Sober reflection needed during Sheffield United's international break
Maybe some of the frustration directed at manager and team is because they are there in the firing line to receive it, argues Alan Biggs
This column asked recently whether anyone could be surprised with Sheffield United's potentially calamitous transfer window.
Now the same question is relevant to them languishing 18th in the early Championship table. Surprised, honestly?!
There's no getting away from the connection, however much some want to pin the blame anywhere other than where it really belongs.
Which is not to absolve Chris Wilder of criticism. I'd say this group is capable of showing better. This is just to say it should be critical comment and that only - not stretch into summary judgments.
You can't lose your three best players and replace them with frees and loans, you simply can't. Would anyone working in football, rather than punting from outside, actually say that you can?
Maybe some of the frustration directed at manager and team is because they are there in the firing line to receive it.
Whereas the owners of the club are in the background with so many big questions left unanswered. And it should be by them, not anyone pushed forward to speak on their behalf.
All of which will be taken as an excuse by the "Wilder out" brigade and it has to be said their numbers appear to be larger than at any stage of his three spells as boss.
There's truth to the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt and some sober reflection during the international break may well - and should - conclude that there are far more pressing matters.
Besides, was the club heading in the right direction before seismic events spanning June and September, 2025?
For all that, I suspect Wilder's own judgment on himself will be mid-table and above.
To suggest anyone else should make such a judgment call now is ridiculously premature, not to say downright foolish.