Blackwell ponders stepping down

25 May 2009 19:02
Blackwell was in charge of Leeds when they lost to Watford in the 2006 final and knows what a catastrophic effect defeat in the showpiece can have on a club. And, with the Blades' income set to reduce by upwards of £10million-a-year now the parachute payment given for two seasons after their relegation from the Premier League is at an end, Blackwell is seriously considering whether it is worth continuing at Bramall Lane. "There is a rebuilding job to do at the club, and it might need someone different to do it," he said. "I will go away and reflect on it but I am thinking that I might have taken the club as far as it can go. "I have been in this position before. I know the ramifications. To pick clubs from the floor after this is difficult. "It is a gut instinct. I would rather make the decision myself than have it made for me. But I know these decisions will have to be made." Blackwell did concede the South Yorkshire club are on a far more stable financial footing than Leeds were when they were beaten by Watford three years ago. However, he knows the first task of the summer will be to try to balance the books. And he is not sure he has the heart for the task. "A lot of lads will have to leave the club now," he said. "The whole wage structure has to change. "This club is a lot more stable than Leeds ever was, but it's a big rebuilding job and it might be the time for a change." Although his side were second best for much of the contest and Burnley appeared to be worthy winners, Blackwell was unhappy with the performance of referee Mike Dean. Having questioned the official's appointment last week, Blackwell saw Dean turn down three decent penalty appeals. And, while he did not turn on the referee again, it was difficult to bite his tongue. "If I am Alex Ferguson I can get away with saying what I want to say," said Blackwell. "If I'm Kevin Blackwell, I can't. "I can live with myself. Other people have to live with their decisions as well." While Blackwell goes away to reflect on Dean's performance, his mind will quickly turn back to his own future and the job he will be left with if he does decide to carry on. "Our turnover is going to drop by £9 or 10million," he said. "Anyone who loses that will tell you it's a significant downturn. "It's so difficult to get back after the first two seasons. Many clubs really struggle after that. There is no hiding place. This is the worst feeling ever."

Source: Team_Talk