SHEFFIELD United's disappointment at missing the Championship play-offs has been eased by the news that manager Kevin Blackwell is not under pressure to sell James Beattie.
United failed to secure a top six finish when they were beaten 3-2 by Southampton yesterday; a result which saw Nigel Pearson's side avoid relegation at Leicester City's expense. Despite enjoying remarkable success under manager Kevin Blackwell, United's inability to regain Premier League status at the first attempt has led to speculation they will part company with their top goalscorer.
But plc chairman Kevin McCabe, who confirmed Blackwell has accepted his offer of a three-year contract before travelling to Hampshire, told The Star that financial obligations will not force them to consider offers for the former Everton and England marksman.
"We don't want to lose James and nor to we expect him to leave," McCabe said. "He's as happy as Larry here and it's great to have him.Anyone who has spoken to James or who has seen him play will tell you that.
"James is subject to a long-term contract and that says everything. I accept that what happens in football is not always down to the clubs anymore.
"But we love having him, he's done exceptionally well, and we don't want to lose him."
McCabe's insistence that United, who end the campaign in ninth position, want to build rather than dismantle a team will provide Blackwell with huge encouragement as he puts the finishing touches to his plans for next season.
The process of identifying possible transfer targets started in earnest following last week's meeting between McCabe and Blackwell in New York.
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