SUFC hotel operator named

Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC) has announced that the new hotel to be built at its Bramall Lane stadium will be operated by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.

Work will begin on the 149-bedroom, four-star hotel early next year, ready for an Autumn 2008 opening.

The football club will build the eight-storey hotel on land bordered by Bramall Lane and Cherry Street, to the rear of the new Westfield Health corner stand.

The multi-million pound development will also include a restaurant, executive suites and a gym.

Chief executive of Sheffield United, Jason Rockett, said: “Millennium & Copthorne is a world-renowned brand whose commitment to Sheffield, and in particular Sheffield United, is a significant step in the continued regeneration of the city.”

Elsewhere, SUFC’s promotion to the Premiership raised players and football management wages by £5.6m in its latest annual results, which contributed to an operating loss before interest of £6.2m, compared to £600,000 in the previous year.