Kenny admits walking out on Blades was a 'difficult decision' after £750,000 QPR move

Republic of Ireland international Kenny completed his 750,000 switch to the Londoners last night – signalling a bitter end to an eight-year association with the Blades.

The move represents a massive slap in the face for the Blades who stood by Kenny last season during his nine-month ban for failing a drugs test. To make matters worse, Kenny has been lured away by former manager Neil Warnock, now in charge at Loftus Road.

Birch said: "We are very disappointed and frustrated by what has happened. Paddy was offered a new three-year enhanced contract which he has chosen to reject. Paddy has now had discussions with QPR and agreed terms. As a result, we have been left with no alternative but to let him go."

Manager Kevin Blackwell refused to comment on events last night but will be hoping that the majority of the money from the transfer fee is made available to buy a replacement.

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Mark Bunn and Stoke City's Steve Simonsen, who both spent time on loan at Bramall Lane last season, are high on his wanted list.

"We have to move on and swiftly find a replacement," said Birch. "That process is well under way to bring in the right player in good time for pre-season. I am very confident of finding that player."

Kenny, who hails from Halifax, was given his first big break in professional football by Warnock 12 years ago at Bury. He had been spotted playing for non-league Bradford Park Avenue.

When Warnock moved to the Blades, he tempted the goalkeeper to Bramall Lane where he became a cult hero and forged a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League.

Kenny said: "It was a difficult decision to leave but, with the year I've had, I felt it was the right time to move on. The chance to come to a club like Queens Park Rangers and to link up again with Neil Warnock was too good an opportunity to turn down."

The Blades, meanwhile, have lodged a bid for Crystal Palace utility player Johannes Ertl.

Blackwell is a big admirer of the Austrian international who could be allowed to leave for a bargain price due to financial problems at Selhurst Park.

Ertl, 28, is comfortable at centre-back, full-back, or in a defensive midfield role but has been identified as an ideal partner for captain Chirs Morgan in the heart of the Blade's defence.

Striker Richard Cresswell has committed his future to the Blades for the next three years by signing a new improved deal.

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United player joined the Blades from Stoke City last season, initially on loan, but won over his doubters with a string of tireless dislays, scoring 11 goals.

Doncaster Rovers have won the race to sign defender Tom Kennedy from League Two promotion winners Rochdale.