Sheffield United have enjoyed quite a couple of years.

After storming to promotion in the Championship last season, the Blades have taken to life in the top flight like a duck to water.

Despite being tipped for the drop, Chris Wilder's side find themselves in ninth place in the table with seven games to go.

Qualifying for Europe is a distinct possibility, while retaining their place in the top flight will certainly provide financial stability.

It's that financial firepower which has led them to a major announcement.

Sheffield United have completed the purchase of Bramall Lane stadium, alongside the club's training ground, academy set-up and connected hotel and enterprise centres.

The assets were previously sold off to help the club's maintain a sustainable financial model, but given the club's consolidation in the top flight, the decision has been made to buy them back.

A statement on the club's website read: "Sheffield United Football Club Limited is very pleased to announce that with effect from 1st July 2020, it is the new owner of the Bramall Lane stadium, the Shirecliffe training facility, the hotel, the enterprise centre and the Crookes junior academy.

"The reunification of the properties back into the ownership of the Club is an important step in the long-term strategy announced by H.R.H. Prince Abdullah to reclaim ownership of key assets and to improve these assets.

"Prince Abdullah observed: 'When I assumed sole ownership of the Club nine months ago, I committed myself to preserving the Club's heritage, upgrading the Club's physical assets and improving the fan experience.

"'The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly brought unexpected challenges but we remain dedicated to our original strategy and bringing the stadium and other properties under the ownership of the Club is an important step in executing on this strategy.

"'We now look forward to capitalising on this important step as we establish the Blades in the Premier League. We'll have more good news soon.'"

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

This is great news for Sheffield United.

It might not be as eye-catching a deal as a big-money summer signing, but the purchase of such assets is a massive boost for the club's overall wellbeing.

Such purchases will increase the value of the club significantly, while also allowing the Blades greater control over how the facilities are used moving forward.

It's an exciting time to be a Blade, and the hope for them is that this is only the beginning of an exciting new era.