United might be looking for an automatic promotion spot this season, but are already in the top three in the Championship when it comes to season ticket sales.

A survey conducted by Channel 4 News online shows the Blades lying in third position behind Derby County and Norwich City for total season ticket sales for the 2008/09 campaign - showing that football is still a first for fans despite the economic downturn.

Blades fans are refusing to sacrifice supporting their team in the wake of the credit crunch with a total of 18,700 already signed up to see Kevin Blackwell's side battle it out for a promotion push back to the Premiership.

United are among more than half the clubs in the top two divisions of English football reporting buoyant season ticket sales despite gloomy economic forecasts and spiralling costs.

And they are ahead of their South Yorkshire rivals with sales at Barnsley currently standing at 8,500 and at newly promoted Doncaster Rovers at 8,000. Sales for Sheffield Wednesday were not reported by the club.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell said: "We have been sensitive to changes in the economy and the spiraling costs of living with our season ticket pricing and introduced new initiatives, including under 12s free to help keep the cost of football down to a minimum.

"The success of a football club is made up of many things - but one of the most important is a passionate and faithful fan base. These figures confirm we still have that at Bramall Lane."

Analysts say the findings - more than 607,104 season tickets have been sold already - demonstrate that fans will give up many things before they sacrifice being able to watch their team.

Channel 4 News online contacted all 44 clubs in England's top two divisions for figures on season ticket sales.

Of the 36 that provided figures, 19 were showing year-on-year increases, nine had stayed about the same, and only eight - including the three teams relegated to the Championship - showed signs of decreases. Sheffield United sold 19,300 season tickets in total last season.

United's season tickets are still available from £359 (adults) and £239 (concessions) right up to the start of the new campaign.

A number of great seats remain at Bramall Lane, and the U12s offer which sees children under 12 benefit from a free season ticket offer when they sign-up as a Junior Blade for £10 and are accompanied by an adult season ticket holder, still continues.

Season tickets prices are:

	Adult	Concs
Valad South Stand	£449	£269
John Street Stand	£449	£259
Frasers Property Kop	£359	£239
Under 16s (all areas)	£129
Under 12s (all areas)	£69

For more information, contact the Blades Ticket Office on 0871 222 1889.