Thread by @dhayes_news

On my way down to hear the verdict in the long-running High Court case into who owns Sheffield United. It seems like a long time ago that this happened... #sufc #twitterblades

As the trial drew to a close in mid June, this is a recap done by my (former 😢) colleague @samcoopernews which people might find useful to remind yourselves of all the twists and turns the case took #sufc #twitterblades
thestar.co.uk/sport/football…

One the second last day of the trial, McCabe’s lawyer ran through the judge’s options as he saw them. The first two would see the two sides get the other’s shares for £5m. He said neither outcome would be fair.

He said the next two possibilities would see SUL sell to UTB for fair market value or UTB sell to SUL for fair market value. He said he thought only the option that would see McCabe gain full control would be fair #sufc #twitterblades

He said the judge could also choose to rerun the buyout ‘call option’ but with UTB being disadvantaged by going first, or finally he could leave the club as 50/50 ownership, an outcome that he thought could ‘prejudice the club going forward’ #sufc #twitterblades

Of course, there is another possibility in that whatever happens today, the judge’s verdict could be appealed and this already long-running row might rumble on for a few more years yet! #sufc #twitterblades

The verdict is due at 10.15 this morning but it could be quite long and complicated so might take the judge a while to read it and me a few minutes to understand it! #sufc #twitterblades

Made it to the court in good time and there is certainly a lot more media interest today than for the rest of the trial! Sky News, BBC, The Athletic and the Daily Mail all here #sufc #twitterblades

Just heard a rumour that club co-owner Kevin McCabe is not going to be here this morning. Not confirmed yet but that’s what I’ve heard. No word on the Prince as yet #sufc #twitterblades

Interesting piece by my @SheffieldStar colleague @JamesShield1 about who was in the directors’ box on Saturday and what it says about the future of the club #sufc #twitterblades
thestar.co.uk/sport/football…

BREAKING: Judge rules in favour of Prince Abdullah and UTB #sufc #twitterblades

Judge ruled that McCabe and SUL must sell their shares to Prince Abdullah and UTB for £5m #sufc #twitterblades

He said that the case will be adjourned until October 14 at which point the parties will have 21 days to appeal the verdict #sufc #twitterblades

Statement from Prince Abdullah: “I am delighted that this judgement brings an end to the uncertainty over #sufc’s future. Our manager Chris Wilder and the team are off to a promising start and we can now focus on this vital Premier League season under stable ownership.”

“As we turn a new page at Bramall Lane, my first priority is to secure our position in the top tier for many years to come. To help realise that ambition, I am fully committed to continued investment in both the First Team and the Academy.” #sufc #twitterblades

Prince references unifying the club and it’s key properties. “We want to own our stadium and intend to complete this integration within the coming year.” Judgement says he must do this by July 2020 #sufc #twitterblades

“Finally, as this new day dawns at Bramall Lane, it is only proper that we reflect on the great traditions of the club. We must never forget that we are only custodians of these traditions for the time being.”

“No owner, director, coach or player is bigger than the club but together with its fans, we all share the common desire to make the club ever greater. I’m humbled to be part of this enterprise and to join with you in our common endeavour. UTB!”

A spokesperson for the McCabe family said: “Kevin McCabe is bitterly disappointed with the outcome of today’s judgment. For the McCabe family to have lost their connection with the football club in this manner and by way of this judgment is simply heart breaking.”

“Kevin feels a deep sense of betrayal and is in a state of shock about the way that he has been treated by Prince Abdullah and he now deeply regrets going into business with him.”

“This is not the appropriate time for Mr McCabe to comment on the detail of the Judgment (but) serious consideration is now being given, with the advisors to Sheffield United Limited, to an appeal against the Judgment.”

“Mr McCabe sincerely hopes that he is proved wrong in relation to his deep misgivings about the suitability of Prince Abdullah. In this regard, only time will tell. For the moment however the McCabe family are simply deeply grieved that matters should have come to this.”

As well as he main issue of who gets the club, the judge also dismissed SUL’s claims that UTB conspired to cause harm to them, and also the bribery allegations, which he described as ‘fanciful’ #sufc #twitterblades

In short it is a devastating ruling for McCabe and SUL, with Mr Justice Fancourt siding almost completely with Prince Abdullah. In their summing up, McCabe’s lawyer said this outcome would amount to the Prince getting a Premier League club ‘for a song’ #sufc #twitterblades

Going to wrap this up now as there isn’t much more I can do from down here. Our Blades reporters @JamesShield1 and @dannyhall04 will have all the latest throughout the day as will the @SheffieldStar website. Just got six hours to wait for a train now! Thanks for following. Dan.

My take on a momentous day for the Blades.
thestar.co.uk/business/sheff…