Saturday 21 September 2013

From the Prince to King.

It's been three weeks now since it was confirmed that Sheffield United would be receiving substantial investment for the first team from a mystery foreign investor. A few days and another defeat later, Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was named as the new co-owner who wants to see us in the Premier League within the next 5 years, estimated to be bringing with him an initial £20 million worth of funding. With transfer fees being paid for several targets already this season, including Florent Cuvelier and Jose Baxter, it is clear that the Prince is willing to back David Weir, but for how long?

As the talks with Prince Abdullah started back in January, it is likely that he was involved in the manager selection process, albeit as an outsider, but to me this shows that he supported the selection of Weir. Add this to the fact that United are with their 6th permanent manager in as many years and Kevin McCabe keeping half of the ownership, hopefully we won't see many rash decisions in terms of a quick-fire sacking.

Blades won't need reminding of our poor performances this season, particularly the second half showing at Rotherham, and those who made the long trip north to Carlisle last weekend, only to have to wait 80+ minutes before they saw us have a shot on target. United fans have been calling out for a goal scorer, they may have got one this week with Marlon King, but is the price worth paying?

King must be close to holding the record for the most convictions for a sportsman who still gains employment. Thousands of Unitedite's, myself included, are disappointed by the signing of such a high-profile criminal who's previous actions have been downright vile. Many are willing to look past a criminal record if it contains one or two petty crimes, the likes of minor driving bans etc, that happened while the player was young and naive if they are clearly ashamed and have learnt from their mistakes. King's record is different though, for a start he is a current member of the Sex Offenders Register and only 2 months ago was arrested in relation to a hit-and-run to be bailed pending further inquiries.

Many people have been talking about Ched Evans again this week, asking why people were happy to support him on-field whilst he was awaiting his own trial. For me, that answer lies in the rightful British culture where we treat people as innocent until proven guilty. As soon as he was found guilty, that was the end of the backing forever as far as the majority of Blades are concerned and very little else needs to be said about it. The fact that he was found guilty by those who heard all the evidence both initially and again in his appeal is more than enough to never want him, or those like him, back at our club.

One of the worst things from the King signings this week was his interview with Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton. At the end of the interview he was asked what he thought of Blades fans responses to his signing to which he all but said he didn't care about our opinions or appreciates our concerns, a lack of class shown for a start. When almost given an easy way out to pull back a small bit of credit by Rob asking whether he could reassure people that his previous trouble was over, King's response was to avoid the question completely, not even showing the slightest bit of remorse.

For me, the signing smacks of near desperation, Weir has almost been forced into signing a proven goalscorer and has jumped straight in for one that some of the current squad and Lee Carsley have all played with, despite his history. As we proved against Carlisle and Rotherham, you have no hope in scoring many goals if you create very little or are afraid to shoot. Never have I been more disappointed in a signing, particular given both Sheffield club's recent history with the likes of Ched and Gary Madine.

I'm certainly not alone with these thoughts, but it is the responses people are planning that separate us. An awful lot have shown their displeasure already over social media or by writing to the club personally with several interacting with the new directors James Phipps and Selahattin Baki on Twitter. These two have impressed on the social aspect so far, as they are willing to converse openly with fans, asking for opinions and taking the time to understand the culture of our beloved club. I just hope those responsible understand why we are so disappointed.

I have faith that all the supporters will stick by the club and the majority will attempt to ignore King. Some have signalled that they will do that by not attending matches and fair play to them for that. Me, I'll still attend the games I can and listen on the radio supporting the club, in particular the other 10 men on the field and the manager. I will neither cheer nor boo King, and applause for any goals he might score will be because United have scored, not him. Anyone who is planning on booing today, or at future games, please don't as it can only cause negativity and we have enough of that already. After all, we all want one thing to happen and that is for the Blades to succeed.