Backing for Blades' stadium plans

Sheffield United have been granted planning permission by the city's council to develop Bramall Lane, the club has said.

The Blades will develop their South Stand, extending their ground's capacity from 33,000 to 44,000.

The club said the expansion would include new exhibition and conferencing facilities within the stand.

It is hoped the project will boost the city's campaign to be one of the host cities in England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Executive director Jason Rockett said: "This is good news for Sheffield United and the city.

"Our focus remains firmly on achieving success on the pitch and the planned stadium developments will contribute to our continued long term strategy to drive off-the-field income for a sustainable business supporting further investment in the first team squad."