Sheffield United Football Club News

• Nickname:The blades
• Founded:1889
• Manager:Danny Wilson

• Ground:Bramall Lane
• Capacity:30,945

Blackwell sad to lose Tonge

02 Sep 2008 - 14:03:33

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Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell insists it was the correct decision to allow Michael Tonge to sign for Stoke City just minutes before the transfer window closed at midnight on Monday.

Tonge has signed a four-year deal at the Britannia Stadium to bring an end to his long career with the Blades that had seen him feature in more than 250 League games for the club.

However, Blackwell said: "It all happened so quickly from about 11 o'clock and it was a situation where Tongey wanted the opportunity to play in the Premiership again, and the club had received an excellent financial offer.

"We knew something could happen, but hoped it wouldn't. Some of the staff had to be at Bramall Lane until gone midnight because of that. Stoke put a bid in late in the day and that was that.

"Tongey will have a hint of sadness about him, because this has been his footballing home for so long and he has known nothing different.

"Life is full of challenges, though, and it's a great chance for him and, more importantly, we've made sure it's a good move for this football club."