knill's departure has drawn criticism, indicating potential internal discord within the club.The decision to sell winger Andre Brooks to a rival club has raised eyebrows among the fanbase.The potential re-signing of Kalvin Phillips is fraught with risk, given his previous lack of impact at the club and existing fitness concerns.Overall, uncertainty looms over the club’s strategy as they navigate the transfer window. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com

    13 min

  2. Jun 18

    TRUTH IS OUT: And it isn't pretty.

    Sheffield United have broken their 13-day silence to confirm what was reported on June 4 that assistant manager Alan Knill has left the club. To be replaced by Micky Collins who was already on the coaching staff. There are still questions that remain, but reading between the lines it would seem that manager Chris Wilder is behind the move to sack his long-standing partner and friend under the guise that it was "a collective decision." What's not in doubt is that the handling of Knill's exit has been a shabby episode for the club and, indeed, Wilder. Summary: Sheffield United took an unsettling 13 days to officially announce Alan Knill's departure.Micky Collins has been appointed as the new assistant manager.Chris Wilder's comments suggests he made decision to axe long-standing partner and friend.The manner in which Knill's departure was handled reflects poorly on the club's leadership.Wilder's recentr remarks about Knill reflects a deep professional bond that has now been severed.The club's statement regarding Knill's dismissal lacked the necessary sensitivity and detail expected in such matters.Phil Jones, the former Manchester United and England international, has joined the coaching staff after quitting his first role at Blackburn Rovers. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com

    9 min

  3. Jun 16

    NO COMMENT: Silence is toxic

    Is it not incredible that almost a fortnight since it was reported that Alan Knill is leaving Sheffield United in a coaching shake-up, not once has the club thought fit to confirm, deny or clarify what is happening? In the absence of any comment, United's American owners, COH Sports, and chief executive Stephen Bettis are displaying contempt for the fanbase and disrespect to Knill. A man who has played a significant role in a hugely successful managerial partnership during seven-and-a-half years at Bramall Lane. A man who has always been appreciated by United supporters. Also, Tahith Chong, Chris Basham, United's transfer window outlook as well as a shocking admission from Chris Wilder. SUMMARY: The prolonged silence from Sheffield United regarding Alan Knill's reported departure is disrespect toward both the Blades No2 and the fanbase.Alan Knill's managerial partnership with Chris Wilder, first established in 2008, raises questions about who pushed him out and why.Communication from the club's owners and management has been glaringly absent, highlighting a disregard for public relations and fan engagement.The club's continuing silence only adds to speculation about the arrival of Phil Jones as a new assistant.The financial constraints imposed by new EFL regulations complicate Sheffield United's recruitment strategy, necessitating a more proactive approach than in previous transfer windows.The podcast emphasizes the importance of transparency and timely communication from club management to mitigate speculation and maintain trust with supporters. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.comyoutube.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sheffield UnitedBuryNorthamptonMiddlesbroughWatfordCOH SportsSteven BettisChris WilderManchester UnitedBlackburnWolverhampton WanderersFulhamNewcastle UnitedWest HamKieran TrippierTahith ChongRotherham UnitedCuracaoDick AdvocateTim ReamAlan Biggs

    15 min

  4. Jun 7

    SILENT ASSASSINS?: Blades comms blackout fuels Alan Knill speculation

    The reported departure of Alan Knill from Sheffield United has ignited wild speculation, in the absence of confirmation, denial or explanation from the club. Something which again raises concerns regarding United's abysmal lack of a communication strategy. Slence from the management, including co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmi El Tooke, and chief executive Stephen Bettis, underscores a troubling lack of transparency that is typical of how the club is being run under the American ownership of COH Sport.. Summary: The abrupt departure of Alan Knill from Sheffield United has sparked considerable speculation and uncertainty.United's management has exhibited a total lack of communication regarding Knill's situation.The potential influence of coaching staff reshuffles may have contributed to Knill's decision to leave, if, indeed, he has left.Silence from club officials continues to raise questions about their transparency and accountability.The relationship between manager Chris Wilder and Knill, his long-standing No2, is one of mutual respect and loyalty.Failure to address the situation publicly has done nothing to help repair a broken relationship between the clubs owners and United supporters following the self-destruction of the season just gone.

    8 min

  5. Jun 3

    RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE: A look at United's noisy neighbours

    Sheffield United's supremacy in the city has long since been established. That shouldn't change in the foreseeable future if the Blades continue to progress after last season's self-imposed setback. But Wednesday's new American owners, Arise Capitol Partners, are making all the right noises and have produced a plan to dig the Owls out the hole former Owner Dejphon Chansiri dug for them. For supporters, bragging rights are what local rivalry is all about. But there is far more at stake than that. Summary: Sheffield Wednesday have experienced the season from hell. Recovery may take longer than what many Owls fans might think.The club's new ownership is characterised by a proactive engagement with supporters and a realistic strategy.Sheffield United's supremacy in the city has every chance of being extended for years to come if the Blades make up for lost time after the disappointment of last season.But the recent changes at Wednesday signals a potential revival in the making as they begin life back in League One. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sheffield WednesdayMiddlesbroughHull CitySheffield UnitedDunfermline AthleticArise Capital PartnersOWLS VenturesCoh Sports

    15 min

  6. May 27

    REAL DEAL: Just for someone else.

    Oli McBurnie scored the only goal at Wembley in the Championship play-off final to propel Hull City to the Premier League. The former Sheffield United striker's form this season has been sensational. The Championship's second top scorer, seven assists and 40 chances created. And he would have been back in a Blades shirt had former boss Ruben Selles not turned down the opportunity to re-sign him last summer when McBurnie was a free agent, having returned from Spain and Las Palmas. Of course, there is no knowing how McBurnie would have fared in the chaos at the Lane. But Blades fans, and boss Chris Wilder, who has publicly said he would have signed him again, are left to ponder what might have been. Summary: Oli McBurnie admits he wasn't ready for his big Premier League move to Sheffield United.Maturity, he says, has helped him to grow into the role that has made him a key figure in Hull City's remarkable rise in less than 12 months, from almost rock bottom in the Championship to the Premier League.Despite a challenging times at Bramall Lane, McBurnie ultimately won over the fans. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Sheffield UnitedHullLas PalmasSwansea CityBrentfordBrighton

    11 min

  7. May 22

    STICK OR TWIST? Is Kalvin Phillips worth the risk?

    Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder remains in hot pursuit of Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips. This, despite the 30-year-old's nondescript contribution in three appearances for the Blades in the season just gone. A brief loan spell, which amounted to 14 days in total. The former Leeds United and England star received a three-match ban after a red card for a rash and needless challenge in the Steel City derby win at Bramall Lane in February, his last appearance. Phillips was then diagnosed with a knee injury and returned to Mancheter City to undergo surgery. Summary: Chris Wilder's pursuit of Calvin Phillips reflects a significant gamble on his potential to revitalise his career.Phillips' loan spell at Sheffield United was by injury and average performancesAny decision to rely on Phillips could be seen as risky given his recent history of injuries and underwhelming contributions.Wilder's focus on strengthening the midfield must consider the balance between experience and emerging talent.The departure of Jairo Riedewald leaves a void in the squad, complicating the midfield picture for United.Ultimately, Phillips' return may not provide the long-term solution that Sheffield United needs to bolster their midfield. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Mentioned in this episode: Manchester CityLeedsWest Hamipswich townCrystal palaceAjaxRangersSheffield United

    12 min

  8. May 19

    SPYGATE: Justice must be seen to be done.

    In-depth look at the so-called Spygate controversy and why Middlesbrough should be reinstated at Southampton's expense to face Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The richest football match in the world, worth £200million to the winner, Summary: In all walks of life, including sport, the principle of fairness must be upheld .Cheating should never be tolerated or rewarded.The erosion of trust within any community can lead to widespread cynicism, conspiracy theories and contempt for rules.The recent Spygate incident involving Southampton exemplifies how breaches of integrity affect the entire league.Middlesbrough's rightful claim, in this podcast's opinion, against Southampton underscores the importance of accountability in sports.The implications of Southampton's alleged cheating could set a dangerous precedent for future conduct in football. Links referenced in this episode: viewfromthejohnstreet.com Mentioned in this episode: SouthamptonMiddlesbroughHull CitySheffield UnitedEFLLeedsDerbyCarlos TeveesWest Ham

    10 min
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Sheffield United without the rose-tinted glasses, presented by a professional journalist and Blades season ticket holder for the last 55 years. No nonsense, no adverts, but hopefully a balanced and fact-based take on all things Blades. You can listen to all episodes by going to our website viewfromthejohnstreet.com There you can also read all the latest written posts.

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