Chutney
Well-known member
Hmmmm
Sheffield United's Transfer Window
- Thread starter Chutney
- Start date
TheYorkshireTerrier
Well-known member
Interesting.
Just looking at their transfers from the summer and they only outright bought Anel Ahmedhodzic, the rest were loans or free transfers.
Probably unlikely, but hopefully this forces their hand to sell Sander Berge
Just looking at their transfers from the summer and they only outright bought Anel Ahmedhodzic, the rest were loans or free transfers.
Probably unlikely, but hopefully this forces their hand to sell Sander Berge
Badonde
Well-known member
Pak_Doo_Ik
Well-known member
This is a disgrace, I demand they are hit with 10 point penalty 
Caesium137
Well-known member
Hello and welcome to this week's Yorkshire Live Q&A talking all things Sheffield United. It's been another busy week for the club both on and off the pitch.
Off the pitch, Brighton forward Reda Khadra had his loan terminated after growing disillusioned with his lack of game time at Bramall Lane and he has now joined Birmingham City.
Ian Taylor: Why the big secret in hiding the buyer's identity? Are they Asian or American?
NH: "With a business deal of this nature there is always a tendency to want to keep identities under wraps to start with. However, I understand they are not American."
Tracey McAleer: Hope the new owner is not Mike Ashley, we don't want to be known as Sports Direct. Also, don't want McCabe either, but whoever it is what's the first thing they're going to improve?
NH: "I understand it's not Mike Ashley. Good question regarding the priorities. The hotel and squad planning are likely to be the immediate two.
"Given the number of players out of contract at the end of the season, I would expect the first job would be to sit down with Paul and discuss what needs to happen for the summer and also the finances and what transfer model the club will be operating under.
"As it stands, it's self-funding with a focus on development, that could change or it could stay the same, either way, you would expect there to be a plan in place for what Paul is working towards.
"The hotel is expected to take the best part of around nine to 10 months to bring back to life, but it's a significant cost, so if there is money available straight away for this you would also imagine the ball would start rolling. It's an asset that I am sure the new owner would want to use.
"As for the rest, such as training ground, academy, ground improvements, the infrastructure they will probably be lower down the list."
Chris Myers: Will Hecky be able to replace Khadra when he leaves? Or is Osula the replacement?
NH: "He can replace him if he can find someone good enough on the funds available. I think the Osula situation is similar to Jebbison last year. I doubt Heckingbottom would have wanted him to come back but needs a body in the building until he can address the situation.
"If he can't bring anyone in, the door opens for Osula to get a chance."
Brian Fearn: Just wondered if there has been any progression with the takeover?
NH: "Progressing well. I understand there has been a deposit paid. This is significant progress because concern started to grow with the Henry Mauriss deal after they failed to meet their deposit deadline. United World are now taking legal action over that.
"But the fact money has been put down is a real statement of intent from the prospective owners that they are serious. There are still more obligations to meet and the EFL still have to give it the thumbs up and they will do proper due diligence, but there is more confidence around this one than the last attempt for that reason that they have already overcome a significant hurdle where Mauriss failed."
Mark Jones: How come the players are still training on the top pitches and not on the new £2m pitch? Also is it not concerning that we are not renewing contracts when so many are out in the summer?
NH: "The undersoil heating has now been turned on, so everything should be back to normal soon in terms of teams training on the correct pitches. I'm not concerned about the contract situation. They have year extensions on the majority, if not all, meaning no club can come in for them, home or abroad, until after the deadline for the extension trigger.
"Therefore it's in the club's hands. Why would you potentially increase your wage bill now with half a season still to go when no one can take those players anyway? That doesn't make sense.
"Closer to the end of the season is when you would expect to see some players rewarded, but not in January."
Charlie Ward: With the takeover still ongoing could this affect any incomings, especially with Khadra going could that affect getting a replacement in?
NH: "It could. There is only so much money the manager has for this replacement, so if they can't get a player in for the money they have left and they need to access more funds, who is going to pay for that? The current owners or the new ones?
"I am not saying this is the case, but if you were Prince Abdullah, for example, and you knew you were selling the club, why would you put more money in now for someone else to benefit?
"If the prospective owner is confident the deal will get over the line or the end in sight but not quite in time for January, there could be an investment in advance to help if they want to have a say in January.
"So if the manager needs more money, who does he turn to right now?"
Preston Williams: Any interest in O'Brien at Forest? LCM, seems to be available and would be a good long-term replacement for Fleck?
NH: "Not that I am aware of but a player I would expect the recruitment team to know all about should United want to make a move for him."
Justin Rice: Hecky has been very negative regarding finances recently, how bad is it? Surely we aren't that bad? We have to be in a position to at least give Norwood and Wes a new contract minimum? Very worrying if we can't renew two contracts.
NH: "There is a black hole that can only be filled with significant investment, player sales or promotion to the Premier League. If the club is promoted, that solves all the issues. If the takeover is successful and the new owner is cash rich then that solves it also.
"If the takeover doesn't happen and they fail to get promoted there would have to be significant player sales next season. In terms of contracts I would expect Norwood and Foderingham to be top of the list for renewals but, like my point above, as and when the time is right."
Joe Richards: Are the Blades looking at any Khadra replacements? Players like Joe Gelhart available?
NH: "I am sure Heckingbottom would take him. He has a good relationship with Victor Orta at Leeds, but it all comes down to finances. Also looks to be a few clubs in for him so United would have to be quick if they want him."
Richard Watchorn: Is there any chance, however small, that the unnamed championship club bidding for Cantwell could be us?
NH: "No. I don't think United have the finances as it stands for that deal. Plus I think the club is Blackburn who have had an offer turned down."
Andrew Bentley: I would like to see the Blades take a big strong centre forward who could hold the ball up. It would complete all the options for them. Gary Madine would still be ideal. Do you agree and if so who would you?
NH: "I think we have moved on from Gary Madine. However, I agree I feel the striker department is thin and I would like to see another option brought in here. It's a big ask of the youngsters Jebbison and Osula to contribute and Sharp to play every week while McBurnie and Brewster are out."
Jamie Hanson: Any idea on when the club plan on reopening the Kop for non-season ticket holders?
NH: "When they are confident enough fans will adhere to the safety policies in place. No date as yet, but I believe talks are continuing inside the club with the relevant groups and Sports Ground Safety Authority.
Steve West: Khadra replacement? Surely there's room for another loan?
NH: "There is, but it won't be easy. As it stands the money Heckingbottom has to play with is what they have left on the budget from Khadra. They got a great deal for him, so it's not much.
"Therefore in January the only players they are likely to be able to afford with that money are kids, which he is loathed to do given they have two already in this position, or a situation like Charlie Goode last season where you are trying to get another club's player fit for them.
"Paul doesn't want that. He wants, understandably, players who are Championship ready to come straight in and help them with their promotion push. So unless more money is made available, or they can be really clever with a deal for a player, it means the pool they are currently fishing in is really small."
Off the pitch, Brighton forward Reda Khadra had his loan terminated after growing disillusioned with his lack of game time at Bramall Lane and he has now joined Birmingham City.
Ian Taylor: Why the big secret in hiding the buyer's identity? Are they Asian or American?
NH: "With a business deal of this nature there is always a tendency to want to keep identities under wraps to start with. However, I understand they are not American."
Tracey McAleer: Hope the new owner is not Mike Ashley, we don't want to be known as Sports Direct. Also, don't want McCabe either, but whoever it is what's the first thing they're going to improve?
NH: "I understand it's not Mike Ashley. Good question regarding the priorities. The hotel and squad planning are likely to be the immediate two.
"Given the number of players out of contract at the end of the season, I would expect the first job would be to sit down with Paul and discuss what needs to happen for the summer and also the finances and what transfer model the club will be operating under.
"As it stands, it's self-funding with a focus on development, that could change or it could stay the same, either way, you would expect there to be a plan in place for what Paul is working towards.
"The hotel is expected to take the best part of around nine to 10 months to bring back to life, but it's a significant cost, so if there is money available straight away for this you would also imagine the ball would start rolling. It's an asset that I am sure the new owner would want to use.
"As for the rest, such as training ground, academy, ground improvements, the infrastructure they will probably be lower down the list."
Chris Myers: Will Hecky be able to replace Khadra when he leaves? Or is Osula the replacement?
NH: "He can replace him if he can find someone good enough on the funds available. I think the Osula situation is similar to Jebbison last year. I doubt Heckingbottom would have wanted him to come back but needs a body in the building until he can address the situation.
"If he can't bring anyone in, the door opens for Osula to get a chance."
Brian Fearn: Just wondered if there has been any progression with the takeover?
NH: "Progressing well. I understand there has been a deposit paid. This is significant progress because concern started to grow with the Henry Mauriss deal after they failed to meet their deposit deadline. United World are now taking legal action over that.
"But the fact money has been put down is a real statement of intent from the prospective owners that they are serious. There are still more obligations to meet and the EFL still have to give it the thumbs up and they will do proper due diligence, but there is more confidence around this one than the last attempt for that reason that they have already overcome a significant hurdle where Mauriss failed."
Mark Jones: How come the players are still training on the top pitches and not on the new £2m pitch? Also is it not concerning that we are not renewing contracts when so many are out in the summer?
NH: "The undersoil heating has now been turned on, so everything should be back to normal soon in terms of teams training on the correct pitches. I'm not concerned about the contract situation. They have year extensions on the majority, if not all, meaning no club can come in for them, home or abroad, until after the deadline for the extension trigger.
"Therefore it's in the club's hands. Why would you potentially increase your wage bill now with half a season still to go when no one can take those players anyway? That doesn't make sense.
"Closer to the end of the season is when you would expect to see some players rewarded, but not in January."
Charlie Ward: With the takeover still ongoing could this affect any incomings, especially with Khadra going could that affect getting a replacement in?
NH: "It could. There is only so much money the manager has for this replacement, so if they can't get a player in for the money they have left and they need to access more funds, who is going to pay for that? The current owners or the new ones?
"I am not saying this is the case, but if you were Prince Abdullah, for example, and you knew you were selling the club, why would you put more money in now for someone else to benefit?
"If the prospective owner is confident the deal will get over the line or the end in sight but not quite in time for January, there could be an investment in advance to help if they want to have a say in January.
"So if the manager needs more money, who does he turn to right now?"
Preston Williams: Any interest in O'Brien at Forest? LCM, seems to be available and would be a good long-term replacement for Fleck?
NH: "Not that I am aware of but a player I would expect the recruitment team to know all about should United want to make a move for him."
Justin Rice: Hecky has been very negative regarding finances recently, how bad is it? Surely we aren't that bad? We have to be in a position to at least give Norwood and Wes a new contract minimum? Very worrying if we can't renew two contracts.
NH: "There is a black hole that can only be filled with significant investment, player sales or promotion to the Premier League. If the club is promoted, that solves all the issues. If the takeover is successful and the new owner is cash rich then that solves it also.
"If the takeover doesn't happen and they fail to get promoted there would have to be significant player sales next season. In terms of contracts I would expect Norwood and Foderingham to be top of the list for renewals but, like my point above, as and when the time is right."
Joe Richards: Are the Blades looking at any Khadra replacements? Players like Joe Gelhart available?
NH: "I am sure Heckingbottom would take him. He has a good relationship with Victor Orta at Leeds, but it all comes down to finances. Also looks to be a few clubs in for him so United would have to be quick if they want him."
Richard Watchorn: Is there any chance, however small, that the unnamed championship club bidding for Cantwell could be us?
NH: "No. I don't think United have the finances as it stands for that deal. Plus I think the club is Blackburn who have had an offer turned down."
Andrew Bentley: I would like to see the Blades take a big strong centre forward who could hold the ball up. It would complete all the options for them. Gary Madine would still be ideal. Do you agree and if so who would you?
NH: "I think we have moved on from Gary Madine. However, I agree I feel the striker department is thin and I would like to see another option brought in here. It's a big ask of the youngsters Jebbison and Osula to contribute and Sharp to play every week while McBurnie and Brewster are out."
Jamie Hanson: Any idea on when the club plan on reopening the Kop for non-season ticket holders?
NH: "When they are confident enough fans will adhere to the safety policies in place. No date as yet, but I believe talks are continuing inside the club with the relevant groups and Sports Ground Safety Authority.
Steve West: Khadra replacement? Surely there's room for another loan?
NH: "There is, but it won't be easy. As it stands the money Heckingbottom has to play with is what they have left on the budget from Khadra. They got a great deal for him, so it's not much.
"Therefore in January the only players they are likely to be able to afford with that money are kids, which he is loathed to do given they have two already in this position, or a situation like Charlie Goode last season where you are trying to get another club's player fit for them.
"Paul doesn't want that. He wants, understandably, players who are Championship ready to come straight in and help them with their promotion push. So unless more money is made available, or they can be really clever with a deal for a player, it means the pool they are currently fishing in is really small."