Blades appoint new Chief Operating Officer

4th July 2017

Sheffield United have strengthened their off-the-field management team.

Leading Yorkshire-born businessman Andrew Birks has joined the Club as Chief Operating Officer as the Blades seek to make an impression in the Championship after a record-breaking promotion season. Birks, aged 39, who was Northern Europe Commercial Director for Regus Office Solutions for three years, was brought up as a United supporter. -With my Dad, I have had a season ticket in the John Street stand and the Platinum Suite. I have followed the Blades since I was four, I was a mascot at seven and spent my work experience from school when I was 15 at Bramall Lane. -I have never lost the desire for the Blades even if work and business has taken me elsewhere. It has meant I have seen a lot of games as an away fan including fixtures at Crawley, Gillingham, Peterborough, Watford and Stevenage. He has experience in many sectors, including IT, hospitality, distribution, packaging and retail where he launched online 17,000 products for House of Fraser. Andrew will be a key figure in an experienced senior management team featuring Chief Executive Stephen Bettis, Paul Reeves (commercial) and Dave McCarthy (operations). Co-owner Kevin McCabe said: -We welcome Andrew to the Blades family where he will play a key role in leading our off-the field team at Bramall Lane. Our Championship status provides additional opportunities which Andrew, with his background will help oversee. Co-owner HRH Prince Abdullah bin Mosa'ad said: -We are delighted to have Andrew on board at a time when the club is entering into an exciting new era in the Championship. CEO Steve Bettis said: "Due to my business commitments overseas, I welcome the appointment of Andrew to Sheffield United as Chief Operating Officer I look forward to working with him to ensure that the off-the-field operations continue to improve in line with the great work achieved on field last season."