Blackwell on sponsor

Last updated : 07 August 2008 By Jamie Furniss

As Blackwell states in the interview, the Blades are probably the only club ever to be sponsored by a country. The Gaffer says he is delighted to have such a big tourist company and a whole country on the Blades books.

Blackwell said: "It's an exciting venture. I think it's the first time any club has been involved with a country apposed to a shirt sponsor. I think there's a lot of things that can come from it and I'm sure it's going to be a very exciting sponsorship.

"It would clearly be the case the we should be sponsoring people to go to Malta or saying if your going on a holiday, go to Malta. I think it shows you how big Sheffield United are again now.

"You'll go to Malta and Sheffield United will be everywhere. If anybody's going on holiday to Malta will see all about Sheffield. A bit like home from home.

"Once it puts you on the international stage again, there's no doubt the Maltese government will be talking about their sponsorship with Sheffield United to other governments at some point. You can never know what that could lead to.

"If we can evoke the 'Blades Way' all over Europe it would be an exciting concept . I haven't been to Malta so this is making me think that maybe I should go to Malta."