Sponsored by
Television turn-on
SHEFFIELD United manager Kevin Blackwell has spoken of his pride at being asked to open the new Championship campaign for the second season in succession.
His comments come despite some United supporters expressing their frustration that the club's curtain-raiser at Middlesbrough has been brought forward to Friday August 7 after Sky selected it for live broadcast.
Describing next month's clash at the Riverside as "one of two stand-out fixtures", Blackwell insisted the decision merely confirms that United's reputation as a Football League heavyweight remains intact despite May's play-off final defeat by Burnley.
"It's an honour really," he said. "It goes to show just how far we've come and how highly we are regarded.
"It happened last year when we went to Birmingham and now it's happened again.
"Together with the game between West Brom and Newcastle, I always thought ours was one of the ones that really jumped-out at you."
United's preparations for the visit to Teesside begin in earnest next week when they establish a warm-weather training camp in Malta.
The Mediterranean island's tourist board recently extended their sponsorship agreement with Bramall Lane and a series of events designed to commemorate the relationship, including a friendly against Floriana, have been arranged.
Blackwell denied the new Boro kick-off time (8pm) will have an adverse effect upon United's plans.
"It won't change a thing, to be honest. We won't have to do anything differently," he said.
However there is little doubt that the change of schedule has inconvenienced some of those following the team north.
Richard Batho, of www.thebladesonline.com, said. "As fans we accept things can change and that there is always going to be certain difficulties,"
"It's part of the job description but I do wish, at times, that there was a little bit more notice given.
"For example, if you want to take advantage of cheap rail tickets you've got to book months in advance."
Discontent among United's away following - officially the second biggest in the Championship last term - could be eased by Blackwell's insistence that the squad should take everything in their stride.
September's Steel City derby at Bramall Lane has been brought forward to Friday September 18 (kick-off 7.45pm) after it was also chosen as a Sky date.
Further changes are Derby County (a) September 12 (1pm) and Cardiff City (a) March 24 (7.45pm).
Got a view? Add your comment below.
FREE E-MAG: Click here to read our Twenty20 Cup 2009 e-mag for FREE on line.
BUY ONLINE: Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. Sign up on line by clicking here.
READ MORE
Football headlines.
Football gossip.
Blades news
Owls news
Reds news.
Millers news.
More rugby.
More boxing.
Sports columnists.
All sport categories
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
