Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of SUFC, contributed the following article to the Blades matchday programme against Coventry on Saturday, outlining how he feels that United have grounds for optimism as the season nears its close:

First of all a big welcome to Ray Ranson and Coventry. I've known Ray for a long time and he's done a great job in bringing stability back to the club.

As a former professional player like me he brings experience and understanding of the game into the boardroom.

He also shares my view that next season could be the most open and competitive for a while with the straitening effect of the economic situation hitting home hard in football at this level.

My first four months at this Club has shown me what a special club it is and the potential there is here, clearly shown by the incredible support for the club with an average home gate of around 25,000 this season.

On many occasions I have witnessed the passion of the supporters for the club. It was highly evident at Newcastle where the travelling Blades were magnificent in out singing 48,000 Geordies, whilst the team gave a battling performance and were unlucky to come away with nothing.

Many of those Blades fans will also have been at Cardiff, some of whom only got back to Sheffield at three in the morning after the M4 was closed. I'm full of admiration for their commitment.

I know from talking to people that there is concern around at the moment about the future, and everyone needs a boost.

We're nearing the end of a difficult season and the statistics about loan players and injuries have been trotted out on numerous occasions.

People are probably fed up of hearing about them but unfortunately it's true and it has had a debilitating effect on the team and the manager's ability to work with and field a settled side. I've never seen a situation like it in my time in football.

But we have to look forward with optimism because football is unpredictable and I can tell you there is a lot to be excited about when looking at our club.

Firstly and most importantly, we are in a financially stable position, a statement not many clubs can make these days.

Our extensive assets far outweigh our debts and on the football side of the business we have very little bank debt.

The Chairman has provided financial support to the club which has allowed the development of a fantastic ground infrastructure - which all Blades can be rightly proud of - and enabled investment in a squad that has been competitive over the last few seasons.

Recent history is littered with clubs that have plummeted through the division after leaving the premier league as they have been unable to cope financially with the re-adjustment.

We are in our third season since relegation, a year after the parachute payments ended, and have still maintained significant investment this season in the squad in terms of wages and transfers spending possibly highest transfer fee in the Championship with the purchase of Ched Evans.

What we as a board will not and cannot allow is the club to spend recklessly and jeopardise the financial future of the club.

We realise we have a big job to do in the summer in terms of player recruitment and that has already started as we continue to work on securing the services of 'Monty 'who has had a terrific season and personifies the Blades spirit.

The long term future of the club has to be about player development with the objective of having six to seven home grown players in the first team.

Money doesn't always make the difference but team spirit, the right balance of players and good organisation can.

In this respect I'm delighted that my first senior appointment at the club is John Pemberton who will join us in May as our new Academy Manager.

John is a Blade, very highly regarded in the youth development business and will build on the strong foundations already laid by Ron Reid at the Academy.

I have also visited our international clubs, Chengdu Blades in China and Ferencvaros in Hungary. The association with these clubs - and Central Coast Mariners in Australia - does make us different and stand out from other clubs and, believe me there is a very positive story to tell.

Our sponsorship deals with Malta Tourist Authority, GAC, Capita Symonds and most recently Coors are great deals and all on the back of our international set up.

I don't think, so far, we have fully capitalised on the associated benefits in terms of player recruitment and there are even more commercial opportunities to exploit. This is an area I will focus on with the ultimate aim of benefiting Sheffield United.

During my trip to China Sheffield was twinned as a sister city with Chengdu. We should be proud of the role played by the club in facilitating that because it will potentially result in great benefits for the city of Sheffield in trade and cultural links.

Kevin McCabe has always tried to be innovative in his stewardship with the sole intention of helping the club to be successful on the field and I intend to carry on in that tradition. In my role as Chief Executive I will be solely dedicated to developing Sheffield United FC.

A big thank you to all those Blades who have renewed their season tickets. We don't take it for granted and it's great to know that I'm in this together with so many loyal supporters.

Everyone at the club recognises the financial sacrifice families have to make to support the club in these difficult economic times and we are extremely grateful.

For those fans who have not yet renewed don't forget the closing date is 4th May. The renewal offer is competitive and provides season tickets from £299, a saving of £138 on match day prices.

This is one of the lowest season ticket prices in the Championship, and includes free season tickets for existing U13s when purchased with an adult ticket and £10 Junior Blades membership.

Finally, and definitely by no means least, all staff and I here are acutely aware of the importance of events a week on Sunday!

Up the Blades!