Sheffield United secures site for new training centre

Sheffield United FC has announced a new training centre

Sheffield United has secured a site for its new training centre, the club confirmed.

The HSBC Sports and Social Club in Dore would be developed as the new home of the men's first team, after the club agreed to purchase the land.

The "state-of-the-art" training centre would include two full-size synthetic pitches, first team offices and a gym.

Sheffield United would also retain the training headquarters at Shirecliffe, to be solely used by the academy.

The club said it was "thrilled" to announce the deal that would "significantly enhance the club's off-field infrastructure".

It came after "months of detailed discussions and planning behind the scenes".

The training centre would include additional grass and all-weather pitches and potential residential accommodation for players.

'Significant investment'

Sheffield United's chief executive Stephen Bettis said: "This is fantastic news for the long-term development of the club and another huge commitment from Prince Abdullah and the club's board to the continued improvement of our infrastructure.

"For well over three years, we have been working hard to secure land within the city to take our training facilities to the next level, and by securing the site in Dore, our patience has finally paid off."

He added that the site gave the club "everything required" to ensure Sheffield United would have "one of the top training facilities around".

Moving the first team away from Shirecliffe would also give the academy space to develop and "eventually meet Category One status".

"This is a significant investment in the football club," Mr Bettis continued.

"It will give us a long-lasting legacy from being back in the Premier League and will give the first team a solid foundation for future success for many years to come."