It’s been on the agenda for some time now, but it seems Sheffield United are no closer to getting the new training complex that has been talked about by the owners.
A common complaint from previous manager, Chris Wilder, the Blades are still housed up at Shirecliffe. The main building has long been seen as not fit for purpose, while talk of a leaking roof, inadequate changing facilities, and more, have been mentioned.
But while United fans and players wait for news on a potential new training complex, it seems that sister club, Beerschot, are having no such problems. According to their official website, Beerschot are set to unveil a new £7m complex that should be ready for the 2023/24 season.
In the statement from Beerschot, it’s claimed that the move will be part funded by the ownership and shareholders, and part funded by a subsidy from Sport Vlaanderen. It’s reported that the new facility will house both first-team and youth players, each in its own ‘wing’. It’s also suggested there’ll be a ‘players’ home’, as well as offices for technical and youth staff.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Certainly, it seems Beerschot are getting the investment that many at Sheffield United hoped to see in the Steel City.
The Blades board have previously spoken of plans for Shirecliffe, the Academy, and Bramall Lane. However, we’ve yet to see much of that come to fruition.
Our View: Sheffield United Board Could Do With Explaining To Blades Fans
We all know Beerschot is part of the ‘United World’ model. It’s fair enough, and there are pros ands cons which can be debated until the cows come home.
However, just reading into this statement from Beerschot, it might be worth the Blades board – or Prince Abdullah – coming out and offering some explanation here. Sure, there are planning and financial issues the club needs to get over to sort such a project in Sheffield. But just reading on the surface of things, this could go down like a lead balloon among Blades fans.
There could well be perfectly good reasoning behind it all. Half of the £7m mentioned seems paid for and not from the United World pockets. However, it’s easy to read into this being an example of the Blades being ignored, while the other smaller clubs in the group benefit.
We’re no experts on such matters. But this will get Blades fans talking, and with the club on a high on the pitch, a little clarity wouldn’t go amiss here to avoid a backlash.
