TARDY BLADES SET FOR NEGATIVE START...

SHEFFIELD United will start next season with a two-point deduction if they are relegated from the Premier League.

An independent commission found the Blades guilty of defaulting on “a number” of payments to other clubs during the promotion-winning 202223 Championship campaign.

An EFL statement said: “An independent Disciplinary Commission (IDC) has determined that Sheffield United Football Club are to be deducted two points at the start of the next season the club is in the EFL’s jurisdiction, with a further two points suspended until the end of that same season.

“The suspended points deduction will be activated if the club defaults on any payment due to another club under a transfer or compensation agreement for more than five business days from the due date for payment.”

United - who began the weekend bottom of the top flight, nine points from safety - said they were disappointed by the panel’s verdict but would not contest the decision.

A statement added: “The club’s position in the proceedings was that the relevant sums relied on by the EFL had been paid in full, on several occasions only days after they were initially due, or renegotiated with new future payment dates adhered to before the club was notified of the referral.

“The club has co-operated with the EFL to reach a negotiated settlement on the issues in question.

“While disappointed to have the deduction imposed upon the return to the EFL and highlighting that awaiting overdue monies from several other clubs affected Sheffield United’s financial situation, the club took the view that it was better to reach an agreement which minimised the risks of a higher deduction or further transfer embargoes being imposed, and being distracted by lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

“The club is now in a position to close this matter and concentrate on the future.”