Blades Have Plan For Off Pitch Success - 29/11/2006

Last night's 1-0 victory against fellow relegation strugglers Watford gave Sheffield United some comfort in their battle to survive in the Premiership. But whether they stay up or return to the Championship the club has been following a successful off pitch strategy. Under main shareholder property developer Kevin McCabe Sheffield United has expanded its club shop, opened the stadium's restaurant in the evenings and even built a business centre in a corner of the ground. It is 95 per cent let by companies who can use the club's own boardroom for their meetings. More business space is being considered while a hotel is to be built near the 33,000 seat stadium. The club has also sent up a property investment fund in joint ventures with another of Mr McCabe's companies. Last year, United's turnover doubled because of its property dealings. Half of sales were non-football related. The club even has a China strategy, owning 95 per cent of a club in Chengdu. The club spent heavily to reach the Premireship aand recorded a £7.8m pre-tax loss in the year to the end of June.