Sheffield United: Blades rename Bramall Lane stand after Olympic champion Ennis

For the 26-year-old heptathlete – who won gold at this summer’s Olympics in London – will have her name emblazoned on the Bramall Lane stand at Sheffield United after Blades chiefs decided to rename it The Jessica Ennis Stand.

“It is an appropriate and fitting tribute to re-name our Bramall Lane double-tier stand after one of the finest athletes this country has ever produced,” said Sheffield United owner Kevin McCabe.

“Jessica and her family are Unitedites and after discussions with them we all agreed that renaming the Bramall Lane stand after her would provide an additional sporting legacy from the London games, a permanent reminder that will hopefully act as an inspiration to other youngsters to come forward and achieve their dreams through sport.”

He added: “I have been fortunate enough to meet Jessica and her family. They are wonderful ambassadors for this city and sport. I am delighted Sheffield United and our fans can support and recognise Jessica through the re-naming of the stand.”

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Jessica, who will be represented by her sister Carmel at tomorrow’s League One game with Bournemouth, said: “Winning the gold medal at the Olympics was amazing, and to be honest still hasn’t really sunk in. It is also wonderful and totally unexpected to have further recognition from within Sheffield and from the football club.

“I met Kevin McCabe at the civic reception in Barker’s Pool and he mentioned that the club would like to recognise me winning the gold medal. I never expected when I started out in athletics in Sheffield all those years ago that I would have a football stand at Sheffield United named after me.

“I can’t be at the match on Saturday but look forward to coming down on a match day very soon when I can see for myself how the stand looks as well as being able to meet supporters.”

It is not the first time Sheffield has celebrated one of their most celebrated sporting heroes, and is unlikely to be the last with suggestions the city’s Don Valley Stadium should be renamed in her honour. She received an honorary degree from Sheffield University in 2010 and is patron of the university’s elite sport performance scheme.