Birkirkara drops out of Blades’ tournament

Birkirkara FC have reached the Champions League second qualifying round for the second time and they would now play Slovakia's MŠK during the week of United’s tour.

Hibernians FC have taken up the challenge and will be hosting the round-robin fixtures at their ground. The first kick-off is between the two Maltese sides on the evening of Friday 16 July at 7:30pm local time.

Sheffield United’s excellent relationship with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will enable the club to stage a host of activities that would act as the perfect precursors to the tournament.

The action starts with Kevin Blackwell and Daniel Bogdanovic supporting a fans’ forum on the evening of Tuesday 13 July 2010.

Tour attendees would also have an opportunity to enjoy a true taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle at the beach BBQ attended by the players on 14 July and watch a Blades morning training session open to the public on 15 July.

Commenting a The Blades’ trip to Malta next week, Maltese newcomer Daniel Bogdanovic said: “Obviously, I am looking forward to the trip tremendously and I know from speaking to the lads who went last year that they loved what they saw of the island.

“I know a lot of people in Malta and it will be good to catch up with them and the fans – and doing it as a Sheffield United player will make it that bit more special,” he added.