Tuesday 30 April 2019 19:31, UK
Newly promoted Sheffield United could have new owners within months if a legal dispute between the club's co-chairmen is settled in a case starting next week.
In his first TV interview since promotion was guaranteed on Sunday, co-owner Kevin McCabe has told Sky Sports News that he wants to be a fan at Bramall Lane next season if possible, rather than an owner - and hopes for a swift resolution in the High Court case, scheduled to last three weeks.
Asked when he would like to move from the boardroom he said: "As soon as I can.
"I want to be a supporter next season. I want to be able to pass on the baton to new owners, to shout and yell and not be discreet in the directors' box. "
Asked if he wants to be a chairman in the top flight he replied: "No, not really. I've done it before.
"The Premier League has changed since we were last there. I understand it but it's for younger people," explained the 71-year-old property magnate.
"Football's changed and it's not unusual to have international owners involved."
McCabe looks likely to miss United's civic reception and open-top bus tour of the city as the celebrations clash with the opening day of the long-awaited high court case, in London.
The co-owner, who has overseen three successful promotions to the top flight, was tight-lipped ahead of Tuesday's case, but said their highly acrimonious dispute had been kept well away from the first team, allowing Chris Wilder and his squad not to be distracted.
"There's been common sense between Prince Abdullah and myself to ensure the club is run properly in spite of our differences," he said.
"We've just got on and made sure there's no obvious friction which could affect the performances of the first team and staff at Bramall Lane."
That harmony is unlikely to remain in place for long, with both McCabe and Prince Abdullah fighting for the right to take full control of the club from the other.
United's newly-found wealth will have done little to encourage a settlement before next Tuesday hearing begins - with judgement expected in September or October.
Victory for McCabe would likely welcome new owners at Bramall Lane for the first time in a generation.
Born a stone's throw from Bramall Lane, McCabe paid a glowing tribute to the job done by manager Chris Wilder since his arrival three seasons ago.
"His past record at Oxford and Northampton says it all," he said. "He's got a magic thing called instinct as well as those motivational qualities and desire.
"He works it out. He's got something really special. He's old fashioned but he's so modern.
"Anyone who has watched Sheffield United since he arrived on board, it's the most exciting football since the late 60s.
"He gets his lads fit. The camaraderie shown during Sunday's celebrations says it all. Over the top with too much to drink, but he binds it all together. A true leader. He won't be scared of the Premier League. He's ready for it."
McCabe said the board would provide funds for Wilder to build a team to survive and prosper in the Premier League and guaranteed there will be new players coming in before their Premier League debut.
"Our recruitment will be a team effort, with Chris and Paul Mitchell key," he said. "There'll be new players coming in. We're not going back to fail. We're going back to succeed."
Sky Sports News understands talks are already underway with Manchester United to keep their 22-year-old loanee 'keeper Dean Henderson at Bramall Lane next season and possibly beyond.
Twelve years on, United's promotion also guarantees two meetings with West Ham - but according to McCabe the hatchet has been buried between the two clubs.
"Water has passed under the bridge. The owners of West Ham today are not the owners of 2006-2007," he said.
"It's a great club. I'll be going to the London Stadium. It's a long time ago and you get on with life. West Ham are in a sense good friends."
