Blades hero Deane back at Lane

The 47-year-old - who famously scored the first ever Premier League goal - will work with the Blades’ young Academy strikers.

The former Leeds United, Middlesbrough and England striker - who was previously manager at Norway side Sarpsborg - will be involved in recruitment, be an ambassador, mentor young players and share his experiences with the Blades coaching staff.

“As everyone knows I have never really severed my links with The Blades – they have always been my club,” said Deane, who played 224 games for United in three spells scoring 94 goals.

“Following discussions with vice chairman David Green and Nick Cox we identified I could work with the emerging strikers here at the SteelPhalt Sheffield United Academy, passing on my experiences from the game, coaching and generally help with the development of the strikers across a number of age groups.”

Deane, who lives in North Yorkshire, scored the first ever goal in the Premier League, for the Blades against Manchester United.

Academy director Nick Cox said: “It is great to have Brian back and we know he will prove to be a real asset for the Academy bringing as he does his coaching skills and knowledge of the game as a successful striker at the highest level.

“Brian’s appointment alongside the likes of Under 21 coach Chris Morgan and Under 18 coach Travis Binnion will enable us to provide invaluable experience to our young players where we have enjoyed considerable success in recent years.

“The coaching staff is the strongest it has been in my time at the club.”

Deane, along with former Blades boss Dave Bassett, will be reunited with the majority of the playing squad of 1989-90 who clinched promotion to the top flight of English football at a special celebration dinner and event with supporters on October 24 at the Platinum Suite,

Confirmed for the event are Dave Bassett, Brian Deane, Tony Agana, Carl Bradshaw, Dane Whitehouse, Ian Bryson, Mitch Ward, Simon Tracey, Peter Duffield, Paul Stancliffe, Graham Benstead, Mark Morris and Paul Wood.

Proceeds from the auction and the evening will go to the new Sheffield United Former Players Association Benevolent Fund. Tickets are available from United’s Commercial Department (0114 2537200) at £60 each or a table of 10 for £500.