Sheffield United: 'We can now focus on this vital Premier League season under stable ownership' - Prince Abdullah breaks silence after winning High Court battle for sole control of Blades

After spending three months considering the evidence following a hearing in London earlier this summer, Mr Justice Fancourt published his findings this morning – ordering Kevin McCabe to sell his 50 per cent share of United to the Prince for £5m.

When the judgement was announced, Prince Abdullah immediately released a statement while McCabe confirmed he is considering an appeal.

And in a statement, the Prince said: “This morning, the High Court issued its judgment requiring Sheffield United Limited (SUL) to sell its shares of Blades Leisure Limited to me and dismissing all of the claims which SUL had made against me and my lawyer, Mr Yusuf Giansiracusa. I am delighted that this judgment brings an end to the uncertainty over Sheffield United's future.

“Our manager Chris Wilder and the team are off to a promising start and we can now focus on this vital Premier League season under stable ownership. When I first became involved with Sheffield United in 2013, I said that the Premier League should be our target, even though we were in League One. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past six years.

“As we turn a new page at Bramall Lane, my first priority is to secure our position in the top tier for many years to come. To help realise that ambition, I am fully committed to continued investment in both the First Team and the Academy and to bringing best practices and the highest standards of management to the club.

“I also look forward to hearing from the fans, club staff and other stakeholders regarding ways in which we can improve the matchday experience and support the community that has so loyally supported us. One initiative already underway is the unification of the club and its key properties.

“We want to own our stadium and intend to complete this integration within the coming year. Finally, as this new day dawns at Bramall Lane, it is only proper that we reflect on the great traditions of the club. We must never forget that we are only the custodians of these traditions for the time being. No owner, director, coach or player is bigger than the club but together with the fans, we all share the common desire to make the club ever greater.

“I'm humbled to be a part of this enterprise and to join with you in our common endeavour. UTB!”