Blades greatest-ever gets stand honour

17th July 2018

Sheffield United's greatest-ever player is to have a stand at the Bramall Lane stadium named after him, it was announced today.

The current 8,000-seater South Stand is to be renamed the Tony Currie Stand. The legendary Blades midfielder who played for England 17 times will be honoured ahead of United's prestige home friendly against Italian giants Inter Milan on July 24. An unveiling event will be held before kick-off when fans will see for the first time the signage which is sponsored by international coffee and tea brand, Cafès Novell, and 'TC' will be invited onto the pitch -I am overwhelmed with this honour. This is a very special tribute, said Tony who played 313 times for United between 1968 and 1976, scoring 54 goals. In 2014 he was named the club's best ever player to mark United's 125th anniversary. He added: -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. -Incredible. 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 his name in recognition for the memories he gave a generation of Blades. Victoria Garside, Operations Director with Cafès Novell, said: -We are delighted to be supporting this tribute and seeing Tony's name up in lights. We are proud to work in partnership with the club to help expand and promote our brand and it is a privilege to have our name alongside the fan's greatest ever player - Tony Currie. - United's match against Inter Milan sees tickets are priced at £12 adults, £7 concessions, and £5 juniors. The Kop, the Tony Currie Stand and Family Stand are open to home supporters. Only one ticket per customer number is now permitted. Tickets are available now and can be purchased from the ticket office or at www.sufc.talent-sport.co.uk