Sheffield United co-owners make big investment pledge to supporters as major boardroom developments confirmed

Sheffield United’s co-owners have reassured supporters that United are “working tirelessly” to strengthen ahead of the new season, after the Blades confirmed a new addition to the Bramall Lane board of directors this afternoon.

The Blades’ parent company has also changed, in a move that the owners hope will make it easier to achieve fresh investment. United this afternoon announced that Timothy Ryan will join Steve Rosen, Helmy Eltoukhy and chief executive Stephen Bettis as United directors.

United have also changed the holding company through which Rosen and Eltoukhy own the Blades. Previously COH Sports, the new company appears to be 1919 Partners LLC. A United statement said that Ryan “will also work closely with 1919 Partners LLC as it continues to develop its long-term investment strategy in Sheffield United.”

In the statement Eltoukhy said: “Everyone at SUFC [sic] is working tirelessly to ensure that Chris Wilder and his team are in the strongest possible position ahead of the new season.”

Co-owner Rosen added: Mr Ryan has been a guest to Bramall Lane and Sheffield many times over the past two years and with each and every visit has grown a fondness for our football club, its supporters and the city. Having a brilliant mind, dear friend and confidant on the board of directors makes it all the more special for me.

"As custodians of Sheffield United, our commitment to the club, its supporters and its long-term success remains absolute. We have invested significantly in the club and will continue to do so.

"Success on the pitch is closely linked to continued investment in the playing squad and the quality of players a club is able to attract and retain. As custodians, the club and its supporters will always come first.

"At the same time, we recognise that to compete at the highest levels of the game, clubs must continually evolve. The ownership group needs to be structured in a way that allows us to expand.

“The 1919 ownership platform enables us to attract additional investors, bringing greater resources, broader expertise and enhanced capability to support our long-term ambitions both on and off the pitch.

"This next phase strengthens the club further and ensures Sheffield United is even better positioned for sustained growth, on-pitch success and long-term achievement."

Based is Delaware, 1919 is the parent company of United and, the statement added, “enables the club to attract additional investment over time. This development relates to ownership structure at the group level only and has no impact on the day-to-day operations or financial stability of Sheffield United, which remains well positioned ahead of the new season.

“The evolution of the ownership structure reflects the club's long-term growth strategy and creates a platform to attract additional investment, in line with the expectations of prospective strategic partners.”

Ryan worked for the Ohio-based Swagelok Company before retiring and, the statement claimed, “has since supported the growth of numerous successful ventures.” He is also described as “a long-standing contributor to community service and philanthropy” and has served on the boards of several not-for-profit organisations, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Achievement Centres for Children.