Sheffield United’s owners approve a “considerable” investment as the team’s promotion campaign begins early next season.
The weekend’s pain It might take some time for Sheffield United’s play-off final misery to end, but with the upcoming season quickly approaching, there isn’t much time to waste. After losing to Sunderland under the arch, the Blades were relegated to at least another season of Championship football.
The project is significant; as part of the club’s ownership group COH Sports’ overall investment of over £2 million, the playing surface will be completely renovated. To enhance player safety, a new surface will be put in place next to the south stand, and the Cherry Street parking lot and John Street elevators will also be upgraded.
The aim is to guarantee that the work is complete for the start of the new season, with the progress of the new surface likely to have an influence on United’s pre-season friendly schedule as well.
Chief executive Stephen Bettis stated, “We always have a lot of work to do in the months between seasons to update our current infrastructure, but this year we are doing some bigger than usual changes around the stadium with regard to the pitch and other areas.”
“What we are commencing here is a huge project which has required some considerable investment from our owners – significantly more than the usual pre-season costs, with more than £2m invested – and is another example of the board’s commitment to improvements in all areas of the football club.”
As they get ready for their first summer window since taking over at Bramall Lane, Unitedites eagerly await word on the new owners’ ambitions in the transfer market. With manager Chris Wilder supporting him with five acquisitions in January, including the £10 million addition of Tom Cannon from Leicester City, the early signals were encouraging.
Gus Hamer and Vini Souza are two players in high demand after United failed in their attempt to return to the top division at the first attempt, therefore a lot at this point may depend on the volume of outgoings. In the view of many, United’s owners’ tenure may be defined by the strategy they employ when, as appears likely, rather than if, firm offers come in.
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