Having heard a number of influential voices within the dressing room call for his appointment as Bryan Robson's permanent successor to be made public before tomorrow's fixture at Southampton, the club's hierarchy must hope that the timing of the announcement will ensure Blackwell's squad are in buoyant mood when they start a match which could deliver play-off qualification.

But buried deep within the press release confirming details of today's media conference was a line which hinted that more, unexpected news, could also be on the way.

"Plc Chairman Kevin McCabe will brief journalists on the appointment and will outline Sheffield United's Blades Way plans following a meeting of the Plc board the previous day in Brussels."

Aware of their Stock Exchange obligations, United's PR people have refused to divulge exactly what this meant. It could be nothing.

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Having summoned Blackwell to New York earlier this week, where he is known to be courting potential investors, McCabe may also be putting the finishing touches to a review of the club's infrastructures.

The Belgium-based property developer has spoken of his desire to appoint a senior figure to oversee United's interests at home and abroad.

But while the rest of football is apparently oblivious of its possible implications, it is inconceivable that a businessman of McCabe's ability and standing will not have also been taking steps to ensure United are not adversely affected by the global credit crunch.

Blackwell, who previously led Leeds to the play-off final, is aware of what is potentially at stake against Nigel Pearson's side with experts at financial analysts Deloitte predicting this year's Wembley showpiece will offer the richest prize in world football.

Paul Rawnsley, director of their Sports Business Group, commented: "The financial prize for promotion to the Premier League will provide each promoted club with at least £35m of additional revenue in 2008/09.

"In addition, even if a club is relegated after one year at the top level, guaranteed parachute payments of over £12m per season will be received for two more seasons."

Should United complete their impossible mission and regain top-flight status at the first attempt, midfielder Michael Tonge is adamant they can survive.

"You never know quite how strong your squad is until you actually get there," Tonge admitted. "But looking at us you can see there's plenty of quality already here."

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