Sheffield United tonight (Thursday) announced that team manager Bryan Robson has left Bramall Lane.

Chairman Kevin McCabe had held lengthy discussions with Robson regarding a new role as part of a root and branch review of all football matters at the championship club.

However, Robson opted to leave, along with number two Brian Kidd.

The Club recognises the need to improve its football infrastructure, ensuring that there is a clear link between the ambitions of success at first team level, and the youth development system and its overseas affiliations in China, Brazil, Hungary, Belgium and elsewhere.

Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "I was keen to see Bryan Robson take up this head of football role but, regrettably, this was not to be and so he departs - along with Brian Kidd - with the best wishes of all at Sheffield United.

"Supporters should not underestimate the sterling and dedicated expertise and time put in by Robson and Kidd in overhauling the whole of the Blades football divisions."

Replacing the pair until the end of the season will be former Blades number two, Kevin Blackwell, assisted by Sam Ellis.

Terry Robinson will be stepping down as chairman of the football club board at the end of the season but will stay on as a director.

Mr McCabe said: "Bryan goes with our best wishes. Over the last two days I have spent a lot of time reviewing the club's football matters.

"I had hoped Bryan would take up a new role at the club but in the end that was not to be. Kevin and Sam are in until the end of the season when we will take stock.

"They both know the situation and, most of important of all, know how we are determined to take this club forward. That will include the pursuit of a football supremo to oversee a new football structure at the club."