Sheff Utd announce £2.6m profit

The Blades are considering expanding Bramall Lane's capacity

Sheffield United made a £2.6m profit for the last six months of 2006.

United won promotion to Premiership last May - returning them to the top flight for the first time in 12 years.

Lucrative deals followed, with figures for the six months to 31 December showing turnover rose 27% to £25.9m, while £14.9m was invested in players.

"The reshaping of Sheffield United has continued apace since our return to the Premier League," said Blades executive chairman Kevin McCabe.

We have an average crowd that establishes us as the 11th-best supported club in the Premier League Sheffield United executive chairman Kevin McCabe

"Substantial sums have been utilised for team strengthening demonstrating our firm intention to remain in the top echelon of football.

"We have an average crowd that establishes us as the 11th-best supported club in the Premier League.

"Assuming we achieve the goal of maintaining our status in the top league then our next challenge is to provide football management with resources to deliver a first team capable of competing towards the higher end of the Premier League."

Meanwhile, the club are considering the possibility of extending the capacity at Bramall Lane.

"With average attendances exceeding 30,000 per match we are studying the benefits of redeveloping or extending the HallamFM Kop and or the Global Windows stand," he added.

"Both options are likely to include complex construction projects that will be expensive and the feasibility of both options is being reviewed."