Sheffield United: 'Kevin McCabe did not lose!' - Former Blades chairman says ex-owner should 'move on with dignity' after High Court judgement handed control of Blades to Prince Abdullah

McCabe intends to appeal Mr Justice Fancourt’s decision that the Saudi prince is entitled to buy McCabe’s 50 per cent share of the Premier League club for £5million, plus fair market value for the club’s assets owned by McCabe.

The price, for the Bramall Lane stadium and Shirecliffe training base amongst others, could be around the £50m mark.

And writing on Twitter, Phipps – who was brought to Bramall Lane as the Prince’s advisor and shared chairmanship duties with McCabe – said McCabe should ‘take his money and move on with dignity’.

“I have stayed silent, but I will say this now: McCabe did not lose; the judge gave him exactly what he bargained for: (1) fair value on the real estate; & (2) the five million pounds at which he irrevocably offered to sell his BLL shares, when he lowballed his partner,” Phipps wrote.

“If McCabe‘s the victim of injustice, it’s one he did to himself by treating his partner in the underhanded ways stated in the ruling. IMHO, McCabe should just declare victory, take his money and move on with dignity. This way he’d be remembered for the good he did, not this.”

In later tweets to a fan, Phipps added: “Kev’s a huge Blade and I do feel sorry for him, only (like so many) for the wrong reasons. Reading these articles makes me feel truly sorry for the guy, who can be a really classy man and has done so much good for our club.

“It’s clear he’s hurt and feels like he’s lost out, but he hasn’t: It was a split decision in every important way.

“When he made his offer in December 2017, he could not have hoped for better than what the ruling gives. I hope he might look again with fresh eyes and see sense.”