Where Sheffield United could finally learn from Sheffield Wednesday
It’s been very quiet at Sheffield United lately... some might say, too quiet
Far be it from a Blades column to sound off on events three miles to the north. But it’s an unmissable comparison
And there are those at Sheffield United - correction, largely remote from Bramall Lane - who could currently learn a lesson from the club’s noisy neighbours.
The value of communication.
Now don’t get me wrong, United are still very much in the ascendancy as a football club in this city. Higher status, better players, trimmer ground and facilities, any area, you name it.
Indeed, there are many things their rivals could and should have learned from that, including at times the same point in reverse on communication.
Further, there is no doubting that the Lane’s American controllers - while noted for absence - have aimed high with investment in the team.
But right now the new regime up the A61 is putting the owners of the Blades firmly in the shade when it comes to acknowledging the value of supporters.
So this is not a tribal point. It’s a contrast staring us in the face. For me, it’s just a matter of common courtesy that those who run a club keep the most important people informed.
It’s not a plea on behalf of the media, either. Clubs these days tend to use their own channels, fair enough.
Up the road, the new powers that be are choosing to communicate directly with fans and their methodology is up to them, without complaint from here.
The important thing is they are taking the trouble to do it. Compare and contrast with S2 where COH Sports remain in the background barring very occasional polished statements of the corporate speak variety.
Reliance on a busy CEO in Steve Bettis, who speaks well when called on, only goes so far.
Silence in football leaves a void that all too many folk are willing to fill. Some would say including the media, although it is their job to try to fill the vacuum on behalf of fans.
That is not to say COH don’t mean well or aren’t determined to deliver Premier League football, not least for themselves.
It’s just about a very simple and necessary thing they can easily put right.