Council Leader Backing The Blades Promotion Bid

1.58.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th May 2009

Cllr Paul Scriven, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Sheffield City Council, has thrown his weight behind Sheffield United's bid for promotion back into the Premiership outlining the huge benefits that a Premiership club would bring to Sheffield.

Paul has sent a letter to the club wishing the chairman, manager and players good luck in their Play-Off final on Monday at Wembley. Paul, who will be at Wembley to cheer on the Blades, said: "The Premier League is a truly global brand watched by millions of people across the World. The amount of positive publicity generated by having a Sheffield club in the Premiership would bring huge benefits to our City and provide a real boost to our local economy."

"For these reasons I believe that everyone in Sheffield should be keeping their fingers crossed and cheering on Kevin Blackwell and the team on Monday."

Paul added "I know that some Wednesday fans probably won't be able to bring themselves to support United on the day! However, I hope that it won't be too long before both our major clubs are back where they belong in the top flight."