Sheffield United - currently a club of many contradictions
Alan Biggs argues that despite everything going on at Sheffield United, it is still a team that can challenge for a top-eight place
Sheffield United right now is a club of many contradictions.
Have they lost their three likeliest match winners? Yes, they have. Undeniably.
Have they made some good signings? Yes, they have. Some solid proven experience, albeit of a different, less flamboyant type, geared to moulding a strong team ethic.
Should they be expected to compete for promotion? Yes, say some. No, say others. I'm in the second camp.
Is there the potential relegation threat of twelve points deducted? No, say the owners. Yes, suggest sources closer to the investigating bodies.
Many understand the media's probing stance on the owners (necessary and justified in my admittedly partial opinion). Some would rather palpable issues were simply ignored.
There's a sense of confusion all round that you detect is rife from the contrasting online comments.
Some reflect deep concern over the ownership, others brazenly shrug it off as "just football these days."
Some think the manager is indisputably the right man for the job, almost regardless of where the season leads. Others will demand no less than a strong promotion bid and push for a change if not.
It's not ideal, is it? The reality is usually to be found somewhere in between.
Which is why I'm sticking to my own belief - rightly or wrongly - that competing for the top eight would be par for this particular course and not to be sneezed at if achieved.
Some might see that as making excuses in advance. But the fact is the climate around the place is far from settled, as detailed above.
It needs an appreciation of where things are at and more togetherness in the club as a unit.
Currently it seems to exist mainly - and arguably only - in the football side. And while media stances are always open to debate, its support in that direction is pretty unanimous.
More importantly, for all the negative noise, I honestly think most fans are on board with that too.