Alan Biggs: Blades still need a bridge between boss and board

Whether it amounts to anything more than simple window dressing remains to be seen.

Mal Brannigan, a key appointment of the Nigel Clough regime, is the latest of several managing directors to depart despite bearing no responsibility for results.

It’s harsh on a knowledgeable and experienced figure if this portrays him as some sort of fall guy.

With no disrespect to any of those involved in the makeover, including local businessmen joining various parts of the club’s administration, it is hard to imagine there has ever been a club at this level with so many chiefs.

And yet I believe there is still a huge gap not being filled.

There was, and of course always will be, only one Derek Dooley.

But it’s of great relevance that the two eras of most recent success, under Dave Bassett and Neil Warnock, came with Dooley as a footballing figure, bridging the gap between manager and board.

The need for such a specialist at the club seems as obvious to me as supporters’ cynicism over another round of “restructuring” is understandable.

You only need three things for player deals; an agreed budget and two people. Simple as that.

n Alan Hodgkinson and Ron Springett were rival Sheffield goalkeepers of the same ‘60s era and both of exceptional quality.

It’s sad, yet somehow fitting that they should leave us within three months of each other.

Blades legend Hodgy, who died this week, and former Owls idol Springett can now resume their rivalry on a higher plane.

And the result of that celestial Steel City derby?

My money’s on 0-0.