McCabe took over as Sheffield United chairman in 2008

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has announced he will step down from his role at Bramall Lane next month.

McCabe will be replaced by the current Blades vice-chairman Chris Steer at the Championship club's annual general meeting in December.

"I've always said a chairman should be in the territory and be accessible," McCabe told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"It's not on with where I live [Brussels] and where I do business both nationally and internationally."

McCabe, who makes his money in the international property market, took over as chairman in 2008 on a temporary basis.

And he is confident Steer is capable of performing the role better than he has been able to over the past 18 months.

"Chris is a super guy - he's got a great accord with supporters," he said. "His dedication to the cause for Sheffield United is total. He'll be taking the chair on and I think that's a positive.

"Because he's there at Bramall Lane regularly he has more of an input. Whether it's spending more time with staff, more time with Trevor [Birch] who has the responsibility of chief executive or travelling with Gary [Speed] to the games.

"It's appropriate for Chris to fly the flag as the key ambassador - which he is very good at doing."

606: DEBATE I don't think this signifies anything dramatic, but obviously that he doesn't feel he can or want to continue to be football club chairman, something he's mentioned since relegation that he was prepared to step down then Capt'n Blade

News of the change of chairmanship comes a day after the club announced losses of nearly £19m but McCabe insists the two events are unconnected and rejects any idea that he is looking to sell up from the club.

"The time is right, it's coincidental with reshaping the club," he said.

"I don't see myself getting my money out. If a Roman Abramovich were to come along I would contradict myself but do I see that happening? Not really."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version