Sheffield United's greatest ever player "overwhelmed" as Tony Currie Stand is confirmed at Bramall Lane

Currie, who was named United’s best ever player during the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations, will be honoured ahead of United’s friendly against Inter Milan next Tuesday.And after the stand was officially renamed The Tony Currie Stand, the man himself said: “I am overwhelmed with this honour. This is a very special tribute.

“Everyone knows what United and the fans mean to me- its an unbreakable bond that began 50 years ago and is as strong today as its ever been.

“The ground is also so close to my heart. It was the scene of so many moments that I cherish dearly.

“Its history is awesome - the events that have happened here that shaped football and sport in the world mean that having a stand named after me adds to the story and writes another page in the legend of the Lane.”

Currie signed for United as a teenager 50 years ago this year, and played 313 times in red and white between 1968 and 1976, scoring 54 goals.

“Incredible,” he added.

“I would never have dreamed all those years ago when I arrived as an 18-year-old from Watford that my name would one day adorn the front of a stand.

“I am so proud and want to thank the Blades family for adopting me as one of their own down the years. Things in my life have changed so much down the years, but Sheffield United has always been there.”

Club historian John Garret said: “Fifty years associated with the Club is an incredible statistic.

“Tony is such a huge part of the club and its story and it showed the love and affection the fans hold for him when he was voted the greatest player to have pulled on the famous red, white and black during the 125th anniversary celebrations.

“He is humble and I know just how much this will mean to both him and his family.

“It’s a measure of his standing amongst his team mates that many of them will be joining him on the night to be a part of what will be a very special occasion.

“Also, it seems fitting the that stand that was rising over the famous cricket wicket as he scored that unforgettable goal against West Ham, immortalised by the words of commentator John Motson, will carry TC’s name in recognition for the memories he gave a generation of Blades.”