The lifelong Blades fan believes he has served his purpose in helping to raise the profile at Bramall Lane and now wants to return to the terraces where he feels at home.

Mr Bean, invited on to the board by plc chairman Kevin McCabe in 2002 said: "The club has come on leaps and bounds in the past five years and I'm proud to have played a small part in that.

"But as someone who is very passionate about his football, I know my place is out there with the fans who support the club week in week out, whoever is in charge.

"I'll still get to as many Blades matches as I can – all that will change is that I won't have the luxury of a comfy seat in the directors' box."

It is understood the movie star will not be withdrawing the six-figure investment he made in Sheffield United at the time of joining the board.

The actor, who first watched United as an eight-year-old, became embroiled in a public spat with former manager Neil Warnock who he still blames for last season's relegation.

He added: "I would have liked to have been more involved in the day-to-day running of the club but when your job takes you away for months at a time that simply isn't possible."

Mr Bean was prominent in the fight to regain Premier League status this summer, leading a march on Parliament and delivering a speech to protest at the FA's handling of the Carlos Tevez affair.